Hollywood As One Of The Ancient Kingdoms In The Bible
Hollywood as One of the Ancient Kingdoms and Empires Found in the Bible: A Deep Biblical Reflection
Hollywood, the global entertainment capital, holds immense power and influence in shaping cultures, values, and perceptions around the world. Its films, TV shows, and media platforms reach billions of people every day, dictating trends and even guiding societal norms. But what if Hollywood is not just a modern-day phenomenon but also represents something far older, perhaps an embodiment of the same kind of power that ancient kingdoms and empires in the Bible once held?
In this article, we will explore the fascinating concept of Hollywood as one of the ancient kingdoms and empires found in the Bible. We will draw parallels between Hollywood's influence today and the mighty empires that shaped the history of God's people—highlighting the moral lessons, spiritual challenges, and divine callings for those navigating its vast influence. By examining Biblical passages from the Tanakh (Hebrew Bible) and the Gospels of Jesus, we can see how Hollywood mirrors the ancient kingdoms that both reflected and challenged God's will.
Hollywood’s Power and the Kingdoms of the Bible
Hollywood’s global reach is undeniable. Its control over the entertainment industry and ability to shape public consciousness often resembles the power held by ancient kingdoms and empires. The Tanakh (Old Testament) recounts the rise and fall of great civilizations, such as Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, and Rome, whose kings and rulers were renowned for their influence, wealth, and authority. These empires commanded the attention of entire nations, molding public opinion, establishing cultural standards, and enforcing their own set of values.
In many ways, Hollywood's power mirrors these ancient kingdoms in its ability to influence the minds, hearts, and behaviors of people around the globe. The media moguls who run Hollywood can create entire worlds of fantasy and imagination, much like the ancient rulers shaped the reality of their subjects. But, much like these ancient kingdoms, Hollywood’s power is not without its challenges and divine reckoning.
1. Egypt: Hollywood’s Cultural Reign
One of the most prominent and enduring empires in the Tanakh is Egypt, which enslaved the Israelites for centuries. The Egyptian empire is depicted in Exodus as a powerful force, led by Pharaoh, who embodied pride, self-glory, and defiance against God's will. Pharaoh’s refusal to let God’s people go resulted in devastating consequences, as described in Exodus 5-14.
The modern counterpart to Pharaoh might be found in the figures who hold immense power in Hollywood—the decision-makers who control the flow of media, dictate trends, and influence global culture. Just as Pharaoh’s empire sought to maintain control over the Israelites, Hollywood sometimes seems to control the public’s perceptions of morality, beauty, success, and happiness. It often promotes values that are in direct opposition to God's Word, encouraging materialism, self-idolatry, and promiscuity.
In Exodus 5:2, Pharaoh famously declared:
> “Who is the Lord, that I should obey him and let Israel go? I do not know the Lord and I will not let Israel go.”
—Exodus 5:2
This defiant attitude of Pharaoh is echoed in today’s secular entertainment industry, where values that honor God are often marginalized, and a humanistic worldview reigns. Like Pharaoh, Hollywood's pursuit of power and control often leads to the destruction of true morality and divine purpose.
However, just as Pharaoh’s pride led to his downfall, Hollywood too faces the possibility of reckoning. God is sovereign, and no empire, whether ancient or modern, can ultimately stand against His will.
> “The Lord reigns forever and ever; the nations will perish from his land.”
—Psalm 10:16
2. Babylon: The Allure of Materialism and Idolatry
Babylon, the great empire of the Tanakh, symbolizes the intoxicating allure of wealth, luxury, and idolatry. King Nebuchadnezzar of Babylon was known for his extravagant palace and the wealth of his kingdom. He even built a golden statue of himself, demanding that all people bow down and worship it. This pursuit of personal glory and material excess is a clear parallel to the materialism and celebrity worship found in Hollywood today.
