EB: 6 More Biblical Evidence that Endtime Babylon is America

Chapter 6

More Biblical Evidence that Endtime Babylon is America

Contents

A) Reasons to expect America in biblical prophecy

B) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost nation at the beginning of the Endtimes

C) Endtime Babylon will be the Gentile world’s foremost spiritual prostitute

D) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost moral corruptor

E) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost technology power

F) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost military power

G) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost mixture and uniter of people

Primary Points

• Every nation in the world with a special relationship with Israel has been mentioned in biblical history or prophecy. This is another reason to expect America to be mentioned in biblical prophecy.
• Endtime Babylon will be a nation/empire centered in a city like ancient Babylon and Rome.
• A spiritual prostitute in Scripture is a nation that originally worshipped and served God but has abandoned and betrayed Him. This uniquely describes America.
• The growing depth and scope of immorality in America is fast making it the greatest spiritual prostitute in the history of humanity. We are watching America become the very thing Revelation 17-18 predicted of Endtime Babylon.
• Unfortunately, there is something else that is always true of spiritual prostitution in Scripture. It gets PUNISHED by God.
• The prophecy of Endtime Babylon predicts unprecedented, worldwide moral corruption.
• America has been by far, both the most powerful nation ever to exist, and the most prostituting nation to ever exist. No nation has ever spread sinful immorality like America. This has occurred especially through the most influential movie-making industry in the world.
• America has been by far the capital of the production and distribution of pornography in the world. If the abundance of pornographic sewage flowing out of this nation into the world does not reflect what The Great Endtime Prostitute of Revelation 17-18 is, then nothing does.
• So is America’s promotion of murdering innocent babies in their mother’s womb.
• America’s military is by far the most powerful in the world. It is also by far the most powerful military that has ever existed in human history. It alone could be described, like Babylon, as the hammer of the whole earth (50:23).
• The largest employer in the entire world is the United States Department of Defense.
• America spends more money on its military worldwide than the next 10 countries combined.
• God has uniquely used America’s military power as His war club to protect the world from evil forces, matching the biblical prophecy that Endtime Babylon would be God’s war club and hammer of the whole earth.
• Endtime Babylon is predicted to be a great mixture of races of people. Accordingly, America is by far the most diverse nation in the world.
• Both ancient Babylon and America have had the highest populations of Jews living in exile and America’s influence on them is very similar to ancient Babylon.
• The confusion of languages at the Tower of Babel was intended by God to be a judgment on the anti-God World to hinder its power. America, and its proliferation of English as a universal and uniting language is clearly spitting in God’s face. And this is one more reason to believe that the biblical prophecies predicting God’s punishment and destruction of Endtime Babylon are talking about America.

The last chapter discussed what is considered to be the clearest attributes predicted for Endtime Babylon in Revelation 17-18. These 5 attributes are related to the fact that Endtime Babylon is predicted to possess great wealth (18:17), making it the world’s economic superpower when the Endtimes begin. These are sufficient reasons to claim that America is the most reasonable interpretation of the clearest descriptions of what biblical prophecy predicts about Endtime Babylon. However, 6 more attributes predicted of Endtime Babylon can be reasonably suggested and these are the topic of this chapter. Before discussing those attributes, let us note that we should not be surprised to discover America in biblical prophecy.

A) Reasons to expect America in biblical prophecy

Tim Lahaye, the co-author of the very popular Left Behind series of fictional novels is one of the most influential teachers on the doctrine of the Endtimes in the history of the Church. He wrote something that many Christians believe:

One of the hardest things for American prophecy students to accept is that the United States is not clearly mentioned in Bible prophecy, yet our nation is the only superpower in the world today. ^[1]

As demonstrated in the previous book, Christ’s Endtimes Teaching, Lahaye’s writings promote a lot of popular myths about the Endtimes. This seems to be another error. Contrary to Lahaye and many others, the previous chapter and this one, will provide significant evidence that America is mentioned in Bible prophecy precisely because it is the superpower of the world today.

Many seem to forget that every nation in the world with a special relationship with Israel has been mentioned in the historical or prophetic parts of the Bible. Egypt and Assyria are significant topics in the Bible’s history because they were dominant nations in their time, and had a special (oppressive) relationship to Israel. The prophecies regarding ancient Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome (cf. Dan chs. 7, 9) are there because they too were dominant nations in their time, and had a special relationship with Israel. Sometimes it was oppressive (e.g. Assyria, Babylon, Rome), and sometimes it was especially supportive (e.g. Persia).

Likewise, as discussed elsewhere, the prophetic Scriptures list some modern nations by name (cf. BBP, ch. 5). These include Russia (Magog), Iran (Persia), and Libya (Put, Ezek 38:2, 5). These nations are prophesied to attack Israel at the Battle of Armageddon. Therefore, every dominant nation with a special relationship to Israel (negative or positive) has been mentioned in Scripture’s history or prophecies.

This is another reason to expect America to be mentioned in biblical prophecy. First, it is by far the most dominant nation to ever exist in human history. As noted in the previous chapter (5, sec. C.6), before the emergence of America, with its unprecedented economic influence in our world, it may have been difficult to suggest candidates for a physical fulfillment of Revelation 17-18.

Second, America is the greatest Christian, God-fearing, and God-serving nation in all of human history. No nation has ever served and glorified God more, including Israel. This would be another reason we would expect it to be mentioned in biblical prophecy.

Third, unlike any other nation, for the last many decades, America alone has had a special relationship with Israel. As discussed further below (sec. G), outside of Israel, America has by far the largest Jewish population in the world. It is also by far the greatest military protector and economic and political supporter of Israel in the world. America is the most dominant nation in the history of the world, with the most special relationship to Israel in the history of the world. Therefore, for all the above reasons, perhaps we should be surprised if America was not mentioned in biblical prophecy.

If it were, it would be described in very symbolic terms just like the Historical Beast Kingdoms and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition in Daniel. And it would seem this is what we find with Endtime Babylon in Revelation 17-18 and Jeremiah 50-51: A biblical prophecy of America communicated in symbolic language. ^[2]

B) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost nation at the beginning of the Endtimes

In chapter 2, the following was noted:

Therefore, we see that Endtime Babylon has both literal and spiritual meanings. Accordingly, the rather complex mystery of Babylon the Great (Rev 17:5) in this prophecy is that it represents three layers of meaning and scope: 1) The metaphorical anti-God World; 2) A literal and physical nation; 3) All concentrated in a literal and physical city. (sec. A)

The worldwide metaphorical scope of Endtime Babylon was discussed in chapter 4. It was explained there that at a macro level Endtime Babylon symbolizes the anti-God World all over the Earth. The topic of the next chapter (7) is the prediction that Endtime Babylon will be centered in a literal city. Here we point out that it will also be one literal and physical nation. ^[3]

First, it is obvious that Endtime Babylon is intended to reflect ancient Babylon and Rome. Allusions to these two cities are present in the prophecy. But neither Babylon nor Rome were merely cities. They were nations/empires centered in a city. Likewise, reflecting the intended reference to Babylon and Rome, Endtime Babylon will be a nation centered in a city.

Second, unfulfilled prophecies in Jeremiah regarding Endtime Babylon clearly describe it as a nation. We read: This is the word the LORD spoke through Jeremiah the prophet concerning Babylon [the city] and the land [nation] of the Babylonians (50:1 NIV). Likewise we read, the LORD’s purposes against Babylon stand—to lay waste the land of Babylon so that no one will live there (51:29 NIV). ^[4] Again, as discussed elsewhere, this OT prophecy about the land of Babylon has obviously never been fulfilled, but will be in Endtime Babylon. ^[5]

Likewise, in Jeremiah we read another prophecy about Babylon that has never been fulfilled in history:

“O land of arrogance, you will stumble and fall, and no one will raise you up. For I will light a fire in the cities of Babylon that will burn up everything around them.” (Jer 50:32 NLT).

