In Isaiah’s taunt of Babylon we discover a number of the characteristics of empire. For example, they aggressively seek to rule other nations. Empires are arrogant in their environmental degradation—they view the earth as theirs and not the Lord’s. Because of their paranoia and cruelty, they hold prisoners indefinitely. Empires practice the propaganda of calling destruction peace. Isaiah says Babylon made the world like a desert and overthrew its cities.
