Remember from previous studies that an animal (a beast) represents a king or a kingdom, and horns represent kings or kingdoms. Daniel watches the ram and he sees it “pushing westward, and northward, and southward; so that no beasts might stand before him, neither was there any that could deliver out of his hand; but he did according to his will, and became great.” Daniel 8:4.
This nation must have been in the east, as its aggression was toward the west, north and south, and through warfare it becomes great.
Keep in mind that we are building on Daniel 2 and Daniel 7, so this must represent something we already understand.
Does it?
Turning to a later verse in the chapter we learn -- “The ram which thou sawest having two horns are the kings of Media and Persia.” Daniel 8:20. (Media and Persia are on the East)
Obviously the ram is not a separate kingdom from its horns, but a vehicle for the horns.
But we ask – Where is Babylon?
As this is the third year of Belshazzar’s reign, it is obviously close to Babylon’s destruction, perhaps the very year, and God has left out the “beauty of the Chaldees excellency” because it is about to perish.
Obviously Daniel will survive the changeover from Babylon to Media-Persia.
For a moment, let us consider Babylon and its destruction.
Many years earlier, the prophet Isaiah had a vision of Babylon’s destruction. He wrote, “A grievous vision is declared unto me; the treacherous dealer dealeth treacherously, and the spoiler spoileth. Go up; O Elam: besiege, O Media… I was bowed down at the hearing of it; I was dismayed at the seeing of it….
And behold, here cometh a chariot of men… And he answered and said, ‘Babylon is fallen, is fallen; and all the graven images of her gods he hath broken unto the ground.” Isaiah 21:2.3.9.
As was stated in the first of this series, Nebuchadnezzar was proud of his accomplishments in Babylon. He had made the kingdom great.
While viewing his handiwork he said, “Is not this great Babylon, that I have built for the house of the kingdom by the might of my power, and for the honour of my majesty?” Daniel 4:30. (Nebuchadnezzar was punished for his pride, but praise God, he repented and praised the God of heaven. However, the prideful attitude was carried on by his grandson)
There was no other nation on earth like Babylon. It sat as a queen upon her throne, but the prophet said, “Come down, and sit in the dust, O virgin daughter of Babylon, sit on the ground: there is no throne, O daughter of the Chaldeans: for thou shalt no more be called tender and delicate…. Sit thou silent, and get thee into darkness, O daughter of the Chaldeans; for thou shalt no more be called, The lady of kingdoms…
Stand now with thine enchantments, and with the multitude of thy sorceries… Thou art wearied in the multitude of thy counsels. Let now the astrologers, the stargazers, the monthly prognosticators, stand up, and save thee from these things that shall come upon thee.
Behold, they shall be as stubble; the fire shall burn them; they shall not deliver themselves from the power of the flame…. none shall save thee.” Isaiah 47:1.5.12-15.
Although Babylon had been permitted by God to punish the Jewish nation for its iniquity, it too was to be punished for its iniquity and sin.
Like Isaiah, Jeremiah gave predictions of Babylon’s destruction. “Declare ye among the nations, and publish… and conceal it not: say, Babylon is taken, Bel is confounded, Merodach is broken to pieces; her idols are confounded, her images are broken in pieces. (Bel and Merodach were two Babylonian gods)
“For out of the north there cometh up a nation against her, which shall make her land desolate, and none shall dwell therein… both man or beast.” Jeremiah 50:3.
When the Medes and the Persians attacked Babylon, they came from the north. In fact, all destruction -- of Jerusalem and Babylon -- came from the north. Vast desert areas were avoided by armies on foot, and they chose the northern route through more hospitable terrain. (Jeremiah 1:14-16)
Thus the NORTH becomes a codeword, but in two ways. Firstly, when the destruction is from the north, it is symbolic of destruction from the Lord. Secondly, when a nation is called king (or kingdom) of the north, it is a counterfeit for Christ and His kingdom. (We will go into this more in a later study)
Come back to Babylon’s fate.
Jeremiah continues. “Thus saith the Lord; Behold, I will raise up against Babylon, and against them that dwell in the midst of them that rise up against me, a destroying wind….
Babylon hath been a golden cup in the Lord’s hand, that made all the earth drunken: the nations have drunken of her wine; therefore the nations are mad. Babylon is suddenly fallen and destroyed: howl for her… We would have healed Babylon, but she is not healed: forsake her… for her judgment reacheth unto heaven, and is lifted up even to the skies.” Jeremiah 51:1.7.8.9.
