Revelation 16:16

And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

And {G2532} he gathered {G4863} them {G846} together {G4863} into {G1519} a place {G5117} called {G2564} in the Hebrew tongue {G1447} Armageddon {G717}.

And they gathered the kings to the place which in Hebrew is called Har Megiddo.

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

And they gathered them together into the place which is called in Hebrew Har-Magedon.

Revelation 16:16 describes a pivotal geographical and symbolic location in the prophetic narrative of the end times: Armageddon. This verse concludes the description of the sixth of the seven bowl judgments, setting the stage for the climactic events to follow.

Context

This verse is found within the intense series of the seven bowl judgments (also known as vials), which represent the final outpouring of God's wrath upon the earth during the Great Tribulation. Specifically, the sixth bowl judgment involves the drying up of the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the "kings of the East." Immediately preceding our verse, three unclean spirits like frogs—issuing from the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet—go out to gather the kings of the earth and of the whole world for battle on the great day of God Almighty. Verse 15 offers a solemn warning from Christ to be watchful and prepared, comparing His coming to that of a thief (Revelation 16:15). Then, verse 16 reveals the specific gathering place for this ultimate conflict.

Key Themes

  • The Gathering of Nations: This verse highlights the assembly of the world's leaders and their armies, not by their own ultimate will, but orchestrated by demonic forces under God's permissive will, for a divine purpose.
  • Armageddon as a Symbolic Battlefield: While a literal location is named, Armageddon primarily functions as a symbol of the ultimate clash between the forces of good and evil, culminating in God's decisive victory.
  • Divine Sovereignty in Judgment: Even as wicked powers gather, God remains sovereign over the entire process, using these events to bring about His righteous judgment and establish His kingdom.

Linguistic Insights

The name "Armageddon" is explicitly identified as being "in the Hebrew tongue." It is widely understood to be a transliteration of Har Megiddo (or Har Magedon), meaning "Mount Megiddo" or "Hill of Megiddo."

  • Megiddo: This was an ancient city in the Jezreel Valley (also known as the Valley of Esdraelon) in northern Israel. Historically, Megiddo was the site of numerous decisive battles throughout Israel's history (e.g., Judges 5:19, 2 Kings 23:29). Its strategic location made it a natural crossroads for military engagements.
  • Symbolic Significance: By calling the final gathering place "Armageddon," John evokes this historical precedent of a battlefield where major conflicts were decided. This suggests that the final great battle will be one of immense scale and ultimate consequence, serving as a dramatic climax to human history before Christ's reign.

Significance and Application

Revelation 16:16 is not merely a geographical marker but a powerful prophetic statement about the culmination of history and the ultimate triumph of God. It signifies:

  • The Inevitability of Final Judgment: The gathering at Armageddon underscores that all opposition to God will ultimately be confronted and judged. This foreshadows the direct intervention of Christ, as described later in Revelation, where He leads the heavenly armies to defeat His enemies (Revelation 19:11-21).
  • A Call to Spiritual Preparedness: The warning in the preceding verse (Revelation 16:15) reminds believers that while the world gathers for battle, the faithful are called to remain spiritually alert, clothed in righteousness, and ready for Christ's return.
  • Comfort in God's Control: Despite the terrifying imagery of global conflict, this verse also conveys a message of comfort. God remains in control, even over the plans of wicked rulers and demonic forces. He orchestrates events to bring about His perfect will and justice. The battle at Armageddon is not a chaotic, uncontrolled event, but a divinely permitted and purposed gathering that leads to God's ultimate vindication.
Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Zechariah 12:11

    In that day shall there be a great mourning in Jerusalem, as the mourning of Hadadrimmon in the valley of Megiddon.

  • Judges 5:19

    The kings came [and] fought, then fought the kings of Canaan in Taanach by the waters of Megiddo; they took no gain of money.

  • Joel 3:9

    ¶ Proclaim ye this among the Gentiles; Prepare war, wake up the mighty men, let all the men of war draw near; let them come up:

  • Joel 3:14

    Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD [is] near in the valley of decision.

  • 2 Kings 23:29

    In his days Pharaohnechoh king of Egypt went up against the king of Assyria to the river Euphrates: and king Josiah went against him; and he slew him at Megiddo, when he had seen him.

  • 2 Kings 23:30

    And his servants carried him in a chariot dead from Megiddo, and brought him to Jerusalem, and buried him in his own sepulchre. And the people of the land took Jehoahaz the son of Josiah, and anointed him, and made him king in his father's stead.

  • Revelation 9:11

    And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon.
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