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.

Beale investigates the background of the beast of Revelation 13:18 and Revelation 17:9 in the book of Daniel, particularly Daniel 12.