Do you recall how Babylon was destroyed?
Yes, the waters of the Euphrates River were dried up. Here is another verse on this fulfilment. “A drought is upon her waters; and they shall be dried up: for it is the land of graven images, and they are mad upon their idols.” Jeremish 50:38.
You will remember that in Bible prophecy WATER (seas and rivers) is a codeword for nations, tongues and peoples. This is where you need to be careful. The prophet was speaking about a literal river that ran through Babylon, and in this case it was not a codeword. In Daniel’s vision of chapter 8, he is standing beside the river Ulai; again it is not a codeward.
However, the following mention of waters is a codeword. “O thou that dwellest upon many waters, abundant in treasures, thine end is come, and the measure of thy covetousness.” Jeremiah 51:13. It is similar to a coded one in the Apocalypse. “Come hither, I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters.” Revelation 17:1.
The following verse is also symbolic. “The sea is come up upon Babylon: she is covered with the multitude of the waves thereof.” Jeremiah 51:42. The sea and the waves represent the two nations that attacked her – Media and Persia.
“And I will make drunk her princes, and her wise men, her captains, and her rulers, and her mighty men: and they shall sleep a perpetual sleep, and not wake, saith the King, whose name is the LORD of hosts.” Jeremiah 51:57.
This is literally what happened on the night of Belshazzar’s feast. Those who should have been sober and keeping watch for the safety of the kingdom were drunk. And they died that night.
“At the noise of the taking of Babylon the earth is moved, and the cry is heard among the nations.” Jeremiah 50:46.
The pope is as it were God on earth, sole sovereign of the faithful of Christ, chief king of kings, having plenitude of power, to whom has been entrusted by the omnipotent God direction not only of the earthly but also of the heavenly kingdom… The pope is of so great authority and power that he can modify, explain, or interpret even divine laws.” Translated from Lucius Ferraria, Prompta Bibliothica. Art Pope. II Vol VI pp26-29. (The Catholic Encyclopedia says this book is “a veritable encyclopedia of religious knowledge”)
The apostle Paul made it clear that before the coming of Christ there would be a “falling away” in Christ’s Church, and that the “man of sin (would) be revealed, the son of perdition.” 2 Thessalonians 2:3.
Since the Christian church in Rome began to put aside the truths of God’s Word, it has fallen further and further into the abyss of false doctrine.
Speaking of the Antichrist, Paul says he “opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped, so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.” 2 Thessalonians 2:4.
Many Christians believe this text is a future Antichrist who will sit in the temple at Jerusalem and claim to be God. But this is not so. The Little Horn, the Man of sin, and the Antichrist are all the same identity – the Roman Catholic Church and its pontiff who claims to be God.
At the fifth Lateran Council, an oration was given to the pope, in which was said, “Thou art the shepherd, thou art the physician, thou art the director, thou art the husbandman; finally, thou art another God on earth.” P Joannis Harduin. Acta Conciliorum. Vol IX p1651.
It is also said, “The pope cannot err. He is infallible in defining matters of faith and morals… The dogma of papal infallibility was defined by the Church at the Vatican Council, and if anyone presumes to contradict this definition, he is a heretic.” Pope Pius X. Compendium p25. (The doctrine of infallibility was decreed by the Vatican Council on July 18. 1870)
When the pope speaks Ex Cathedra (literally meaning ‘from the chair’ [of St Peter] a metaphorical position), he delivers ‘infallible’ encyclicals or official letters to the faithful. Infallible teachings are part of the extraordinary Sacred Magisterium, which includes solemn dogmatic or moral definitions and doctrinal condemnations of Ecumenical Councils. Successive popes will not contradict these ‘infallible’ teachings and their own encyclicals contain many quotations from previous popes.
In modern writings of the Catholic Church, there is a more cautious pronouncement of the supposed dignity of the pope, but it is never denied. Many Protestants, and even Catholics themselves, would protest against such blasphemous words.
In the Catechism of the Council of Trent, it was stated, “But as this one church, because governed by the Holy Ghost, cannot err in faith and morals, it necessarily follows that all other societies arrogating to themselves the name of Church, because guided by the spirit of darkness are sunk in the most pernicious errors, both doctrinal and moral.” Catechism of the Council of Trent. Ques. xvii. part 1, cap x., p100. (This council lasted eighteen years (1545-1563), a Counter Reformation. Its decisions were decisive)
It will be interesting to see if God will allow this challenge to His authority. One touch from His all-powerful finger and ‘New Babylon’ would be laid waste.
