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Mystery Babylon: Unlocking the Bible’s Greatest Prophetic Mystery
New York Times bestselling author Joel Richardson carefully explores what is arguably the greatest prophetic mystery in all of the Bible.
Mystery Babylon is an in-depth look at the prophecy of Revelation 17 and 18. Richardson dissects the longest prophecy in the New Testament – the final chapters of the Bible – in order to make sense of these deeply elusive and profoundly controversial passages.
At once a queen, a prostitute, and a cold-blooded killer, this great harlot waves a golden cup filled with blood. Adorned in purple and scarlet and gold and precious stones, she seduces the kings of the earth with luxury. Most commonly known, perhaps, is that she rides a beast with seven heads and ten horns. Her title is Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of all harlots and of the abominations of the earth.
From the early days of Christianity, believers have struggled to understand the mystery of the great harlot. Scholars and students alike have arrived at many different conclusions.
In his characteristically easy-to-understand style, Richardson works through the history of Christian interpretation of Mystery Babylon, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each view, making a powerful case for a solution to this prophecy that will rock the prophecy world.
Divided into three parts Mystery Babylon Richardson exposits Scripture in part 1, examines the more common positions in part 2, and invites the reader to a powerful conclusion in part 3.
Keep both your Bible and your mind open as you read this book not simply with an intellectual curiosity, but with much prayer and a truly contrite and trusting heart, believing indeed that the Lord will open up his secrets to all “those who fear Him” (Ps. 25:14).
Mystery Babylon is an in-depth look at the prophecy of Revelation 17 and 18. Richardson dissects the longest prophecy in the New Testament – the final chapters of the Bible – in order to make sense of these deeply elusive and profoundly controversial passages.
At once a queen, a prostitute, and a cold-blooded killer, this great harlot waves a golden cup filled with blood. Adorned in purple and scarlet and gold and precious stones, she seduces the kings of the earth with luxury. Most commonly known, perhaps, is that she rides a beast with seven heads and ten horns. Her title is Mystery, Babylon the Great, the mother of all harlots and of the abominations of the earth.
From the early days of Christianity, believers have struggled to understand the mystery of the great harlot. Scholars and students alike have arrived at many different conclusions.
In his characteristically easy-to-understand style, Richardson works through the history of Christian interpretation of Mystery Babylon, weighing the strengths and weaknesses of each view, making a powerful case for a solution to this prophecy that will rock the prophecy world.
Divided into three parts Mystery Babylon Richardson exposits Scripture in part 1, examines the more common positions in part 2, and invites the reader to a powerful conclusion in part 3.
Keep both your Bible and your mind open as you read this book not simply with an intellectual curiosity, but with much prayer and a truly contrite and trusting heart, believing indeed that the Lord will open up his secrets to all “those who fear Him” (Ps. 25:14).
294 pages, Kindle Edition
Published December 27, 2016
214 people are currently reading
224 people want to read
About the author
Joel Richardson
41 books113 followersJoel Richardson is a husband and a father committed to the pro-life and adoption movements. He is an artist, human rights activist, New York Times Bestselling author, internationally recognized speaker and recognized expert on Bible prophecy and the Middle East. Joel’s heart is thoroughly missional, with a deep love for Muslims and the peoples of the Middle East.
Joel has been also featured on, or written for numerous radio, television and news outlets across the world including the Glenn Beck Show, the Mike Huckabee Show, the Gordon Liddy Show, the Dennis Miller Show, Chicago Public Radio, the Steve Malzberg Show, the Sid Roth Show, Jewish Voice Today, Janet Folger, Jan Markell, Janet Parshal, Kirby Anderson’s Point of View, the New York Daily News, WND, the Blaze, Front Page Magazine and many others.
Joel has been also featured on, or written for numerous radio, television and news outlets across the world including the Glenn Beck Show, the Mike Huckabee Show, the Gordon Liddy Show, the Dennis Miller Show, Chicago Public Radio, the Steve Malzberg Show, the Sid Roth Show, Jewish Voice Today, Janet Folger, Jan Markell, Janet Parshal, Kirby Anderson’s Point of View, the New York Daily News, WND, the Blaze, Front Page Magazine and many others.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 33 reviews
February 11, 2017
The "Mother" of Harlots -
I don’t think there is anyone with an interest in Bible prophecy that hasn’t at one time or another been challenged by the Apostle John’s prophetic description of the Harlot and the Beast found in Revelation 17 & 18. Bestselling author Joel Richardson jumps into this discussion with both feet in his latest book – Mystery Babylon: Unlocking the Bible’s Greatest Prophetic Mystery.
No matter what perspective you hold regarding Revelation 17 & 18, I can tell you this book is a great resource of information regarding the subject. Right up front I say that there was aspects of this book that I thought were great and others that I did not. I’ll get to both in a moment but first I want to say something about the title of the book which I believe needs a bit of further qualification.