“How Babylon is fallen—great Babylon, praised throughout the earth! Now she has become an object of horror among the nations… Her cities now lie in ruins; she is a dry wasteland where no one lives or even passes by. (Jer 51:41, 43 NLT)

Multiple cities suggest a nation. Accordingly, you also read in chapter 2 regarding Endtime Babylon:

Like ancient Babylon and Rome, Endtime Babylon will be a nation/empire centered in a city. Therefore, the entire nation (cities, Jer 50:32) of Endtime Babylon will reflect its attributes and suffer its destruction. (sec. A).

Third, we note that a woman in Revelation 12 (vs. 1-6, 13-16) refers to the nation of Israel. Likewise, a woman in Revelation 17 (vs. 3, 4, 6, 7, 9, 18) seems to refer to the nation of Endtime Babylon.

Fourth, the use of the Greek word polis to refer to the city of Endtime Babylon may also reflect something more than just a single city. The authoritative NIDNTT points out that: “Polis [had] a definitely political character, signifying a community which lives together under a legal constitution, the city-state.” ^[6] Likewise, this indicates Endtime Babylon will be a “city-state” like Babylon and Rome, which were both nations and cities under one “constitution” and government.

Finally, Endtime Babylon is described as the economic, cultural, political, and even military superpower of the world when the Endtimes begin. This could not be true of just a single city. Regarding its economic power explained in the previous chapter (5), Andersen comments:

The impossibility of understanding Babylon the Great as a single “city” in the English sense of the term is a correlative of [the fact that] Babylon the Great is the great world superpower of the end times. In the modern world, only a very sizable entity, much larger than a single city, could be the world’s largest economy, monopolizing world trade and driving world economic growth, and generating wealth in all the nations of the world. ^[7]

Likewise, Endtime Babylon’s cultural and even military power will be explained below (secs. D, F). Accordingly, in chapter 3 (sec. C) a clear case was made that the power of Endtime Babylon will be a restraining force keeping the 10-nation Endtime Coalition and the Antichrist from rising to their eventual full worship and authority over the world. The following quotes from scholars who agree were fully supported in that section. As you read them, ask yourself this question: Could a single city exercise that kind of power? The obvious answer will be “No.”

Accordingly, NT scholar Thomas Edgar concluded after a lengthy discussion on the matter:

The beast and the ten kings with him … will hate … the harlot [Endtime Babylon] that keeps them from complete freedom to carry out their own plans… The beast and his confederates chafe under the restricting influence and control of this economic entity [just one city?] and eventually throw off her dominion by military force. ^[8]

Likewise, Andersen notes:

This necessitates understanding Babylon the Great as an entity outside of the antichrist’s dominion, an entity which at the beginning of the [Endtimes] wields greater power and influence than the antichrist’s realm, and which has been the world’s greatest superpower throughout the era of history leading up to the [Endtimes]… The destruction of this entity [just a city?] is therefore necessary to facilitate the antichrist’s rise to power. ^[9]

Likewise, when the Antichrist and 10-nation Endtime Coalition attack and destroy the people and place of Endtime Babylon (cf. Rev 17:16), there is no record of any retaliation. If it were only one city being destroyed in a nation, the rest of that country would fight back. But it is because the entire nation of Endtime Babylon (America) is destroyed, that there will not be any retaliation.

For all of the above reasons, Endtime Babylon will not be only a metaphorical entity, nor a single physical city. It will also be a literal and physical nation that is the world’s superpower when the Endtimes begin.

C) Endtime Babylon will be the Gentile world’s foremost spiritual prostitute

Twice in Revelation, Endtime Babylon is called the prostitute (17:15, 16). Twice it is also called the great prostitute (17:1; 19:2). And finally, a specific name that God has given this entity is THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES (17:5). Likewise, three times her adulteries are referred to (17:2, 4; 18:3), and twice we are told that the kings of the earth committed adultery with her (18:3, 9 NIV). In the last description of Endtime Babylon in Scripture, spiritual prostitution and adultery are brought together when it is called the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries (19:2 NIV). Spiritual prostitution and adultery are the foremost attributes of Endtime Babylon.

We understand what such spiritual prostitution and adultery means by the example of Israel in the OT. A spiritual prostitute in Scripture is a nation that originally worshipped and served God but has abandoned and betrayed Him. This is why Israel is repeatedly condemned for spiritual prostitution (cf. Ex 24:15, 16; Lev 17:7; 20:6; Num 15:39; Deut 31:16; 2 Chron 21:11, 13; Isa 1:21; 57:3-9; Jer 2:20; 3:1-2, 9; Ezek 16:15-16; ch. 23; Hos 1:2; 4:12). Likewise, Beale writes of Tyre and Ninevah:

Perhaps part of the reason that Tyre and Ninevah are the only two cities outside of Israel referred to as harlots in the OT is that at one time they were in a covenant relationship with God and subsequently became faithless toward God by returning to idol worship (1 Kgs. 5:1-12; Amos 1:9; Jonah 3:5-10). ^[10]

This is in contrast to the Historical Beast Kingdoms of Egypt, Assyria, Babylon, Persia, Greece, and Rome. ^[11] These nations were pagan from their very beginnings. A Prostitute nation began as a worshipper and servant of God but has forsaken Him. A Beast Kingdom has never worshipped the true God. This is why ancient Babylon is never accused of spiritual adultery in the OT.

But Endtime Babylon is. Why? Because like Israel it began as a nation devoted to God but eventually abandoned Him and fell away into idolatry. ^[12] What nation, other than Israel, fits the attributes of a spiritual prostitute and adulteress? Only America. America was uniquely born a Christian nation. The Founding Fathers of America were second only to Israel in their desire to have God and the Bible be the foundation of the country and its laws. They believed that God was supernaturally helping them birth America. George Washington said this in his first inaugural address when he was appointed as the first President of America:

No people can be bound to acknowledge and adore the invisible hand of God which conducts the affairs of men, more than the people of the United States. Every step by which we have advanced to the character of an independent nation, seems to have been distinguished by some token of His providential agency. ^[13]

Can any other nation other than Israel claim such a thing? At America’s very beginning in the 1770’s, God was supernaturally causing the Great Awakening revival in New England. Because America was born a Christian nation, its Pledge of Allegiance is a commitment to “one nation under God.” It stamped on its money: “In God we Trust.”

The biblical description of Endtime Babylon being a spiritual Prostitute would be especially difficult for any other nation. This requires that such an entity would begin as a nation committed to the biblical God, as did Israel and America. Even nations in Europe had pagan roots and governments long before they were Christian. There was no government over the native Indians of America until it began to form as a Christian nation. Likewise, it would be difficult to imagine how any new entire nation could begin in this world, and especially one with Christian roots.

As noted in the previous chapter, some might suggest that China could someday match the economic descriptions of Endtime Babylon, but it can never fulfill the biblical idea of a spiritual Prostitute as it certainly did not begin with a relationship with God. The biblical attribute of a spiritual Prostitute that is the economic superpower of the world only applies to America.

Since America’s Christian beginnings, what nation on Earth has ever experienced the kingdom of God more within its own borders, and spread the kingdom of God more beyond its borders? Remember, throughout its relatively brief history, Americans have made up a very small percentage of Earth’s population. But what percentage of Americans throughout its existence have been Christians, compared to the rest of the world? Probably by far more than any other. For example, compare Christianity in America to India, which has been one of the most populous civilizations in the world for thousands of years with relatively very few Christians.

When one particularly thinks of the amount of money and missionaries America has invested in expanding the Kingdom of God on Earth it has no rival. Not even the kingdom of Israel under King David even came close to exercising a godly influence in this world compared to America.

There is good reason that many have referred to America as the New Israel. America has been the height of the Kingdom of God on Earth, filled with churches worshipping the true God.

But unfortunately, America’s spiritual prostitution and adultery have resulted in its horrific and perhaps unprecedented moral decline. America no longer trusts in God, but rather trusts in its Money. It is no longer a nation under God, and has virtually abandoned the Pledge of Allegiance in schools and everywhere else. America is no longer the foremost promoter of the Gospel. As discussed further in the next section (D), instead of being a nation exhibiting the kingdom of God on Earth in unprecedented ways, it is polluting the world with immorality in unprecedented ways.

