The Babylonians, as referenced in the Book of Mormon, were integral to the fulfilling of prophetic warnings concerning the people of Jerusalem. Around 600 B.C., Lehi, a prophet in Jerusalem, foresaw the impending destruction of the city and the captivity of many inhabitants by the Babylonians due to their iniquities (1 Nephi 1:13). This prophecy was reiterated by both Lehi and his son Nephi, who spoke of the Babylonians carrying away the people of Jerusalem into exile (1 Nephi 10:3).
The Babylonians, often associated with the Chaldeans, are mentioned in the context of the Lord’s eventual retribution upon them for their acts. The Book of Mormon recounts a declaration of the Lord’s intent to “do his pleasure on Babylon” and indicates that His arm will be against the Chaldeans (1 Nephi 20:14). There is also a call for the liberation from the Babylonians, urging the people to go forth from Babylon and flee the Chaldeans (1 Nephi 20:20).
The fate of Babylon itself is prophesied in the Book of Mormon, echoing biblical prophecy. Isaiah, as cited by Nephi, speaks of the “burden of Babylon” and foretells its fall with the desolation likened to Sodom and Gomorrah (2 Nephi 23:1, 19). The prophecies further declare that the Lord will cut off the name and remnant of Babylon (2 Nephi 24:22) and take up a proverb against the king of Babylon, marking the end of the oppressor (2 Nephi 24:4). Ultimately, the destruction of Babylon is assured, and it is used as a symbol of the perils of wickedness and the certainty of divine justice (2 Nephi 25:15).
Historical context within the Book of Mormon notes that at the time Zedekiah, king of Judah, was carried into Babylonian captivity, a group called the people of Zarahemla, also known as the Mulekites, had departed Jerusalem. The Mulekites’ exodus occurred concurrently with the Babylonian invasion, as they, too, were fleeing the consequences of Jerusalem’s downfall (Omni 1:15).