Babylon: one of the most notorious names in the Bible. It is a name that immediately conjures up images of decadence, oppression, and wickedness. But what does Babylon symbolize in the Bible? This has been a question that has puzzled scholars and laypeople for centuries. Some view Babylon as a literal city, while others see it as a metaphor for evil and corruption. Perhaps the answer lies somewhere in between.
In the Bible, Babylon is first mentioned in the book of Genesis, where it is portrayed as a symbol of human pride and defiance against God. In the book of Daniel, Babylon is depicted as a powerful kingdom that had conquered Israel and taken its people into exile. The prophet Isaiah describes Babylon as the “Lady of Kingdoms,” a city that rules over nations with arrogance and cruelty. In the book of Revelation, Babylon appears once again, this time as a great city that represents all that is Babylonian – greed, corruption, and idolatry.
So what does Babylon symbolize in the Bible? Some interpret it as a warning against the dangers of human arrogance and pride. Others see it as a judgment against the evil and wickedness in the world. Still, others believe that Babylon represents the fallen world that we live in, with its greed and corruption. Regardless of how one interprets it, Babylon remains one of the most intriguing and mysterious symbols in the Bible, one that continues to fascinate both scholars and laypeople alike.
Babylon as a symbol of rebellion against God
Babylon, the capital city of ancient Babylonian empire, symbolizes a rebellion against God and His commandments. In the Bible, Babylon first appears in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9), where the people of the city attempted to build a tower to reach the heavens and make a name for themselves. This act of defiance against God’s plan for humanity was met with divine punishment, and the people were scattered and their language confused.
Later in the Bible, Babylon is used as a metaphor for the world system that opposes God and His people. The book of Revelation presents Babylon as a great city (Revelation 18) that represents the sum of human rebellion and sin, in opposition to God’s kingdom. In this sense, Babylon represents all societies that promote godlessness, immorality, and injustice.
Examples of Babylonian rebellion against God in the Bible
- The Tower of Babel – Genesis 11:1-9
- The Babylonian Empire’s destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and exile of the Jewish people – 2 Kings 25, Jeremiah 52, 2 Chronicles 36
- The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, claiming to be greater than God – Daniel 4:28-37
The Fall of Babylon in the Bible
In the book of Revelation, Babylon is depicted as a symbol of human-made evil and rebellion against God. The city’s fall, therefore, represents the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over human pride and sin. The book describes the downfall of Babylon in vivid detail, depicting it as a city of decadence and corruption, ultimately destroyed by God’s judgment.
The fall of Babylon in Revelation 18 also serves as an invitation to God’s people to come out of Babylon and separate from the systems and practices that embrace sin and rebellion. This call to separation from the world’s ways remains a key theme in Christian theology and practice today.
Conclusion
In the Bible, Babylon serves as a potent symbol of rebellion against God and His commandments. From the Tower of Babel to the corrupt city of Revelation 18, Babylon represents all societies and systems that promote godlessness, corruption, and injustice. The ultimate fall of Babylon in the Bible is a reminder of God’s sovereignty and His victory over human pride and sin.
| Babylonian Rebellion Against God | Bible References |
|---|---|
| The Tower of Babel | Genesis 11:1-9 |
| The Babylonian Empire’s destruction of the temple in Jerusalem and exile of the Jewish people | 2 Kings 25, Jeremiah 52, 2 Chronicles 36 |
| The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, claiming to be greater than God | Daniel 4:28-37 |
Babylon as a Symbol of Worldly Power and Wealth
Babylon is a recurring theme in the Bible, and is often associated with worldly power and wealth. The city of Babylon was the capital of the ancient Babylonian empire, and was known for its riches and resources. As such, it became a symbol of worldly power and extravagance.
- In the book of Genesis, the Tower of Babel is often associated with the city of Babylon. The story describes how the people of the city attempted to build a tower that would reach the heavens. This has been interpreted as a symbol of the people’s desire for worldly power and glory, rather than seeking God’s favor.
- In the book of Daniel, Babylon is portrayed as the epitome of worldly power and wealth. The Babylonian king, Nebuchadnezzar, conquered many neighboring nations and built a grand palace for himself. He also created a golden statue of himself and forced all the peoples of the land to worship it, showing his desire for complete control and dominance.