Indeed, the growing depth and scope of immorality in America is fast making it the greatest spiritual prostitute in the history of humanity. We are watching America become the very thing Revelation 17-18 predicted of Endtime Babylon:

She held a golden cup in her hand, filled with abominable things and the filth of her adulteries. The name written on her forehead was a mystery: BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. (17:4-5 NIV)

Abominable and ABOMINATIONS comes from a Greek word (bdelygma) which means: “something disgusting that arouses wrath, that which is totally defiling, abomination, pollutant.” ^[14] It is used of the abomination of desolation (Matt 24:15) committed by the Antichrist in a Jewish temple. The Greek lexicon adds that the word “appears to refer to something that is abhorred because it defiles a sacred place and causes it to be left desolate.” ^[15] Indeed, America was sovereignly chosen by God to be a uniquely Christian nation. But its ABOMINATIONS have defiled this land and have made America “something disgusting that arouses wrath.” The kind of divine wrath described in Revelation 17-18.

David Kupelian in his book, The Marketing of Evil, well describes America’s moral decline:

As Americans, we’ve come to tolerate, embrace, and even champion many things that would have horrified our parents’ generation. Things like abortion-on-demand virtually up to the moment of birth, judges banning the Ten Commandments from public places, a national explosion of middle-school sex, thousands of homosexuals openly flouting the law and getting “married,” and online porn creating late-night sex addicts in millions of middle-class homes.

At the same time our courts have scrubbed America’s schoolrooms surgically clean of every vestige of the religion on which this nation was founded — Christianity. Indeed, in fifty years we’ve gone from a nation unified by traditional Judeo-Christian values to one in which those same values are increasingly scorned, rejected, and demonized. ^[16]

One resource explains spiritual prostitution in Scripture, and as you read it, consider how it might reflect America’s relationship with God, and its idolatrous relationship with wealth:

The [biblical] image [of spiritual prostitution] is metaphorically applied to Israelites who reject God’s provision to seek gain from other means… Above all, idolatry stands as the most common cause for the label of “prostitute.”… God’s covenant with Israel is comparable to a monogamous marriage; he provides for her, raises her to a special place of honor and asks her to support his plan. The proper response for such provision is gratitude, love, and obedience; instead, Israel ignores God’s provision and pursues the promises of other gods. ^[17]

That is America. Likewise, Bible scholar John Walvoord explained a spiritual prostitute in the OT in this way: “It is always used of people who outwardly carry the name of God while actually worshiping and serving other gods.” ^[18] Elsewhere it was argued that people falsely claiming to be Christians in America, while living like pagans, may makeup over half of the nation’s population today. ^[19] America perfectly and uniquely fits the biblical definition of the Prostitute that Endtime Babylon is repeatedly called in Revelation.

Accordingly, Can you hear God say to America what He said to Israel?

“I have fond memories of you, how devoted you were to me in your early years. I remember how you loved me like a new bride… Israel was set apart to the LORD…

What fault could your ancestors have possibly found in me that they strayed so far from me? They paid allegiance to worthless idols, and so became worthless to me…

Has a nation ever changed its gods (even though they are not really gods at all)? But my people have exchanged me, their glorious God, for a god that cannot help them at all! Be amazed at this, O heavens! Be shocked and utterly dumbfounded … because … they have rejected me.” (Jer 2:2-3, 5, 11-13 NET; cf. Isa 1:21)

Unfortunately, there is something else that is always true of spiritual prostitution in Scripture. It gets PUNISHED by God. Accordingly, this is the fate predicted for Endtime Babylon (cf. Rev 17:16-18). And because America uniquely and clearly fulfills the prediction of a spiritual Prostitute it too will be punished by God.

D) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost moral corruptor

In the previous section we discussed the predictions of Endtime Babylon’s abandonment of its relationship with God and its resulting fall into the depths of depravity. But Revelation 17-18 also predicts it to be a dominating force for influencing the whole world to be more sinful. Endtime Babylon is described as:

The great prostitute, who sits by many waters. With her the kings of the earth committed adultery, and the inhabitants of the earth were intoxicated with the wine of her adulteries… The name written on her forehead was … BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH… All the nations have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. (Rev 17:1-2, 5; 18:3 NIV)

This is predicting unprecedented, worldwide moral corruption. First, the great prostitute is described as one who sits by many waters (17:1). Beale comments: “That she ‘sits’ both here and in vv 3, 9, and 15 connotes that she is able to control the multitudes and the beast because of her powerful influence.” ^[20]

Later in verse 15 these waters are explained as representing the peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages of the world. Likewise, the prophecy predicts of Endtime Babylon: All the nations will have drunk the maddening wine of her adulteries. Accordingly, Thomas concludes: “She controls the lifestyle of the mixed populations of the world through their voluntary submission to her.” ^[21]

Therefore, Endtime Babylon will not only influence the world with its enormous wealth, as explained in the previous chapter (cf. ch. 5, sec. C.5). But it will also influence the entire world with its sinful culture. As explained above, the repeated references to adulteries and abominations refer to Endtime Babylon’s moral decline. But here it is predicted that it will cause the moral decline of the rest of the world. Again, as described in the previous chapter, this will partly come through Endtime Babylon’s promotion of the worship of Money. But the moral depravity of Endtime Babylon will also be spread to the rest of the world.

This is why it is called THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES. Osborne explains:

In the NT the phrase “son of” refers to one’s primary characteristic (e.g., “son of righteousness”). Thus, to be called “mother of” means not only that it characterizes one, but that one has reproduced it in others. Thus, [Endtime Babylon] has seduced the other nations into immorality and idolatry as well as committing such heinous sins herself. ^[22]

And again, this is one more reason to believe America is the fulfillment of the biblical prophecies regarding Endtime Babylon in Revelation 17-18.

America has been by far, both the most powerful nation ever to exist, and the most prostituting nation to ever exist. No nation has ever spread sinful immorality like America. What nation on Earth has ever persuaded and empowered more humans to violate the First and Greatest Commandments of God against idolatry? None like America.

This has occurred especially through the most influential movie-making industry in the world. Just think of how America’s Hollywood is influencing the world today. Michael Medved writes regarding the world-wide influence of America’s movie industry:

Beginning with the 1990s nearly half of all of corporate America’s movie income came from foreign countries. From that point on America’s entertainment industry began to focus its marketing of America’s liberated [sinful] culture on the nations of the world. ^[23]

America is by far the greatest source and influence for the entertainment industries in the world. Its power for brainwashing the world in evil would have been unimaginable a hundred years ago. Michael Fortner, in his book, The Fall of Babylon the Great America, writes:

God raised up this nation with the purpose of using our great natural resources and technical ingenuity to spread the Gospel all over the Earth. As we fulfilled His purpose, He poured out blessings upon us—blessings like superior freedom and prosperity and immense power and worldwide influence…

[But] Money became our God. Greed became our motivator. We kicked God out of our schools. We legalized abortion. We became the moral polluter of the earth…

Hollywood is making movies intentionally foul, trying to make it “normal” to spew foul language, and to view promiscuity as “normal.” Hollywood is Babylon in every sense of the word, and it will burn in the fire of God’s judgment. It has ensured that kids all over the world have watched many thousands of murders, drug use, robberies, adultery, fornication, drunkenness, and seen many thousands of sick, twisted, gory, bloody, and filthy acts…

For example, the movie “The Wolf of Wall Street” had 570 occurrences of the F-word in all its variants, and another 125 other curse words. That is a swear word every few seconds! This is cultural and spiritual vomit that is being spewed upon the whole world, and already has polluted the minds and hearts of generations of people all over the world. ^[24]

A related example is that America has been by far the capital of the production and distribution of pornography in the world. ^[25] Unlike America, all Muslim countries, and all southeast Asia countries, including China, have made even viewing pornography illegal. Nations like India, Australia, and even “evil” Russia have made its production illegal in their countries. ^[26] In fact, Russia recently banned the use of two of the world’s most popular pornography websites in the world.

But America has made pornography a multi-billion-dollar business of exporting the most addictive and destructive sinful drug known to man. If the abundance of pornographic sewage flowing out of a country into the world does not reflect what The Great Endtime Prostitute of Revelation 17-18 is, then nothing does.

