EB: 9 Biblical Evidence of America’s Destruction with Nuclear Weapons

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Chapter 9 Biblical Evidence of America’s Destruction with Nuclear Weapons

A) Evidence of nuclear weapons in Revelation 17-18

B) Evidence of nuclear weapons in Revelation 6

C) Evidence of nuclear weapons in the OT

D) The flooding of Endtime Babylon

Primary Points

Almost 600 prophecies have been fulfilled in history and every single one of them was fulfilled in a physical, if not literal way. Therefore, you can be certain that the physical destruction being predicted for Endtime Babylon will be fulfilled in a physical, if not very literal, way.
The prophecy states that Antichrist’s attack on America will permanently remove all people from her and … burn her down with fire… such that no one will ever live there again (Rev 17:16; 18:10, 21-23). Nuclear weapons seem to be the best interpretation of how this will happen.
The prophecy states three times the complete destruction of the people and place of Endtime Babylon will occur in one hour (Rev 18:10, 17, 19). Again, indicating the use of nuclear weapons.
It would seem the reason that the killing of all people in Endtime Babylon is called torture is because the vast majority of them will die a rather slow and painful death from radiation poisoning.
The unleashing of a fiery red weapon with the power to make people violently slaughter each other with a mega sword that will burn down with fire … in one hour a place where no worker of any trade will ever be found there again, contributing to the death of all people living on one fourth of the earth, is rather clearly describing NUCLEAR WEAPONS.
Jeremiah predicted that Endtime Babylon would be destroyed by arrows coming from the north, causing a fire in the cities of Babylon that will burn up everything around them such that it will never again be inhabited or lived in from generation to generation. That seems to be describing the result of nuclear weapons.
It will be a surprise nuclear attack. The prophecy says it will happen without warning when America will feel secure and is at ease.
Before America and nuclear weapons emerged in human history, it would seem virtually impossible for God’s people to understand what God was predicting in Revelation 17-18.
There seems to be a prophecy that the sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her so that the nuclear fires in America will be extinguished, preserving the rest of the Earth from a “nuclear winter.”
The popular predictions that America’s economy will collapse are unlikely.
The popular predictions that Americans need to be buying gold or hoarding food because America’s economy will collapse are often exaggerated. And they contradict what Scripture seems to predict for America in the years leading up to the Endtimes.
The Pre-tribulational “rapture” is an unbiblical explanation for the suggested absence of America in biblical prophecy.

At the beginning of this book, Endtime Babylon (EB), two goals were stated. One, correctly and courageously interpreting Revelation 17-18 to understand the identity of Endtime Babylon. In the previous Part II of EB (chs. 4-8) many biblical arguments were offered to conclude that this prophecy is being uniquely fulfilled by America in an unprecedented way. Accordingly, in the following chapters, liberty will be taken to often refer to Endtime Babylon as America.

The second goal of Endtime Babylon was to correctly and courageously determine how Endtime Babylon will be destroyed. That is the purpose of this Part III (chs. 9-11).

Before discussing the correct interpretation of the following prophetic Scriptures, we should be reminded of something. We have learned in the Endtimes Essentials series to expect biblical prophecy to be fulfilled in a physical, if not literal way (cf. ch. 2, sec. A). This is because of the almost 600 prophecies fulfilled to date in history, every single one of them was fulfilled in this way. None of them turned out to be merely spiritual metaphors, an approach that so many want to apply to the Revelation. Therefore, you can be certain that the physical destruction being predicted for Endtime Babylon will be fulfilled in a physical, if not very literal, way.

A) Evidence of nuclear weapons in Revelation 17-18

The key text of the following chapters is Revelation 17:16. The NASB translation reads:

And the ten horns which you saw, and the beast, these will hate the harlot and will make her desolate and naked, and will eat her flesh and will burn her up with fire.

A suggested translation of Revelation 17:16 would be:

The ten horns that you saw, and the beast will hate the Prostitute, 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)

This suggested translation was fully supported earlier (cf. ch. 1, sec. A.2). There it was explained that permanently remove all people translates the Greek word ērēmōmenēn which means: “to make uninhabitable, depopulate.” ^[1] These prophecies predict that every living person will be killed in Endtime Babylon when the Antichrist and 10-nation Coalition attack it. This is confirmed at the end of the prophecy where it says:

The music of harpists and musicians, pipers, and trumpeters, will never be heard in you again. No worker of any trade will ever be found in you again. The sound of a millstone will never be heard in you again. The light of a lamp will never shine in you again. The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in you again. (Rev 18:21-23 NIV)

Likewise, we read in Jeremiah of Endtime Babylon: Because of the LORD’s anger she will not be inhabited but will be completely desolate (50:13 NIV). Clearly God intends to communicate that the people and place of Endtime Babylon will be completely and permanently destroyed. It must be asked, what kind of weapons would leave a nation so desolate that no one will survive there? ^[2] NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

It should be obvious these predictions are not merely describing an economic collapse, or the dissolution of a religion, as many claim. This is describing the complete depopulation of people from a nation and its capital city. So, of course, any commerce or religions in America would be destroyed as well. But not without annihilating the people. It seems NUCLEAR WEAPONS will permanently remove all people from all of America.

Strip her naked seems to refer to the complete removal of all defenses. Indeed, why would anyone attack America unless they could neutralize its ability to retaliate. This in fact is what is predicted and will be discussed further in the next chapter.

To strip her naked could also refer to America losing absolutely everything. When the world’s merchants see its destruction, they will say “The fancy things you loved so much are gone… All [panta] your luxuries and splendor are gone forever, never to be yours again” (18:14 NLT).

Devour her body seems to mean that after this attack, America and all of its people, commerce, military, institutions, and structure will all cease. This is confirmed by the fact that the attack will burn her down with fire. Earlier in the Revelation a similar punishment of the Earth is described:

A third of the earth was burned up, a third of the trees were burned up, and all the green grass was burned up. (8:7 NIV)

Revelation 8 is predicting a physical and literal destruction, and so is Revelation 18 when it says Endtime Babylon (America) will be burned down with fire, including all of its trees and grass.

