I want to share something with you
Hi Psalm23,
My own understanding is that it is nothing to do with America as a country but the human beings who direct that country.
I doubt the title of 'Babylon' is the exclusive right of America. It can also be applied to Singapore.
My belief is that Christians need to pray, not for mercy for the guilty, but for justice for the innocent and oppressed. Today, it is like the days of Noah, when some pastors worship money and fame, christians blame each other, non-christians blaspheme. Like the days of Noah, there are remnants of righteousness. Unlike the days of Noah, God will not send another flood to cleanse the world of human beings. But God should send forth justice.
For why should we protect the guilty? Most say that we should because we are not perfect and being the recipients of God's love and mercy, why should we ask for Judgment on others? But we are not asking for Judgment. We are asking for justice and a purer world.
I remembered some church leaders praying for God's mercy on Afghanistan and the Talibans who killed the korean christians. I do not join in their prayer. I asked them, what about the korean christians who were murdered by the Talibans? They said they should know the score. The callousness shown by these christians to their fellow christians is astounding and make me very unwilling to have anything to do with their missions. It is perfectly alright to pray for God's mercy on those Talibans who wanted to listen. But we must also pray for God's justice to the victims. 'Vengeance is Mine', says the Lord, 'I will repay'. Then I prayed, 'Lord, repay!'.
Your example of Jonah. Nineveh was saved because the king repented and the people followed suit. Righteous leaders are important. Because the people follow their leaders.
To conclude, whilst we are here on earth, we have rights and we must exercise them.
Coming back to America, BP. Babylon includes Singapore.
My opinions. I claim no divine right.