Babilonia: La gran ramera

Apocalypse Chapter 17: Understanding Babylon

Introduction to Babylon

• The chapter begins with an angel revealing the judgment against "the great" who sits over many waters, symbolizing control and influence.

• Nimrod is introduced as a key figure in Babylon's history, noted for his rebellion against God and founding Babel, which attempted to reach divine heights.

Nimrod's Legacy

• The name "Nimrod" implies rebellion; he is described as a mighty hunter before the Lord, interpreted by some as hunting against God.

• Commentators suggest that Nimrod hunted men to lead them into sinful behaviors prevalent in Babel.

Geography and Influence of Babylon

• Nimrod's empire included cities like Erech and Nineveh, located between the Euphrates and Tigris rivers, emphasizing Babylon’s geographical significance.

• The religious practices of early Babylonians were anthropomorphic and grotesque, depicting gods with human-like emotions and actions.

Religious Practices in Babylon

• Babylonian mythology involved over 1500 deities, showcasing a surreal number of gods worshipped by its people.

• Notable deities included Marduk, associated with various natural elements like storms and winds.

Historical Context of Sumeria

• Sumeria is recognized as one of the oldest civilizations from which Abraham originated; it laid the groundwork for later religious beliefs.

• The narrative highlights that God's call to Abraham occurred after establishing Babel and its corrupt practices.

Impact on Future Religions

• The grotesque religion of Babylon influenced subsequent religions throughout history; Greek gods share etymological roots with those from Babylon.

• This city is seen as a source of contamination for other cultures' beliefs due to its polytheistic nature.

Vision of Judgment

• A vision describes a woman seated on a scarlet beast adorned with blasphemous names, representing further themes of corruption tied to Babylon.

The Symbolism of Babylon and the Beast

Identification of the Beast and the Woman

• The beast mentioned is identified as the Antichrist, specifically from chapter 13. The woman on the beast symbolizes Babylon, representing a city characterized by opulence and idolatry.

• Babylon is depicted with purple, scarlet, gold, precious stones, and pearls, indicating material wealth and a corrupt cult. This imagery emphasizes its luxurious yet immoral nature.

Historical Context of Babylon's Influence

• Babylon is referred to as "the mother of harlots" and recognized for contaminating other ancient civilizations. It played a significant role in spreading abominations throughout history.

• The text highlights that those who conquered Babylon became tainted by its culture, creating a legacy of corruption across nations. This establishes Babylon as an anti-God entity responsible for various forms of idolatry worldwide.

The Bloodshed Associated with Babylon

• The woman is described as drunk with the blood of saints and martyrs, reveling in their suffering during tribulation—a reflection of extreme moral decay within this society.

• Prophets like Isaiah foretold imminent judgment against Babylon due to its pervasive evil; however, these judgments were not realized historically but are expected to manifest eschatologically during future tribulations.

The Role of the Beast in Resurrecting Babylon

• The angel reveals that the beast carrying the woman has seven heads and ten horns; this indicates a complex relationship between them where the Antichrist facilitates Babylon's resurgence in modern times.

• A notable aspect discussed is how this beast was once alive but now appears dead—suggesting themes of death and resurrection akin to Christ’s narrative—implying it will rise again from destruction to lead anew.

Interpretation of Seven Heads and Kings

• The seven heads symbolize both mountains (likely referring to Rome) and kings; five have fallen (Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece), one currently reigns (Rome), while another will come briefly (a restructured Roman Empire under Antichrist).

• This interpretation aligns with historical kingdoms leading up to John's time while suggesting an impending seventh kingdom that embodies ultimate rebellion against God through its leader—the Antichrist—who represents both continuity and culmination among these powers.

The Eighth King: Understanding the Antichrist's Resurrection

The Nature of the Antichrist

• The Antichrist is described as having a dual nature; initially appearing human and conciliatory, but transforming into a powerful supernatural being after resurrection.

• Upon resurrection, the Antichrist exhibits miraculous powers through a false prophet, showcasing his supernatural abilities distinct from his previous human form.

Comparison with Christ

• The transformation parallels that of Christ, who suffers in human form but resurrects glorified and powerful. Similarly, the Antichrist dies as a man but returns with unimaginable powers.

• This resurrection marks him as the "eighth king" within the context of a restructured Roman Empire.

The Role of Ten Kings

• The ten horns represent ten kings who have not yet received their kingdom but will gain authority alongside the beast (Antichrist).

• These kings are linked to biblical prophecies from Daniel regarding a confederation that aligns with the Antichrist for power.

Alliance Against Christ

• These ten kings willingly submit their power to the beast, recognizing him as capable of confronting Christ amidst divine judgments they face.

• They unite against Jesus (the Lamb), believing he poses a threat due to ongoing suffering attributed to divine judgment.

Prophetic Imagery and Judgment

• A prophetic vision describes how these ten kings will ultimately destroy Babylon (symbolizing corruption), fulfilling God's judgment through their actions.

• This destruction signifies God's sovereignty over nations and His ability to use even corrupt entities for His purposes.

Historical Context and Divine Purpose

• The imagery of waters representing nations indicates widespread influence and control by Babylon over various peoples.

• As part of divine judgment, these ten kings will turn against Babylon, leading to its desolation and destruction by fire.

Final Conflict and Divine Sovereignty

• Babylon's geographical significance near ancient rivers highlights its role in prophetic events leading up to Armageddon.

• God may utilize these corrupt rulers in His plan to execute judgment on Babylon during this climactic battle against evil forces.

By structuring notes around key themes such as the nature of the Antichrist, alliances formed by earthly rulers, prophetic imagery related to judgment, and historical contexts tied into divine purpose, this markdown file provides an organized overview for study.

The Significance of Babylon in Prophecy

The Allegorical Interpretation of Babylon

• The speaker discusses the historical absence of Babylon, suggesting that its non-existence for centuries leads to allegorical interpretations. This raises questions about the literal interpretation of Babylon mentioned in biblical texts.

• There is a comparison made between Babylon and the papacy, Rome, and the Catholic Church, indicating that some may interpret these entities as modern representations of Babylon. However, this interpretation must consider historical contexts.

The Rebirth of Nations

• The speaker highlights that Israel did not exist as a sovereign state until 1948 after nearly two millennia without nationhood. This serves as a precedent for considering the potential re-establishment of Babylon.

• It is proposed that just as Israel was reformed, there is a possibility that Babylon will also be rebuilt. This notion aligns with traditional interpretations which suggest that Babylon will be unified again before facing divine judgment.

Antichrist's Role in Resurrecting Babylon

• The discussion shifts to the role of the Antichrist in creating conditions favorable for the resurgence of Babylon. Once established, it is believed that God's wrath will be unleashed upon it to fulfill unfulfilled judgments from the Old Testament.