The Medes and the Persians conquered Babylon in 539 BC, approximately sixty six years from the time Nebuchadnezzar took Jerusalem in the first siege. God’s people were still within Babylon’s walls and the message came to Jeremiah, “My people, go ye out of the midst of her, and deliver ye every man his soul from the fierce anger of the Lord.” Jeremiah 51:45.
As the Hebrew people were still captives, they could not leave Babylon, but this word from the Lord gave them warning to plead for protection. It also gave encouragement that soon they would be released.
“For thus saith the Lord, That after seventy years be accomplished at Babylon I will visit you, and perform my good word toward you, in causing you to return to this place…
And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart. And I will be found of you, saith the Lord: and I will turn away your captivity, and I will gather you from all the nations, and from all the places whither I have driven you, saith the Lord; and I will bring you again into the place whence I caused you to be carried away captive.” Jeremiah 29:10.13.14.
(Although Judah, Benjamin and Levi were captive in Babylon, the other nine tribes had rebelled earlier, and were eventually taken over by the Assyrians in another part of the world. Actually ten tribes rebelled, but Levi returned. Jerusalem lay in ruins, but the captives clung to the promise that they would return to it again)
So, as Babylon was almost ready to be overtaken by the Medes and the Persians, God did not include it in this new vision given to Daniel. Thus it begins with Medo-Persia, the second kingdom.
Let us now continue the prophecy.
“And as I was considering (the ram), behold, an he goat came from the west on the face of the whole earth, and touched not the ground: and the goat had a notable horn between his eyes. And he came to the ram that had two horns… and ran unto him in the fury of his power….
Standing before the river is a ram “which had two horns: and the two horns were high; but one was higher than the other, and the higher came up last.” Daniel 8:3.
Contents Daniel 8 - Part 1 Next Study
And smote the ram, and brake his two horns: and there was no power in the ram to stand before him, but he cast him down to the ground, and stamped upon him: and there was none who could deliver the ram out of his hand.” Daniel 8:5-7.
If you remember the previous two prophecies, you will probably guess that the he goat is the nation of Greece. And you would be right. “And the rough goat is the king of Grecia: and the great horn that is between his eyes is the first king.” Daniel 8:21. (Greece is west of Persia. Daniel 8:5.)
So again we have a parallel prophecy, with Alexander the Great being the first king. Notice how well it fits the previously given information. “Therefore the he goat waxed very great: and when he was strong, the great horn was broken; and from it came up four notable ones toward the four winds of heaven.” Daniel 8:8. 22.
Dan 2 Babylon M-Persia Greece Rome E U R O P E God’s Kingdom
Dan 7 Babylon M-Persia Greece Rome Little Horn God’s Kingdom
Dan 8 M-Persia Greece
Now we are going to see something very important. Please stay alert.
Concerning the vision of the he goat. “And out of one of them came forth a little horn, which waxed exceeding great, toward the south, and toward the east, and toward the pleasant land.” Daniel 8:9.
Look again at the above chart, would you expect the next power to be the little horn?
No, you know it should be Rome, pagan Rome.
It is a fact that Rome did not come out of the breakup of Greece. In the above verse “out of one of them” does not mean the horns as many suppose, but one of the areas of the “four winds of heaven”. The Bible says it will come from the west, and this is precisely from where it came, beyond (and west of) the Grecian breakup. (See Daniel 8:5 and 8:8)
But why is it called the little horn?
In the previous chapter we learned that the Papal Church arose after the break-up of the Roman Empire, but in this chapter we must understand that pagan Rome and papal Rome are one and the same. Yes, there are differences. They certainly were separate kingdoms rising one after the other. All the identification marks of Daniel 7 still apply. But now we are learning the nature of the Catholic Church in its inner being, so to speak
The little horn is pagan-papal Rome, two phases, but the one religio-political power. It is now we can see that the mindset of pagan Rome, as given in Booklet 2, mirrors that of papal Rome.
However, many Bible students see this little horn as a totally different entity than in Daniel 7. Let us look at this suggestion.
After the breakup of the Grecian Empire into four areas, Seleucus ruled over his territory of Syria, and until it was conquered by Rome, twenty six kings ruled. The 8th of these kings was Antiochus IV, called Antiochus Epiphanes. (Epiphanes means The Illustrious, but it was a self-given title. Based on his character, many called him Antiochus Epimanes, The Madman)
This king is believed to have fulfilled the prophecy.