- Babylon is also mentioned in the book of Revelation, where it is depicted as a city of great wealth and luxury. It is described as being the center of worldwide commerce and trade, with merchants and traders from around the world flocking to it. It is also portrayed as a center of wickedness and immorality, which eventually leads to its downfall.
It is important to note that the Bible does not completely condemn wealth or power, but cautions against becoming attached to them and putting them above God. The story of Babylon serves as a warning against the excesses of worldly power and wealth, and reminds us to seek a greater purpose beyond material possessions.
In conclusion, Babylon symbolizes worldly power and wealth in the Bible. Through various stories and prophecies, the city is portrayed as a center of extravagance and excess, as well as a warning against becoming too attached to material possessions.
| Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| The Tower of Babel | A symbol of the people’s desire for worldly power and glory, rather than seeking God’s favor. |
| Kings and Rulers | Babylonian kings and rulers sought complete control and dominance, even creating golden statues of themselves to be worshipped. |
| Commerce and Trade | Babylon was the center of worldwide commerce and trade, with merchants and traders from around the world flocking to it. |
Overall, Babylon serves as a powerful symbol of the dangers of excess and materialism, and reminds us to keep our priorities in check and to seek a greater purpose beyond wealth and power.
Babylon as a Symbol of False Religion and Idolatry
In the Bible, Babylon is often used as a symbol of false religion and idolatry. This is because Babylon was the birthplace of some of the most ancient and heinous practices of idol worship, including the worship of the pagan god Marduk. The Babylonians were known for their polytheistic beliefs, in which they worshiped multiple gods and goddesses. Their religious practices involved human sacrifices, astrology, and divination, among other things.
Throughout the Bible, Babylon is used as a metaphor for worldly power, temptation, and pride. The Bible warns against following false idols and abandoning faith in God, and the story of Babylon serves as a cautionary tale for those who stray too far from the path of righteousness.
Examples of Babylon as a Symbol of False Religion and Idolatry
- The Tower of Babel: In the book of Genesis, the people of Babylon decided to build a tower that would reach the heavens as a symbol of their power. However, God saw their prideful intentions and confused their language, causing them to abandon their project and scatter across the world.
- The Babylonian Exile: In the Old Testament, the Babylonians conquered Judah and took the people into exile. During this time, the Jews were forced to live in a foreign land among people who worshiped false gods. The prophet Jeremiah warned against idolatry and reminded the Jews of their covenant with God.
- Babylon in Revelation: In the book of Revelation, Babylon is again used as a symbol of false religion, temptation, and pride. The city is described as a whore who sits on many waters, symbolizing her influence over the nations. The people of God are warned to come out of Babylon and not to partake in her sins, lest they suffer her plagues.
The Contrast between Babylon and Jerusalem
The Bible often contrasts the city of Babylon with the city of Jerusalem. While Babylon represents worldly power and false religion, Jerusalem stands for the city of God, the place where He has made His dwelling among His people. The contrast between the two cities is stark: Babylon is characterized by corruption and sin, while Jerusalem is a city of peace and righteousness.
| Babylon | Jerusalem |
|---|---|
| Worldly power | Divine authority |
| False religion | The worship of the one true God |
| Corruption and sin | Peace and righteousness |
As Christians, we are called to follow the example of Jerusalem, not Babylon. We are called to set aside false idols and follow God with all of our hearts, minds, and souls. By seeking truth and righteousness, we can avoid the pitfalls of temptation and pride that led Babylon down the path of destruction.
Babylon as a Symbol of Pride and Arrogance
In the Bible, Babylon is often used as a symbol of pride and arrogance. This is because the city of Babylon was known for its great wealth, power, and influence, which led its leaders to become arrogant and self-important.
At the height of its power, Babylon was one of the most magnificent cities in the world. It was a center of trade and commerce, with a thriving economy and a highly developed culture. The city was home to the famous Hanging Gardens, one of the Seven Wonders of the Ancient World, and its walls were said to be impregnable.
However, this great pride and self-importance eventually led to Babylon’s downfall. In the Bible, Babylon is portrayed as a wicked, sinful city that has become obsessed with its own power and wealth. The book of Isaiah, for example, describes Babylon as a “queen of kingdoms” who sits on a throne of pride and arrogance (Isaiah 47:5). The book of Jeremiah also portrays Babylon as a city that has become “a golden cup in the hand of the Lord, intoxicating all the earth” (Jeremiah 51:7).
