Armageddon: The Ultimate Battle of Good and Evil
If you’ve ever asked the question “what is Armageddon?” you’re not alone.
The term is rooted in a specific spot, roughly 80 miles north of Jerusalem, known as Har Megiddo in Hebrew. It’s a place steeped in history, where many ancient battles have unfolded.
But more than that, it’s a place that the Book of Revelation points to as a gathering point for something big—a momentous event involving the return of Jesus Christ.
What is Armageddon?
🤓 Nerd Alert!
The actual word “Armageddon” appears only once in the Bible, in the book of Revelation 16:16.
It comes from the Hebrew phrase “har megiddo”, which means “the mountain of Megiddo“.
Megiddo’s Historical Significance
In the present day, Megiddo stands as an archaeological site, located about 55 miles (89 kilometers) north of Jerusalem.
In ancient Israel, Megiddo was strategically positioned at the crossroads of essential military and trade routes, it controlled a vital pass on the trade route linking Egypt and Mesopotamia and played a key role in connecting Phoenician cities with Jerusalem, the Jordan River valley and teh Mediterranean coast to the east. So, inevitably, many battles were fought there!
In the book of Revelation, Armageddon is described as a gathering place of the kings of the earth, who are deceived by the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet to make war against the Lamb, who is Jesus Christ. Revelation 16:14 and 19:19.
The seven years of Tribulation will culminate in a monumental cosmic conflict between the forces of good and evil, light and darkness, truth and deception. Demons and evil spirits against God! The outcome is decisive and final: the victory of the Lamb over his enemies, the judgment of the wicked, and the establishment of the new Jerusalem, the city of God Revelation 21.
Read about the terrible events that will happen during those seven years of Tribulation, here. (This link will take you to the page ‘What are the Judgements of Revelation?‘)
Armageddon Through the Ages – Battles and Beyond
Because of its strategic location, Armageddon has witnessed many significant battles in the past. You can read one notable event in 2 Kings 23:29-30, where Pharaoh Necho of Egypt crossed paths with King Josiah of Judah, leading to Josiah’s defeat at Megiddo. In more recent times, during World War I, British General Edmund Allenby secured a pivotal victory there.
Armageddon: A Gathering Place for the Future
But the true significance of Armageddon lies in its prophetic role as a staging area for future events. It’s where armies will assemble, preparing for their journey southward to confront Jesus Christ in the “battle of that great day of God Almighty.” The actual battle is destined to take place in the Valley of Jehoshaphat, situated just east of Jerusalem’s Old City.
The Valley of Jehoshaphat’s Role
Joel 3:2 sheds light on the pivotal role of the Valley of Jehoshaphat in end-time events, where nations will gather for divine judgment. This valley is central to prophecy, as emphasized in verses 12-14, signifying the imminent arrival of the day of the Lord.
Prophetic Insights into ArmageddonÂ
These prophetic themes are echoed in Revelation 19:11-20, which vividly describes the battle of the great day of God Almighty. In this climactic showdown, Jesus Christ returns to Earth and triumphs over the assembled armies.
Zechariah 14:1-4 extends this prophetic vision, depicting a day when nations converge upon Jerusalem, only to face the direct intervention of the Lord Himself. This intervention leads to the establishment of the everlasting Kingdom of God on Earth.
In essence, Armageddon isn’t just a battle; it’s a place where the armies of the earth will gather before embarking on their journey to confront Jesus Christ in the “battle of that great day of God Almighty.” As we studey these biblical prophecies, it becomes clear that Armageddon holds a unique place in the grand narrative of human history and divine purpose.
What does the Bible say about Armageddon?
What is Armageddon, according to the Bible?Â
The book of Revelation describes Armageddon in great detail, with vivid imagery, descriptive words, and powerful symbolism. It’s an eerie, terrifying read!
Armageddon will be a time of great destruction and chaos, with wars, earthquakes, and both natural and supernatural disasters ravaging the Earth. The forces of evil, led by Satan himself, will gather together in the dried-up Euphrates River to wage war against God and his army of angels. But despite the odds, God’s army will emerge victorious, and evil will be defeated.
Why should we consider Armageddon today?
After you’ve reconciled your thoughts and have tried to find reasons why a great and mighty God would choose to unleash Pain and Destruction 2.0 on the world, spare more than a passing thought about Armageddon for two reasons:
On the one hand, it warns us against the dangers of pride, greed, and self-deception, which lead to wars, conflicts, and destruction. It invites us to repent and turn to God, who alone can save us from our sins and our enemies. It encourages us to live in faith, hope, and love, and to seek the kingdom of God and his righteousness.
On the other hand, Armageddon inspires us with the hope of a better world, a world without pain, suffering, or death. It assures us that God is in control of history, and that he will ultimately triumph over evil and establish his reign of peace and justice.
It motivates us to work for the common good, to care for the needy, the oppressed, and the marginalised, and to spread the good news of salvation to all nations.
Armageddon challenges us to think deeply about our beliefs, our values, and our actions. It reminds us of the ultimate goal of human existence, which is to glorify God and enjoy him forever.