In Daniel 3:1-6, the Babylonian king set up a golden image and commanded everyone to worship it, symbolizing the idolization of human achievements and worldly success:
> “King Nebuchadnezzar made an image of gold, sixty cubits high and six cubits wide, and set it up on the plain of Dura in the province of Babylon. Then he summoned the satraps, prefects, governors, advisers, treasurers, judges, magistrates, and all the other provincial officials to come to the dedication of the image he had set up.”
—Daniel 3:1-2
Today, Hollywood operates much in the same way, placing idols—actors, directors, and producers—on pedestals for the world to worship. These idols, while human, are often exalted above all else, dictating fashion, lifestyle, and even personal values. Hollywood's pursuit of fame, success, and materialism can lead to a dangerous form of idolatry, where success is worshiped, and the true essence of life is lost.
Jesus, in the Gospels, warns against the pursuit of material wealth and idolizing success at the expense of our relationship with God. In Matthew 6:24, He tells us:
> “No one can serve two masters. Either you will hate the one and love the other, or you will be devoted to the one and despise the other.”
—Matthew 6:24
In the same way, Hollywood’s culture of idolization leads people away from the true purpose and value of life, which is found in honoring God above all else.
3. Assyria: The Empire of Pride and Destruction
The Assyrian empire, known for its ruthless conquests and prideful dominance, is another ancient kingdom that holds striking parallels to Hollywood’s current influence. The Assyrians were notorious for their cruelty, waging wars of destruction and enslavement. However, their empire ultimately fell because of their pride and their failure to recognize God’s sovereignty. In Isaiah 10:12, the prophet Isaiah speaks of God’s judgment on the Assyrian king:
> “When the Lord has finished all his work against Mount Zion and Jerusalem, he will say, 'I will punish the king of Assyria for the willful pride of his heart and the haughty look in his eyes.’”
—Isaiah 10:12
Similarly, Hollywood’s dominance in shaping global culture and ideals often leads to a prideful mindset—a belief that the entertainment industry has all the answers and that it can control human behavior. Its pride in creating trends and setting cultural standards is not unlike the pride of ancient empires.
Yet, just as the Assyrian empire was ultimately humbled, so too will Hollywood face a reckoning. God’s justice prevails, and no empire, no matter how powerful, can escape His judgment.
4. Rome: Hollywood’s Global Influence
The Roman empire is often seen as one of the greatest and most enduring empires in history. Its influence spanned continents, and its culture and ideologies shaped the course of human history for centuries. In many ways, Hollywood mirrors the Roman empire in its global reach and authority. From ancient Rome’s gladiators and political games to Hollywood’s action-packed blockbusters and political narratives, the empire of entertainment bears similarities.
In Luke 17:20-21, Jesus taught about the coming of God’s Kingdom, highlighting that it would not come through political power or worldly empires:
> “The coming of the kingdom of God is not something that can be observed, nor will people say, 'Here it is,' or 'There it is,' because the kingdom of God is in your midst.”
—Luke 17:20-21
Hollywood, like Rome, exercises influence through its cultural dominance. But the Kingdom of God, Jesus reminds us, is not of this world. While Hollywood may seem all-powerful, it is the Kingdom of God that will endure forever.
Conclusion: Hollywood’s Empire and God’s Eternal Kingdom
Hollywood, much like the ancient kingdoms and empires described in the Tanakh, operates with immense power, influence, and control. It captivates millions of people and shapes the world in ways that resemble the influence of ancient empires. However, as with Egypt, Babylon, Assyria, and Rome, Hollywood's power is not without limits. God is the ultimate ruler, and no empire—ancient or modern—can stand against His eternal Kingdom.
Hollywood may be unstoppable for a season, but it is God’s eternal truth, as revealed through the Gospel of Jesus, that will outlast any earthly empire. We are called to remember that while Hollywood may shape culture, it is God's Word that shapes eternity. May we seek God's guidance and wisdom as we navigate the powerful influence of modern empires and keep our hearts aligned with His everlasting Kingdom.
