BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON
FACT OR FICTION?
There has been much speculation and prognostication over the years relative to the so-called ‘Battle of Armageddon’. In first-world countries, the name Armageddon is extremely topical and very often is quoted completely out of context. The same is applicable to the word Apocalypse, which today is synonymous with any cataclysmic event, whereas this word very specifically relates to the physical return of our beloved Saviour only.
Sadly, the word Armageddon has been relegated to the status of a mere cliché and very little is actually known about the true facts pertaining to its meaning? Armageddon is the English rendition of the Αρ Μαγεδών (Greek), which has its root in the Hebrew. In Hebrew the word is rendered Har-Megiddo or Megiddon (mountains of Megiddo).
Megiddo is geographically located within the nation of Israel and because of its strategic location was a major battleground in ancient times and was known as the plains of Esdraelon, or the plains of Jezreel. Two notable events took place at Megiddo and are mentioned in the Old Testament; the first, celebrated in the Song of Deborah (Judges 5:19) and the second, the fall of King Josiah (2 Kings 23:29).
The valley or plain of Megiddo, broadly speaking is triangular in shape and can be roughly outlined by three towns namely, Nershel (lat: 32° 45” North – Long: 35° 04” East). Afula (Lat: 32° 37” North –Long: 35° 18” East). Janin (Lat: 32° 28” North – Long: 35° 18” East). Megiddo is approximately 58km (36miles) long x 24km (15miles) wide. The plain has fertile soils and is today one of Israel’s most productive agricultural regions. Of strategic importance to this area is the port town of Haifa. Haifa is approximately 10km (6miles) North West of Nershel.
The word Armageddon is found only in the Scroll of Revelation. Therefore, it is with complete confidence that we turn to the Revelation for an explanation regarding the enigma pertaining to Armageddon.
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.”
“For they are the spirits of demons, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.”
“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue *Armageddon.”
*…There is no such word in Hebrew?
The scripture is clear: the unholy trinity, comprising the dragon (Satan) beast and false prophet summon their armies to gather at Har-Megiddo. Because of the close proximity to Haifa this area is an ideal staging post. Megiddo is the place of rendezvous – not the place ofbattle, as some erroneously believe!
Positionally, the Revelation reveals exactly where the penultimate battle is to take place. The key to unlocking the enigma is found in the words Winepress and City.
“And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God.”
“That you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.”
“And another angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe.”
“And the angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepressof the wrath of God.”
“And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He does judge and make war. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and He had a name written, that no man knew, but He Himself. And He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood: and His name is called The Word of God. And the armies which were in heaven followed Him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”
“And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him that sat on the horse, and against His army.
“And out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should smite the nations: and He shall rule them with a rod of iron: and He treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.” “And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood came out of thewinepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs (+-320km – 200 miles.)”
“And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshiped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.” “And the remnant (beast’s army) were slain with the sword of Him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of His mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”
There is no doubt whatsoever! The winepress (the wrath of God) is trodden outside the city and this city is none other than Jerusalem. The battle is for Jerusalem and Jerusalem only! The scripture confirms this fact, wherein it teaches that our beloved Saviour is going to return physically to the Mount of Olives and not the plains of Megiddo. The correct term for the great battle of the Lord God Almighty is ‘The Battle for Jerusalem’.
Compiled by: The Final Word Internet Ministry
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