So is America’s promotion of murdering innocent babies in their mother’s womb. Krieger, McGriff, and Woodward have written in their book, The Final Babylon: America and the Coming of Antichrist:

Only two nations in the entire world allowed abortion when it was originally legalized in the U.S. Now many nations allow it, following America’s lead, including Israel. But America is doing more than leading, it is using its position as the lead nation in the world to pressure other nations into legalizing abortion on demand. ^[27]

Likewise, Andersen concludes:

Revelation 17:1–19:4 prophesies of a time at the end of history in which a single cultural superpower imposes a wicked value system on the cultures of all the other nations of the world. Few Christians would dispute that the world’s culture is being corrupted today. Yet no one would claim that either Iraq, the city of Rome, or the Roman Catholic Church [alternative interpretations of Endtime Babylon], is the great driving force behind the corruption of the world’s culture today. Most people in the world would say that the United States is responsible, and that all the nations of the world are becoming Americanized.

Further, America’s cultural power is without parallel in the history of the world, since it is only in the Information Age, within the context of world trade and economic liberalism, that a single country can readily export its culture to all the others.

Therefore, the prophecy of Babylon the Great is being fulfilled in the United States of America. The appeal of American culture to the flesh is so strong that all other cultures are assimilated before it; nations and peoples are sucked into its ways just as soon as they move into contact with it. Even in foreign countries where America is loathed, the people still love many aspects of American culture, such as its entertainment and, above all, its materialism. Those who try to resist are finding themselves with increasingly narrower options for cultural and economic alternatives…

[American] Corporations now spend large sums of money to promote homosexuality and other perversions, both by giving a share of their profits to “LGBTQ+” promoters, and by explicitly promoting homosexuality in their own products and marketing. Further, they have demanded that the corporations they do business with around the world follow suit or face the prospect of being cut off from the world of mainstream commerce, technology, and finance. ^[28]

Particularly America’s moral corruption of Israel is one more reason to believe it is the fulfillment of Endtime Babylon. Most would claim America has done much to protect Israel. And it has in a military sense. But not in a moral sense, and that is what God cares even more about. The American worship of worldly things has polluted the nation God chose for His own as well.

In a parallel passage from Jeremiah concerning God’s judgement on Babylon we read: “Before your eyes I will repay Babylon and all who live in Babylonia for all the wrong they have done in Zion,” declares the LORD (51:24 NIV). ^[29] What has America done wrong to Israel? It has polluted her with its idolatrous American culture. One writer laments:

It seems that American pop-culture … [has] saturated what could have been a thriving Israeli culture. Just flip through the channels: Top Model, Top Israeli Model, American Idol, Israeli Idol, Who Wants to be a Millionaire, Israeli Millionaire.

Any efforts—if they ever existed—to halt American globalization in Israel have capsized, making way for newer and more counterfeit ways to promote all of the products, sights, and sounds that are already themselves carbon copies of what was once considered quality in American culture…

As to why this has happened, it seems like an old topic already—American political support of Israel leads to financial support, which logically leads to a dribbling in of McFlurries, Coca Cola, and Pink and Ashley Simpson. But in my three years here I have noticed a frightening upsurge in what I’ll call the “Americobsession” that draws me to conclude that so much of the flashy crap I was hoping to escape from when I left America, is now on the prowl to suck me right back in.

You may argue that pop-culture from the U.S. has made its way into the eyes, ears, mouths, and hands of most teenagers in most countries on the globe, and in this you would certainly be right. But there is a significant difference in the effects of such tasty candy on a country such as Israel because of its relatively very young age as a nation…

“Americobsession” has its shiny little hands in nearly every corner of Israeli life… American pop-culture, by its very nature, will always be the most accessible and masturbatory form of food and entertainment. It aims to satisfy. ^[30]

The immoral influence that America has uniquely had in God’s chosen nation is one more reason to believe it fits the biblical prophecy of Endtime Babylon in Revelation 17-18. Therefore, as the prophecy above states, God will repay Babylon and all who live in Babylonia for all the [corrupting moral] wrong they have done in Zion. Likewise, in a prophecy clearly about Endtime Babylon, God warns and predicts in past tense language: His judgments are true and just. He has punished the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality (Rev 19:2 NLT). And because America is fulfilling the prophecies about the great prostitute in unique and unprecedented ways, it too is in grave danger of being punished.

E) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost technology power

In order to fulfill the prediction that Endtime Babylon would be the modern world’s foremost moral corruptor, it would also have to be the world’s foremost technology power to spread that influence. Accordingly, in chapter 4 you read:

The technological advancements of the anti-God World also significantly increase both its power and its spread over the Earth. They make people feel more self-sufficient and independent from God. This is why less developed cultures are the least affected by the influences of the World. Jeremiah may be speaking of that worldly technology when he writes, Babylon reaches as high as the heavens (51:53 NIV). Could this refer to space programs?…

Technology can be a good thing, enabling humans to subdue … the earth as God commanded (Gen 1:28). But ever since the Tower of Babylon, humanity has perverted technology to gain their independence from God. Satan has always used technology to empower the anti-God World. Ancient Babylon was the center of human technology in its day. Endtime Babylon will be the primary inventor and supplier of technology to the anti-God World in its day. (secs. A, B).

Accordingly, America has been the primary inventor and supplier of technology to the modern anti-God World today. Again, while America’s population is only 4% of the world, it has been the birthplace of 50% of the world’s “greatest inventions.” ^[31] These include the types of technology that especially empower the anti-God World, including the computer, microchip, internet, and cellphone. No one has developed and spread the technology of the World like America. And that technology has been used to be the world’s foremost moral corruptor as discussed in the previous section.

F) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost military power

As noted, the description of Endtime Babylon in Revelation 17-18 refers primarily to its future economic, moral, and cultural attributes. However, descriptions of it also predict its military power. As discussed elsewhere, there is a need to apply the near/far applications of biblical prophecies about Babylon (ch. 2, sec. B). Therefore, it is suggested that OT descriptions of ancient Babylon’s military power will apply to Endtime Babylon as well. As will be noted below, these seem supported by implications that can also be made from Revelation 17-18.

For example, the Prophet Jeremiah said ancient Babylon possessed a lofty stronghold (51:53 NIV; makes her fortifications incredibly strong NLT). Clearly the Prophet was referring to the Walls of Babylon, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient world. The Greek historian Strabo wrote that Babylon’s walls were about 65 feet high, the height of a six-story building. And they were 32 feet thick, wide enough to have chariot races on top of them. ^[32] Even God referred to Babylon’s thick wall … and her high gates (Jer 51:58 NIV). The city seemed virtually impregnable.

Likewise, the military defenses of the United States are even more impressive than the Walls of Babylon. First, it has been uniquely separated by two oceans from potential enemies in the East and West. Second, its missile and satellite defense systems are by far the best in the world. America, like ancient Babylon, is a lofty stronghold with a very thick wall defending it.

In addition, Jeremiah referred to ancient Babylon as the hammer of the whole earth (50:23 NIV). This is obviously referring to its military power. ^[33] But a reference to the whole earth goes beyond something completely fulfilled by ancient Babylon (cf. 51:25). Therefore, it seems Jeremiah is predicting that Endtime Babylon will be a military superpower over the entire world.

America’s military is by far the most powerful in the world. It is also by far the most powerful military that has ever existed in human history. It alone could be described, like Babylon, as the hammer of the whole earth (50:23).

The largest employer in the entire world is the United States Department of Defense. It has almost 3 million employees, including civilians and service men and women. ^[34] “Another 1.6 million Americans work in companies that supply the military with everything from weapons to utensils.” ^[35] Its assets include almost 5,000 military sites worldwide in over 160 countries. ^[36] America is indeed the military hammer of the whole earth.

While China and Russia are working very hard to catch up, the United States military is still superior in every way. As of January 2022, America’s annual defense expenses were $770 billion. ^[37] China’s was one third of that at $250 billion and Russia could only spend one fifth of America’s budget at $154 billion. America spends more money on its military worldwide than the next 10 countries combined. In other words, America has used its superior economic power to become the world’s superior military power.

