T h e t h e o r y that the ancient city of Babylon must be re built in the last days is encountered frequently enough among prophetic students to be deserving of considera tion. Whether Babylon is to be rebuilt or not may not be of great importance, but the manner in which the theory is defended or rejected is rather confusing. The advocates of the theory say that the prophecies con cerning the utter desolation of Babylon have not been fulfilled. Isaiah and Jeremiah say that it shall never be inhabited (Isa. 13:20; Jer. 50:39). But it is said that the city continued to be inhabited for centuries and that today there is a prosperous village called Hillah on the □ ancient site. The opponents of the theory say that Hillah is not on the site of Babylon but is several miles south. I Here is a definite clash in testimony. Which side is to be believed? It is hoped that what follows will at least clarify this matter and show why such positive op
inions are held in contradiction and the probable solu tion. The principal arguments advanced in favor of a fu ture rebuilt Babylon are the following: 1. The prophecies concerning the complete destruction and desolation of Babylon have not been fulfilled. Baby lon must be rebuilt to suffer the kind of fall described by the prophets. There are several points to be considered under this heading: (a) In Isaiah 13, where the destruction of Babylon is foretold, the context indicates that the prophet is speaking of the future “ day of the Lord.” (b) The destruction is to take place suddenly by fire as Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed. (c) After the destruction the city is never to be in habited. It is said that the site has been inhabited and a city is located there today. continued on next page
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MARCH, 1962
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