This is repeated in Jeremiah where God says: “I will light a fire in the cities of Babylon that will burn up everything around them” (50:32 NLT). Again, this prophecy has never been fulfilled in history. And it certainly reflects NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

Accordingly, Revelation 18:8 adds in a suggested translation:

In one day a sudden and severe disaster will strike her hard, including death, mourning, and famine. She will be burned down with fire.

A sudden and severe disaster will strike her hard translates the Greek word plēgai which means a “hard blow” or “sudden calamity which causes severe distress.” ^[3] Webster’s defines “distress” as “pain and suffering.” The suggested translation is better than the normal plagues (NIV, NLT, NASB) which suggests to many merely disease. But the verse says the disaster (plēgai) will include famine.

The threat of famine is very real with nuclear weapons. As described in chapter 11, the vast majority of people in America would not die instantly from the initial nuclear blast. Rather, an agonizing death from the radiation poisoning, disease, and famine seems to be what the people of Endtime Babylon will experience.

Burned down with fire (katakauthēsetai) translates the same Greek word used in 17:16 which means: “burn up, burn down, consume.” ^[4] Again, this certainly reflects the use of NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

The interpretation of NUCLEAR WEAPONS is confirmed when Revelation 18 says THREE TIMES that this total destruction of everything and everyone in Endtime Babylon will occur in one hour! We read:

The kings of the earth will cry … In one hour your doom has come!’ (18:9-10 NIV).

The merchants of the earth will cry out … In one hour such great wealth has been brought to ruin!’ (18:11, 15-17 NIV).

All who earn their living from the sea will cry out … In one hour she has been brought to ruin! (18:17-19 NIV).

The Greek word translated hour (hōran) here should be interpreted literally. It is not some symbolic language being spoken by an Angel, but rather it is a quote of what real people will say in the future. Hōran is used elsewhere in the Revelation to mean a literal hour (cf. 8:1; 9:15). The addition of mian (one) in the text makes it read literally one hour. A number preceding hōran is consistently translated in the NT as referring to a literal hour(s) (cf. Matt 20:12; 26:40; Mark 14:37; Luke 22:59; John 11:9; Acts 5:7; 19:34). There are no exceptions. Therefore, one hour in Revelation 18 refers to one literal hour. ^[5]

Accordingly, when John intended to communicate a brief period of time in this prophecy, he wrote of the Antichrist, he must remain for only a little while (Rev 17:10 NIV). Here John used the Greek word oligon meaning here “a short time.” ^[6] It seems likely John intended to distinguish this from the literal one hour (hōran) he described two verses later. ^[7]

So, we ask again: What kind of weapons would be available to the Antichrist and his 10-nation Coalition to burn down America in one hour such that every person is killed, and no one will ever live there again? As we will see in the next chapter (11), NUCLEAR WARHEADS flying over the North Pole from Russia can reach America in 30 minutes.

Let us notice other things in Revelation 18 that describe the destruction of America with NUCLEAR WEAPONS. Notice the response of observers when it occurs:

When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning, they will weep and mourn over her. Terrified at her torment, they will stand far away (18:9-10 NIV)

The merchants who sold these things and gained their wealth from her will stand far off, terrified at her torment. (18:15 NIV)

Every sea captain, and all who travel by ship, the sailors, and all who earn their living from the sea, will stand far away when they see the smoke of her burning. (18:17-18 NIV)

Three times it says the observers of Endtime Babylon’s destruction will stand far away. This would seem to reflect their need to avoid the severe radiation that would result in a nuclear attack. Evidently some will be geographically close enough to personally see the smoke of her burning. Jeremiah tells us: her judgment reaches to the skies, it rises as high as the clouds (Jer 51:9 NIV). One thinks of the “mushroom cloud” caused by the detonation of a nuclear warhead.

However, most of the world will see the smoke of her burning on their smart phones and TV’s. Therefore, we read in Jeremiah: The earth will shake with the shout, “Babylon has been taken!” and its cry of despair will be heard around the world (50:46 NLT).

The prophecies in Revelation 18 state twice that the world’s people will be terrified by the torment that Endtime Babylon will experience. The Greek word used here (basanismou) is a horrific word meaning “infliction of severe suffering or pain associated with torture.” ^[8] It is the strongest word in the Greek language for PAIN. Therefore, it is the chosen word in the NT to describe the experience of Hell. 6 of its 10 uses are in Revelation.

For example, the Greek word for torture is used three times in the following passage:

And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth… They were not allowed to kill them [people] but only to torture [basanisthēsontai] them for five months. And the agony [basanismos] they suffered [basanismos] was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes. During those days people will seek death but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. (Rev 9:3-6 NIV)

Two more uses of torture in Revelation are used to describe eternal Hell:

If anyone worships the beast and its image and receives its mark on their forehead or on their hand, they, too, will drink the wine of God’s fury, which has been poured full strength into the cup of his wrath. They will be tormented [basanisthēsetai] with burning sulfur in the presence of the holy angels and of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment [basanismou] will rise for ever and ever. (Rev 14:9-11 NIV)

Elsewhere the same Greek word is used to describe the rich man who was in Hades and was in torment and in agony in … fire (Luke 16:23-24).

The final uses of the Greek word for torture are found in the passages from Revelation 18 above which describe how the kings of the earth and the international businessmen of the Earth will be terrified at the torment [basanismou] (vs. 10, 15) of Endtime Babylon (America).

The same Greek word for torture used to describe the five months of stinging by demonic locusts and eternal Hell, is used twice in Revelation 18 to describe what every man, woman, and child in Endtime Babylon (America) will experience in one day when a sudden and severe disaster will strike her hard, including death, mourning, and famine. She will be burned up with fire (Rev 18:8). That kind of torture reflects NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

What will that torture look like? As explained further in the next chapter, the blast radius of even powerful nuclear warheads is only a few miles. Within that radius people will be instantly evaporated. That could not be described as torture. It would seem the reason that the killing of all people in Endtime Babylon (America) is called torture is because the vast majority of them will die a rather slow and painful death from radiation poisoning.

