EB: 7 Endtime Babylon’s Capital City

Chapter 7

Endtime Babylon’s City

New York City

Contents

A) Ancient Babylon’s capital city

B) Ancient Rome as a partial fulfillment of Endtime Babylon

C) New York City as a complete fulfillment of Endtime Babylon

Primary Points

• Endtime Babylon, and all of its predicted attributes, will be centered and concentrated in one literal and physical city.
• Contrary to many (Preterists, Amillennialists, Historicists, Idealists, etc.), the book of Revelation is not history or a commentary on current events in John’s day. Revelation 17-18 is a prediction of a future literal and physical city.
• The previous chapters have demonstrated at least 11 biblical attributes of Endtime Babylon. It has also been demonstrated that America uniquely fulfills all of those attributes for the first time in human history. Therefore, it is most likely that Endtime Babylon’s capital city will be located in America.
• Revelation 17-18 predicts there will be a city in the Endtimes that will be the foremost example and promoter of idolatrous wealth, worldly values, and sinful lifestyles. There is no other city in the world that fits this description better than New York City.
• “New York City, home of Wall Street, and the United Nations, is the world’s most important city.”
• Another attribute of Endtime Babylon is that it seems to be described as a major seaport.
• There is actually a city of 200,000 people within the city limits of New York City that is named Babylon!

A) Ancient Babylon’s capital city

As noted in chapter 4 (sec, B), Nimrod was the founder of Babylon. Those following him are quoted in Scripture as saying, Come, let us build ourselves a city (Gen 11:4). They were rebelling against God’s command to fill the earth (Gen 1:28; cf. 9:7), and instead, desired to build a city so that they would not be scattered over the face of the whole earth (11:4 NIV).

Ever since then, the cities of the Earth have been the centers of the anti-God World. It could be argued that in remote, rural, and primitive areas and cultures of the Earth, the World exists in a diminished way. The anti-God World is intensified in cities, Babylon being the first example. It is our cities that demonstrate the greatest achievements of humankind, apart from God. In building our cities we have built the kingdom of the world instead of the kingdom of our Lord (Rev 11:15).

As Waltke notes: “The cities that Nimrod built … represent the human spirit to achieve significance and security through their collective technology, independently from God.” ^[1] Other Bible scholars note: “The fact that the builders conceive of their enterprise as a city awakens a whole further set of associations… The city is a picture of human ability to control and master the world.” ^[2]

The next biblical picture of Babylon is the ancient city in the days of Nebuchadnezzar (cf. 2 Kgs 24:1). Under this ruler the city of, “Babylon ultimately became the greatest city in the world at the time.” ^[3] It has been estimated that it was the first city in the world to reach a population of 200,000. For at least a hundred years (ca. 1770-1670 B.C.) it was probably the largest city in the world. ^[4] Accordingly, the city/nation of Babylon was portrayed in Nebuchadnezzar’s dream from God as the golden head of earthly kingdoms opposed to the kingdom of God (cf. Dan 2:38, 44-45).

B) Ancient Rome as a partial fulfillment of Endtime Babylon

There is another historical city other than Babylon that is identified with Endtime Babylon. In Revelation 17 the Angel explains that the seven heads on the beast she rides, are seven hills on which the woman sits (vs. 8-9 NIV). Most scholars point out that this is a reference to first century Rome which was literally built on seven hills. ^[5] The first century connection between Babylon and Rome is repeated by the Apostle Peter who refers to the Church in Rome as She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings (1 Pet 5:13 NIV). ^[6]

In other words, the first century Church understood the city of Rome illustrated the ancient city of Babylon. At the time, it was the world’s center of anti-God political, economic, and military power, and the persecution of God’s people. Like Babylon, Rome conquered the Jews, destroyed their temple, and spread immorality around the world. Accordingly, in John’s day, the seven hills of Rome portrayed where the woman Endtime Babylon sits (Rev 17:9 NIV).

But contrary to many (Preterists, Amillennialists, Historicists, Idealists, etc.), the book of Revelation is not history or a commentary on current events in John’s day. Revelation 17-18 is a prediction of a future literal and physical city.

Accordingly, Rome did not fulfill all that is predicted of Endtime Babylon. First, Rome never exercised the worldwide economic dominance and idolatrous influence predicted of Endtime Babylon. Second, it was not a seaport as Endtime Babylon probably will be (cf. 18:17-19; cf. sec. C below). Third, Rome has never been consumed by fire … in one hour to never be inhabited again (cf. Rev 18:8, 10, 21-23). More will be said about the error of interpreting Endtime Babylon as Rome in the next chapter (8, sec. B).