Examples of Pride and Arrogance in Babylon
- The Tower of Babel: According to the Bible, the people of Babylon decided to build a tower that would reach up to heaven, as a symbol of their greatness and power. However, this act of hubris angered God, who confused their language and scattered them across the earth (Genesis 11:1-9).
- The Captivity of the Jews: The Babylonians conquered the kingdom of Judah and took many of its people into captivity in Babylon. During this time, the Jews were forced to live in exile and were subjected to the Babylonian’s cruel treatment and oppression. This was seen as a punishment for their own pride and stubbornness, which had led them to disobey God’s commands (Jeremiah 25:9).
- The Fall of Babylon: In the book of Daniel, King Belshazzar is shown having a feast and drinking from the holy vessels that had been taken from the temple in Jerusalem. This act of sacrilege angers God, who sends a finger that writes on the wall, “Mene, Mene, Tekel, Upharsin,” or “you have been weighed in the balances and found wanting” (Daniel 5:25-28). That very night, the city of Babylon falls to the Persians, bringing an end to its arrogant and sinful ways.
The Lesson of Babylon’s Pride and Arrogance
The story of Babylon serves as a cautionary tale about the dangers of pride and arrogance. It shows how a great and powerful city can be brought low by its own sense of self-importance and how even the mightiest empires are subject to God’s judgment.
| Lessons we can learn from Babylon’s pride and arrogance: |
|---|
| Humility is key to avoiding downfall |
| We should not become obsessed with power or wealth |
| Disobeying God’s commands can lead to punishment |
| God is ultimately in control and will judge the proud and arrogant |
Babylon as a Symbol of Babylonian Empire and Its Domination over Israel
Throughout the Bible, Babylon is used as a symbol of the powerful Babylonian Empire and its domination over Israel. The Babylonian Empire was one of the most powerful empires in ancient times and was known for its military prowess and advanced infrastructure. Babylonian kings such as Nebuchadnezzar were ruthless in their conquests and ruled their subjects with an iron fist.
The Babylonian Empire conquered Israel in 586 B.C. and destroyed the Temple of Solomon in Jerusalem. The Babylonians took many Israelites captive and forced them to live in Babylon. This period in Jewish history is known as the Babylonian exile and lasted for 70 years until the Persians conquered Babylon and allowed the Jews to return to Israel.
- Symbol of Idolatry: In the Bible, Babylon is also used as a symbol of idolatry and sexual immorality. The Babylonians were known for their religious practices that involved the worship of many gods and goddesses. Babylon is depicted as a harlot in the book of Revelation, symbolizing the seductive nature of idolatry and false religion.
- The Tower of Babel: The Tower of Babel is another well-known story from the Bible that is associated with Babylon. According to the story, the people of Babylon attempted to build a tower that would reach the heavens in order to make a name for themselves. However, God confused their language and scattered them across the earth, symbolizing the consequences of pride and rebellion.
- Biblical Prophecy: Babylon is also mentioned in biblical prophecy as a symbol of judgment and destruction. In the book of Isaiah, Babylon is referred to as the “hammer of the whole earth” and is prophesied to be destroyed by the Medes. In the book of Revelation, Babylon is portrayed as a great city that is judged by God and destroyed in one hour.
The table below summarizes some of the key events and symbolism associated with Babylon in the Bible:
| Event/Symbolism | Description |
|---|---|
| Babylonian Empire | A powerful empire known for its military prowess and infrastructure |
| Babylonian Exile | A period in Jewish history when the Babylonians conquered Israel and took many Jews captive |
| Symbol of Idolatry | Babylon is portrayed as a harlot in the book of Revelation, symbolizing the seductive nature of idolatry |
| The Tower of Babel | A symbol of pride and rebellion that resulted in the confusion of language and the scattering of people |
| Biblical Prophecy | Babylon is referred to as the “hammer of the whole earth” and is prophesied to be destroyed by the Medes |
In conclusion, Babylon is a powerful symbol in the Bible that represents the Babylonian Empire and its domination over Israel. It is also a symbol of idolatry, pride, and rebellion, and is used in biblical prophecy as a warning of judgment and destruction.
