Could Neom, the futuristic city being built in Saudi Arabia, be Mystery Babylon from Revelation? Context: Mystery Babylon •Revelation 17–18 describes Mystery Babylon as a great city characterized by: •Immorality, wealth, and global influence. •A hub for trade and commerce (Revelation 18:11–13). •Spiritual corruption and idolatry (Revelation 17:5). •Association with a “desert” (Isaiah 21:1–10 is sometimes linked prophetically). •This city is destroyed suddenly in a single day by divine judgment (Revelation 18:8, 18:17). Parallels with Neom 1.Wealth and Global Trade: •Neom is intended to be a global hub for commerce, technology, and innovation, boasting unimaginable wealth. •The focus on tourism, luxury, and trade echoes Babylon’s description in Revelation 18. 2.Location in the Desert: •Neom is being built in the northwest of Saudi Arabia, on a barren, desert-like landscape near the Red Sea. •Its location is geographically significant, being near the ancient trade routes and potentially linked to biblical regions. 3.Immorality and Spiritual Influence: •Neom’s plans to incorporate futuristic, secular, and potentially hedonistic lifestyles could align with the symbolic immorality and idolatry described in Revelation. •If the city becomes a symbol of human pride or rebellion against God, it could parallel Mystery Babylon’s spiritual apostasy. 4.Global Influence: •Neom aims to attract the world’s wealthiest and most powerful individuals, exerting influence on culture, economics, and politics. 5.Relation to Saudi Arabia: •Saudi Arabia is central to Islam and has significant geopolitical influence. Revelation’s symbolism might align with a city in this region if it represents religious and political corruption. Challenges to the Theory •Babylon’s Historical Identity: •Many believe Mystery Babylon is symbolic of a spiritual system (e.g., false religion, materialism) rather than a literal city. •Others identify it with specific locations like Rome (historical seat of political and spiritual power) or rebuilt Babylon in Iraq. •Unfinished Nature of Neom: •Neom is still under construction, and its global influence is speculative. •Revelation describes Mystery Babylon as a thriving, established city at the height of its power. •Religious and Cultural Context: •Saudi Arabia’s strict Islamic stance makes it less likely to promote open immorality or idolatry—though this could change. What do you think?