The Fall of Babylon and the Only True Deliverer

 

"The Fall of Babylon and the Only True Deliverer"

Scripture Texts: Daniel 5:18–31 & Revelation 16:12–19

In Daniel 5 and Revelation 16, we read of two falls—two moments of divine judgment upon proud empires. One is historical, the other prophetic. One involved Cyrus, king of Persia, who conquered ancient Babylon. The other describes the future fall of spiritual Babylon, in the last days before Christ returns. Both stories are connected by imagery, warnings, and a powerful truth: only Jesus is the true Savior. Earthly powers rise and fall, but the Kingdom of God endures forever.

The Pride and Fall of Babylon (Daniel 5:18–31)

Belshazzar, king of Babylon, knew about the humbling of his predecessor, Nebuchadnezzar. Yet he mocked the God of heaven by drinking from the sacred temple vessels, praising gods of gold and silver. At that moment, a hand wrote a mysterious message on the wall: "Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin." Daniel interpreted it: Belshazzar had been weighed in the balances and found wanting. That very night, Babylon fell.

How? Cyrus, the king of Persia, diverted the Euphrates River, allowing his army to march into the city undetected. Babylon’s mighty walls and gates could not save it when God declared its time was up.

The Sixth Bowl and the Drying of the Euphrates (Revelation 16:12–16)

In Revelation, during the pouring of the sixth bowl of God’s wrath, the Euphrates River is once again mentioned—this time symbolically. It is dried up, not for Cyrus, but for “the kings of the east,” preparing the way for the great battle of Armageddon.

This is more than military language. In Scripture, water often represents people or nations (Revelation 17:15). The “drying up” represents the collapse of support for spiritual Babylon—false religion and corrupt systems. Just as ancient Babylon fell, so will end-time Babylon.

Cyrus as a Type of Savior—But Not the Savior

Isaiah 45:1 even refers to Cyrus as God's "anointed." He delivered God's people from captivity. He defeated Babylon and opened the way for the Jews to return to their homeland.

But let us be clear: Cyrus was a human instrument, used by God. He was not perfect. He was not divine. He was a shadow of something greater.

Only Jesus Christ is the true Liberator. He does not just conquer cities—He conquers sin and death. He does not lead captives to rebuild an earthly temple—He is building a heavenly one. Cyrus set Israel free for a time. Jesus sets us free for eternity.

Earthly Kings Are Not Gods

Belshazzar learned this the hard way. He praised lifeless idols and ignored the living God. His kingdom ended in a single night. And so too will every nation, ruler, or system that sets itself up against God.

We must be careful not to fall into the trap of trusting in political power, charismatic leaders, or national strength. No king, no president, no general, no nation can save us. We must place our faith in Christ alone.

Final Application: Who Do You Trust?

• Are we living like Belshazzar—careless, arrogant, and spiritually blind?

• Or are we watching and waiting, aware that judgment is near?

• Do we look to human “Cyruses” to save us, or do we look to Jesus, the Lamb of God?

Just as God brought down ancient Babylon, He will bring down end-time Babylon. And just as He once delivered His people, He will do so again—but this time, forever.

The handwriting is still on the wall for every power that exalts itself against God. The Euphrates is still drying up. And the true King is on His way.

Let us remember: Only Jesus saves. Only His kingdom lasts. And only in Him can we truly be free.

More: Lesson 13 - Images of the End

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