Significance of BabylonSignificance of Babylon “Babel” (Gen 11) Gains attention from many biblical authors Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Habakkuk,

Babylon

The Second Empire

Significance of Babylon

“Babel” (Gen 11)

Gains attention from many biblical authors Isaiah, Ezekiel, Jeremiah, Habakkuk, Daniel, 2

Kings, others

Destroyed the temple; exiled Judah (586 B.C.)

Becomes a symbol of ungodly opposition (cf. Revelation)

Babylon…not a major empire

History of Babylon

“If one could chart graphically the political history of Babylonia, it would appear like a rugged mountain landscape, the tall peaks symbolising the few periods of Babylonia’s greatness and the deep valleys the long periods of weakness. For Babylonia, unlike Assyria, was rarely a great military or political power, the exceptions being the reigns of Hammurapi, Kurigalzu, Nebuchadnezzar I, and the Neo-Babylonian Empire” (Grayson)

History of Babylon

Two major periods The Hammurabi Age (1792–1750 B.C.). The Neo-Babylonian Empire (626–539

B.C.).

Only periods of domination

…every other period = struggle, or being dominated.

The Hammurabi Age (1792–1750 B.C.).

The Hammurabi Age (1792–1750 B.C.).

The Hammurabi Age (1792–1750 B.C.).

I.e. King Hammurabi

When he ascended the throne, Babylon was only one of a few city-states of medium power.

Hammurabi made Babylon supreme, conquering the other states and inaugurating a cultural golden age in Babylonia.

King of power; king of justice

The Neo-Babylonian Empire (626–539 B.C.).

“Out of the ashes of a Babylonia scorched by the Assyrians in 689 and 648 B.C. rose a new dynasty destined to establish both an independent Babylonia and Babylonian rule over the former Assyrian empire” (Grayson)

Founder: Nabopolassar (625–605 B.C.). Not explicitly in the Bible

The Neo-Babylonian Empire (626–539 B.C.).

Nebuchadnezzar (604-562 B.C.)

“Babylonia reached its greatest heights as a political power during his reign, and the Babylonian empire came to include essentially the same territory as the Assyrian empire” (Grayson)

The Neo-Babylonian Empire (626–539 B.C.).

History of Babylon

Nabonidus and the Fall of Babylon (555–539 B.C.).

Produced religious changes Focused on the god, Sin, rather than Marduk

10-year self-imposed exile in Tema, an oasis in the Arabian desert. His son, Belshazzar, reigned while he was gone Cf. Daniel: 3rd ruler in the kingdom (Dan 5:29)

Persia conquered Babylon in 539 B.C.

Religion of Babylon

“Babylonian religion permeates Babylonian society, being present in every event, every action, every institution, every thought.” (Grayson)

Polytheistic—over 100 gods/goddesses

Among the chief gods: Enlil – chief god early on Marduk – became the chief god during

Nebuchadnezzar’s reign Sin – moon god Ishtar – mother goddess; god of love

Religion of Babylon

Gods were human-like

“They believed that the gods looked, thought, and behaved just like human beings. The only difference was that the gods were immortal and normally invisible. In the mythology the gods loved, hated, fought, ate, drank, sinned, and repented just like mortals” (Grayson)

State-religion vs. Popular religion. Everyone had a personal deity Witchcraft, divination, superstition, animism,

etc.

Legacy of Babylon

Advances civilization and culture Significant advancement in math, algebra,

astronomy, astrology, geometry, and medicine “This vast lore of learning and discovery spread

throughout the Near East and Eastern Europe during the Hellenistic age and thus formed the basis for Greek science, which, in turn, is the basis of modern science” (Grayson)

Negative symbol of sinful, world domination Babel (Gen 11) “Babylon” (Rev 17-18)