In Dispensationalist theology it is traditionally argued that “Babylon” in Revelation 14, Revelation 17, and Revelation 18 is a symbol indicating some form of a re-established Rome. This view is built on a reading of the prophets Isaiah and Jeremiah in such a way that the rebuilding of the city and empire of Babylonia should be expected in the eschaton.

This article reflects on the Old Testament sources that Matthew 2:6 makes use of.