As a result, America has almost 2,000 of the most advanced fighter jets in the world. China has a little more than half of that at 1,200, and Russia has about one third of America’s fighter force at 772. America has 11 aircraft carriers. China and Russia each have only 2.

As noted above, America has almost 5,000 military sites worldwide in over 160 countries. “In 2018, it was reported that Russia operates at least 21 significant military facilities overseas.” ^[38] “In 2017 China established its first overseas military base in Djibouti, on the coast of the Horn of Africa.” ^[39] All other countries, including those in Europe, are far behind America in terms of military power. No other nation in the world comes close to being the military hammer of the whole earth.

Elsewhere, God said of Babylon: “You are my war club, my weapon for battle—with you I shatter nations, with you I destroy kingdoms” (Jer 51:20 NIV). God used the Babylonians to dethrone Assyria and punish Israel. Likewise, it would seem Endtime Babylon’s powerful military would be used by God to punish and restrain evil nations on Earth.

Accordingly, God has uniquely used America’s military as His war club (Jer 51:20). One resource comments on one example: “In 2003, when [America] invaded Iraq, it took the U.S. military only about two weeks (along with a few enlisted nations in a “coalition of the willing”) to take apart the world’s fifth largest military.” ^[40]

However, the great armies of human history have normally been used to take over territories for one’s own possession. But think about what the United States did in WWI, WWII, Korea, and Iraq. It defeated evil foreign foes, but returned the territories it acquired back to the people living there, including enemies such as Germany, Italy, Japan, and Iraq. No military in history has ever done such a thing. America has done this several times. Perhaps because it has been God’s war club to restrain evil in the world.

It is reasonable to conclude that God personally and intentionally used the American military to defeat a wicked nation like Nazi Germany. It is probable that they would have successfully invaded Great Britain without America’s help. Likewise, after WWII, the communist Soviet Union would have probably taken over Europe if it were not for the United States military and its support of NATO. God has uniquely used America’s military power as His war club to protect the world from evil forces, matching the biblical prophecy that Endtime Babylon would be God’s war club and hammer of the whole earth.

But notice that just because God used ancient Babylon’s military might to accomplish His purposes, they were not exempt from later being punished by God and destroyed by other wicked nations (cf. Jer 50:22-24). ^[41] It is suggested that such will be the case for America.

Predictions in Revelation also support the OT hints of Endtime Babylon’s military might. First, we read:

The ten horns [10-nation Endtime Coalition] that you saw and the beast [Antichrist] will hate the Prostitute [Endtime Babylon, i.e. America] and these will permanently remove all people from her and strip her naked and they will devour her body and will burn her down with fire. (Rev 17:16 ^[42])

Whatever Endtime Babylon is, its military is powerful enough that the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will believe it must be destroyed before they can rise to rule the world. This could only apply to America for any time in the foreseeable future. This clear understanding of the prophecies in Revelation 13 and 17 were explained previously (cf. ch. 3, sec. C). Accordingly, it is difficult to imagine a world where the American military exists and:

The whole world will be asking, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” and he will have the power to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them and have authority over every tribe, people, language, and nation. (Rev 13:3-4, 7-8 NIV)

Only if the Antichrist were able to destroy America and its military might, would the whole world ask … Who can wage war against it?” (Rev 13:3-4 NIV).

Another indication of the military might of Endtime Babylon is that the Antichrist will believe he needs the 10-nation Endtime Coalition to give their power [dynamin] and authority to the beast (17:13) in order to successfully defeat Endtime Babylon. The Greek word used here (dynamin) can specifically refer “especially to military forces.” ^[43] Therefore, dynamin (power) is a good word to describe the Coalition giving the Antichrist the “military forces” to be able to destroy Endtime Babylon. As Andersen notes: “The antichrist himself dares not attack Babylon the Great until the ten kings agree to lend him their power and authority for the attack (Rev 17:12-13, 16-17).” ^[44] This would certainly be true if the Antichrist intended to destroy America.

Another indication of Endtime Babylon’s military might is the prophecy states:

Therefore, these plagues will overtake her in a single day—death and mourning and famine. She will be burned down with fire, for the Lord God who judges her is mighty. (Rev 18:8 NLT)

It seems implied that Endtime Babylon’s military might will be so great, that its destruction will be a demonstration of God’s own power. ^[45]

Also, the prophecy states that Endtime Babylon will rule over the kings of the earth (Rev 17:18). As Andersen points out, “[It is not] likely that Babylon the Great could reign over the kings of the earth (Rev 17:18) without being a military superpower.” ^[46] This may be why the kings of the earth will call Endtime Babylon, “You, great [megalē] city, you mighty [ischyra: “powerful” ^[47]] city of Babylon! (Rev 18:9-10). ^[48]

Finally, Endtime Babylon’s arrogant confidence in its security seems to be an allusion to its military might. God said to ancient Babylon:

“You said, ‘I am forever the eternal queen!’ But you did not consider these things or reflect on what might happen. Now then, listen, you lover of pleasure, lounging in your security [betach] and saying to yourself, ‘I am, and there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children.’ Both of these will overtake you in a moment, on a single day: loss of children and widowhood. They will come upon you in full measure” (Isa 47:7-9 NIV)

Babylon was lounging in its security because of its military superiority. This is also probably why they boasted “there is none besides me. I will never be a widow or suffer the loss of children” from being defeated militarily.

We discover in Revelation that this was ultimately another OT prophecy about Endtime Babylon. Therefore, we read:

She glorified herself … She boasted in her heart, ‘I am queen on my throne. I am no helpless widow, and I have no reason to mourn.’ Therefore, she will be struck hard with sudden and severe disasters in a single day—death and mourning and famine. She will be burned down with fire. (18:7-8 ^[49])

Essentially, Endtime Babylon will boast that no one in the world can cause it harm, or specifically kill its people. Such security will seem to result from its military superiority in the world. This again would uniquely reflect America.

Andersen adds that the boasting and self-glorification being predicted here of Endtime Babylon also may be especially reflected in America:

Revelation 18:7 states that Babylon the Great glorified itself to an exceptional degree, and proclaimed itself to be a queen who would never be dethroned. Once again, this corresponds well with the way in which politicians and ordinary citizens alike boast of America’s greatness and live without any fear of a military invasion or defeat. Even Americans who are not patriotic suffer from the infectious arrogance that comes from enjoying the world’s most luxurious standard of living. Most Americans consider all of the world’s other countries and cultures to be quite inferior to their own. Few countries have ever glorified themselves like America. ^[50]

And America’s military might is certainly something Americans boast about, find security in, and is another reason to believe that America is fulfilling biblical prophecies describing Endtime Babylon.

 

G) Endtime Babylon will be the world’s foremost mixture and uniter of people

It is admitted that the following are the weakest arguments for interpreting Endtime Babylon as America. However, when they are combined they are worth suggesting.

G.1) America is the foremost mixture of people (Rev 17:15; Jer 50:37)

In the prophecy concerning Endtime Babylon, we read: “The waters ^[51] you saw, where the prostitute sits, are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages” (Rev 17:15 NIV). Of course, as noted previously, this refers to Endtime Babylon’s worldwide (even metaphorical) political, cultural, and geographical scope (ch. 4, sec. A.1). But the reference to where the prostitute sits seems to also refer to the physical location of its particular nation and city.