But does he?
First of all, he is not a new horn coming out of one of the four horns; instead he is one of the Syrian kings. This means he is still part of the same horn of the original breakup of the territory.
Secondly, Media is called “great” by the prophet; Greece is called “very great”; Rome is called “exceeding great”; Antiochus was certainly not ‘exceeding great’.
Thirdly, the little horn was to stand up “against the Prince of princes”, and this Syrian king died 164 years before Jesus Christ was born. Daniel 8:25.
Fourthly, the little horn would “cast down” the truth and the place of the sanctuary, and “destroy the city and the sanctuary”. Daniel 8:11.12. This was done by pagan Rome in AD70, long after Antiochus had passed from this life. Daniel 9:26.
But Antiochus was a miniature type of pagan and papal Rome, in that he polluted the sanctuary of the Jews. “In 168 BC, Antiochus IV, the Syrian king of Palestine looted the temple at Jerusalem, poured out the forbidden blood on the altar and harshly forbade the ancient Jewish worship”. Richard’s Encyclopedia Vol 5. p129.
This Syrian king offered a pig on the altar of sacrifice, and if you know anything about Jewish worship, you will know this was the height of abomination. Not only did he offer swine’s flesh on the altar, but he spread its blood over the sacred books of Scripture.
(In the same year (168 BC), Rome conquered Macedonia and “made that country part of its empire.” Daniel and the Revelation. Uriah Smith p158)
To vindicate the sanctuary, “Matthias killed the Syrian officer in charge of the Greek religious rites, then, with his five sons – the Maccabees – escaped to the hills, where they raised a revolution… But in the struggle after this, the Maccabees called for aid on the rising power of Rome…” Richard’s Encyclopedia Vol 5. p129.
“In 64 BC, Syria became a Roman province, the Seleucid house extinguished. In 30 BC, Egypt was annexed, the Ptolemic house gone.” New Bible Atlas. p98.
“Rome inherited or won the Greek states of Asia Minor, the lands of the Fertile Crescent, and finally Egypt… Thus by the close of the three Punic Wars, the Mediteranean had indeed become a Roman lake, for Rome ruled it along both sides from end to end.” Richard’s Encyclopedia. Vol 5. p218. (This included Judea, ‘the pleasant land’, as it is called in Psalm 106:24; Jeremiah 3:19; Zechariah 7:14)
Many Bible students of the past made Antiochus fit the prophecy, but some saw the error. Bishop Thomas Newton was one of these. He wrote, “This little horn is by generality of interpreters, both Jewish and Christian, ancient and modern, supposed to mean Antiochus Epiphanes, king of Syria, who was a great enemy and cruel persecutor of the Jews. So Josephus understands the prophecy, and says that ‘our nation suffered these calamities under Antiochus Epiphanes, as Daniel saw, and many years before wrote what things should come to pass.’ In like manner St Jerome explains it of Antiochus Epiphanes… With St Jerome agree most of the ancient fathers, but they all allow that Antiochus Epiphanes was a type of Antichrist.
Antiochus Epiphanes at first sight doth indeed in some features very much resemble the little horn; but upon a nearer view and examination it will evidently appear, but in other parts there is no manner of similitude or correspondence between them.” Thomas Newton p247.
Regarding the time periods, he further said, “These two thousand and three hundred days can by no computation be accommodated to the times of Antiochus Epiphanes, even though the days be taken for natural days.” Ibid p258.
Another writer commented, “Reckon as you will, there is no clear-cut period… Then the juggling of facts and figures begins…. There is something basically wrong with such computations.” Leopold p355.356. Quoted in Daniel. D Ford p173.
Later in Daniel 8, the little horn is described in the following words. “And in the latter time of their kingdom (the Grecian breakup), when the transgressors are come to the full, a king of fierce countenance, and understanding dark sentences, shall stand up.
And his power shall be mighty, but not by his own power: and he shall destroy wonderfully, and shall prosper, and practise, and shall destroy the mighty and the holy people.
And through his policy also he shall cause craft to prosper in his hand; and he shall magnify himself in his heart, and by peace shall destroy many; he shall also stand up against the Prince of princes; but he shall be broken without hand.” Daniel 8:23-25.
This description fits very well pagan Rome.