I think it is important to make a distinction here concerning the Bible greatest prophetic mystery. Mystery Babylon is not the Bible’s greatest prophetic mystery. Revelation 19:10 tells us that the “spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.” Jesus (Yeshua) comes from the Hebrew name of God (YHWH) and Yasha (Saves) or in other words the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of YHWH’s salvation. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans makes clear that gospel message of Yeshua (YHWH’s Salvation) is in fact the greatest prophetic mystery of the Bible.
• “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets,…” - Romans 16:25-26
The subject of Mystery Babylon is indeed important but we need to make sure that the true prophetic mystery of the Bible is not lost in the details. In fact if you do read this book to the end you’ll find Mr. Richardson’s afterword does bring the focus of the book back to the spirit of prophecy and YHWH’s Salvation.
* * *
Now to the review: To start with, I liked the format of this book. It divided into three well written parts:
PART I: The Bible’s Greatest Prophetic Mystery
PART II: Weighing the Options
PART III: The Final Babylon
• Part I looks at the characteristics of Mystery Babylon the mother of harlots. For both the novice and the seasoned prophecy student, you’ll find the 11 chapters in this part of the book helpful in identifying many aspects of the Harlot’s characteristics.
• Part II of the book takes a historical survey of past, present, and potentially future entities which based upon the criteria developed in part one of the book might or might not qualify as the Harlot.
• Part III took the evidence developed by the author in Part I & II and then uses it to make the case for Mecca in Saudi Arabia as the Mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots who rules over the kings of the earth.
Overall I would say that Mr. Richardson makes a well written case for his view of end times eschatology concerning Mystery Babylon. Having said that, in the spirit of respectful criticism, there were several aspects of this subject which I felt the author did not adequately explain or in some cases just did not meet reasonable burden of Biblical proof.
* * *
The first aspect I would like to look at is an incredibly important point that Mr. Richardson makes regarding the meaning of “the mother of all harlots”. In fact much of the premise of this book hangs upon the subject. I’ll quote and abridged excerpt from the Kindle edition of Mr. Richardson’s book:
• “The title “the mother of all harlots”, however, has nothing to do with actual or metaphorical motherhood…. No, the phrase “the mother of” is a figure of speech that means “major” or “best.” (Kindle Loc. 1033)
This is a rather important statement that Mr. Richardson makes here that he does not provide any Biblical evidence for. There is an incredibly big difference between seeing the Harlot of Revelation as the “mother” of Harlots or just the “major” or “best” harlot in the Bible. Mr. Richardson goes on to explain how Saddam Hussein’s famous declaration that if the US invaded Iraq it would result in the “mother of all battles” as his primary example of how the term should be understood in the Bible.
Regrettably there is not one instance in the Bible were the term mother (meter) is used in this way. In fact mother (meter) is used 85 times in the New Testament and in all but two instances the term refers specifically to a human mother. Interestingly, in the two instances where the term is not used to refer specifically to a mother it does so metaphorically referring to two different cities as mothers. One instance is in Revelation 17:5 as referenced in this book referring to the city of Mystery Babylon, “the mother of Harlots”, the other is found in Galatians 4:26 and refers to heavenly Jerusalem the mother of all believers.
Frankly, the usage of mother (meter) in the New Testament presents Mr. Richardson with a serious challenge to his interpretation. . There is no reasonable interpretive method which allows Mr. Richardson to change the exclusive meaning of the term meter as he does so in this book. By Mr. Richardson’s own admission the Bible must define its own context. Revelation, when it refers to Mystery Babylon the mother of harlots, for good or bad must be understood within the context of a mother as the progenitor or source. This raises the important question of how Mecca in particular or Saudi Arabia in general could be considered the “mother” of harlots. This is a question Mr. Richardson will have to deal with in order for his interpretation to be considered seriously.
This leads into my second criticism. In this book Mr. Richardson, by changing the meaning of mother in Revelation 17:5, obscures the ability for his reader to identify the one idolatrous religious system which has given rise to all others. In other words there is in fact Mother of Harlots in the Bible and this religion began with a lie. Genesis 3:1 tells the story:
• "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." - Genesis 3:4-5
Here in Genesis we have the first promise of humanism or as it is called by some “enlightenment”. This is the origin of the very first works religion. Mankind was promised that if they eat of the tree (their own effort), they would become as gods. In other words the serpent promised mankind that they could become gods by their own efforts outside the purview of YHWH’s constraints.
The Bible tells us history is playing out according to YHWH’s eternal plan. The serpent told Adam and Eve that they were the master of their own destiny. The Bible tells us that we are a fallen creation in need of unmerited favor of YHWH through the redemptive blood of Yeshua. Since Eden mankind has instead tried to find their own path to salvation.
In Nimrod’s Babylon we find this spirit of idolatry in the form of a people convinced they could reach heaven by works of their own hands. There in Genesis 11:4 the theme is “let us” build a city and tower, “let us” make us a name.
Later in Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon we find humanism in the pride of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar believed his power and glory came from his own accomplishments. After Nebuchadnezzar’s abasment he had this to say:
••• "Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase." Daniel 4:37
It doesn’t matter where you look in Biblical history, idolatry is the worship of the creation(man, animals, stars, planets, our own accomplishments etc.) instead of the Creator.