No doubt, the city/nation of Endtime Babylon will include an extraordinary mixture of races of people. It will be a concentrated microcosm of the diversity of the entire world. Accordingly, the nations living within it translates a Greek word (ethne) which basically means, “foreigners.” ^[52]

This interpretation is supported by a similar statement in Jeremiah where it refers to Babylon as all the  foreigners who are in the midst of her (50:37 NASB). As the NASB text note explains, the literal Hebrew here (ereb) means “mixed multitude” (cf. Exod 12:38, mixed multitude NASB). ^[53] However, it is usually translated as foreign people (Neh 13:3) as it is three times in Jeremiah (25:20, 24; 50:37 NASB). Therefore, it seems Revelation 17:15 is applying a description of mixed races of people in ancient Babylon, to Endtime Babylon. ^[54]

This obviously uniquely applies to America. For example:

As many as 800 languages are spoken in New York, making it the most linguistically diverse city in the world. The wider New York City metropolitan statistical area, with more than twenty million people, is ethnically diverse, with the largest foreign-born population of any metropolitan region in the world. ^[55]

When the prophecy states that Endtime Babylon will sit where there are peoples, multitudes, nations and languages, New York City seems to be the best candidate to be a microcosm of the racial, cultural, and linguistic diversity predicted for Endtime Babylon. Accordingly, Andersen writes:

The United States is the only country in the world that contains sizable populations from most parts of every major continent. The vast majority of Americans are descended from immigrants. Hence, the motto on the official seal of the United States is e pluribus unum, meaning, “out of many, one.” There are large populations of virtually all races and ethnicities in America. In this sense, the United States is a microcosm of world civilization. ^[56]

Likewise, Edward Tracy wrote in his book, The United States in Prophecy:

Another significant clue as to Babylon’s identity is to be found in Jeremiah 50:37. “A sword is upon … all the mixed multitude that are in the midst of her.” Historical Babylon was a world empire. Many nationalities were incorporated into this great kingdom, consequently we find “mingled multitudes” in her.

The Babylon of the end time is uniquely distinguished by this same characteristic. The United States is the foremost example of a nation where all races are mingled and equal before the law. National origins are unimportant; people have come from every quarter of the globe and have become citizens of this country of ours…

Which nation of the earth reflects this more than the United States? Where are you most likely to find English, French, Irish, Scot, Spanish, Portuguese, Scandinavian, Russian, Slav, German, Czech, Armenian, Turk, Greek, African, Oriental, Polynesian, Indian, ad infinitum all citizens alike in the same country? This is certainly one of the most preeminently distinguishing characteristics of the United States!… It is most fitting to apply the clue of a “mixed multitude” to our nation alone. ^[57]

G.2) America has the world’s foremost population of Jews living in exile

The Babylonian Captivity was a major event in Israel’s history and is a major topic in the OT prophets. As a result, the greatest population of Jews in the world were at one time in Babylon. Because of the multiple fulfillment nature of biblical prophecy, it is legitimate to seek attributes of Endtime Babylon in ancient Babylon. Therefore it seems worthy of note that both ancient Babylon and America have had the highest populations of Jews outside of Israel.

Jews have been emigrating to America since its beginning. President George Washington wrote a letter to a colonial Jewish community saying:

May the children of Abraham who dwell in our land continue to enjoy the goodwill of its inhabitants. May everyone sit safely under his own vine and fig-tree and be none to make him afraid. ^[58]

As of 2020, there were about 6 million Jews living in America. That is second only to Israel itself where there are a little under 7 million. ^[59]

Of course, the Jews were forced to live in ancient Babylon. But their life there was quite blessed. As you read the following from one researcher, notice the similarities in the relationship between Jews and America:

Perhaps Babylon’s most noble trait was the benevolent treatment of its Judean inhabitants. Unlike other nations, Babylon’s policy toward its Jewish captives was one of tolerance and assimilation. The Jewish exiles were encouraged to make a place for themselves in Babylonian society. Some were appointed to high positions in government. Some became wealthy businessmen, and others learned new trades, becoming productive members of society…

In consequences of the favorable external circumstances of the exiles, and particularly because they were engaged in the thriving commerce of Babylonia, the Jews’ desire to return to Israel gradually disappeared. They learned to content themselves with material prosperity. In the pursuit of prosperity, they conformed to the customs of Babylon and lost their Jewish identity. ^[60]

Except for the fact that Jews have emigrated to America by choice rather than captivity, America’s relationship and influence on Jewish exiles is very similar to ancient Babylon. ^[61] From the very beginning, America has been a refuge for the Jews. In one sense, America has been a tremendous blessing to the Jewish people. There are biblical reasons to believe this is one reason God has blessed America more than any other nation in human history. God said to Abraham, the father of the Jews: “I will bless those who bless you, and whoever curses you I will curse” (Gen 12:3 NIV; cf. Gen 27:29; Deut 30:7). ^[62]

Unfortunately, America has been a moral curse to Jews living in America and therefore, we should not be surprised if God’s promise to curse such people is inflicted on it. In section D above, the morally corrupting influence of America on the Jewish population living in Israel was noted. That corrupting influence has been much, much greater for the Jews living in America. Jewish people in the United States are much more American than Jewish. And because of the worldly values and moral decline in this country, that is something God cannot be pleased with.

Again, the prophecy stated God will repay Babylon and all who live in Babylonia for all the [corrupting moral] wrong they have done in Zion (Jer 51:24 NIV). Is it possible God is angry with how America has uniquely corrupted the Jewish people living in exile outside of Zion in America, just as He was angry for how ancient Babylon morally corrupted His people living in exile there?

G.3) America is the world’s foremost uniter of languages

The prophecy in Revelation 17-18 describes Endtime Babylon as the world’s most powerful influence over the peoples, multitudes, nations, and languages of the world (Rev 17:15). The fact that American English is by far the most influential language in the world is another indication that the prophecy is referring to America. And America’s influence over the languages of the world may be another reason God will want to punish it.

As noted earlier (ch. 4, sec. B) the Tower of Babel was the beginning of the anti-God World. God said of this wicked society, nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them (Gen 11:6 NIV). In order to restrain the spread of their worldly rebellion against God:

The Lord said … “Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” So the LORD scattered them from there over all the earth, and they stopped building the city. That is why it was called Babel —because there the LORD confused the language of the whole world. (Gen 11:7-9 NIV)

The plan worked. They stopped building the city. When the LORD confused the language of the whole world at the Tower of Babel, He intended His act to weaken the power of the anti-God World.

But it seems Endtime Babylon’s influence over the world’s languages (Rev 17:15) will work to reverse God’s decree. Accordingly, America’s proliferation of English has done more than anything to rebel against God’s punishment of ancient Babylon. God essentially proclaimed at the Tower of Babel: “Out of one people, I want many peoples, separated by different languages.”

But a foundational motto of America is “E Pluribus Unum,” which means “Out of many peoples, there is one people.” ^[63] And a primary force to unite the people both within America, and all over the world, is English. English is by far the most sought after language in the world which is another demonstration of America’s worldwide cultural influence.

And a primary force to unite the people both within America, and all over the world, is English. English is by far the most sought after language in the world which is another demonstration of America’s worldwide cultural influence. The universal language spoken in Babel thousands of years ago was the last time the Earth had such a thing. Until rather recently, when America influenced the world to adopt English as a universal language. ^[64]

The confusion of languages was intended by God to be a judgment on the anti-God World to hinder its power. America, and its proliferation of English as a universal and uniting language is clearly spitting in God’s face, and has uniquely increased the united power of the anti-God World in an unprecedented way. Which is one more reason to believe that America is the most reasonable interpretation of what biblical prophecy predicts about Endtime Babylon. ^[65]

1. Tim LaHaye, “Is the United States in Bible Prophecy?” National Liberty Journal, 26 (February 1997), 16. ↑

2. Accordingly, Krieger, McGriff, and Woodward write:

   Daniel used imagery and symbol when predicting the coming of Greece (and later Rome). In this pertinent respect, America would be no different. If America were revealed in the Bible, it would only be declared through imagery and symbolism. And given America dominates the world in ways that no other empire ever has before in history, supposing America to be overlooked by the prophecies of the Bible implies the Bible’s prophets possessed meager intuition. (20) ↑

3. Some may suggest Endtime Babylon will be more than one nation, and perhaps a group of nations. This could be understood by a description (probably yet unfulfilled), of its destruction in the NLT which reads: The sword will strike her horses and chariots and her allies from other lands (Jer 50:37). But the literal Hebrew reads: all the mixed peoples who are in her midst (cf. NASB, all the foreigners who are in the midst of her). This suggests foreigners within Babylon being attacked, instead of other countries outside of it. For more on Jer 50:37 see below in section G.1 and the endnotes there. ↑

4. K&D write at Jer 50:1 concerning the city/empire of Babylon:

   The apposition to “Babylon,” viz., “the land of the Chaldeans,” serves the purpose of more exactly declaring that “Babylon” is to be understood not merely of the capital [city], but also of the kingdom; cf. Jer 50:8, 45, 51, 54. ↑

5. For more on the value of Jer 50-51 regarding Endtime Babylon, see BBP ch. 2, sec. B. ↑

6. NIDNTT, II.788. Although it is admitted here that, “the chief concept of [the] Greek understanding of polis [more than a city], has only a peripheral place in the NT.” However, BDAG likewise notes regarding polis: “In the Greek-Roman world the term generally implied strong political associations, especially in the sense ‘city-state’).

