From the beginning of Scripture to its final chapters, Babylon stands out not just as a historical empire, but as a symbol—one that reveals deep truths about human nature, spiritual struggle, and the call to live faithfully in a broken world. But what exactly is Babylon, and why does it matter to us today?
The Biblical Picture of Babylon
Babylon was a powerful ancient city located in Mesopotamia, renowned for its architecture, military strength, and wealth. It is most famously remembered in Scripture for two major events:
The first is the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11), where humanity, united in pride, attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens, declaring, “Let us make a name for ourselves.” Although Babel is not the same as the later Babylon, the “plain of Shinar” where Babel was built is linked geographically and symbolically to Babylon. The tower represents human pride and defiance against God.
The second major event is the Babylonian Exile (2 Kings 24–25), when King Nebuchadnezzar invaded Jerusalem, destroyed the Temple, and took many Israelites into captivity.
Later, in Revelation, Babylon is described as a seductive and corrupting force—“Babylon the Great, the mother of prostitutes and of the abominations of the earth” (Revelation 17:5). It’s a picture of worldly systems that lure people away from God through wealth, power, and spiritual compromise.
These stories are not just about buildings or empires—they point to a deeper issue: humanity’s attempt to define life on its own terms, apart from God. Babylon becomes a symbol of rebellion, pride, idolatry, injustice, and spiritual deception.
Modern-Day Babylon
Although the ancient city has long crumbled, the spirit of Babylon is still very much alive. Humanity’s tendency to live on our own terms, apart from God’s wisdom, continues today. We see Babylon in:
- Consumer culture, which says our worth is based on what we own.
- Political ideologies that place hope in human power instead of divine wisdom.
- Technological arrogance, which promises salvation through progress alone.
- Sexual exploitation and the commodification of people for pleasure.
- Religious compromise, where truth is traded for comfort and popularity.
- Self-exalting narratives, urging us to build platforms instead of altars.
The spirit of Babylon whispers, “You don’t need God. Make your own name great.” And Satan gladly feeds this desire for riches, honour, and pride to trap us.
But in this landscape, Jesus calls us to live differently. To live faithfully means:
- Resisting idolatry: keeping God at the centre of our affection and allegiance.
- Practising spiritual disciplines: cultivating habits that anchor us in Christ—prayer, Scripture, Sabbath, and silence.
- Seeking justice and compassion: standing with the poor, the marginalized, and the voiceless, just as Jesus did.
- Engaging without compromise: being present in the world without becoming like the world.
- Witnessing to hope: offering an alternative story—one of grace, peace, and resurrection power.
Spiritual Excercise
A powerful spiritual discipline that can help you recognize the spirit of Babylon in your life—while discerning Christ’s call to live differently—comes from St. Ignatius of Loyola’s meditation on the Two Standards (Spiritual Exercises, §§136–148).
Here is a simple format you can follow:
1. Ask God for the grace you seek through this meditation: “Lord, the grace I desire is Your wisdom to understand how the enemy may be deceiving me, and Your help to guard myself against it.”
2. Imagine the enemy seated in the great plain of Babylon, on a throne of smoke and fire—horrible and terrifying in appearance.
- Picture how he summons his demons and sends them throughout the world.
- Consider the address he gives them—how he instructs them to lay traps by tempting people through riches, worldly honour, pride, and every other vice that flows from them.
3. Contrast this by imagining Christ, our Supreme Leader, in the great plain of Jerusalem. The space is humble, beautiful, and inviting.
- Picture how Christ calls and sends out His apostles, disciples, and saints.
- Consider His address: how He draws people into deeper dependence on God, asking them to give up the desire for riches and honour, and to embrace humility—even if it means suffering reproach from the world.
4. End by asking God for the strength and grace to follow Jesus more closely: “Lord, help me become more like You, even when the way is narrow.”
You Are Not Along in Babylon
You may feel out of place in today’s world—and that’s okay. You’re not called to fit in, but to stand out in love and truth. Babylon may be loud and alluring, but the Kingdom of God is deeper, eternal, and breaking in even now.
So take heart. You were made for this moment. God has always had faithful people in Babylon—and He’s calling you to be one of them.
