The Battle of Armageddon

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And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.

Revelation 16:16, ESV

 

After World War I,  it was estimated that 20 to 37 million people were killed in the aftermath of that brutal war. It was hoped to be the war that ended all wars. But it only took 20 years for another world war break out with even higher casualties. Roughly 56 to 80 million people would die in this war.  

Dr. Hitchcock noted in his book, The End the following statements of American leaders that believed the time was near.  In 1971, Ronald Reagan who was in Gov. California told a fellow politician, “For the first time ever everything is in place for the great battle of Armageddon and the second coming of Christ!  Again in 1983 Pres. Reagan said you know when I turn back to your ancient prophets in the Old Testament and the signs for telling Armageddon and I find myself wondering if worth the generation that is going to see that come about. Additionally, Billy Graham said that “There is no doubt the global Events are preparing the way for the final great war of history the great Armageddon.” If these men said that back then, then how much nearer are we in today’s times?  

The word Armageddon comes from a word that means Valley of Megiddo. You can actually visit the location today it lays within the boundaries of Israel. In fact, I plan to go there on a Holy Land tour in the near future. It’s the location in which has been said to be the perfect battleground for the greatest of wars to take place. Within Biblical history many battles of already taken place there. Debra and Barack defeated the Canaanites there, Gideon defeated the Midianites and we know that King Saul was killed by the Philistines on this battlefield as well. In more recent history Napoleon himself,  in 1799,

”All the armies of the world could maneuver their forces on this fast plane. There is no place in the world more suited for war. It’s the most natural battleground on the whole earth.” 

There are many misconceptions about what Armageddon is and is not. It is not a singular battle as many assume. It is actually a war campaign involving a series of battles, stretching over 20,000 square miles.  Armageddon is the climactic war of the Great Tribulation. The Antichrist and the armies of the world will ally together to attack Israel seeking to eradicate the Jewish people once and for all. They will capture Jerusalem,  But then Jesus Christ will arrive with his saints and angelic armies to defeat him and win the battle.

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As you look at current events, trials, and tribulations can you see how the end is near?