Today, in our modern world Satan’s original lie has been repackaged. We now dress the idea in scientific terms such as evolution or singularity, but it is still the same age old lie Satan told Adam and Eve.
The religion of Mystery Babylon is the worship of man as god, i.e. secular humanism. The daughters of this harlot are all the religious doctrines of mankind from Eden to the present day which tell us we can earn our own salvation. Or in the words of some of today’s most popular secular humanists; Christianity, Judaism and Islam are just different paths that lead to the same destination.
In chapter 20 of this book Mr. Richardson makes the following claim regarding the harlot religion of Islam.
••• “BESIDES CHRISTIANITY, Islam is the only other major world religion with a significant evangelistic thrust. (Kindle Locations 3287-3288)
By seeing Islam as the “mother” of Harlots Mr. Richardson overlooks the most significant “evangelistic thrust” the world has ever known. Secular humanism is the “scientific” religion that is taught in nearly every classroom, high school, and college in the western world. Even more telling is that this religion is even preached from many of today’s churches, synagogues, and temples. In the world today the evangelistic outreach of secular humanists reaches far more hearts and minds than either Islam or Christianity.
In 2 Thessailonians the apostle Paul describes the religion of the Anti-Christ. As you can see in this quote, Satan’s original Edenic lie comes full circle in a man who claims to be God.
• • • "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who 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 2:3-4
* * *
In closing, while I believe Mr. Richardson makes a good case that Islam has a role to play in Bible prophecy, his view that Mecca and Saudi Arabia are the infamous Mystery Babylon the Mother of Harlots depends upon a novel interpretation of the term mother. Further this interpretation has the unintended consequence of obscuring the real danger of the ancient lie told to mankind so long ago.
••• "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:11-12
I don’t think there is anyone with an interest in Bible prophecy that hasn’t at one time or another been challenged by the Apostle John’s prophetic description of the Harlot and the Beast found in Revelation 17 & 18. Bestselling author Joel Richardson jumps into this discussion with both feet in his latest book – Mystery Babylon: Unlocking the Bible’s Greatest Prophetic Mystery.
No matter what perspective you hold regarding Revelation 17 & 18, I can tell you this book is a great resource of information regarding the subject. Right up front I say that there was aspects of this book that I thought were great and others that I did not. I’ll get to both in a moment but first I want to say something about the title of the book which I believe needs a bit of further qualification.
I think it is important to make a distinction here concerning the Bible greatest prophetic mystery. Mystery Babylon is not the Bible’s greatest prophetic mystery. Revelation 19:10 tells us that the “spirit of prophecy is the testimony of Jesus.” Jesus (Yeshua) comes from the Hebrew name of God (YHWH) and Yasha (Saves) or in other words the spirit of prophecy is the testimony of YHWH’s salvation. The apostle Paul in his letter to the Romans makes clear that gospel message of Yeshua (YHWH’s Salvation) is in fact the greatest prophetic mystery of the Bible.
• “Now to him that is of power to stablish you according to my gospel, and the preaching of Jesus Christ, according to the revelation of the mystery, which was kept secret since the world began, But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets,…” - Romans 16:25-26
The subject of Mystery Babylon is indeed important but we need to make sure that the true prophetic mystery of the Bible is not lost in the details. In fact if you do read this book to the end you’ll find Mr. Richardson’s afterword does bring the focus of the book back to the spirit of prophecy and YHWH’s Salvation.
* * *
Now to the review: To start with, I liked the format of this book. It divided into three well written parts:
PART I: The Bible’s Greatest Prophetic Mystery
PART II: Weighing the Options
PART III: The Final Babylon
• Part I looks at the characteristics of Mystery Babylon the mother of harlots. For both the novice and the seasoned prophecy student, you’ll find the 11 chapters in this part of the book helpful in identifying many aspects of the Harlot’s characteristics.
• Part II of the book takes a historical survey of past, present, and potentially future entities which based upon the criteria developed in part one of the book might or might not qualify as the Harlot.
• Part III took the evidence developed by the author in Part I & II and then uses it to make the case for Mecca in Saudi Arabia as the Mystery Babylon the great, the mother of harlots who rules over the kings of the earth.
Overall I would say that Mr. Richardson makes a well written case for his view of end times eschatology concerning Mystery Babylon. Having said that, in the spirit of respectful criticism, there were several aspects of this subject which I felt the author did not adequately explain or in some cases just did not meet reasonable burden of Biblical proof.
* * *
The first aspect I would like to look at is an incredibly important point that Mr. Richardson makes regarding the meaning of “the mother of all harlots”. In fact much of the premise of this book hangs upon the subject. I’ll quote and abridged excerpt from the Kindle edition of Mr. Richardson’s book:
• “The title “the mother of all harlots”, however, has nothing to do with actual or metaphorical motherhood…. No, the phrase “the mother of” is a figure of speech that means “major” or “best.” (Kindle Loc. 1033)
This is a rather important statement that Mr. Richardson makes here that he does not provide any Biblical evidence for. There is an incredibly big difference between seeing the Harlot of Revelation as the “mother” of Harlots or just the “major” or “best” harlot in the Bible. Mr. Richardson goes on to explain how Saddam Hussein’s famous declaration that if the US invaded Iraq it would result in the “mother of all battles” as his primary example of how the term should be understood in the Bible.