C) New York City as a complete fulfillment of Endtime Babylon

It has been demonstrated that Endtime Babylon represents the world-wide scope and evil nature of the anti-God biblical concept of the kingdom of the world (Rev 11:15). This is the necessary metaphorical view being symbolized in Revelation 17-18 (cf. EB ch. 4). Also, in the previous chapter numerous biblical arguments were provided to claim that Endtime Babylon will be a literal and physical nation (cf. EB 6, sec. B).

But Endtime Babylon is also described seven times as a city or great city (Rev 16:19; 17:18; 18:10, 16, 18 (twice), 19). It is also called the mighty city of Babylon (18:10), and the great city of Babylon (18:21). Therefore, there are a total of 9 references to Endtime Babylon as a city. Note that it is named after the ancient city of Babylon. This adds another layer to the meaning of Endtime Babylon. Endtime Babylon, and all of its predicted attributes, will be centered and concentrated in one literal city.

When it is destroyed in the Endtimes, all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, “Was there ever a city like this great city?” (18:17-18 NIV). The answer will be “No.” The capital city of Endtime Babylon will be the wealthiest and most influential city in the world when the Endtimes begin. But it will also be the wealthiest and most influential city in all of human history. What is the most likely candidate in the world today for the capital city of Endtime Babylon?

The previous chapters have demonstrated at least 11 biblical attributes of Endtime Babylon. It has also been demonstrated that America uniquely fulfills all of those attributes for the first time in human history. The Bible clearly predicts that Endtime Babylon will be the world’s economic, cultural, and military superpower when the Endtimes begin. It will be a nation that began committed to God, but turns to sinful idolatry and becomes a spiritual prostitute. For the foreseeable future, that nation is America. Therefore, it is most likely that Endtime Babylon’s capital city will be located in America.

More generally, it has been demonstrated that Endtime Babylon will be the foremost source and promoter of the values of the anti-God World (ch. 4). Accordingly, the best candidate for the capital city of Endtime Babylon will have the same attributes. Therefore, it will be the world’s leading city for the following: 1) Financial wealth; 2) International business; 3) Entertainment; 4) Advertising; and 5) Sinful lifestyles.

There is only one city in America that meets these criteria. In fact, there is only one city in the entire world that is superior in all of these attributes. That city is New York City. ^[7] As the best candidate to be the great city of Babylon, “The New York metropolitan area, also called Greater New York, is the largest metropolitan area in the world by urban landmass.” ^[8]

As you read the following description of New York City, keep in mind the wealth, commerce, influence, and gross sin predicted for the great city of Babylon (18:21) in the Endtimes. Think especially of the definitive statement regarding the identity of Endtime Babylon when it is prophesied: Your international businessmen were the world’s important people (18:23; cf. ch. 5, sec. A). Notice how New York City is described as superior in all of these things compared to any other city in the world. The superlatives underlined in the following description can be backed up by real world data:

New York City has been described as the cultural, financial, and media capital of the world. It significantly influences the world in commerce, entertainment, research, technology, education, art, politics, fashion, and tourism.

Home to the headquarters of the United Nations, New York is the world’s center for international diplomacy. [For all these reasons] New York City has been called the capital of the world.

Anchored by “Wall Street,” New York City has been called both the world’s leading financial center and the most financially powerful city in the world. It is home to the world’s two largest stock exchanges, the New York Stock Exchange and Nasdaq.

New York City is a global hub of business and commerce, as a center for banking and finance, retailing, and world trade. Many Fortune 500 corporations [international businessmen] are headquartered in New York City, as are a large number of multinational corporations. New York City has been ranked first among cities across the globe in attracting financial capital and business. Manhattan [is] the largest central business district in the world.

New York City remains the largest global center for trading in public equity and debt capital markets. New York also leads in hedge fund management; private equity; and the monetary volume of mergers and acquisitions. Several investment banks are headquartered in Manhattan. New York is also the principal commercial banking center of the United States [and therefore the world].

[Regarding its superiority in the world’s wealth] As of 2017, New York City was home to the highest number of billionaires of any city in the world. New York also had the highest density of millionaires per capita among major U.S. cities in 2014 [and therefore the world as well].

In 2014, Manhattan was home to six of the top ten postal codes in the United States for housing prices. Fifth Avenue in Midtown Manhattan commands the highest retail rents in the world, at $3,000 per square foot in 2017.

[Regarding its superiority of influencing the world through media and advertising]. New York City’s “Madison Avenue” is the top global center for the advertising industry. Seven of the world’s top eight global advertising agency networks have their headquarters in New York City.

Many of the world’s largest media conglomerates are also based in the city. New York City has been described as the media capital of the world. The city is a prominent location for the American entertainment industry, with many films, television series, books, and other media being filmed there. As of 2012, New York City was the second largest center for filmmaking [2nd only to Hollywood] and television production in the United States. New York is the world leader in independent film production.