B) Evidence of nuclear weapons in Revelation 6

There are other indications in Scripture that the coming destruction of Endtime Babylon will be through the use of NUCLEAR WEAPONS. After the Antichrist arrives on the scene (1st Seal Preparation, Rev 6:1-2), we read in a suggested translation of verses 3-4, the 2nd Seal:

When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people violently slaughter each other. To him was given a large sword.

The suggested translation generally follows the NIV. It seems this Seal is describing catastrophic, even NUCLEAR WAR. First, this horse is described as being fiery red (pyrros). Versions that simply translate the Greek here as red (NASB, NLT) are less than accurate. John does not use the regular Greek word for “red” (eruthros). Rather, he used a root word for “fire” (pyr), and therefore both BDAG and the NIV render this as fiery red.

This fiery red may have something to do with the kind of warfare being described here. Therefore, it could be referring to the powerful rockets used to launch and propel nuclear missiles. Or it could refer to the great fires that the nuclear warheads will cause upon impact. This Horseman of the Apocalypse on a fiery red horse seems to reflect the prediction that Endtime Babylon (America) will be burned down with fire (Rev 18:10; cf.17:16) with NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

Next, we see the nature of this warfare. People will violently slaughter [sphaxousin] each other. The Greek word for violently slaughtered is not the normal Greek word for “kill” (e.g. apokteinō, used 74 times in the NT). Rather, the word used here means: “slaughter … killing a person by violence.” ^[9]

Therefore, violently slaughter is a good translation. Webster’s defines “slaughter” as: “to kill in a bloody or violent manner; to kill in large numbers.” This again could certainly reflect the use of NUCLEAR WEAPONS. And so does the next reference to a large sword.

The weapon used is not described as the literal weapon of a sword, but is metaphorically described as a mega sword (megalē machaira ^[10]). This would suggest a weapon with more killing power than normal. ^[11] In fact, the result of the war unleashed in the 2nd Seal will largely contribute to the one-fourth of the earth that will be killed (Rev 6:8) during The Beginning of Birth Pains and reflected in the 4th Seal. All of this again seems to suggest the use of NUCLEAR WEAPONS. Accordingly, MacArthur comments on the 2nd Seal:

Men will slay one another on an unprecedented scale. Violent slaughter will become commonplace. While Scripture does not give the details, the advances in modern weaponry suggest a terrible, unimaginable holocaust. ^[12]

Likewise, Thomas writes of the 2nd Seal:

The horse’s color, pyrros (“fiery red”), intimates the nature of afflictions under the second seal. It is an unprecedented span of slaughter and bloodshed… This is warfare in its most feared form… All in all, it is better to assign sphaxousin a broad connotation of the violent taking of life through warfare (Lenski). This will be a visitation resulting in great carnage. ^[13] ^[14]

It is commonly thought that humans would never be foolish enough to unleash NUCLEAR WEAPONS in the world. But notice the prophecy says the demonic rider on the fiery red horse will be given supernatural power to take peace from the earth and to make people violently slaughter each other.

Power and make (NIV) are not in the Greek text. The text literally says the rider was granted [edothē] to take peace from the earth and that they would slaughter one another.” ^[15] Therefore, a God-given authority (NLT) and power (NIV) being given to the Antichrist is being reflected here. And that power will be used to make people violently slaughter each other.

This same destructive power to violently slaughter people is predicted in Revelation 17 where we read the ten kings in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will give their power and authority to the beast Antichrist (vs. 12-13). The Greek word used here (dynamin) can refer “especially to military forces.” ^[16] Therefore, dynamin is a good word to describe the Coalition giving the Antichrist the “military” power to burn down Endtime Babylon (America) with fire … in one hour with NUCLEAR WEAPONS (Rev 17:16; 18:8, 10, 17, 19).

Indeed, such an endeavor seems insane. But the prophecy makes it clear that God Himself is going to cause the Antichrist and the leaders of the 10-nation Endtime Coalition to do this. Again, we read in Revelation 17:

This will happen because God has put a plan into their minds, a plan that will carry out his purposes. They will agree to give their authority to the scarlet beast, and so the words of God will be fulfilled. (Rev 17:16-17 ^[17])

There is no need to monitor Russia’s hatred for America, or Russian threats to attack it with nuclear weapons. When this Endtime attack occurs it will not be ultimately because any humans made a decision. It will be because God will supernaturally intervene in their minds and make them do this.

The fourth Seal of Preparation also gives some evidence of NUCLEAR WEAPONS:

When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. (Rev 6:7-8 NIV)

As explained previously in BBP:

A fourth of the earth refers to a geographical area of the Earth. This interpretation of Revelation 6:8 may also equate to approximately 2 billion people. But its emphasis on a specific geographic area of the Earth seems to suggest the deaths will not be evenly distributed in the world. In other words, the wars, famines, plagues, and earthquakes may be concentrated in specific continents on Earth. Therefore, a great many people (maybe everyone) living in that one fourth of the earth’s geography will be killed…

For example, it seems those killed by war will be primarily in this one fourth of the earth. Therefore, the other 75% of the earth will not physically experience these Endtime wars. This would reflect Christ’s statement that in the Endtimes many people will merely hear reports of these wars, or news of battles far away (Matt 24:6)…

The fact that these wars may be confined to one fourth of the earth is another indication that the great majority of these deaths will occur in the apparent destruction of Endtime Babylon (America) with nuclear weapons. (ch. 18, sec. E)

It was also stated earlier in BBP:

Can you imagine the death of 2 billion people in the world? As of this writing, our world is experiencing the Covid-19 pandemic. Its death toll is estimated to be currently over 6 million people. Its effects on society and the economy have been enormous. But the death of 2 billion people will be over 300 times the deaths that have occurred from Covid.