Regrettably there is not one instance in the Bible were the term mother (meter) is used in this way. In fact mother (meter) is used 85 times in the New Testament and in all but two instances the term refers specifically to a human mother. Interestingly, in the two instances where the term is not used to refer specifically to a mother it does so metaphorically referring to two different cities as mothers. One instance is in Revelation 17:5 as referenced in this book referring to the city of Mystery Babylon, “the mother of Harlots”, the other is found in Galatians 4:26 and refers to heavenly Jerusalem the mother of all believers.
Frankly, the usage of mother (meter) in the New Testament presents Mr. Richardson with a serious challenge to his interpretation. . There is no reasonable interpretive method which allows Mr. Richardson to change the exclusive meaning of the term meter as he does so in this book. By Mr. Richardson’s own admission the Bible must define its own context. Revelation, when it refers to Mystery Babylon the mother of harlots, for good or bad must be understood within the context of a mother as the progenitor or source. This raises the important question of how Mecca in particular or Saudi Arabia in general could be considered the “mother” of harlots. This is a question Mr. Richardson will have to deal with in order for his interpretation to be considered seriously.
This leads into my second criticism. In this book Mr. Richardson, by changing the meaning of mother in Revelation 17:5, obscures the ability for his reader to identify the one idolatrous religious system which has given rise to all others. In other words there is in fact Mother of Harlots in the Bible and this religion began with a lie. Genesis 3:1 tells the story:
• "And the serpent said unto the woman, Ye shall not surely die: For God doth know that in the day ye eat thereof, then your eyes shall be opened, and ye shall be as gods, knowing good and evil." - Genesis 3:4-5
Here in Genesis we have the first promise of humanism or as it is called by some “enlightenment”. This is the origin of the very first works religion. Mankind was promised that if they eat of the tree (their own effort), they would become as gods. In other words the serpent promised mankind that they could become gods by their own efforts outside the purview of YHWH’s constraints.
The Bible tells us history is playing out according to YHWH’s eternal plan. The serpent told Adam and Eve that they were the master of their own destiny. The Bible tells us that we are a fallen creation in need of unmerited favor of YHWH through the redemptive blood of Yeshua. Since Eden mankind has instead tried to find their own path to salvation.
In Nimrod’s Babylon we find this spirit of idolatry in the form of a people convinced they could reach heaven by works of their own hands. There in Genesis 11:4 the theme is “let us” build a city and tower, “let us” make us a name.
Later in Nebuchadnezzar’s Babylon we find humanism in the pride of Nebuchadnezzar. Nebuchadnezzar believed his power and glory came from his own accomplishments. After Nebuchadnezzar’s abasment he had this to say:
••• "Now I Nebuchadnezzar praise and extol and honour the King of heaven, all whose works are truth, and his ways judgment: and those that walk in pride he is able to abase." Daniel 4:37
It doesn’t matter where you look in Biblical history, idolatry is the worship of the creation(man, animals, stars, planets, our own accomplishments etc.) instead of the Creator.
Today, in our modern world Satan’s original lie has been repackaged. We now dress the idea in scientific terms such as evolution or singularity, but it is still the same age old lie Satan told Adam and Eve.
The religion of Mystery Babylon is the worship of man as god, i.e. secular humanism. The daughters of this harlot are all the religious doctrines of mankind from Eden to the present day which tell us we can earn our own salvation. Or in the words of some of today’s most popular secular humanists; Christianity, Judaism and Islam are just different paths that lead to the same destination.
In chapter 20 of this book Mr. Richardson makes the following claim regarding the harlot religion of Islam.
••• “BESIDES CHRISTIANITY, Islam is the only other major world religion with a significant evangelistic thrust. (Kindle Locations 3287-3288)
By seeing Islam as the “mother” of Harlots Mr. Richardson overlooks the most significant “evangelistic thrust” the world has ever known. Secular humanism is the “scientific” religion that is taught in nearly every classroom, high school, and college in the western world. Even more telling is that this religion is even preached from many of today’s churches, synagogues, and temples. In the world today the evangelistic outreach of secular humanists reaches far more hearts and minds than either Islam or Christianity.
In 2 Thessailonians the apostle Paul describes the religion of the Anti-Christ. As you can see in this quote, Satan’s original Edenic lie comes full circle in a man who claims to be God.
• • • "Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who 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 2:3-4
* * *
In closing, while I believe Mr. Richardson makes a good case that Islam has a role to play in Bible prophecy, his view that Mecca and Saudi Arabia are the infamous Mystery Babylon the Mother of Harlots depends upon a novel interpretation of the term mother. Further this interpretation has the unintended consequence of obscuring the real danger of the ancient lie told to mankind so long ago.