A record 66.6 million tourists visited New York City in 2019. New York City is the most photographed city in the world. Times Square  is sometimes referred to as “the Crossroads of the world.” It is one of the world’s most visited tourist attractions, drawing an estimated 50 million visitors annually.

[Regarding its superiority in racial diversity] The term “melting pot” was first coined to describe densely populated immigrant neighborhoods in New York City. 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.

[Regarding its superiority in sinful depravity] The New York metropolitan area is home to about 570,000 self-identifying gay and bisexual people, the largest in the United States and one of the world’s largest.In the era after world War II, “New York City became the literal gay metropolis for hundreds of thousands of immigrants from within and without the United States; the place they chose to learn how to live openly, honestly and without shame.”

World Pride NYC 2019 was the largest international gay pride celebration in the history of the world. New York City is also home to the largest transgender population in the world. The Brooklyn Liberation March in 2020 was the largest transgender rights demonstration in LGBTQ history. ^[9]

Revelation 17-18 predicts there will be a city in the Endtimes that will be the foremost example and promoter of idolatrous wealth, worldly values, and sinful lifestyles. There is no other city in the world that fits this description better than New York City. Not even close.

Other resources describe the same worldwide superiority in all things Endtime Babylon, reflected in New York City. Its economic power has been ranked #1 in the world by the Global Power City Index since its creation in 2008. ^[10] Likewise, a recent news report at CNBC claimed:

New York City is home to more ultra-wealthy individuals than any other city in the world, with 120,605 residents worth $5 million or more… The trading volume on [New York] city’s exchanges are nearly four times that of second place Tokyo and more than 10 times that of London. It’s no surprise that New York City, home of Wall Street, and the United Nations, is the world’s most important city. ^[11]

Speaking of the United Nations, the renowned OT scholar Bruce K. Waltke has asked: “Is the United Nations building in New York City a long shadow of the Tower of Babel?” ^[12]

Four times in Revelation 18 Endtime Babylon is described as living in luxury and possessing excessive luxuries (vs. 3, 7, 9, 14). Forbes Magazine reported:

International visitors spend more money in New York City each year than in any other city in the world… New York is one of the most important capitals of the … luxury business. ^[13]

Another attribute of the capital city of Endtime Babylon is that apparently it will be surrounded by water. Accordingly, the great city of Babylon (18:21) sits by many waters (Rev 17:1 NIV). A parallel prediction in Jeremiah describes Endtime Babylon as: You who live by many waters (51:13 NIV). Accordingly, Osborne notes: “The reference … is an allusion to the [ancient] city’s location on the river Euphrates surrounded by a network of canals.” ^[14]

But how would New York City fulfill this prediction that the great city of Babylon (18:21) sits by many waters (Rev 17:1 NIV)? Unlike other proposed candidates for Endtime Babylon (e.g. Iraq, Rome, Jerusalem), New York City is surrounded by many waters. Manhattan is literally an island.

In addition, Endtime Babylon’s location near many waters will evidently make it a major seaport. The text says:

Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far off. When they see the smoke of her burning, they will exclaim, “Was there ever a city like this great city?” They will throw dust on their heads, and with weeping and mourning cry out: “Woe! Woe to you, great city, where all who had ships on the sea became rich through her wealth! (Rev 18:17-19 NIV)

There are several reasons to expect Endtime Babylon to be a major seaport. First, again, it is described as being located by many waters. Second, the text makes it obvious that the city will be able to be seen from the sea. Third, there is an emphasis on a relationship with Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea and all who had ships on the sea.

Likewise, even the Greek word emporoi (international businessmen) used four times in Revelation 18 (vs. 3, 11, 15, 23), specifically means “one who travels by ship for business reasons.” ^[15] Evidently, some of the international businessmen of Endtime Babylon will be sea captains (18:17).

Therefore, a primary source of commerce for the future capital city of Endtime Babylon is an ocean seaport. New York City harbor is one of the largest natural harbors in the world, and second in volume in the U.S. only to Los Angeles. ^[16]

The great city of Babylon (18:21) is described as being a foremost center for having human beings sold as slaves (18:13 NIV), at least at some point in its history. Remarkably, as one resource puts it:

Wall Street was a slave market before it was a financial center… To normalize the trading of fellow human beings, the city officials established a slave market on Wall Street. Thus, Wall Street became the go-to-place for slaveowners to buy and sell their property… Slaves helped build the wall that Wall Street is named for. Slavery was such a big part of early New York City that during the colonial era one in five people living in the city was an enslaved African. ^[17]

Finally, New York City could surprisingly be considered a capital for the American military. West Point Military Academy is located only 50 miles from the center of the city. West Point is the very first, oldest, and most influential military academy in America. It has produced by far the most leaders of American military forces in its over 200 year existence. The military training and research that has occurred at West Point is a primary reason that America has by far the most powerful military in the world.