Babylon as a symbol of judgment and destruction
Throughout the Bible, Babylon is often used as a symbol of judgment and destruction. This is most notably seen in the Book of Revelation, where Babylon is identified as a great city that has fallen and become a dwelling place for demons. It is described as corrupt, immoral, and responsible for leading people astray from the true teachings of God.
- In Babylonian culture, the number six was considered a sacred number, representing both creation and destruction.
- In the Bible, the number six is associated with imperfection, human weakness, and sinfulness.
- In the Book of Revelation, the mark of the beast is said to be 666, indicating the complete corruption and evil associated with Babylonian culture and its impact on humanity.
It is clear that Babylon symbolizes the destructive and corrupt forces that often lead humanity away from God and into a state of moral decay. The influence of Babylon is seen throughout history, as many cultures and societies have been corrupted by its teachings and values, leading to the downfall of nations and the suffering of countless individuals.
Babylon serves as a warning to us all, reminding us of the dangers of living in a world that is ruled by greed, selfishness, and the pursuit of power and pleasure.
| Babylonian Culture | Biblical Association |
|---|---|
| Six as a sacred number | Six as a symbol of imperfection and sinfulness |
| Focus on worldly power and pleasure | Focus on spiritual fulfillment and obedience to God |
| Corrupt teachings and values | Moral teachings and values aligned with God’s will |
In conclusion, the symbol of Babylon in the Bible represents the destructive and corrupt forces that often lead humanity away from God. By understanding these teachings and values, we can work towards a world that is more just, compassionate, and filled with the love and grace of God.
Babylon as a Symbol of Oppression and Captivity
Babylon is a powerful symbol in biblical literature, representing the ultimate form of worldly power and oppressive authority. The Babylonian Empire, which existed between the 18th and 6th centuries BCE, was one of the most powerful empires in the ancient world, known for its impressive achievements in architecture, art and astronomy. However, in the Bible, Babylon is portrayed as a place of darkness and captivity, a symbol of human arrogance and pride that leads to downfall.
The Number 7
- The number 7 appears repeatedly throughout the Bible as a symbol of completeness and perfection. This number is associated with God’s creation of the world in seven days and is used to describe the seven days of the week, seven seas, and seven continents.
- It’s important to note that Babylon is referenced several times throughout the Bible in relation to the number 7. For instance, in the Book of Revelation, the fall of Babylon is described as happening in seven plagues, in seven bowls, and in seven trumpets. These symbols allude to the completeness of Babylon’s devastation and the total destruction of its power and authority.
- Additionally, the captivity of the Jews in Babylon is said to have lasted for 70 years, a period of time that is also associated with the number 7. This captivity was a time of great suffering and loss, as the Jews were forced to abandon their homeland and live under the oppressive rule of their Babylonian captors. This is a powerful symbol of the impact of Babylon’s oppression and the long-lasting effects it had on those who lived under its authority.
The Fall of Babylon
The fall of Babylon is a recurring theme in the Bible, symbolizing the ultimate triumph of God’s power over the forces of evil in the world. In the Book of Revelation, Babylon is portrayed as a great city, adorned with wealth and luxury, which falls in a single hour, thrown down by the wrath of God. This image represents the complete annihilation of Babylon’s power, authority, and influence, and is a powerful symbol of the eventual defeat of all human arrogance and pride.
In conclusion, Babylon is a powerful symbol in the Bible, representing the ultimate form of worldly power and oppression. Its fall represents the triumph of good over evil, of God’s power over human arrogance, and of the eventual downfall of all who seek to assert their authority over others. The number 7 is a recurring symbol in relation to Babylon, representing the completeness of its demise and the long-lasting effects of its oppressive rule.
| Babylonian Achievements: | Impressive architecture | Art | Astronomy |
|---|---|---|---|
| Babylon in the Bible: | Symbol of oppression | Darkness | Captivity |
| The Fall of Babylon: | Triumph of good over evil | God’s power over pride | Defeat of all arrogance |
The fall of Babylon is a powerful symbol of the eventual triumph of good over evil and of God’s power over human arrogance.