In fact, how many people have been killed in all of human history from wars, genocides, massacres, famines, and plagues? Some have carefully estimated the total to be about 700 million people. This has occurred over thousands of years of human history. But in just a few short years during The Beginning of Birth Pains, perhaps three times as many people will die from war, famine, and disease, than in all of the similar catastrophes in human history combined. (ch. 3, sec. A)

That level of catastrophic killing would suggest the use of NUCLEAR WEAPONS. In summary, the unleashing of a fiery red weapon with the power to make people violently slaughter each other with a mega sword that will burn down with fire … in one hour a place where no worker of any trade will ever be found there again, contributing to the death of all people living on one fourth of the earth, is rather clearly describing NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

C) Evidence of nuclear weapons in the OT Prophets

C.1) The burning of all cities and killing of all soldiers Jeremiah & Isaiah

The following biblical prophecy has never been fulfilled in human history. God promised: “I will light a fire in the cities of Babylon that will burn up everything around them” (Jer 50:32 NLT). This again suggests the horrific destruction of America by fire with NUCLEAR WEAPONS. Another unfulfilled prediction of Endtime Babylon’s destruction describes the same:

“I am your enemy,” says the LORD. “I will raise my fist against you, to knock you down from the heights. When I am finished, you will be nothing but a heap of burnt rubble. You will be desolate [shimamah] forever. Even your stones will never again be used for building. You will be completely wiped out,” says the LORD. (Jer 51:25 NLT; cf. 51:58)

The Hebrew for desolate (shimamah; Eng. “destruction, waste”) used here means:

Basic to the idea of the root is the desolation caused by some great disaster, usually as a result of divine judgment… [Therefore] it is not difficult to see how the second major use of the root is derived, the sense of “horror” and “shock” brought about by the vision of desolation. ^[18]

Likewise, in a prophecy against Babylon, Isaiah predicted a fiery destruction that has never been fulfilled, but will be in Endtime Babylon. Speaking of its attackers we read:

Their bows will strike down the young men; they will have no mercy on infants, nor will they look with compassion on children. Babylon, the jewel of kingdoms, the glory of the Babylonians’ pride, will be overthrown by God like Sodom and Gomorrah (Isa 13:18-20 NIV).

Remembering that Sodom and Gomorrah were consumed with fire from the sky (cf. Gen 19:24-25), we see a possible allusion to the nuclear weapons that might be used by the Antichrist and his 10-nation Endtime Coalition to destroy Endtime Babylon.

Isaiah mentioned that the weapon that will be used against Endtime Babylon would be bows. It is interesting to note that when Revelation portrays the Antichrist as emerging in the world, he too is pictured as one who carried a bow as He rode out conquering so that he would conquer (Rev 6:2). Therefore, both Isaiah and Revelation suggest the Antichrist will use some kind of “arrows” to destroy Endtime Babylon. ^[19]

Accordingly, the future destruction of Endtime Babylon is repeatedly described in Jeremiah as involving bows and arrows. Speaking of its enemies, the Prophet predicts:

Their arrows will be like skilled warriors who do not return empty-handed… Take up your positions around Babylon, all you who draw the bow. Shoot at her! Spare no arrows, for she has sinned against the LORD… Summon archers against Babylon, all those who draw the bow. Encamp all around her; let no one escape… Therefore, her young men will fall in the streets; all [kol “the whole, all”] her soldiers will be silenced in that day,” declares the LORD. (50:9, 14, 29-30 NIV).

Arrows that let no one escape and silence all of Endtime Babylon’s soldiers in one day? This would seem to be one way ancient peoples would describe the use and effect of NUCLEAR MISSILES. Two verses later, Jeremiah described what those arrows against Babylon will do: They will light a fire in the cities of Babylon that will burn up everything around them” (Jer 50:32 NLT). Again, another prophecy about Babylon that has never been fulfilled in history, but will be in Endtime Babylon.

C.2) Evidence of nuclear weapons in Daniel a shocking destruction without warning

We read again in Revelation 17:16:

The ten horns that you saw, and the beast [Antichrist] will hate the Prostitute, 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)

We note here that this attack on Endtime Babylon (America) will be led by the Antichrist. Again, the ten kings (horns) of the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will give their power and authority to the beast Antichrist for this purpose (17:12-13). Accordingly, in Daniel, there are descriptions of Antichrist’s use of military power to cause great destruction in the Endtimes. It seems these predictions essentially refer to Antichrist’s Attack being described in the prophecy of Endtime Babylon’s destruction in Revelation 17:16 and Jeremiah 50-51. Once again, the language reflects the use of NUCLEAR WEAPONS.

Accordingly, three different translations of Daniel 8:24-25 follow:

He will cause astounding devastation and will succeed in whatever he does. He will destroy those who are mighty… When they feel secure, he will destroy many (NIV) ^[20]

He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders… he will destroy many without warning. (NLT)

He will destroy to an extraordinary degree and prosper and perform his will… He will destroy mighty men… he will destroy many while they are at ease. (NASB)

Daniel 11:39 adds, He will attack the mightiest fortresses (NIV). To destroy those who are mighty and powerful leaders and the mightiest fortresses are all good descriptions of America and its military power.

The texts above translate the Hebrew word pala as astounding (NIV), shocking (NLT), and to an extraordinary degree (NASB) to describe the devastation the Antichrist will cause. The word pala refers to something so extraordinary, unprecedented, shocking, or terrible that it is “unbelievable.” ^{^[21]} Elsewhere in the OT the word refers to something that cannot be comprehended (cf. Ps 131:1; Prov 30:18; Job 42:3). Elsewhere in Daniel pala is translated unheard-of (11:36 NIV) or monstrous (NASB).

God seems to be warning us that the Antichrist will destroy Endtime Babylon with NUCLEAR WEAPONS. That is why the devastation will be so astounding, extraordinary, shocking, and monstrous it will be difficult for people to even believe.

And it will be a surprise nuclear attack. The prophecy seems to imply it will happen without warning, when Endtime Babylon will feel secure and is at ease (Dan 8:25).

