A Review of Iraq: Babylon of the End Times?
Saddam Hussein’s rebuilding of a model of Babylon on the site of ancient Babylon has fueled claims among many that the world is approaching the end times.
- Byron Snapp,
Saddam Hussein’s rebuilding of a model of Babylon on the site of ancient Babylon has fueled claims among many that the world is approaching the end times. A number of writers have authored books developing the thesis that this construction points to the entrance of the end times.
The authors, both of whom are professors at Ouachita Baptist University in Arkansas, have written a book that turns attention to proper Biblical interpretation. They use this foundation to better understand Middle East events.
They begin by pointing out that Iraq’s former leader, Hussein, in an attempt to unite the diverse people groups of Iraq, had been enthralled not only with Nebuchadnezzar and Babylon but also with numerous bygone leaders in the Mesopotamian area.
The writers take several chapters to explain the role of Babylon in Scripture and show how Biblical authors speak of Babylon in a literal sense during the historical existence and then in a figurative sense to denote evil and rebellion against God. The reader is taken to key passages in Daniel, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation. Pate and Hays provide clear, cogent explanations that clear up many misconceptions and errors regarding end time events. For example, readers are reminded that Hussein is an Arab, not a Babylonian. In addition to correcting misinterpretations, the authors provide the reader with good argumentation to counter others’ objections.
This volume was written prior to the American invasion of Iraq. However, its thesis remains relevant for all who desire a Biblical understanding of prophecy regarding Babylon.
The authors write clearly and concisely. The book’s size makes it reader-friendly. Its thesis makes it compelling reading. An understanding of this volume’s contents can keep one from being carried away with the continued onslaught of misinterpretations of prophecy.
Within this book, readers are also given a brief history of Iraq, a description of Hussein’s path to power, and insights regarding the existence of Christianity in Iraq.
The book provides a balanced, Biblical interpretation on a subject that is continually in need of correct interpretation.
- Byron Snapp
Byron Snapp is a graduate of King College (B.A.) and Reformed Theological Seminary (M.Div.). He was Associate Pastor at Calvary Reformed Presbyterian Church, Hampton, Virginia, from 1994 until his retirement in December 2014. He is a native of Marion, Virginia. He has had pastorates in Leakesville, Mississippi, and Gaffney, South Carolina. He served as Assistant Pastor in Cedar Bluff, Virginia prior to his ministry at Calvary Reformed. He has served as editor of the Presbyterian Witness and was a contributor to A Comprehensive Faith and Election Day Sermons. He is currently a member of Westminster Presbytery in the PCA. He and his wife Janey have 3 children and several grandchildren.