Babylon Study • Connected to God’s Image and the Ten Commandments
Our examination began with Babylon in Revelation and followed her connections through the prophets to Babel and Shinar. Throughout, we have asked what Scripture identifies, what each participant does, and where those actions lead.
Look Beyond the Claim
Babylon’s appearance, wealth, and confidence do not establish her faithfulness. Revelation places her self-exaltation beside deception, exploitation, and the blood of those harmed. Her claims must be examined alongside her conduct. Read Revelation 17:4–6 and Revelation 18:7, 11–13, 23–24.
Jeremiah likewise directs attention to the source of a message, whether its speaker was sent, and whether it leads people astray. Read Jeremiah 23:16–32.
Preserve the People and Their Roles
God calls people within Babylon His own and instructs them to leave rather than participate in her sins. Zechariah distinguishes Zion from Babylon even while Zion dwells with her. Read Revelation 18:4 and Zechariah 2:7–9.
Our comparisons therefore preserved distinctions between source, vessel, bearer, and burden. What someone carries, where someone is found, or what someone suffers does not by itself answer every question about their identity or responsibility.
This is why we must discern what is practiced while remaining careful about whom we condemn.
Leave and Turn to God
Departure has a direction. Jeremiah calls those leaving to remember YHWH (יהוה). Isaiah identifies Him as Redeemer, teacher, and guide. Read Jeremiah 51:50 and Isaiah 48:17–20.
Changing an association while retaining deceptive practices or unquestioned human authority leaves the underlying problem unresolved. The purpose is to seek God and follow His instruction.
Keep the Continuing Voice in View
The Bride’s preparation and the overlapping activity we examined must remain distinguishable from the order in which John presents his visions. Revelation announces her accomplished readiness. Later, the Spirit and the Bride speak the invitation to receive life freely. Read Revelation 19:7–9 and Revelation 22:17.
Questions to Carry Forward
Do I test familiar teaching as carefully as unfamiliar teaching?
Am I willing to receive correction when it challenges what I have defended?
Can I refuse wrongdoing without withholding love from people?
Am I seeking God—or someone else’s assurance that I have already found the truth?
What am I claiming that was only entrusted to my care?
Next: Commandment 8 — Do Not Steal
Babylon’s actions bring us to stealing: taking what does not rightfully belong to her. Jeremiah describes her swallowing and plundering, while God still identifies people within her as His own. Possession does not establish rightful ownership. Read Jeremiah 51:34, 44–45.
As we return to Exodus, we will examine “Do Not Steal” alongside these distinctions. What belongs to God? What has been entrusted to someone’s care? When does service become a claim of ownership, authority, or credit?
We will also revisit Glory alongside Babylon’s self-exaltation. These connections help us see how the commandments relate in our allegiance to God and our treatment of others.
Threads to Follow
Commandment 8: Begin with Exodus 20:15.
Glory: Examine receiving, reflecting, and claiming.
Entrusted care: Distinguish responsibility from ownership.
The books were opened…
🌿 By Maria Emilia
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