Will Babylon Be Rebuilt in the Last Days? by S. Douglas Woodward
Babylon Beyond the Bricks: A Symbolic City for the Last Days
In Will Babylon Be Rebuilt in the Last Days?, S. Douglas Woodward delivers a direct and carefully argued critique of Dr. Andrew M. Woods’ book Babylon: The Bookends of Prophetic History. At the heart of Woodward’s work lies a central theological dispute: whether the Babylon described in Revelation 17–18 refers to a literal, rebuilt city on the Euphrates River or is better understood as a symbolic representation of a broader religious-political system. Woods, a dispensationalist, holds firmly to the former view, while Woodward argues persuasively for the latter.
Woodward methodically deconstructs Woods’ literalist interpretation by challenging both the biblical exegesis and the practical feasibility of rebuilding Babylon into a global power center. He brings forward alternative views of "Babylon the Great," including interpretations that see Babylon as symbolic of Rome, Jerusalem, Mecca, or particularly, New York City and the United States—entities he believes better match the biblical prophecies. He critiques Woods’ reliance on early 20th-century dispensationalist sources and his neglect of opposing scholarship. The book also contains two appendices elaborating on the history and metaphoric significance of Babylon and Nimrod, drawn from Woodward’s prior works.
S. Douglas Woodward is a prolific author and recognized voice in eschatological and biblical research, especially from a futurist and evangelical perspective. His bibliography includes works on biblical prophecy, cosmology, and geopolitics, often questioning mainstream Christian interpretations and offering well-supported counterpoints.
Woodward’s research is deep and meticulously documented. He draws from a broad range of sources: ancient texts (LXX and MT), archaeology, biblical scholarship, and contemporary prophetic literature. He references both classic dispensationalists like Clarence Larkin and John Walvoord and modern thinkers like Joel Richardson and Bill Salus. Woodward’s critique is strengthened by his incorporation of historical geography, philology, and theological nuance, particularly when discussing the limitations of the Masoretic Text and promoting the Septuagint as a more reliable source.
Woodward writes with a confident, scholarly tone that remains accessible to educated lay readers. His prose is precise, often polemical, yet measured and respectful toward those with opposing views—especially Dr. Woods, whom he repeatedly calls a “fine brother.” The book is clearly structured, with subheadings that guide the reader through each argument. Although the tone is critical, it avoids veering into ad hominem or dismissiveness. Woodward’s ability to explain complex eschatological themes—such as the identity of Mystery Babylon, symbolic geography in Revelation, and ancient Near Eastern chronology—is a standout strength.
Woodward offers a detailed and thoughtful critique of Woods’ work, carefully engaging with his theological assumptions and interpretive choices. His tone is commendably balanced—firm in disagreement yet respectful in approach—which lends credibility to his analysis. He doesn’t merely rebut; he also broadens the discussion by offering alternative interpretive frameworks that invite the reader to consider a wider range of eschatological possibilities. His arguments are further strengthened by a solid grasp of historical and archaeological context, particularly concerning ancient Babylon and early biblical chronology. The appendices add depth, especially in exploring the Nimrod tradition and the symbolic language of Revelation. That said, the book’s concentrated style, despite its brevity, may be challenging for readers not already familiar with prophetic debates. It also assumes a working knowledge of dispensational theology and the structure of Revelation, which could limit accessibility. At times, while still respectful, the critique comes across as a bit strong, particularly in its characterizations of Woods’ theological stance.
Woodward’s work stands out in the crowded field of prophetic studies by rigorously defending a symbolic and systemic interpretation of Revelation’s Babylon. In an age when geopolitics and theology intersect more vividly than ever, this book invites Christians to re-examine longstanding assumptions about biblical prophecy. His proposal—that New York and the U.S. may better fulfill Babylon’s prophetic role than a literal rebuilt city—resonates powerfully given America’s global influence.
Compared to Woods’ Babylon: The Bookends of Prophetic History, which represents a more traditional dispensationalist viewpoint, Woodward’s rebuttal is both broader in scope and richer in contextual nuance. It complements Woodward’s broader corpus, particularly American Requiem and Rebooting the Bible, and will appeal to readers of Joel Richardson, Derek Gilbert, and L.A. Marzulli.
Will Babylon Be Rebuilt in the Last Days? is a lucid, compelling, and well-documented polemic that achieves its goal: to dismantle the case for a literal rebuilt Babylon as the seat of the Antichrist. Woodward's treatment of the symbolic nature of Revelation’s prophecies is insightful and provocative, rooted in both scholarly rigor and theological conviction. This book is best suited for students of prophecy, pastors, and lay readers looking to deepen their understanding of eschatology through critical engagement.
Highly recommended for those seeking thoughtful alternatives to traditional prophetic interpretations.
—N3UR4L Reviews
