The Harlot Motif and Babylon the Great — Part 5

By Mike Coldagelli

Let us now examine the title for the great prostitute: MYSTERY BABYLON THE GREAT THE MOTHER OF PROSTITUTES AND OF THE ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. There is some argument as to whether the word “mystery” in this case is a descriptor or part of the title. Suffice it to say that the identity of Babylon the Great is not specifically spelled out and thus open to conjecture. 2 Thessalonians 2:7 speaks of a “mystery of lawlessness” or “the secret power” of lawlessness. Mystery in the great harlot’s name suggests unseen activity, power or character in accord with Babylon the Great.

Babylon the Great will be the greatest manifestation of the Babylon of Genesis. A supreme rebellion against the Creator.

The LORD said, “If as one people speaking the same language they have begun to do this, then nothing they plan to do will be impossible for them. Come, let us go down and confuse their language so they will not understand each other.” (Genesis 11:6-7)

The words “nothing they plan will be impossible for them” gives us an idea of the unbridled characteristics of this city when the restrainer is taken out of the way.

For the secret power of lawlessness is already at work; but the one who now holds it back will continue to do so till he is taken out of the way. (2 Thessalonians 2:7)

All the evil connotations of Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon with regard to pride, idolatry, and brutality can be applied to Babylon the Great also, but to a supreme degree. She is contemporaneous with the beast she rides and is in collaboration with it.

The phrase “Mother of” is a Middle Eastern idiom for “the greatest of.” She is the greatest of prostitutes and the greatest of the abominations of the earth. Her adultery can only be against the God of Israel. There is no city, save Jerusalem, in history with a covenant of possession with God. And the greatest of abominations would necessarily have to involve the temple.

He will oppose and will exalt himself over everything that is called God or is worshiped, so that he sets himself up in God’s temple, proclaiming himself to be God. (2 Thessalonians 2:4)

All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the book of life belonging to the Lamb that was slain from the creation of the world. (Revelation 13:8)

The beast will set himself up as God in God’s temple, proclaim himself to be God, and receive God’s worship. A majority of Israel will worship him. The ultimate adulterous act will be worship of antichrist, Satan’s man, in the Jewish temple by the people of God. A remnant of Israel will turn to the true Messiah, Jesus and be saved. The LORD has taken vengeance for his temple (Jeremiah 50:28, 51:11) in the past and He will do so in the future. Babylon the Great (Jerusalem) will attract to it all the rebellious forces of Satan and the beast to their destruction. And so the evil city will be thrown down in a day as Sodom. But God is not finished with Jerusalem.

Put on your garments of splendor, O Jerusalem, the holy city. The uncircumcised and defiled will not enter you again. Shake off your dust; rise up, sit enthroned, O Jerusalem. Free yourself from the chains on your neck, O captive Daughter of Zion. (Isaiah 52:1-2)

Listen! Your watchmen lift up their voices; together they shout for joy. When the LORD returns to Zion, they will see it with their own eyes. Burst into songs of joy together, you ruins of Jerusalem, for the LORD has comforted his people, he has redeemed Jerusalem. (Isaiah 52:8-9)

Jerusalem clothed with strength and garments of splendor is cleansed of the defiled forever (See Zechariah 14:21). She will free herself from the chains of captivity and rise from the dust to receive her King (See Jeremiah 30:8). Her watchmen see the LORD return to Zion. The ruins of Jerusalem will burst into songs of joy at their redemption. Just as Babylon the Great receives a double portion for her iniquity:

Give back to her as she has given; pay her back double for what she has done. Mix her a double portion from her own cup. (Revelation 18:6)

The redeemed Jerusalem will receive a double portion for her inheritance.

Instead of their shame my people will receive a double portion, and instead of disgrace they will rejoice in their inheritance; and so they will inherit a double portion in their land, and everlasting joy will be theirs. (Isaiah 61:7)

Part 6 will delve into Israel’s desire to be “one of the nations,” along with the centrality of the temple to Israel’s idolatry-adultery prior to the eternal covenant.