It is understandable that we would desperately want to find an interpretation of these prophecies other than the predicted destruction of America with NUCLEAR WEAPONS. But Edward Tracy in his book, The United States in Prophecy, makes a reasonable conclusion based on the biblical data:

How could prophecy, many centuries old, better describe a nuclear holocaust? How else could it have been written? It tells us of a sudden, momentary catastrophe that overthrows a mighty nation, that leaves her burning from one end to the other, that destroys her treasures of precious things; and “a catastrophe you cannot foresee” and that “will suddenly come upon you” (Isa 47:11). I challenge any man to more appropriately and accurately describe a nuclear bombardment even today!

Dear reader, if we do not admit to this, then what possible interpretation can we give to these passages? They were not fulfilled in historical Babylon’s gradual demise over the centuries; this is made doubly certain from the reiteration of the prophecy in the Revelation. These things are yet to come upon proud Babylon! ^[22]

The suggestion that Scripture predicts America will be destroyed with NUCLEAR WEAPONS should not be a surprise to most Americans. Regarding a survey in 2022 we read:

In a Reuters-Ipsos poll, 58 percent of respondents said they fear the United States is headed toward nuclear war [with Russia]. “I don’t recall any time in the last 20 years where we’ve seen this sort of level of concern about the potential for nuclear apocalypse,” said Chris Jackson, senior vice president of Ipsos. ^[23]

God’s Word predicts:

The ten horns [10-nation Endtime Coalition] that you saw, and the beast [Antichrist] will hate the Prostitute [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 … in one hour (such that no one ever lives there again) (Rev 17:16; 18:10, 21-13)

This prophecy is over 2,000 years old. The ones in Isaiah and Jeremiah are 500-700 years before that. For the vast majority of that time, it would seem virtually impossible for God’s people to understand what God was predicting. Before America emerged in human history, there had never been a nation that influenced every corner of the globe with its economic power. Before the advent of nuclear weapons, there was no way that an Antichrist could remove all people from a nation and burn it down with fire in one hour.

But these things are a part of our world today. Which is another reason to believe these things will be fulfilled in our lifetime.

C.3) The secret “one hour” that will change the world (Rev 17:12)

It was noted above that three times the prophecy in Revelation 18 says Endtime Babylon will be destroyed in one hour (vs. 10, 17, 19). There is a fourth use of one hour in this prophecy. We read:

The ten horns you saw are ten kings who have not yet received a kingdom, but who for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast. (17:12 NIV)

This does not mean that the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will only last for one hour. Two verses later we read the ten kings … will wage war against the Lamb, but the Lamb will triumph over them because he is Lord of lords and King of kings —and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers (Rev 17:14 NIV). This is referring to the Battle of Armageddon where the Coalition will be destroyed (cf. Rev 16:14, 16; 19:19). Therefore, the Coalition will be operating for several years during the Endtimes.

So, what does it mean that the ten kings in the Coalition will for one hour will receive authority as kings along with the beast Antichrist (17:12 NIV)? It seems they will receive authority from God for a particular task during that one hour.

This is similar to the fact that we read of the Antichrist: The beast was … given authority to do whatever he wanted for forty-two months which will include the exact 42 months when the beast will be allowed to wage war against God’s holy people and to conquer them (Rev 13:5, 7 NLT) during The Greatest Persecution (cf. BBP ch. 15). Obviously, the Antichrist will be operating on Earth before those forty-two months of being given authority. Therefore, the authority refers to the God-given ability to do something horrible, like conquer the saints.

Likewise, the one hour when the ten kings of the Coalition will receive authority as kings along with the beast Antichrist (17:12) refers to an hour that God will give them authority to do something horrible. What will that be? Four verses later we are told:

It would seem the one hour that the Coalition and the Antichrist receive authority (17:12) to do something horrible, is the same one hour (18:10, 17, 19) they will burn Endtime Babylon (America) down with fire (17:16) such that no one can live there again (18:21-23). That one hour will change the world in an unprecedented way.

For several reasons, it seems this one hour alliance between the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will be made in secrecy, such that the world will not even know it has occurred. First, both the Coalition and the Antichrist will desire their horrific attack and destruction of Endtime Babylon (America) to be a surprise. Accordingly, as noted above, we read of the Antichrist: When they feel secure, he will destroy many (Dan 8:25 NIV). Another version has He will destroy many without warning (NLT).

Secondly, Antichrist will not want to be known as a perpetrator of such an atrocity. Remember his goal is to become loved by everyone in the world. If people were aware that he instigated the destruction of an entire nation with nuclear weapons, he would never achieve his God-given purpose. Also, the destruction of Endtime Babylon (America), the foremost economic power in the world, will destroy the very popular idolatrous religion of wealth, and plunge the world into painful economic hardship (cf. Rev 6:3-6). It is unlikely the Antichrist will want to be known as the cause of any of these things.

All of this fits his predicted characteristics of being a master of deception. Notice how both this attribute and surprise and massive destruction are intertwined in the following description that seems to predict how the Antichrist will destroy Endtime Babylon:

[A] fierce king, a master of intrigue, will rise to power. He will become very strong, but not by his own power. He will cause a shocking amount of destruction and succeed in everything he does. He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people. He will be a master of deception and will become arrogant; he will destroy many without warning. (8:23-25 NLT)

D) The flooding of Endtime Babylon

There is an odd but important prediction about the destruction of Endtime Babylon. Scripture says: The sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her (Jer 51:42 NIV). This is a remarkable prediction that Endtime Babylon will be completely flooded by water. ^[24] This prediction seems to be repeated in Revelation where we read:

Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a huge millstone. He threw it into the ocean and shouted, “Just like this, the great city Babylon will be thrown down with violence and will never be found again. (Rev 18:21 NLT)

These prophecies were never fulfilled in ancient Babylon. For one reason, it was located over 300 miles from any ocean. This is another reason to reject the claim that Endtime Babylon will be a rebuilt city in Iraq.

However, America is surrounded by huge bodies of water. The Atlantic and Pacific Oceans are its east and west borders, and the Gulf of Mexico is on its southern border. In addition, the Great Lakes are the largest lakes in the world and form over 4,500 miles of shoreline on America’s northern border. ^[25] Unlike ancient Babylon, America is surrounded by vast amounts of water.