You will recall that Jesus Christ was taken by the Jewish priests to Pontius Pilate, governor of Rome. Although he believed Christ to be innocent and tried to deliver Him, he still gave the final word to crucify Him. Thus Pilate stood up “against the Prince of princes”.
But in a broader sense, all the details fit the Papacy.
Just as Rome’s language was foreign to the Jewish people, so the language used by the Papacy (Latin) was not understood by the common people.
As Caesar magnified himself in his heart, so did the Pope of Rome. “Yea, he magnified himself even to the prince of the host.” Daniel 8:11.
(The Prince of the host is Christ. The word host in Hebrew is ‘tsaba’. It is used to mean a large amount of angels, soldiers, supporters, stars, whatever the context. Christ is the “Lord of hosts”, meaning angels. Psalm 46:7; Isaiah 6:3. In English host can be used as one who entertains guests. In the Catholic Church it is the consecrated wafer of the Mass, a teaching that is not in the Bible)
There is much yet to study on how the Catholic Church has magnified itself, but for now notice the statements of past popes, Catholic councils and Catholic Encyclopedias, and see how they fit the words ‘he magnified himself even to the Prince (Christ) of the host.” Daniel 8:11. The first one is quite long, but it contains much to condemn and identify the Antichrist.
“The pope is of so great dignity and so exalted that he is not a mere man, but as it were God, and the vicar of God… The pope is of such lofty and supreme dignity that, properly speaking, he has not been established in any rank of dignity, but rather has been placed upon the very summit of all ranks of dignities….
The pope alone is deservedly called by the name ‘most holy’, because he alone is the vicar of Christ, who is the fountain and source and fullness of all holiness… He is likewise the divine monarch and supreme emperor, and king of kings…
Hence the pope is crowned with a triple crown, as king of heaven and of earth and of the lower regions….
“Moreover the superiority and the power of the Roman Pontiff by no means pertains only to heavenly things, to earthly things, and to things under the earth, but are even over angels, above whom he is greater…
So that if it were possible that the angels might err in the faith, or might think contrary to the faith, they could be judged and excommunicated by the pope… For he is of so great dignity and power that he forms one and the same tribunal with Christ…
Papal coat of arms
Do You Want to Know the Future?
No.4.
Once again, this prophecy has much detail, even more than the previous one, and to be understood, we must digress to another subject. But once this is made clear, the prophecy will be open to your understanding. But first, let us consider the setting
Daniel is still in Babylon. It is the third year of the reign of Belshazzar and the prophet is in vision. He sees himself in the palace by the river Ulai in Shushan (or Susa), Media.
Council of Trent in session
In June 2007, Pope Benedict XVI cited a document he had written in 2000, when prefect of the Congregation for the Doctrine of the Faith, entitled ‘Dominus Iesus’.
“Lorenzago di cadore, Italy - Pope Benedict XVI has reasserted the universal primacy of the Roman Catholic Church, approving a document released Tuesday that says Orthodox churches were defective and that other Christian denominations were not true churches.” msnbc.com news services ET July 10, 2007.
Another source continues the thought, “… because of the absence of the sacramental priesthood” and because they had not “preserved the genuine and integral substance of the Eucharistic Mystery:” The Guardian. Jul 2007. UK .
The substance of this text was written and approved during Vatican Two Council (1962-1965), a council that for the first time called Protestants ‘separated brethren’. Protestants rejoiced, but failed to see its true meaning – the Catholic Church saw them as naughty children separated from mother.
In its ecumenical push to unite the churches, the Papacy maintains its stand of superiority, and imperceptibly moves closer and closer to its ultimate aim.
What is that aim?
The prophet John reveals the final scenes of the great controversy between good and evil, between Christ and Satan, in the Apocalypse or the book of Revelation. (We are heading in that direction!)
The last few pages of this study will give brief details of the work of the little horn, however, it will not become clear until our next booklet where we digress to another subject, one that is absolutely vital.
“Yea, he (the little horn) magnified himself even to the prince of the host, and by him the daily sacrifice was taken away, and the place of his sanctuary was cast down.
And an host was given him against the daily sacrifice by reason of transgression, and it cast down the truth to the ground: and it practiced, and prospered.” Daniel 8:11.12.