Babylon as a symbol of confusion and chaos
In the Bible, Babylon is often used as a symbol of confusion and chaos. One of the most prominent examples is found in the story of the Tower of Babel (Genesis 11:1-9). According to the story, the people of Babylon decided to build a tower that would reach the heavens. But God saw this as a display of arrogance and, as punishment, caused the people to speak in different languages so they could no longer understand each other. The result was confusion and chaos, and the tower was never completed.
- Another prominent example is the book of Revelation, where Babylon is described as a great city that represents all that is evil and corrupt in the world.
- Throughout the Bible, Babylon is also associated with idolatry and the worship of false gods.
- The Babylonian captivity of the Israelites is yet another example of the chaos and suffering that Babylon brought upon the world.
It’s interesting to note that the number 8 is also associated with Babylon in the Bible. In Jewish numerology, the number 8 represents eternity and infinity. But in the book of Revelation, we see a different side of the number 8. Here, it is used to symbolize the reign of Babylon and the chaos, corruption, and destruction it brought upon the world.
| Verse | Reference |
|---|---|
| Revelation 17:11 | “The beast that was, and is not, is himself also the eighth, and is of the seven, and is going to perdition.” |
| Revelation 18:8 | “Therefore her plagues will come in one day—death and mourning and famine. And she will be utterly burned with fire, for strong is the Lord God who judges her.” |
In this context, the number 8 represents the false sense of eternity and infinity that Babylon promised but was ultimately unable to deliver. Instead, it ushered in a period of chaos and corruption that ultimately led to the city’s downfall.
Babylon as a symbol of the end times and the antichrist
In the Bible, Babylon is used as a symbolic representation of evil, corruption, and worldly indulgence. It is mentioned several times in the Old and New Testaments, each time serving as a reminder of the dangers of sin and the consequences that await those who stray from God’s path.
Especially in the book of Revelation, Babylon represents the end times and the antichrist. Revelation describes Babylon as a great city that reigns over the earth and is known for its wealth, luxury, and immorality. This city is ruled by a powerful leader who blasphemes God and leads people astray from the truth.
- The number 9
- The number 9 has significant symbolism throughout the Bible and is closely tied to the idea of divine completeness and finality. For example, there are nine fruit of the Holy Spirit (Galatians 5:22-23), nine gifts of the Holy Spirit (1 Corinthians 12:8-10), and nine beatitudes (Matthew 5:3-11).
- In the case of Babylon, the number 9 is significant because it represents the city’s complete and final destruction. In Revelation 18:21, an angel throws a large stone into the sea, declaring, “Thus with violence shall that great city Babylon be thrown down, and shall be found no more at all.” The numerical value of the word “violence” in Greek is 414, which is 9 x 46. This is seen as a confirmation of Babylon’s complete destruction and the finality of its fate.
- The number 9 is also significant in the antichrist’s rise to power. In Daniel 7:7-8, the prophet has a vision of four beasts that represent four earthly kingdoms. The fourth beast, which is identified as the antichrist, has ten horns. One of the horns is uprooted, and in its place, a smaller horn emerges, boasting “eyes like the eyes of a man, and a mouth speaking great things” (Daniel 7:8). The numerical value of the word “horn” in Hebrew is 202, which is 9 x 22. This suggests that the antichrist’s rise to power will be marked by violence and complete destruction.
The symbolism of Babylon and the number 9 remind us of the dangers of sin and the consequences that await those who stray from God’s path. It also serves as a warning of the challenges that will arise in the end times and the importance of staying grounded in faith during troubled times.
The book of Revelation’s message is clear—those who remain faithful to God will be rewarded in the end. Similarly, those who hold fast to their faith in times of trouble will be protected and guided through challenging times. In this way, Babylon’s symbolism serves as a reminder to stay faithful and trust in God’s plan, no matter what challenges may come our way.
| Symbolism of Babylon | Meaning |
|---|---|
| Luxury and indulgence | The dangers of worldly pleasures and excess |
| Powerful ruler leading people astray | The danger of following false leaders and straying from the truth |
| Final destruction | The consequences of sin and turning away from God |
| The number 9 | Symbolizes divine completeness and finality |
| Antichrist’s rise to power | Marked by violence and complete destruction |
In conclusion, the symbolism of Babylon serves as a warning to all of us to remain faithful and trust in God’s plan, even when times are tough. The number 9 and its associated symbolism remind us of the finality of sin’s consequences and the need to stay committed to God’s path. Let us be inspired by Babylon’s lessons and strive to live faithful and meaningful lives, guided by God’s wisdom and light.