Still, how could America be flooded by these waters? Remember that Jesus predicted there would be earthquakes in various places (Matt 24:7). Earthquakes are known to create massive tsunamis. One resource relates:

The largest tsunami wave ever recorded broke on a cool July night in 1958 and only claimed five lives. A 1,720 foot tsunami [that’s about 500 feet taller than the Empire State Building] towered over Lituya Bay, a quiet fjord in Alaska, after an earthquake rumbled 13 miles away.

This massive tremor triggered around 30.6 million cubic meters of rock to fall 3,000 feet into the Lituya Glacier, causing a torrent of displaced water to rear up and form a monstrous wave…

Despite easily being able to wash over the Empire State Building, the monster wave of 1958 wasn’t the most destructive. That devastating record was broken by the 2004 Indian Ocean tsunami that was one tenth of the height.

On 26th December 2004, an earthquake that hit over 9.3 on the Richter Scale caused a tunnel of water. The tsunami travelled over 3,000 miles impacting 17 countries in Southeastern and Southern Asia and Eastern and Southern Africa. With a recorded death toll of 230,000 people and damages over $10 billion, it is one of the worst disasters the modern world has ever seen. ^[26]

Earthquakes occurring in the Oceans, Gulf, and Great Lakes surrounding America could cause the fulfillment of the prophecy that, The sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her. Therefore, not only could America be burned down with fire … in one hour (Rev 17:16, 18:10) by nuclear weapons. It may also have waters rise over it and completely cover it!

What would be the purpose of such an event? To extinguish the massive fires caused by the nuclear weapons. The amount of nuclear weapons used to destroy America, and the resulting massive fires, would threaten the entire Remaining World with a “nuclear winter.” But that is not what Scripture predicts. It is a fourth of the earth that will be killed by the wars, famines, and plagues of The Beginning of Birth Pains (Rev 6:8). The rest of the world would be severely affected by these disasters, and particularly the nuclear destruction of America. However, people will continue to live on the remaining 75% of the Earth. Therefore, it would seem the effects of a “nuclear winter” caused by the nuclear destruction and massive fires in the U.S. would be limited by the complete flooding of America.

The prophecy goes on to say these waters will eventually recede and Her towns will be desolate, a dry and desert land, a land where no one lives, through which no one travels (Jer 51:43 NIV). That is the judgment of God! First nuked, then flooded, then a desert. No wonder no one will ever live in Endtime Babylon again. ^[27]

E) Alternative views to America’s destruction with nuclear weapons

Earlier in Endtime Babylon (EB) reasons were given that we should expect America to be mentioned in Scripture (cf. ch. 6, sec. A). However, most scholars of biblical prophecy have denied this. In the process they have recognized the possibility that America is somehow destroyed before or during the Endtimes.

But there is a fundamental problem with the view that America is somehow destroyed before the Endtimes begin. In that case, another economic, cultural, and military superpower meeting the 12 biblical attributes of Endtime Babylon (listed in ch. 8, sec. A) would have to emerge. It is doubtful that any nation, which would be described as a spiritual Prostitute by God, and being the economic, military, and cultural superpower of the world, would replace America any time soon, if ever.

Still, some suggest that America is somehow destroyed before or during the Endtimes. How would this happen? In EB it has been argued that Revelation 17:16 predicts the Antichrist will destroy America with nuclear weapons. How do others answer this question? The most common answers are addressed below.

E.1) Speculations about America’s destruction with nuclear weapons without offering biblical support

Oddly, some Bible scholars suggest America will be destroyed in nuclear warfare. However, their view is merely speculation and not tied in any way to the biblical prophecies presented above in this chapter.

For example, the influential Dallas Theological Seminary Professor Charles Ryrie is typical when he concludes that “either the United States will be neutralized by nuclear fallout or a natural catastrophe before the end times.” ^[28] But again, this is just a guess for him because Ryrie never suggests that the prophecy that Endtime Babylon will be burned down with fire… in one hour (Rev 18:8, 10) has any relevance to America being “neutralized by nuclear” warfare.

Likewise, popular prophecy author Ron Rhodes writes:

My assessment is that America is not mentioned in Bible prophecy at all. Using proper hermeneutics and sound exegesis, I cannot find America in any of the verses so often suggested by prophecy buffs. If I am correct in this belief, the key question becomes, why isn’t America mentioned in Bible prophecy?.. Perhaps the United States will be destroyed or at least greatly weakened by nuclear weapons and so will play no significant role in the end times. ^[29]

The author does not even offer any arguments, biblical or otherwise, to support the above conclusion. Nowhere does he mention any of the 12 biblical attributes of Endtime Babylon derived from Revelation 17-18 and Jeremiah 50-51 discussed earlier in this book. And if Rhodes’ “hermeneutics” were so “proper” and his “exegesis” so “sound” as he claims, then why is there not even a mention in his book about any relationship between the nuclear war he prophesies for America, and Endtime Babylon being burned down with fire… in one hour (Rev 18:8, 10)?

The author’s view would deserve more respect if he just mentioned the arguments presented in Endtime Babylon and refuted them. But to not even mention the possibility of these things at all reveals a bias or an ignorance that makes the author’s “hermeneutics” and “exegesis” untrustworthy. Accordingly, there is nothing in Rhodes’ book that would biblically refute any of the 12 biblical arguments presented in the previous chapters that Endtime Babylon will be America.

E.2) Does America diminish before the Endtimes from some economic disaster?

An economic collapse is another commonly suggested explanation for why America is not described in biblical prophecy. One argument for is its trillions of dollars of national debt. But this was addressed in chapter 5 (sec. C.1). America crossed the 1 trillion dollar mark of debt in 1981, and ever since it has drastically increased both its debt and prosperity.

