A Modern-Day Babylon

Isaiah's prophecy furnishes much food for thought.  For one thing, It underscores the dangers of pride and haughtiness. Proud Babylon's fall illustrates the Bible proverb: "Pride is before a crash, and a haughty spirit before stumbling."  (Proverbs 16:18)  Pride sometimes dominates our imperfect natures, but being "puffed up with pride" can lead to coming into reproach and a snare of the Devil."  (1 Timothy 3:6, 7)  We do well, then, to heed James' counsel:  "Humble yourselves in the eyes of Jehovah, and he will exalt you." -James 4:10.

These prophetic words also help us to have confidence in Jehovah, who is more powerful than all his opposers.  (Psalm 24:8; 34:7;  50:15; 91:14, 15)  This is a comforting reminder in these difficult days. Confidence in Jehovah  strengthens our determination to remain blameless in his eyes, knowing that "the future of [the blameless] man will be peaceful."  (Psalm 37:37, 38)  It is always wise to look to Jehovah and not rely on our own resources in the face of Satan's "crafty acts." -Ephesians  6:10-13.

Notably, we are warned against spiritistic practices, especially astrology. (Galatians 5:20, 21)  When Babylon fell, astrology did not lose hold on people. Interestingly, the book Great Cities of the Ancient World notes that the constellations mapped out by the Babylonians have "shifted" from their ancient positions, "making nonsense of the whole idea [of astrology]."  Still, astrology continues to thrive, and many newspapers carry columns that make horoscopes readily available to their readers.

What makes people-many of them well educated-consult the stars or engage  in other illogical, superstitious practices?   The World Book Encyclopedia says:  "Superstitions will probably have a part in life as long as people fear each other and have uncertainties about the future."   Fear and uncertainty may drive people to become superstitious. Christians, however, shun superstition. They do not fear man-Jehovah is their support.  (Psalm 6:4-10) And they are not uncertain about the future; They know Jehovah's revealed purposes and have no doubt that "to time indefinite the very counsel of Jehovah will stand."  (Psalm 33:11) Bringing our  lives into harmony with Jehovah's counsel ensures a happy, long-term future.

In recent years some have tried to discern the future in  more "scientific" ways. There is even a discipline called futurology, defined as "a study that deals  with future possibilities based on current trends."  For example, back in 1972,  a group of academics and businessmen known as the Club of Rome predicted that by 19192m but that prediction was wrong on all counts.  The earth still has reserves of gold, mercury, zinc, and petroleum.  Indeed, man has worn himself out trying to predict the future, but his guesses are always unreliable. Truly, "the reasonings of the wise men are futile!" -1 Corinthians 3:20.

Next time: The Coming End of Babylon the Great

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind, Volume II, 2001