Does Babylon the Great in Revelation refer to a specific city?
No, Babylon the Great in Revelation does not refer to a specific city. It is not the ancient city of Babylon rebuilt. Instead, it points to a global entity, as the world has become so interconnected through vast communication and rapid transportation that events in one place are quickly known everywhere.
Les explains that many people try to identify Babylon the Great in Revelation as the ancient city of Babylon rebuilt, even writing books claiming it will become a great trade and cultural center. But he begs to differ on the basis of Scripture. He states plainly that this Babylon in Revelation is not speaking of any one city in particular. He points out that the world is getting smaller and smaller, with vast communication systems and rapid transportation, so that anything happening in Tokyo becomes front page news in America within hours. He then directs the class back to Isaiah chapter 13.
And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
More Questions
Is the Babylon in Revelation 18 the ancient city of Babylon rebuilt?
Les rejects the view that the Babylon spoken of in Revelation is the ancient city of Babylon rebuilt.
When does the angel in Revelation 18 announce that Babylon the great is fallen?
The angel announcing Babylon's fall in Revelation 18 appears after the cataclysmic events that include the destruction of the Antichrist and all the world's armies.