Babylon as a counter-symbol to Jerusalem and the Kingdom of God
In the Bible, Babylon is often used as a counter-symbol to Jerusalem and the Kingdom of God. While Jerusalem represents God’s chosen people and the center of His presence, Babylon symbolizes the world, sin, and everything that goes against God’s will. Here are some of the ways in which Babylon is portrayed as a counter-symbol to Jerusalem:
- Babylon is a city of rebellion and pride, while Jerusalem is a city of humility and obedience to God.
- While Jerusalem is a symbol of God’s covenant with His people, Babylon is a symbol of the world’s false gods, idolatry, and spiritual adultery.
- Babylon is a city of ungodly wealth, luxury, and indulgence, while Jerusalem is a city of simplicity, righteousness, and godly living.
One of the most significant stories in the Bible where Babylon is used as a counter-symbol to Jerusalem is the story of the Tower of Babel. In this story, the people of the earth come together to build a tower that reaches the heavens, a symbol of their pride and ambition to be like God. As a punishment for their arrogance, God confuses their language, and they scatter all over the earth. This story represents the contrast between human ambition and God’s sovereignty, and it highlights the dangers of human pride and the consequences of rebelling against God’s will.
Another example of Babylon as a counter-symbol to Jerusalem is the Book of Revelation, where Babylon is portrayed as the great city of the world that has fallen into spiritual adultery and corruption. In this book, Babylon represents spiritual deception, idolatry, and the power structures of the world that oppose God’s Kingdom and persecute His people. Revelation also portrays Babylon as a place of materialism, wealth, and luxury, contrasting with the simplicity and humility of the New Jerusalem, which is the dwelling place of God.
| Babylon | Jerusalem |
|---|---|
| A city of rebellion and pride | A city of humility and obedience to God |
| A symbol of the world’s false gods, idolatry, and spiritual adultery | A symbol of God’s covenant with His people |
| A city of ungodly wealth, luxury, and indulgence | A city of simplicity, righteousness, and godly living |
In conclusion, Babylon symbolizes everything that opposes God’s Kingdom and stands in contrast to Jerusalem. Babylon represents the world’s false values, idolatry, pride, and rebellion, while Jerusalem represents God’s chosen people, His covenant, and His presence. The contrast between Babylon and Jerusalem serves as a reminder that we are called to be in the world but not of the world and to seek God’s Kingdom above all else.
What Does Babylon Symbolize in the Bible?
1. What is Babylon in the Bible?
In the Bible, Babylon is a symbol of rebellion against God and biblical principles. It is also seen as a representation of worldly power and material wealth.
2. Is Babylon still a physical place in modern-day Iraq?
Yes, Babylon is located in modern-day Iraq, but it is now an archaeological site. The physical city of Babylon no longer has the significance it once held.
3. What is the story of the Tower of Babel associated with Babylon?
The story of the Tower of Babel is associated with Babylon because it is believed to be where the tower was built. It symbolizes human pride and the attempt to reach God without following His will.
4. What is the significance of Babylon’s fall in the book of Revelation?
In the book of Revelation, Babylon’s fall represents the ultimate defeat of evil and the triumph of righteousness. It is a warning to people to turn away from the seduction of the world and return to following God.
5. How is Babylon connected to the antichrist in the Bible?
In the Bible, Babylon is often associated with the antichrist and false prophets. It is seen as a symbol of deception and false hope, leading people away from the truth of God.
6. What lessons can we learn from Babylon’s story in the Bible?
The story of Babylon in the Bible teaches us to be careful of the seduction of the world and the temptation to put worldly desires above God’s will. It also teaches us to remain faithful to God and trust in His ultimate victory.
7. How can we avoid falling into Babylon’s trap?
We can avoid falling into Babylon’s trap by keeping our focus on God, staying rooted in His word, and avoiding the temptations of the world. We should also strive to live a life of humility and obedience to God’s will.
Closing Thoughts
Thanks for taking the time to learn about what Babylon symbolizes in the Bible. Understanding this symbolism can help us better understand God’s message and teachings. Remember to keep God at the center of your life and strive to live a righteous and faithful life. Come back soon for more insightful articles like this!