Babylon is a symbol in Scripture of the world opposed to God. As Sodom symbolizes immorality, and Egypt oppression, so Babylon is an image of revolt against God. Ancient Babylon was the political, commercial, and religious center of a world empire. In Scripture, Babylon represents a world under the rule of the anti-Christ, a life lived on one’s own terms in accordance with one’s own agenda, a type of false society that cannot endure. Whether or not Babylon here stands for imperial Rome or for any city that defies the Lord Almighty, the message is clear: on the day of final judgment the Lord’s justice will be irreversible. “Then a mighty angel picked up a boulder the size of a large millstone and threw it into the sea, and said, ‘With such violence the great city of Babylon will be thrown down, never to be found again’” (Rev 18:21).

Global cities today are locations where great injustice, corruption, cruelty, and pride are concentrated, but also places where there are pockets of mercy, justice and truth shining forth from the Kingdom of God. Today wheat and tares intermingle, but ultimately there will be separation. The new Jerusalem, the Holy City, does not descend to earth until Babylon itself is felled, once for all time.

The Apostle John writes: “I saw the Holy City, the new Jerusalem, coming out of heaven from God, prepared as a bride beautifully dressed for her husband” (Rev 21:2). The dramatic contrast between Babylon and the new Jerusalem is intended to encourage faithfulness, confidence, and hope in Christians, particularly those who face persecution and injustice today. God’s justice will ultimately triumph. His mercy will ultimately be experienced by his people from every nation. Today, we have a foretaste in the slums of Nairobi, the stark concrete apartment blocks of Astana, and the chaotic neighborhoods of Cairo. Circumstances now may be grim, yet the future certainty of God’s perfect global city descending out of heaven should inspire in his people a confident hope that all will be well.