   Accordingly, Andersen writes:

   Most commentators assume, based on the use of the Greek word polis with reference to Babylon the Great, that Babylon the Great is a city, not a large nation-state composed of many cities, towns, and villages. However, “city” is only one possible meaning of word polis. The lexicon LSJ gives “country,” “state,” and “community” as other possible meanings, with numerous examples from Classical Greek. Polis was the normal word for “state” in extrabiblical Greek, and typically carried political implications.

   In fact, it is hard to think of a better term that the angel could have used to describe the United States than “the great polis.” The term ethnos (nation) generally denotes a racial or ethnic group, and there is no American race. The term basileia (kingdom) encompasses all the domains ruled by a state, not just the state itself—which in the case of Babylon the Great could refer to the entire earth (Rev 17:18). The term basileus (king) would create confusion as to whether a nation or its leader is in view, and is not the normal Greek term for a political entity. The term chōra (country) refers to a tract of land or a district, and does not carry political implications. Thus, there is no better term in the Greek lexicon to describe a modern sovereign state than, polis…

   Again, note that Babylon the Great is never referred to simply as “the polis” or “a polis,” but always “the great polis” (Rev 17:18; 18:10, 16, 18-19, 21) or “the strong polis” (Rev 18:10). Even those who argue that Babylon the Great is Rome or the city of Babylon in Iraq nevertheless see it as representative of the entire empire of the antichrist, and hold that the fall of Babylon includes the fall of his empire. They, too, cannot escape the reality that no single city could be powerful enough to do what Babylon the Great does. (31) ↑

7. Ibid. The author of The Beginning of Birth Pains wishes to give Andersen due credit for pointing out the relevance of polis for Endtime Babylon. No other commentators he read even suggested the possibility of its significance. ↑

8. Thomas R. Edgar, “Babylon: Ecclesiastical, Political, or What?,” Journal of the Evangelical Theological Society 25, no. 3 (1982): 340-41, underlining added. ↑

9. Andersen, 19, cf. 11. ↑

10. Beale, 850. ↑

11. For more on the Historical Beast Kingdoms see BBP, ch. 4, sec. C.1. ↑

12. Thomas disagrees that the “prostitution” could refer to a nation. This is probably because he wants to make a case that Endtime Babylon will be a rebuilt city in Iraq. He writes of the references to the Prostitute’s adulteries (17:2, 4; 18:3) and adultery (18:3, 9):

    Since the angel never uses the term “adultery” (moicheia)—a more restricted term implying a previous marital relationship—in connection with the woman, she need not be representative of apostate Israel or the apostate church. Pornēs [used throughout Rev 17-18] can include moicheia [adultery] because it is broader. So this woman represents all false religion of all time, including those who apostatize from the revealed religion of Christianity. (1316)

    Thomas is correct in that the prostitution of Endtime Babylon at one level refers to the entire history of the anti-God World. But that does not mean that in another sense it cannot refer to the apostasy of one nation in the sense of adultery. In fact, Thomas admits that pornēs which is used throughout Revelation 17-18 “can include” the sin of adultery. Accordingly, one will find in the OT that Israel’s descriptions as an adulteress and a prostitute are synonymous and indistinguishable. ↑

13. Quoted in George Washington: A Biographical Companion, Frank Grizzard (ABC-CLIO, 2002), 272. ↑

14. BDAG #1 & #2. ↑

15. Ibid. ↑

16. Page number unavailable. ↑

17. DBI, 676-8. ↑

18. Walvoord, Rev, 244. ↑

19. For more on the number of false Christians in America, see BBP, ch. 16, sec. B.1. ↑

20. Beale, 848. ↑

21. Ibid., 1346. Likewise, Andersen writes:

    Babylon the Great is also said to sit upon “many waters” (Rev 17:1), a symbol for
    “peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues” (Rev 17:15). It is most natural to
    interpret this as representing Babylon the Great’s interactions with the peoples of the
    world, illustrating how American influence permeates to all corners of the globe. (26) ↑

22. Osborne, 613. ↑

23. Michael Medved, Hollywood VS. America, (Zondervan, 1992), 223. ↑

24. Michael Fortner, The Fall of Babylon the Great America, 2nd ed. (Trumpet Press, 2020), 157. ↑

25. Since the very beginning of porn production and distribution, America has been the world-wide leader. However, other countries are catching up, probably because of the corrupting influence of the U.S. discussed in this section. Still, an article in the Daily Mail in 2013 stated the results of a study concluded: “The global leaders in porn are the U.S, taking a 60 per cent share of global internet pornography.” (Online at https://www.dailymail.co.uk/sciencetech/article-2397058/Internet-porn-map-world-reveals-US-Holland-Britain-largest-providers-world.html). ↑

26. A 2014 article in the India Express noted at the time:

    Internet pornography was outlawed in China effective 2002, when state censors issued guidelines requiring that all websites remove any pornographic material. The government started a crackdown in 2004.

    In some of the Southeast Asian countries (Indonesia, Malaysia, Vietnam, Thailand, Philippines) there is a complete ban of pornography. In Pakistan too pornography is illegal, and the government imposed a 100 per cent ban since 2011. All the Middle Eastern countries ban all forms of pornography.

    In India the possession of pornography is purely legal whereas its distribution is illegal… The same system is in Australia where possession of pornography material is permitted, but it is a criminal offense to sell, exhibit or rent it. (Online at https://indianexpress.com/article/india/india-others/here-is-how-the-world-regulates-porn-is-india-next/) ↑

27. Krieger, McGriff, Woodward, 23. ↑

28. Andersen, 26, 29. ↑

29. The fulfillment of Jer 51:24 seems to be another example of multiple fulfillments of biblical prophecy. In the near/partial sense, mention of retribution for deeds done against Israel is usually specifically referring to ancient Babylon’s destruction of God’s temple and captivity of God’s people (cf. Jer 50:28-29; 51:11). But in light of the near/far nature of biblical prophecy, this would also seem to be a promise to punish Endtime Babylon for its promotion of idolatry throughout the world, including Israel. ↑

30. Maya Norton, “Israel: Youth Obsessed with American Culture,” online at http://globalvoicesonline.org/2009/03/21/israel-youth-obsessed-with-american-culture/ ↑

31. Encyclopedia Britannica “Greatest Inventions”, Britannica Corporate, 2006. ↑

32. “Wall” in World History Encyclopedia; online at https://www.worldhistory.org/wall/. About 400 years earlier than Strabo, the Roman historian Herodotus claimed the Walls of Babylon were a staggering 320 feet high, 85 feet thick, and about 56 miles long. Herodotus has proven to be a careful historian in most instances. But walls as high as a 30-story building, and over 50 miles long do not seem possible. Therefore, we choose Strabo’s record. Nevertheless, there is a reason that when travelers saw Babylon’s Walls they were astonished and knew they were seeing one of the great wonders of the world. ↑

33. Thompson comments that Jeremiah, “saw that Babylon [was] the hammer that had pounded the whole earth into submission when at the zenith of its power” (741). Likewise, K&D comment: “Babylon [was] ‘the hammer of the whole earth,’ i.e., with which Jahveh has beaten to pieces the nations and kingdoms of the earth (Jer. 51:20).” ↑

34. https://www.defense.gov/About/ ↑

35. https://www.csmonitor.com/Business/Robert-Reich/2010/0813/America-s-biggest-jobs-program-The-US-military ↑

36. https://www.defense.gov/About/ ↑

37. Except where indicated otherwise below, all figures regarding comparisons of military power come from Global Firepower 2022 at https://www.globalfirepower.com/. ↑

38. Damien Sharkov, “Russia’s military compared to the U.S. across the world”, Newsweek (3 June 2018).  ↑

39. https://ecfr.eu/article/chinas-new-military-base-in-africa-what-it-means-for-europe-and-america/ ↑

40. Krieger, McGriff, Woodward, 135-136. ↑

41. Thompson notes on Jer 50:22-24:

    The point is made here and elsewhere in the prophets that Yahweh may appoint a nation to fulfill a purpose as his servant. But this does not absolve such a nation from the consequence of guilty acts or an arrogant attitude. If Isaiah made the point in reference to the Assyrians (Isa. 10:5-19) in the eighth century B.C., Jeremiah was to reiterate the point in the sixth century (741-2) [to Babylon].