(The Hebrew word for against is ‘tsad’ which can mean concerning rather than against. It is the same word in Daniel 8:13; even though it is in italics in the King James. So we can read that a “host was given him concerning the daily sacrifice”)
In these verses the Papal Church takes away the “daily”, and “casts down” the “place of His (Christ’s) sanctuary”. In this evil work a host (or a multitude of supporters) is given (or allowed) to achieve this end, and together they cast the truth to the ground and prosper. (More information will be given in the next booklet why ‘daily’ is not coupled with ‘sacrifice’ as in the King James)
Of course Daniel wants to know how long this will be permitted, and the question is asked. “… How long shall be the vision concerning the daily sacrifice, and the transgression of desolation, to give both the sanctuary and the host to be trodden under foot?” Daniel 8:13.
The answer is clear: “Unto two thousand and three hundred days: then shall the sanctuary be cleansed.” Daniel 8:14.
Maintaining the day for a year principal means that the work of the Catholic Church in its Ex Cathedra ‘infallible’ teachings, would last unchallenged for 2300 years. This is not speaking of its Church-State dominion (1260 years), but its counterfeit dogmas relating to ‘the sanctuary’ and ‘the daily’.
At the end of the 2300 years, Christ’s sanctuary would be ‘tsadaq’, and the truth of Christ’s sanctuary would be vindicated, exposing the errors of the little horn to the world. (The word ‘tsad’ (p18) and ‘tsadaq’ are two different words, though they look similar)
Daniel is afraid when he sees the angel Gabriel, but is told, “Understand… at the time of the end shall be the vision….Behold, I will make thee know what shall be in the last end of the indignation: for at the time appointed the end shall be.” Daniel 8:17.19.
He is also told that the little horn will “be broken without hand”. Daniel 8:25. This means God will accomplish it, and he need not worry.
Daniel is “astonished at the vision”. It made him “faint” and become “sick”. Daniel 8:27.
Remember that Daniel is a captive in Babylon. His beloved Jerusalem and God’s holy temple have been destroyed, burnt by fire in a later siege by Nebuchadnezzar. Now he is told that God’s truth will be maligned for a long period of time, although he does not understand the time periods.
He speaks to his companions about it, but “none understood” the vision. Daniel 8:27.
Perhaps you have read these prophecies before, but did not understand them. It is not God’s intention to conceal His messages, but He does want His people to be interested enough to study them. If you are now reading them with interest, praise God.
The reason they are in code is to keep them from those who have no interest, especially God’s enemies. When we understand what will take place in the future, it gives a sense of peace. However, the real “peace… that passeth all understanding” comes from God Himself. Philippians 4:7.
But this peace is a gift, and it must be requested in submission. If you would like to receive it, kneel before God and simply ask Him for this peace through His Son, and it will “keep your hearts and minds through Jesus Christ.” Philippians 4:7.
There will be signs in the sun, and the moon, and the stars, and “upon the earth distress of nations, with perplexity; the sea and the waves roaring. Men’s hearts failing them for fear, and for looking after those things which are coming on the earth: for the powers of heaven shall be shaken”. Luke 21:25.26.
“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed upon thee; because he trusteth in thee.” Isaiah 26:3. “There is no peace, saith my God, to the wicked.” Isaiah 57:21.
If you have the peace of God, you can help others.
The conquering lion was now defeated.
(This stone lion was found in Babylon, an original from the ancient city)
God had said, “… every purpose of the LORD shall be performed against Babylon to make the land of Babylon a desolation without an inhabitant… Babylon shall become heaps….” Jeremiah 51:29.37.
Ancient ruins of Babylon
Although the city was taken without being destroyed, the historian Edward Gibbon has recorded that nation after nation came to plunder it, each taking away all they could carry of gold and precious things. Hundreds of years later local people discovered untold wealth still hidden in its submerged vaults. The ruins of Babylon still testify of the truthfulness of God’s holy prophets.
Today, 2550 years later, Babylon still lies in ruins, however, there was a man who determined to bring Babylon back to life. His name -- Saddam Hussein.
Living not far from Babylon, and having much wealth, he began to rebuild the city. It would be called the ‘New Babylon’. Like the king of old, Saddam had his name inscribed on each brick, telling the world that he would be the modern Nebuchadnezzar.
What did he achieve?
Since 1985 he spent 500 million dollars. Instead of building to the side of the ancient city and leaving archaeological treasures intact, he constructed buildings upon the very ruins, at times completing modern walls from partially ruined ones.
Now, with Saddam Hussein out of the way, the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Organisation has taken over and is putting millions of dollars into rebuilding the ancient city. With the help of private donors, the U.N. is hoping to turn Babylon into a thriving centre of tourism and commerce, even with shopping malls and hotels.