Other cities in the world possess some of the attributes described above. But no other city in the world even comes close to New York City in reflecting all the prophesied attributes of the great city of Babylon (18:21) in the Endtimes. Accordingly, Krieger, McGriff, and Woodward conclude in their book, The Final Babylon: America and the Coming of Antichrist:

If we are living in the “last days of the last days,” and the Lord returns soon, there is only one city which bears any resemblance to Babylon as depicted in Jeremiah, Isaiah, Zechariah, and Revelation: That city is named New York City. ^[18]

Finally, would you be surprised to learn that within the city limits of New York City, there is actually a city named Babylon? It is located on Long Island and has over 200,000 inhabitants. ^[19] It’s founder, Nathaniel Conklin, originally called it “New Babylon,” naming it after ancient Babylon. Babylon, NY is a real city, and its presence is perhaps one more modern sign that New York City will be the capital of Endtime Babylon.

Thus far 12 biblical attributes of Endtime Babylon have been discussed. It has clearly been demonstrated that only America fulfills these 12 biblical attributes predicted for Endtime Babylon. In the next chapter, the most popular alternative views for the identity of Endtime Babylon will be discussed. It is suggested that the clear weaknesses of those views make America an even more likely candidate to fulfill the prophecies in Revelation 17-18.

1. Waltke, 182. He adds, however, “In and of itself, the construction of cities does not cause the Lord’s displeasure; for example, Israel celebrates holy Jerusalem. Rather God censures the human pride and security that people attach to their cities (Gen. 4:12–14, 17)” (183). ↑

2. DBI, 66-67. ↑

3. ISBE, I:384. ↑

4. Tertius Chandler, Four Thousand Years of Urban Growth: An Historical Census (St. David’s, 1987).  ↑

5. Osborne, 617. Accordingly, a Roman coin minted under the Emperor Vespasian (ca. 70 AD) depicts Rome as a woman sitting on seven hills. ↑

6. NT scholar Paul Achtemeier notes that at the time 1 Peter was written, the actual city of Babylon was “little more than ruins.” He concludes: “It is far more likely that Babylon is a cryptic reference to Rome” (353-4). He adds that this was a “Jewish tradition” because of the Roman destruction of Jerusalem in A.D. 70. Accordingly, in 4 Ezra, 2 Baruch and the Sibylline Oracles, “Babylon” is a cryptic name for Rome.

   Likewise, the early Church Father Tertullian (ca. A.D. 200) referred to Rome as “Babylon” (Against Marcion, iii.13). Achtemeier adds that the reason Peter refers to Rome as “Babylon” is “to affirm the analogy of Christians living as exiles and aliens within Greco-Roman culture (cf. 1:1; 2:11). (1 Peter, Fortress Press, 1996, pp. 353-4) ↑

7. There is biblical precedent for the name of one city to be a symbol of another city. For example, Revelation 11:8 speaks of the public square of the great city —which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt—where also their Lord was crucified (NIV). Therefore, Sodom and Egypt are being used as symbols to refer to Jerusalem. Likewise, the Apostle Peter writes: She who is in Babylon, chosen together with you, sends you her greetings (1 Pet 5:13 NIV). Again, this is a symbolic reference to Rome. Therefore, we have biblical precedent for the name of one city to be a symbol for another city. In this case, it would seem the great city of Babylon (18:21) is a symbol for New York City. ↑

8. https://worldpopulationreview.com/world-city-rankings/largest-city-in-the-world-by-area ↑

9. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/New_York_City. The article gives numerous links for the source material for its entry. Liberty has been taken here for some rearrangement of the material. ↑

10. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Global_city

    More recently, cities like London and Tokyo have ranked higher than America in “global power” in some indexes. But this is because these rankings include non-financial and cultural matters (e.g. environment, livability). In terms of economic, cultural, and media influence (primary attributes of Endtime Babylon), New York City is always ranked significantly higher than any other city in the world. ↑

11. https://www.cnbc.com/2020/05/14/top-10-richest-cities-in-the-world-according-to-wealth-x.html. ↑

12. Waltke, 182. ↑

13. https://www.forbes.com/sites/joelkotkin/2014/08/14/the-most-influential-cities-in-the-world/?sh=46c499357ad0 ↑

14. Osborne, 609. ↑

15. BDAG. ↑

16. Wikipedia. ↑

17. https://www.huffpost.com/entry/wall-street-was-a-slave-m_b_1208536 ↑

18. Krieger, McGriff, Woodward, 134. ↑

19. https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Babylon,_New_York ↑