If Endtime Babylon is America, then these prophecies indicate that it will continue to be financially wealthy until it is destroyed by nuclear weapons. Revelation 17-18 gives no evidence that some kind of economic downfall is experienced by it before then. It predicts: The kings of the earth committed adultery with her, and the merchants of the earth grew rich from her excessive luxuries (Rev 18:3 NIV). When do those excessive luxuries end? When the kings of the earth who committed adultery with her and shared her luxury see the smoke of her burning (v. 9). Only then will people say of Endtime Babylon, “All your luxury and splendor have vanished, never to be recovered” (v. 14 NIV).

The fact that Endtime Babylon will remain in economic prosperity until the Antichrist destroys it with nuclear weapons is reflected when we read of Babylon:

“But while they are aroused, I will set out a feast for them
and make them drunk, so that they shout with laughter— then sleep forever and not awake,” declares the LORD. “I will bring them down like lambs to the slaughter… How desolate Babylon will be among the nations! (Jer 51:39-41 NIV)

It would seem God even intends to maintain Endtime Babylon’s prosperity in order to abandon its pagans to their idolatrous worship of Money and be unsuspecting of any divine punishment. Severe economic hardship could lead Americans to turn back to God. Although not even the 2001 destruction of the twin World Trade Towers, or the 2020 Covid pandemic, and the economic stress they caused, did anything to cause Americans to turn away from the worship of Money and turn to God. Nevertheless, in the Last Generation it will not be God’s plan or desire to save Endtime Babylon, but rather to punish it.

It is possible that America will suffer economic hardships before then. But even the worldwide recession caused by the recent Covid pandemic was only an economic “speed bump” for America. The recent economic hardships due to the Covid pandemic have only widened that gap. Americans in general were economically impacted the least of all other nations, and are recovering faster than all other countries. ^[30]

Whatever economic downturns America might experience, most other countries in the world will suffer more. If America suffers an economic recession, all the poorer countries in the world (which is every single one of them) will struggle with economic depression. If America experienced an economic depression, some of the world would suffer from food shortages. And if America ever experienced food shortages, much of the rest of the world would be dying from famine.

The popular predictions that Americans need to be buying gold or hoarding food because America’s economy will collapse are often exaggerated. And they contradict what Scripture seems to predict for America in the years leading up to the Endtimes. Biblical prophecy indicates America will continue to be the financial king of the world.

Those who suggest that the downfall of America will be because of the economy, the government, or immorality, seem to be echoing what Endtime Babylon will be saying. In Revelation 18 we read that:

In her heart she boasts… “I am not a widow; I will never mourn.” Therefore in one day her plagues will overtake her: death, mourning and famine. (vs. 7-8 NIV)

There seems to be a denial here that Endtime Babylon’s downfall will come through death. Which is why God specifically claims death and famine will be the end of her, not economics, politics, or immorality.

E.3) Does America diminish before the Endtimes because of the “rapture”?

Perhaps the most common view of Endtimes events is that the Church’s Rescue occurs before any other Endtime events (Pre-tribulationism). This view is explained and thoroughly refuted in the previous book, Christ’s Endtimes Teaching. In this view, there is no possibility that the Church will suffer any of the wars or persecution that Jesus and Scripture predict for this time. This timing of the Church’s Rescue is then used to explain the demise of America on the world scene. For example, Tim Lahaye, the co-author of the popular fiction books, The Left Behind Series writes:

Certainly, the sudden removal of over forty percent of the U.S. population [because of the “rapture”] could render this country so helpless she could not resist [Antichrist’s] overtures [But does any informed Christian believe 40% of Americans are born-again believers?]. This would render the U.S. the non-participant in [Endtime events]. The sudden removal of forty percent of the population could leave America in such chaos she could be rendered helpless to the flattery of the Antichrist. ^[31]

Likewise, this is how Lahaye’s novels portray the event as well.

Mark Hitchcock is similar, remarking:

The minimal impact of the Rapture on Europe, where biblical faith has seriously eroded, will leave the European Union poised to lead the Western world. Power will shift dramatically away from the United States. ^[32]

Granted, this view is rather ingenious. But it is not biblical.

A great number of biblical arguments for identifying Endtime Babylon with America, and its destruction with nuclear weapons have been provided in Endtime Babylon. The weaknesses of alternative views have also been discussed. For all of the reasons given in the previous chapters, it is claimed that the best interpretation of Revelation 17-18 is that America will be destroyed with nuclear weapons in the Endtimes. In the next chapters we discuss the very sobering ramifications of that interpretation.

BDAG. ↑
Endtime Babylon is clearly described as never having people live there again after it is destroyed (cf. Rev 18:21-23). It is tempting to suggest this is an attribute of nuclear weapons as well. But it has been proven that nuclear radiation such as this would eventually dissipate enough for people to live there again. The reason that Endtime Babylon will be forever without inhabitants is ultimately because of God’s judgment, not nuclear weapons. ↑
BDAG #1, #3. ↑
BDAG. ↑
The reference to Endtime Babylon (America) being burned down with fire in one hour (Rev 17:16) reminds one of the 9/11 attack on the World Trade Center. It was a center and symbol of America’s economic dominance reflecting Endtime Babylon, and it was burned down with fire in one hour with the South Tower collapsing “after burning for 56 minutes.”

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Collapse_of_the_World_Trade_Center# ↑
BDAG. ↑
The Greek word translated hour here (hōran) generally means 1) a short period of time, or 2) literally an hour (BDAG). For reasons given in this section, the latter is intended here.

