The book of Revelation prophecies the fall of Babylon the great city,  the mother of prostitutes.

The Roman Catholic Church

Rebuilt Babylon

Apostate Christianity

Rome

The Evil World System

Jerusalem

This of course is not a reference to the destruction of the ancient city of Babylon but like much of Revelation is a cryptic reference to another city.  5 reasons lead me to believe that it refers to the destruction of Jerusalem in the first century.

Revelation links Babylon with the Heavenly Jerusalem.

Jerusalem is only used in reference to the heavenly city that John sees coming down out of heaven.  It appears after the destruction of the city of Babylon.  There appears to be some link between these two cities.  When Babylon is destroyed the heavenly Jerusalem appears.     Babylon and the New Jerusalem are antithetical parallels.  The passing of the one makes way for the arrival of the other.

Revelation Only Refers to Jerusalem by Enemy Names

The earthly city of Jerusalem is referred to at least twice in the book of Revelation.  Neither time is it mentioned by name.  Instead the author chooses to call it by one of Israel’s ancient enemies.

Their bodies will lie in the street of the great city, which is figuratively called Sodom and Egypt, where also their Lord was crucified.  Revelation 11:8 

Of course the place where there Lord was crucified is the city of Jerusalem.  By calling Jerusalem “Sodom and Egypt,” John demonstrates how he may also call Jerusalem Babylon.

Revelation calls Jerusalem and Babylon the “Great City”

In Revelations 11:8, John says the bodies of the two witness will “lie in the street of the great city…”  This of course refers to the city of Jerusalem “where also their Lord was crucified.”  Babylon is likewise called “the great city.”

Revelation calls Babylon the “Mother of Harlots”

Babylon is described as the mother of Harlot’s.  While this term may be used of a pagan city in the Old Testament, the Prophets most often called Jerusalem a Harlot for her lack of covenantal faithfulness to YHWH her husband.

Revelation Ignores the Fate of Jerusalem? 

John appears to link the city of Babylon and the heavenly city of Jerusalem.  Jerusalem is only used in reference to the heavenly city that John sees coming down out of heaven.  It appears after the destruction of the city of Babylon.  There appears to be some link between these two cities.  When Babylon is destroyed the heavenly Jerusalem appears.     Babylon and the New Jerusalem are antithetical parallels.  The passing of the one makes way for the arrival of the other.