Armageddon Series

Our study of Zechariah brings us to the Battle of Armageddon. Zechariah 12 gives very interesting details about that end-time event. Before we get into those details, I want to set the stage for the Battle of Armageddon from other texts in Scripture.

I. THE END-TIME SETTING FOR THE BATTLE OF ARMAGEDDON

Let’s look first at Revelation 16:12-16.

“Then the sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, so that the way of the kings from the east might be prepared. 13 And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs coming out of the mouth of the dragon, out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. 14 For they are spirits of demons, performing signs, which go out to the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. 15 ‘Behold, I am coming as a thief. Blessed is he who watches, and keeps his garments, lest he walk naked and they see his shame.’ 16 And they gathered them together to the place called in Hebrew, Armageddon.”i

The word translated “battle” in verse 14 is polemos. It is more appropriately translated “war” which is the way the New American Standard Bible translates it. Vincent says the Greek word for battle is mache.ii This conflict is a campaign that culminates in a final battle. That final battle destruction of Israel’s enemies at the Second Coming of Christ. The conflict between Israel and Antichrist will begin in the middle of the Tribulation period when Antichrist breaks his covenant and desecrates the temple.iii

Here in Revelation 16 the war has expanded to include “the kings of the earth and of the whole world” (Rev. 16:14). The gathering of the nations in Palestine for this final show down is inspired by demon spirits sent forth by Satan and the Antichrist. The “ kings of the earth” think they are gathering to destroy Israel, but the sovereign God is gathering them for their own destruction.

Joel prophesied this end-time gathering. In Joel 3:1-2 God says, “For behold, in those days and at that time, When I bring back the captives of Judah and Jerusalem, [This has begun happening in our generation.] 2 I will also gather all nations [notice this is world-wide], And bring them down to the Valley of Jehoshaphat; And I will enter into judgment with them there On account of My people, My heritage Israel . . . .” The location identified here is the “Valley of Jehoshaphat” which is an area immediately east of Jerusalem.

But the primary gathering place where the troops will be assembled is Megiddo, north of Jerusalem, ten miles south of Nazareth. Armageddon is literally “the mount of Megiddo.” The plain of Esdraelon there at Megiddo has been “a chosen place of encampment” for many armies in the past.iv In Judges 4-5 Debora defeated the Canaanites there. That’s where Gideon defeated the Midianites (Judges 7). King Josiah was killed there when the Egyptians invaded Israel.v Megiddo is the primary location of the troops. Keep in mind the size of the armies gathered for this final conflict. The kings of the East alone bring 200 million soldiers. “The battle will spread out over the entire land of Palestine.”vi

There are four gentile power centers in the world during the last days. One is a Northern confederation that includes Iran, Syria, Turkey, and possibly Russia. There is debate as to whether “Rosh” in Ezekiel 38:2 is a reference to Russia. Ezekiel 38:6 does tell us this huge army includes troops from “the far north.” vii

In this war described in Ezekiel 38-39, these Northern countries come down to attack Israel but are destroyed in the process. Some theologians think this is part of the Armageddon battle at the end of the Tribulation period. I personally think it is a separate war that occurs sometimes near the beginning of the Tribulation period. It could even be a catalyst to the covenant between Antichrist and Israel. It is difficult to establish the exact time this happens. But Dwight Pentecost makes a convincing argument that it is not part of the Armageddon battle at the end of the Tribulation period.

The following differences indicate they are separate events.

(1) “In the battle of Gog [Ezek. 38-39] definite allies are mentioned, while in Armageddon all nations are engaged (Joel 3:2; Zeph. 3:8; Zech. 12:3; 14:4).

(2) Gog comes from the north (Ezek. 38:6, 15; 39:2), while at Armageddon the armies come from the whole earth. (3) Gog comes to take spoil (Ezek. 38:11-12), while at Armageddon the nations assemble to destroy the people of God.

(4) There is protest against Gog’s invasion (Ezek.38:13), but at Armageddon there is no protest for all the nations are joined against Jerusalem.