Therefore, Osborne has no reason (and does not suggest any) to claim, “As in all numbers of Revelation, this is not meant to be taken literally” (643, cf. Mounce, 329). He seems to ignore the fact that most biblical prophecies already fulfilled in history were fulfilled literally. ↑
BDAG. ↑
Ibid. ↑
It is odd that the Greek word megalē (large) is coupled with machaira here which means: “a relatively short sword or other sharp instrument, sword, dagger … knife” (BDAG). One would have expected John to use rhomphaia here which means, “a large and broad sword” (BDAG). One wants to be careful of reading too much into such symbolism, but perhaps the idea of a “dagger” suggests the secrecy with which this attack will occur. Still, the addition of megalē makes it clear that John intended large sword. ↑
Oddly, the popular Left Behind Collection suggests the fiery red horse of war will merely be a rebellion of Egypt, England, and a militia in America, against the Antichrist. ↑
MacArthur, MNTC, Rev, 180. ↑
Thomas, 699, 702. ↑
As noted, MacArthur and Thomas correctly interpret the meaning of the 2nd Seal as massive war. Walvoord has little comment but likewise acknowledges:

When the second seal is broken, military warfare breaks out and peace is taken from the world. The constant tension among nations and the ambitions of rulers have their climax in this period before Christ comes. Though “wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6) are characteristic of the age, it is evident that warfare occupies a large place in the consummation of the age with a resultant great loss of life. (125)

However, it is surprising how many scholars ignore the obvious meaning in the 2nd Seal of massive war as also predicted by Jesus when He warned “Nation will rise against nation (Matt 24:7 NIV). For example, Osborne (278) and Morris (103) interpret it as merely “civil war” implying wars within nations.

Beale characteristically misses the most important meaning of the text and claims meanings that probably are not even there when he writes regarding Rev 6:3:

[This] must not be limited to literal warfare but includes the dimension of spiritual struggles … persecution of Christians is also in mind. (379; cf. Hendricksen, 100).

On the contrary, the prediction of literal and unprecedented war is the intention of the text, but Beale has no commentary on this because he barely sees it there. Also, persecution is not reflected until the 5^th Seal portraying The Greatest Persecution. ↑
LGEINT. ↑
BDAG #’s 1, 2, & 4. ↑
The suggested translation of Rev 17:16 has been explained in ch. 1, sec. A.2. Verse 17 is primarily the NLT, although this will happen because translates the little Greek word gar which means: “marker of cause or reason, for” (BDAG), or even better because. ↑
TWOT, 936-937. ↑
Many scholars have seen here a reference to the Parthian archers in the first century who were feared in the Roman Empire for their ability to accurately shoot arrows for a considerable distance. ↑
Dan 8:24d seems to be describing the Antichrist’s destruction of two different groups. The NASB has He will destroy mighty men and the holy people. Likewise, the NLT has He will destroy powerful leaders and devastate the holy people (cf. ESV, NET). Accordingly the Hebrew text at https://www.scripture4all.org/OnlineInterlinear/Hebrew shows a conjunction here. Young concludes:

This phrase is not epexegetical of “powerful ones,” but is perhaps used in direct contradistinction. Not only will he destroy powerful ones such as political enemies, but also the nation in which the saints live” (180).

Therefore, the NIV seems wrong to suggest one group here. It reads He will destroy those who are mighty, the holy people. On the contrary, the Antichrist will destroy both the mighty and the holy people. Or as the NASB text note and 1984 NIV have it, the people of the saints. ↑
TWOT, 723. ↑
Tracy, 763-765. ↑
https://thehill.com/policy/defense/3687396-americans-nuclear-fears-surge-to-highest-levels-since-cold-war/ ↑
Unfortunately, OT scholars interpret the flooding described in Jer 51:42 in only a metaphorical way. For example, Kaiser writes:

The invading army is seen as a monstrous series of waves that will engulf Babylon… The seawater will surge over Babylon and cover her (v. 42); in contrast, v. 36 pictures the sea as drying up, so the use here must be metaphorical as v. 43b continues with the metaphor of a “dry and desert land.” (Jer, loc. 11471-11473)

There are places in the Prophets where enemy armies are likened to flooding (cf. Isa 7:7-8; Jer 46:7-8; 47:2). But the prophecy in Jer 51:42 is more specific, stating The sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her. Other prophecies speak of armies “like a flood.”

Secondly, Kaiser rejects a literal interpretation because the next verse says Endtime Babylon will be a “dry and desert land.” But why reject the idea that the flood waters will recede?

In general, Kaiser and other OT scholars seem to be forgetting that all of the biblical prophecies fulfilled to date, have been fulfilled in a physical, if not literal way. The same will be true for Jer 51:42. ↑
https://www.mlive.com/news/2013/04/who_has_more_miles_of_coastline ↑
https://www.preventionweb.net/news/tallest-tsunami-wave-ever-wasnt-deadliest#. ↑
The flooding of America to extinguish the massive fires caused by its nuclear destruction needs to be reconciled with Rev 19:2-3 where we read: “He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries… The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever” (NIV).

How can this be if the prophecy in Jeremiah is fulfilled that The sea will rise over Babylon; its roaring waves will cover her (51”42)? First, it should be remembered that the prophecy adds that eventually the flood waters will recede, and Her towns will be desolate, a dry and desert land (v. 43 NIV). Secondly, Revelation seems to predict more judgment on Endtime Babylon even after its burning with fire and flooding. At the end of Christ’s Wrath, after the Battle of Armageddon, we read:

Then the thunder crashed and rolled, and lightning flashed. And a great earthquake struck—the worst since people were placed on the earth. The great city of Babylon split into three sections, and the cities of many nations fell into heaps of rubble. So God remembered all of Babylon’s sins, and he made her drink the cup that was filled with the wine of his fierce wrath. (Rev 16:18-19 NLT; cf. v. 16)

After the receding of the waters covering America during The Beginning of Birth Pains, it seems that the lightning that will come at the end of Christ’s Wrath will ignite fires so that “the smoke from her goes up for ever and ever” (Rev 19:3). ↑
Charles C. Ryrie, The Best Is Yet to Come (Moody, 1981), 109. ↑
Ron Rhodes, Northern Storm Rising: Russia, Iran, and the Emerging End-Times Military Coalition against Israel (Harvest House, 2008). ↑
https://home.treasury.gov/news/featured-stories/the-us-economic-recovery-in-international-context-2023 ↑
LaHaye, 2000a, quoted by Knoor, 153. ↑
Hitchcock, 114-115. ↑

Chapter 9

Biblical Evidence of America’s Destruction with Nuclear Weapons

Contents

Primary Points