Journal: Bibliotheca Sacra
Volume: BSAC 169:674 (Apr 2012)
Article: Have The Prophecies In Revelation 17-18 About Babylon Been Fulfilled? Part 2
Author: Andrew M. Woods

BSac 169:674 (April-June 2012) p. 219

Have The Prophecies In Revelation 17-18 About Babylon Been Fulfilled? Part 2

Andrew M. Woods

Andrew M. Woods is Associate Professor of Bible and Theology, The College of Biblical Studies, Houston, Texas, and Senior Pastor, Sugar Land Bible Church, Sugar Land, Texas.

The previous article analyzed the preterist interpretation of Babylon in Revelation 17-18 by focusing on Babylon’s harlotry and alliance with the beast. This article continues this analysis by focusing on Babylon’s adornment and title.

Babylon’s Adornment (Rev. 17:4; 18:16)

In identifying Babylon in Revelation 17 as Jerusalem, preterists (those who believe many of the events predicted in Revelation were fulfilled at the time of the destruction of Jerusalem in AD 70) note that the colors John used to describe the harlot (scarlet, purple, and gold) in 17:4 and 18:16 are the same colors used to depict the central institutions of Judaism.1 Preterists also note that these

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same colors are found in the attire of the high priest (Exod. 28:5), the tabernacle (25:4), and the temple curtain,2 implements,3 and adornment.4 Other similar color associations include Old Testament descriptions of Zion (Jer. 4:30-31) and the scarlet thread tied to the scapegoat5 and the sanctuary door.6 Preterists also associate the harlot’s golden cup (Rev. 17:4) with similar scriptural imagery depicting Israel’s sins (Matt. 23:28, 35) and tribulations (Isa. 51:17-23; Ezek. 23:31-35; Zech. 12:2; 1 Thess. 2:16).7 Preterists also observe, “The High Priest always sanctified his hands and his feet from a golden jug.”8

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