••• "Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places." - Ephesians 6:11-12
December 13, 2017
Richardson says:
"I interpret Scripture literally whenever possible, but in doing so, I adhere to what I call a “rational literalism,” which recognizes that biblical prophecy quite frequently uses poetic exaggeration and hyperbole."
What Richardson considers "possible" doesn't appear possible to other exegetes. A good example is whether Babylon is a literal city and then, if it is a literal city, whether it is Rome, Jerusalem, New York, literal Babylon, Mecca, Mecca and Jeddah or somewhere else. It seems to me that the literalness of a passage depends on how well it matches Richardson's ideas.
I'm in favor of interpreting a passage in its original context, and that would be other Christian and second temple writings from about the same time. Revelation and the NT talk about a spiritual city, the new Jerusalem. (Rev 21:2, Gal 4:26, Heb_12:22), and in the OT the faithful city becomes a harlot (Isa 1:21). Why would John, or anyone be surprised about a non-Christian city being evil? (Rev 17:6)
Another Christian book written within a century of Revelation is the Shepherd of Hermas. It was part of some early NT's. It also speaks of a woman in a wilderness and later in Vision 4 he sees a tribulation beast.
Rev 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Hermas 1:3 And when I had walked a little, I fell asleep; and the spirit caught me away, and carried me through a certain place towards the right hand, through which no man could pass. It was a place among rocks, very steep, and unpassable for water.
1:5 And as I was praying, the heaven was opened, and I saw the woman which I had coveted, saluting me from heaven, and saying, Hermas, hail! and I looking upon her, answered, Lady, what dost thou do here?
2:1 ...And as I was praying, the heaven was opened, and I saw the woman which I had coveted, saluting me from heaven, and saying, Hermas, hail! and I looking upon her, answered, Lady, what dost thou do here?
2:31 Moreover, brethren, it was revealed to me, as I was sleeping, by a very goodly young man, saying unto me, What thinkest thou of that old woman from whom thou receivedst the book; who is she? I answered, a Sybil.
32 Thou art mistaken said he, she is not. I replied, Who is she then, sir? He answered me, It is the church of God.
Richardson notes that Saudi Arabia is not tolerant of other religions within its borders. If Babylon is Mecca, then why does the scripture say;
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
John said the antichrists came out from among us.
1Jn 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Mohammed and Islam were never part of Christianity.
Historically, Islam hasn't been the same type of empire as others mentioned in the Bible. During the history of Islam after the Rashidun period(632–661), many Muslim states, almost all of them hereditary monarchies, have claimed to be caliphates. The Sunni branch of Islam stipulates that, as a head of state, a caliph should be elected by Muslims or their representatives. Followers of Shia Islam, however, believe a caliph should be an Imam chosen by God from the Ahl al-Bayt (the "Family of the House", Muhammad's direct descendants).
I did find the book enjoyable and informative about Islam and the "illuminati," but I didn't find the arguments for Mecca as Babylon convincing.
"I interpret Scripture literally whenever possible, but in doing so, I adhere to what I call a “rational literalism,” which recognizes that biblical prophecy quite frequently uses poetic exaggeration and hyperbole."
What Richardson considers "possible" doesn't appear possible to other exegetes. A good example is whether Babylon is a literal city and then, if it is a literal city, whether it is Rome, Jerusalem, New York, literal Babylon, Mecca, Mecca and Jeddah or somewhere else. It seems to me that the literalness of a passage depends on how well it matches Richardson's ideas.
I'm in favor of interpreting a passage in its original context, and that would be other Christian and second temple writings from about the same time. Revelation and the NT talk about a spiritual city, the new Jerusalem. (Rev 21:2, Gal 4:26, Heb_12:22), and in the OT the faithful city becomes a harlot (Isa 1:21). Why would John, or anyone be surprised about a non-Christian city being evil? (Rev 17:6)
Another Christian book written within a century of Revelation is the Shepherd of Hermas. It was part of some early NT's. It also speaks of a woman in a wilderness and later in Vision 4 he sees a tribulation beast.
Rev 17:3 So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.
Hermas 1:3 And when I had walked a little, I fell asleep; and the spirit caught me away, and carried me through a certain place towards the right hand, through which no man could pass. It was a place among rocks, very steep, and unpassable for water.
1:5 And as I was praying, the heaven was opened, and I saw the woman which I had coveted, saluting me from heaven, and saying, Hermas, hail! and I looking upon her, answered, Lady, what dost thou do here?
2:1 ...And as I was praying, the heaven was opened, and I saw the woman which I had coveted, saluting me from heaven, and saying, Hermas, hail! and I looking upon her, answered, Lady, what dost thou do here?
2:31 Moreover, brethren, it was revealed to me, as I was sleeping, by a very goodly young man, saying unto me, What thinkest thou of that old woman from whom thou receivedst the book; who is she? I answered, a Sybil.
32 Thou art mistaken said he, she is not. I replied, Who is she then, sir? He answered me, It is the church of God.
Richardson notes that Saudi Arabia is not tolerant of other religions within its borders. If Babylon is Mecca, then why does the scripture say;
Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
John said the antichrists came out from among us.
