Babylon, both a city and an empire, served as a significant symbol of ungodliness and corruption amidst the teachings of the prophets in the Book of Mormon. As the dominant power of the Near East during the era of Lehi and Nephi’s prophecies, Babylon played a key role in the history of the Jewish people. The empire, known for its grandeur and military might, was prophesied to conquer Jerusalem and carry away many of its inhabitants into captivity, an event which was deeply intertwined with the narrative of the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 1:13; 10:3). This historical and prophetic Babylon symbolized the worldly power and arrogance that stood in contrast to the humility and spiritual devotion that the Lord demanded of His people.
Upon its conquest of Jerusalem, many Jews were led into exile, including prominent biblical figures such as Daniel and Ezekiel. These exiles marked the beginning of a period known as the Jewish captivity or the Exile. Babylon itself, while an instrument in the Lord’s hand to punish the kingdom of Judah for its transgressions, was also destined to face divine retribution for its own sins, as prophesied by Isaiah and recounted in the Book of Mormon (1 Nephi 20:14; 2 Nephi 23:1, 25:15).
In metaphorical terms, the prophets used Babylon as an allegory for the world’s seductions and the spiritual exile from God’s presence. Followers of Christ are urged to ‘flee’ from Babylon and its influences, echoing the call to escape the clutches of sin and instead seek the refuge provided by the Lord (1 Nephi 20:20; 2 Nephi 24:4). The fall of Babylon, predicted by Isaiah and recorded in the Book of Mormon, was a powerful symbol of the eventual triumph of God’s kingdom over the kingdoms of men (2 Nephi 23:19). This image reinforced the ultimate fate of the wicked and the assurance of deliverance for the faithful. Babylon’s rich scriptural tapestry—as an empire, a symbol of worldly pride, and a sign of prophetic fulfillment—continues to offer lessons on the temporal nature of earthly power and the eternal promise of God’s sovereignty.