In 539 B.C. the empire of the Medes and Persians conquered and completely devastated the magnificent Babylonian kingdom. Isaiah prophesied the coming of this historic event about 200 years earlier around 739 B.C.; Behold, I am going to stir up the Medes against them, who will not value silver or take pleasure in gold. And their bows will mow down the young men, they will not even have compassion on the fruit of the womb, nor will their eye pity children. And Babylon, the beauty of kingdoms, the glory of the Chaldeans' pride, will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. (Isaiah 13:17-19)
The prophet Jeremiah wrote;"Though Babylon should ascend to the heavens, and though she should fortify her lofty stronghold, from Me destroyers will come to her," declares the Lord. (Jeremiah 51:53) Both Isaiah and Jeremiah declared that it is God Himself who orchestrated Babylon's fall using other kingdoms to carryout His sovereign plans. Some have speculated that this historic Babylon is a type or representative of another mighty end times kingdom, possibly the United States of America.
In Revelation chapters 17 and 18, we are told of another great and exceedingly powerful empire called Babylon that will be suddenly judged by God and utterly destroyed during the coming great tribulation period; And he cried out with a mighty voice, saying, "Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! (Revelation 18:2) Woe, woe, the great city, Babylon, the strong city! For in one hour your judgment has come. (Revelation 18:10)
We can't know for sure, but modern America, which seems so powerful and almost invincible militarily and economically certainly does, in many ways, fit the description of this end times Babylon. There are striking similarities in terms of our cultural immorality, idolatry, and great wealth. This we do know for sure; God is more powerful than any kingdom, empire or country, even the United States of America. And His judgment is coming; Rejoice over her, O heaven, and saints and apostles and prophets, because God has pronounced judgment for you against her. (Revelation 18:20) Maranatha!