1Jn 2:18 Little children, it is the last time: and as ye have heard that antichrist shall come, even now are there many antichrists; whereby we know that it is the last time.
1Jn 2:19 They went out from us, but they were not of us; for if they had been of us, they would no doubt have continued with us: but they went out, that they might be made manifest that they were not all of us.
Mohammed and Islam were never part of Christianity.
Historically, Islam hasn't been the same type of empire as others mentioned in the Bible. During the history of Islam after the Rashidun period(632–661), many Muslim states, almost all of them hereditary monarchies, have claimed to be caliphates. The Sunni branch of Islam stipulates that, as a head of state, a caliph should be elected by Muslims or their representatives. Followers of Shia Islam, however, believe a caliph should be an Imam chosen by God from the Ahl al-Bayt (the "Family of the House", Muhammad's direct descendants).
I did find the book enjoyable and informative about Islam and the "illuminati," but I didn't find the arguments for Mecca as Babylon convincing.
September 25, 2019
I am completely unconvinced about two of the main points. The first one is the identification of the Islamic Caliphate as the seventh kingdom in Revelation chapter seventeen. I am slightly open to this proposition, but I would need a much more detailed explanation of why it would fulfill Biblical prophecy. The second point, of Mecca being ‘Mystery Babylon’, I completely disagree with. How he connected that city to biblical Babylon was just too much of a jump for me to accept.
Even though he seems quite accurately points out the fallacies of different conspiracy theories, some of the later parts of this book seem to smack of its own conspiracy theory. Especially, the parts where he attempts to link the excesses and power of the Saudi Royal family. It seemed that he was trying too hard to fit current events into the Biblical prophecy, and that lead him to see connections that might not be there.
I found it quite interesting, and I agree with many of the more minor points throughout the book. I especially appreciate his conclusion to the book.
Even though he seems quite accurately points out the fallacies of different conspiracy theories, some of the later parts of this book seem to smack of its own conspiracy theory. Especially, the parts where he attempts to link the excesses and power of the Saudi Royal family. It seemed that he was trying too hard to fit current events into the Biblical prophecy, and that lead him to see connections that might not be there.
I found it quite interesting, and I agree with many of the more minor points throughout the book. I especially appreciate his conclusion to the book.
August 11, 2023
Well, I fully recommend and reinforce it with five glittering stars!!!
If you are like me an avid bible reader, then you'll appreciate this book with his tremendous insight in bible prophecy...
Joel Richardson is right as rain...
One, if not the greatest mystery in the bible is indeed Babilon the great whore from the book of Revelation!!!
So, this book is not only for Christians, but for all genuine truth seekers and open-minded beautiful folks out there at Goodreads!!!
Dean;)
If you are like me an avid bible reader, then you'll appreciate this book with his tremendous insight in bible prophecy...
Joel Richardson is right as rain...
One, if not the greatest mystery in the bible is indeed Babilon the great whore from the book of Revelation!!!
So, this book is not only for Christians, but for all genuine truth seekers and open-minded beautiful folks out there at Goodreads!!!
Dean;)
April 30, 2017
Among "Must Reads", read this first
Joel is faithful to use Scripture as his starting point and searches to see what most closely matches the prophecies. I agree he has found the most obvious which was not as clearly formed even 20 years ago. End time events are coming into focus and this book is an essential read.
Joel is faithful to use Scripture as his starting point and searches to see what most closely matches the prophecies. I agree he has found the most obvious which was not as clearly formed even 20 years ago. End time events are coming into focus and this book is an essential read.
March 29, 2017
Islam is Last Days Evil
Joel makes a great case for Mecca/Saudi Arabia being the Babylon of Revelation 17-18. This book is a MUST READ!
Joel makes a great case for Mecca/Saudi Arabia being the Babylon of Revelation 17-18. This book is a MUST READ!
May 10, 2017
Very thoroughly studied, written and presented as all of the author's books are. The author definitely studied this topic in extreme depth and presented his theory clearly and persuasively. This book is broken up into 3 sections: 1) a detailed analysis of what the Bible says about Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17-18, 2) a few of the most popular theories today to explain Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17-18, and 3) the author's theory of Mystery Babylon of Revelation 17-18.
In the first section, the author does an excellent job explaining key characteristics of Mystery Babylon from the Bible, not only from Revelation 17-18 but also from the Old Testament prophets and other Biblical passages. I had studied this topic in Revelation 17-18 before, but this book helped me understand a lot more about what the Bible says about Mystery Babylon that I never realized. I learned a lot. The second section was very interesting to see how others interpret Revelation 17-18. The author used the key characteristics from the first section as tests to see how well the popular theories of Mystery Babylon stacked up to what the Bible says. The third section was extremely helpful to me. I am not very knowledgeable of Islam or the Middle East (historically or currently), but I learned a great deal in this final section, especially about Saudi Arabia and Mecca. Again, the author used the key characteristics from the first section as tests to see how well his theory matched what the Bible says. I believe the author made a very valid and persuasive argument for his view of Mystery Babylon that should be seriously considered.