    Longman writes regarding the complex relationship between God and Babylon:

    Jeremiah understood that the Babylonians were being used by God as an instrument of his judgment against Judah and the other nations, but this fact did not exonerate them from the onus of their own evil intentions. The Babylonians did not do their bloody work motivated by the glory and will of God, but rather for their own imperialistic interests. (304) ↑

42. For an explanation of the suggested translation of Rev 17:16 see ch. 1, sec. A.2. ↑

43. BDAG #’s 1, 2, & 4. ↑

44. Andersen, 29. The author wishes to give Dr. Andersen credit for several of the suggestions of how Rev 17-18 reflect the military power of Endtime Babylon. Again, no other commentators he could find recognize this. ↑

45. Likewise, Andersen writes, “Because of Babylon the Great’s military might, its fall is cited as a great display of the power of the Lord God (Rev 18:8; cf. Rev 14:8). (29) ↑

46. Ibid. ↑

47. LGEINT. ↑

48. Andersen defends this view (29). ↑

49. The suggested translation of Rev 18:7-8 is primarily essentially based on the NLT. However, plagues (NIV, NLT, NASB) is replaced with Struck hard with sudden and severe disasters. This translates the Greek word plēgai which means a “hard blow” or “sudden calamity which causes severe distress” (BDAG #1, #3). Webster’s defines “distress” as “pain and suffering.” This translation is better than the normal plagues which suggests to many merely disease. ↑

50. Andersen, 29. ↑

51. Thomas explains: “In the OT, water is a common symbol for people (e.g., Pss. 18:4, 16; 124:4; Isa. 8:7; Jer. 47:2) (Lee, Beckwith)” (1346). ↑

52. BDAG #2. ↑

53. Accordingly, TWOT defines ereb as “mixture, mixed company” but oddly adds no additional comment (693). ↑

54. It is admitted that the NASB translation of Jer 50:37a as simply all the  foreigners who are in the midst of her is not popular. Virtually all other versions and commentators add something like troops to the text (cf. ESV, NET, NIV ranks, NLT allies). The full text reads:

    “A sword against the Chaldeans [Babylonians],” declares the LORD, “And against the inhabitants of Babylon; And against her officials and her wise men! A sword against the oracle priests, and they will become fools!

    A sword against her mighty men [gibbor], and they will be  shattered! A sword against their horses and against their chariots;

    And against all the  foreigners who are in the midst of her, And they will become women! A sword against her treasures, and they will be plundered! A  drought on her waters, and they will be dried up! For it is a land of idols, And they are mad over fearsome idols. (Jer 50:35-38 NASB).

    In favor of the ESV’s translation as all the foreign troops in her midst, are two things. First, the subject of verses 36b and 37a is the destruction of military resources (e.g. mighty men, sword, chariots). Mighty men translates gibbor which almost every other version translates as warriors (NIV, ESV, NLT). Therefore, it is possible the judgment and destruction referred to in the next phrase (37a) specifically and only refers to troops. But this is unlikely.

    First, as reflected in the more literal NASB, troops is not in the Hebrew text of 37a. The word used (eber) never means troops, but rather a “mixed peoples” or foreigners as the NASB has it.

    Secondly, the intention of this text is to describe the destruction of virtually everything in Babylon, not just its army. The entire text is introduced as a prophecy against [all] the inhabitants of Babylon. This includes the destruction of its officials, wise men, priests, treasures and even waters.

    The destruction of its warriors is already listed in 36b. Because the text intends to describe the destruction of virtually everything in Babylon, and the destruction of its military resources have already been mentioned, it is more probable that by a “mixed peoples” (eber) in 37a, the text is not referring again to its warriors (37b), but to the  foreigners who are in the midst of her as the NASB has it. If not, then an important segment of the Babylonian population would be left out of a prophecy against [all] the inhabitants of Babylon, as the city and empire had a multitude of foreigners living in it. And notice the ultimate reason for the destruction. It is because, it is a land of idols, And they are mad over fearsome idols. Surely the foreigners living in Babylon worshipped idols that God would have wanted to include them in the people that were to be punished. Therefore, leaving simple foreigners (NASB) out of the list, and limiting it to foreign troops (ESV) in this text, is unlikely.

    Another reason the idea of troops is inserted in the text of 37a is that the next phrase says, they will become women! (cf. ESV, NLT; weaklings, NIV). Later in Jeremiah, referring to the mighty men (gibbor, warriors, NIV) of Babylon we read they have ceased fighting; They stay in the strongholds; Their strength is exhausted; They are becoming like women (Jer 51:30 NASB; cf. Nahum 3:13). Therefore, again, it is possible that the same phrase a chapter earlier is also referring to Babylon’s warriors.

    But again, warriors is not in the text of Jer 50:37a as it is in 51:30. Also, the same Hebrew phrase is used to refer to people in general, as it does when we read in Isaiah:

    In that day the Egyptians [in general] will become like women, and they will tremble and be in dread because of the waving of the hand of the LORD of hosts. (19:16 NASB)

    In conclusion it is suggested that the evidence for simply foreigners (NASB), rather than foreign troops (ESV) is better. Perhaps the clearest argument being that troops is not in the text of Jer 50:37a, but rather a word that never means troops, but rather “mixed peoples” or foreigners. ↑

55. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City. ↑

56. Andersen, 26, underlining added. ↑

57. Edward Tracy, The United States in Prophecy (Convale, 2009, Kindle ed.), loc. 412-424, underlining added. ↑

58. Reference lost. ↑

59. https://worldpopulationreview.com/country-rankings/jewish-population-by-country ↑

60. Richard N. Rhoades, The Babylon Code: Is America in Prophecy? (Zion Foundation, 2014, Kindle ed.), loc. 296. ↑

61. The following is largely derived from the article “History of the Jews in the United States”; online at https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/History_of_the_Jews_in_the_United_States#Colonial_era ↑

62. Accordingly, Rhoades writes: “History concurs that God has indeed kept His promise. Within one decade after the mass Jewish immigration to America began in the 1880s, the United States became the most prosperous nation on earth” (1255). ↑

63. One resource explains:

    E pluribus unum is Latin for “Out of many, one.” [It] is a traditional motto of the United States, appearing on the Great Seal… its inclusion on the seal was approved in an act of the Congress of the Confederation in 1782… While its status as national motto was for many years unofficial, E pluribus unum was still considered the de facto motto of the United States from its early history. Eventually, the U.S. Congress passed an act in 1956 adopting “In God We Trust” as the official motto.

    https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/E_pluribus_unum ↑

64. “English is the world’s first truly universal language since Babel” (Andersen, 26). ↑

65. Andersen succinctly summarizes some of the arguments in chapters 4 and 5 of BBP that the prophecies concerning Endtime Babylon are being fulfilled by America:

    The book of Revelation describes Babylon the Great as the dominant superpower in the world of the end times—so dominant, that it actually shapes the culture and economy of the world. Never before in history has a single country dominated all the other countries of the world and enjoyed such preeminence in comparison to all the others… The United States finds itself in the historically unique position of monopolizing every significant power source in the world—a position it began to occupy since the end of World War II, and which was greatly enhanced by the end of the Cold War. The combined military, political, cultural, and economic power of the United States is unprecedented. (32-33). ↑