Topical Bible: Babylon was Called: Lady of Kingdoms

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Topical Encyclopedia

Babylon, one of the most significant cities in biblical history, is often referred to by various titles that reflect its grandeur and influence. Among these titles is "Lady of Kingdoms," a designation that underscores Babylon's prominence and power in the ancient world. This title is found in the book of Isaiah, where the prophet speaks of Babylon's impending judgment and downfall.

Biblical Reference:

The phrase "Lady of Kingdoms" appears in Isaiah 47:5, where the prophet Isaiah delivers a message of judgment against Babylon. The Berean Standard Bible renders this verse as follows:

"Sit in silence and go into darkness, O Daughter of Chaldea. For you will no longer be called the Lady of Kingdoms."

This passage is part of a larger oracle against Babylon, where Isaiah prophesies the city's humiliation and destruction. The title "Lady of Kingdoms" highlights Babylon's former status as a dominant empire, ruling over many nations and peoples.

Historical and Cultural Context:

Babylon was the capital of the Babylonian Empire, which reached its zenith under the rule of Nebuchadnezzar II in the 6th century BC. Known for its impressive architecture, including the Hanging Gardens—one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World—Babylon was a center of culture, commerce, and power. The city's influence extended across the ancient Near East, making it a formidable force in the region.

The title "Lady of Kingdoms" reflects Babylon's role as a sovereign power, exercising control and authority over a vast territory. This designation also carries connotations of pride and arrogance, as Babylon is often depicted in the Bible as a city that exalted itself above others and defied the God of Israel.

Theological Significance:

From a theological perspective, the title "Lady of Kingdoms" serves as a reminder of the transient nature of earthly power and the ultimate sovereignty of God. Despite Babylon's might and splendor, the city was subject to divine judgment due to its idolatry, oppression, and defiance of God's will. Isaiah's prophecy foretells Babylon's fall, emphasizing that no kingdom, regardless of its strength, can withstand the judgment of the Almighty.

The downfall of Babylon is a recurring theme in biblical prophecy, symbolizing the fate of all nations that oppose God. In the book of Revelation, Babylon is used as a metaphor for the world's corrupt systems and powers that stand against God's kingdom. Revelation 18:2 declares:

"Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! She has become a lair for demons and a haunt for every unclean spirit, every unclean bird, and every detestable beast."

This imagery reinforces the message that human pride and rebellion will ultimately be brought low, and God's justice will prevail.

Conclusion:

The title "Lady of Kingdoms" encapsulates Babylon's historical significance and its symbolic role in biblical prophecy. As a city that once epitomized human achievement and defiance, Babylon's account serves as a powerful testament to the sovereignty of God and the certainty of His judgment against all who oppose His divine order.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 47:5
Sit you silent, and get you into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for you shall no more be called, The lady of kingdoms.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Sixth vial.
... as a woman, and told to put on her "beautiful garments," (Isa.52:1); and Babylon
is called the "daughter of the Chaldeans," and "the lady of kingdoms," (Isa.47 ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/the sixth vial.htm

The Unseen Watcher
... "Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon,. ... For thou shalt no
more be called, The lady of kingdoms. "I was wroth with My people,. ...
/.../white/the story of prophets and kings/chapter 43 the unseen watcher.htm

The Rebuilding of the Temple.
... Cyrus was dead, and his son, Cambyses, (called also Ahasuerus ... In Darius's reign Babylon
revolted, and he laid siege ... that she never again was the Lady of Kingdoms ...
/.../yonge/the chosen people/lesson xiii the rebuilding of.htm

Antichrist.
... nations, the antichristian churches, otherwise called the daughters of ... Babylon also,
when God sent the cup of ... the mother, the metropolitan, the lady of kingdoms ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/xxiii antichrist.htm

The Earthquake (Preached October 11, 1863. )
... if we buy a piece of land it will be called by our ... years felt anything like national
distress; and Britain says, like Babylon of old, the lady of kingdoms ...
/.../the water of life and other sermons/sermon xv the earthquake preached.htm

The Temples and the Gods of Chaldaea
... he was confounded with his namesake Bel-Merodach of Babylon: to this ... a more intense
vitality than Anat or Belit: she was called Damkina, the lady of the ...
/.../chapter iithe temples and the.htm

Of Antichrist, and his Ruin: and of the Slaying the Witnesses.
... beginning to deal with Antichrist, is called, the beginning ... the nations were fallen,
great Babylon came into ... the mother, the metropolitan, the lady of kingdoms ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/of antichrist and his ruin .htm

A Discourse
... us' (Isaiah 14:8). This is at the destruction of Babylon, the type ... (Revelation
17:4). Hence she is called, 'The well-favoured harlot,' 'the lady of kingdoms ...
/.../bunyan/the works of john bunyan volumes 1-3/a discourse.htm

Scriptural Predictions of an Apostasy.
... to parents." Is there not many a young lady and young ... quotations from other authors
concerning mystery Babylon and her ... This woman (popery) is called the mother ...
/.../orr/the gospel day /chapter ii scriptural predictions of.htm

Canaan
... of the Amorites as well as of Babylon, and his ... the unmarried goddess, Asherah as
she was called by the ... Here stood the sanctuary of Baalith, the "lady" of Gebal ...
/.../sayce/early israel and the surrounding nations/chapter ii canaan.htm