I plan to use this book now as a reference in my continued study. If you're at all curious about how Islam might fit into end time events or are interested in learning what is going on in the Middle East today, this is a great read for all. You don't have to have any prior knowledge of Biblical prophecy to read this book. The author does a great job explaining the Biblical texts. Once you are done with this book, I also very highly recommend the author's other book Mideast Beast, which is another outstanding Biblical prophecy book.
Excellent work, Mr. Richardson. You are helping me grow my understanding of Biblical prophecy. I can't wait for your next book! Thank you!
In the first section, the author does an excellent job explaining key characteristics of Mystery Babylon from the Bible, not only from Revelation 17-18 but also from the Old Testament prophets and other Biblical passages. I had studied this topic in Revelation 17-18 before, but this book helped me understand a lot more about what the Bible says about Mystery Babylon that I never realized. I learned a lot. The second section was very interesting to see how others interpret Revelation 17-18. The author used the key characteristics from the first section as tests to see how well the popular theories of Mystery Babylon stacked up to what the Bible says. The third section was extremely helpful to me. I am not very knowledgeable of Islam or the Middle East (historically or currently), but I learned a great deal in this final section, especially about Saudi Arabia and Mecca. Again, the author used the key characteristics from the first section as tests to see how well his theory matched what the Bible says. I believe the author made a very valid and persuasive argument for his view of Mystery Babylon that should be seriously considered.
I plan to use this book now as a reference in my continued study. If you're at all curious about how Islam might fit into end time events or are interested in learning what is going on in the Middle East today, this is a great read for all. You don't have to have any prior knowledge of Biblical prophecy to read this book. The author does a great job explaining the Biblical texts. Once you are done with this book, I also very highly recommend the author's other book Mideast Beast, which is another outstanding Biblical prophecy book.
Excellent work, Mr. Richardson. You are helping me grow my understanding of Biblical prophecy. I can't wait for your next book! Thank you!
December 30, 2018
Although my study of eschatology has been all over the place throughout my career as a pastor, missionary and Bible teacher, to the point at which I finally began refusing to teach eschatological topics at all, and labored excessively long when the topic came up to express the positive and negative points of all sides of the issue, I find in Joel Richardson's Mystery Babylon and even-handed and critically important read for all students of the Bible. Richardson debunks Alexander Hislop's "The Two Babylons", an old text that affected me profoundly in my early days as a believer. His critique is logical, sometimes unkind (who cares, Hislop's long dead anyway) and reaches back to the beginnings of my career to replace some long-standing faulty foundation stones. I recommend the book for all students of prophecy, whatever their ilk (pre; post or amillennial, etc.) and also as a favorable reminder of the importance of taking even well-established tomes such as Hislop with a grain of salt.
June 26, 2020
Quite the interesting read, for sure. There are certainly things in this book that I think the author probably pushes a bit too far. That said, he makes quite a solid case for Islam (and the Middle East) being a major player in Biblical prophecy—a thing I have long given quite a bit of thought to. The greater portion of this book uses Scripture alone to arrive at that conclusion. In the last several chapters, he offers much information about Islam from history (ancient and modern)—information most of us Westerners know little about. It's a worthy read.
Again, I don't necessarily agree with every statement. Nor do I come to the same conclusion he does in every case. However, I did greatly appreciate the work he put into this. It is something to consider.
The author actually offers this book free on his website in PDF format: https://joelstrumpet.com/wp-content/u...
Again, I don't necessarily agree with every statement. Nor do I come to the same conclusion he does in every case. However, I did greatly appreciate the work he put into this. It is something to consider.
The author actually offers this book free on his website in PDF format: https://joelstrumpet.com/wp-content/u...
November 6, 2021
Joel Richardson has made a very convincing argument regarding who he believes the Harlot Babylon is as prophesied about in Revelation. It's an intriguing theory and one that I had not even considered until reading this book. I am not one to simply sit and accept the claims he makes as I will need to do my own research and draw my own conclusions but this has definitely spurred interest in further study. This well written book with what I believe to be a fair examination of several of the other theories as well as their strengths and weaknesses. I can't wait to dive deeper into this rabbit hole.
January 17, 2024
Joel Richardson dissects many of the common assumptions on who the infamous and elusive "Mystery Babylon" is in the book of Revelation. Many speculate it is America, or New York City, or Jerusalem, Rome, a reborn Babylon, the Vatican, ect... I appreciated how his common sense approach of taking each of these options and holding it up to the light of scriptural clues. In doing so, many holes were poked in each theory. While weighing the pros and cons of each of the possibilities, he really broke down his case for why each of them does not perfectly fit the biblical criteria. He does give his best hypothesis to who "Mystery Babylon" is and why they fit each and every clue perfectly, and the answer may surprise you.
Read
September 21, 2021I like Joel, and I like the company he keeps. I like his heart posture and his scripture saturation. That being said, I'm still not sold.
Lots of good stuff here. Informative. If I have a central critique, it's that Richardson, who is ruthless in his policing of confirmation bias within other systems of thought, seems to be unable to recognize it in his own work. So, while compelling, swaths of his proposal really seem to be either (1) quite a stretch, or (2) dependent upon a point which is... a stretch.
