The awful culmination of the Great Tribulation will be the Battle of Armageddon. This
conflict gets its name from Revelation 16:14-16. Actually it might be better to speak of the
“campaign” of Armageddon, since it is not one single battle but a series of events in which all the
nations of the world are drawn in as participants. The word “Armageddon” is formed from the
Hebrew Words “Har” or mountain, and “Megiddo,” a city on a hill–actually an archaeological
site. It is in the northern part of the Holy Land, inland from Mount Carmel. It is near the modern
seaport of Haifa. It is at the “crossroads of the crossroads” where the ancient Via Maris (“Way of
the Sea”) crosses the central transverse highway of Israel. This commands a view of the Valley
of Jezreel, known as the “breadbasket of Israel.” It was a strategic command post for control of
the entire area for many centuries. The transverse highway led to the other major caravan route
of the day, “The King’s Highway.” Travelers from Egypt to Syria, Babylon, Persia, and Asia
Minor would normally pass this way, and could be taxed by whoever controlled the city. For this
reason, the city was often conquered by the various powers that occupied the Holy Land.
Two important issues need to be considered. As may be seen from the following section,
Jerusalem is actually the focus of the battle, but Megiddo, is 55 miles away from Jerusalem. This
may be understood when the huge numbers of soldiers involved in this battle are considered.
This area, Megiddo, and the Valley of Jezreel, (also known as the Plain of Esdraelon) will be the
staging area where the multi-national troops will assemble prior to their advance on Jerusalem.
Haifa, at the West end of the Valley, is the logical seaport for major troop landings.
The other issue is the question of who is fighting whom in this battle. It is apparent that at
the end of his career, the Beast is fighting against various alliances, and his empire appears to be
crumbling. On the other hand, according to Revelation 19, all the forces gathered for that battle
will be arrayed together against Jesus Christ. Verse 19 states “Then I saw the beast and the kings
of the earth and their armies gathered together to make war against the rider on the horse and his
army.” The probable scenario is that the Beast, realizing that his power is waning, manages to
unite all the forces of earth together against their common enemy–The King of Kings and Lord
of Lords. Like all non-believers do, they think they can prevail against him!
This dreadful battle is the subject of many Old and New Testament passages. It is
actually a series of inter-related disasters. In this section we will first look at some of the Old
Testament predictions about this terrible day. These passages remind us that God’s chosen
people, Israel, and her capital, Jerusalem, are the focus of the campaign. They also show God’s
compassion for Israel. We will then examine the steps that lead to the battle, and to the glorious
return of The Lord Jesus Christ.