Lots of good stuff here. Informative. If I have a central critique, it's that Richardson, who is ruthless in his policing of confirmation bias within other systems of thought, seems to be unable to recognize it in his own work. So, while compelling, swaths of his proposal really seem to be either (1) quite a stretch, or (2) dependent upon a point which is... a stretch.
February 16, 2017
True Prophecy!
As always, this servant of The Most High God, has followed The Holy Spirits leading. He has carefully given us what scripture has revealed to him and it is so edifying and thought provoking. Keep it up, Joel! Our prayers are always with you and your family. God bless!
As always, this servant of The Most High God, has followed The Holy Spirits leading. He has carefully given us what scripture has revealed to him and it is so edifying and thought provoking. Keep it up, Joel! Our prayers are always with you and your family. God bless!
March 26, 2021
Mystery Babylon
This is an excellent book that sorts through various theories of the end times and on who or what may be the prophesied Mystery Babylon. Information that is presented has been thoroughly researched and is easily understood, even though it may be difficult to process at times.
This is an excellent book that sorts through various theories of the end times and on who or what may be the prophesied Mystery Babylon. Information that is presented has been thoroughly researched and is easily understood, even though it may be difficult to process at times.
October 14, 2023
Timely
I’ve always respected Richardson’s writing! In light of recent events I checked for the books I knew had been released but I haven’t read yet. This book was written, I believe, in 2017. Richardson’s insights 6 years later are still relevant and continue to follow what is unfolding.
I’ve always respected Richardson’s writing! In light of recent events I checked for the books I knew had been released but I haven’t read yet. This book was written, I believe, in 2017. Richardson’s insights 6 years later are still relevant and continue to follow what is unfolding.
April 23, 2024
This is probably the most interesting book I've read in a long time, if not ever. You are able to skip to section three without it not making sense, but I highly recommend reading the entire thing. Joel Richardson does a really good job at backing claims up with Scripture and tying everything together to make valid arguments.
May 9, 2024
This work is an excellent compendium to Richardson's - The Islamic Antichrist. Since the late 1990's I have subscribed to the view of Islam as the end times beast system. This work helps expand on such themes as Daniel's fourth beast and especially several possibilities for the location of the literal - Whore of Babylon.
August 6, 2017
Contains many truths & insights
There are many books with many angles on the coming end times, Joel Richardson's Mystery Babylon both from a worldly & spiritual perspective a most logical contender, also a powerful exposé on how corrupt our world has become, "come LORD JESUS come"
There are many books with many angles on the coming end times, Joel Richardson's Mystery Babylon both from a worldly & spiritual perspective a most logical contender, also a powerful exposé on how corrupt our world has become, "come LORD JESUS come"
June 9, 2018
Extremely well written and researched book, EVERY ONE SHOULD READ THIS!!
Great research, enlightning, very relevant . God is with us and wants us to be responsible, never stop growing and studying. Great resource for everyone.
Great research, enlightning, very relevant . God is with us and wants us to be responsible, never stop growing and studying. Great resource for everyone.
April 9, 2020
I´ve been reading prophecy books since almost 15 yrs. ago. This book, for me, is the one that makes more sense as to what it will come to be, given the actual world circumstances. Read it in 2 days, that can you an idea of how good was it.
December 13, 2021
Great reading,
I loved this book. Joel is a very good writer, he is not dogmatic but very convincing all the same with his scriptural input and so forth. Capturing material. Easy reads also.
I loved this book. Joel is a very good writer, he is not dogmatic but very convincing all the same with his scriptural input and so forth. Capturing material. Easy reads also.
June 8, 2022
A Great Exploration Of Scripture And The Modern World
Joel Richardson lays out a very intriguing theory about Revelation’s Mystery Babylon. The final section is an especially engaging read.
Joel Richardson lays out a very intriguing theory about Revelation’s Mystery Babylon. The final section is an especially engaging read.
May 28, 2017
Well-written. Very informative. I learned a lot - and was surprised by some of what I learned.
Joel Richardson did it again.
Joel Richardson did it again.
March 7, 2019
Sheds much needed light on the identity of the antichrist regime. Something many Christians for many many years have been misinterpreting.
December 1, 2020
A clear concise interpretation of Revelation 17.
April 30, 2021
This is another powerful work from Joel Richardson.
January 24, 2022
Glaringly eye opening!
This book has been heavily researched, and the material presented is well thought out to present, after disproving false but current beliefs concerning Mystery Babylon.
This book has been heavily researched, and the material presented is well thought out to present, after disproving false but current beliefs concerning Mystery Babylon.
November 2, 2023
This book is laid out spectacularly.
February 14, 2017
Excellent teaching
As someone who has always had an interest in God's prophetic word, this book has been a huge help in understanding the Babylon in Revelations. I highly recommend this book, as well as others Joel has written.
As someone who has always had an interest in God's prophetic word, this book has been a huge help in understanding the Babylon in Revelations. I highly recommend this book, as well as others Joel has written.
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