Armageddon in the Bible: What, When and Why It Happens (KJV Summary)
God has a lot to say about the final battle that will bring human history, as we know it, to a close. While today’s escalating global tensions might look like the trigger to kick it off, the Battle of Armageddon is really the culmination of rising antisemitism we see building before our eyes. It’s an unhinged hatred that plays directly into God’s prophetic plan.
Unlike World War I and World War II, which were fought over politics and territory, the Battle of Armageddon will be spiritually demonic at its core. Yet God Himself will be in control, using the conflict to judge the world and confront the Antichrist at the end of the seven-year tribulation.
For context, here’s a pocket guide to the timeline of prophetic events that will soon unfold.
1. The rapture or catching up in the air of believers in Jesus Christ to be with Him forever. (1 Thes. 4:16-17; 1 Cor. 15:51-52; 1 Thes. 1:10; 1 Thes 5:9) It could happen any day now.
2. The seven-year tribulation (Dan. 9:27) broken into two halves. It’s all devastating per the book of Revelation, but half-way through is the “abomination of desolation” when the antichrist breaks the peace agreement and those living in Israel will have to flee for their lives. The name given to the second half is the Great Tribulation. (Rev. 12:6,14; Rev. 13:5; Matt. 24:15-21)
3. The Battle of Armageddon, when God draws all nations to battle against Israel. The gathering begins at Armageddon (Rev. 16:14–16), but the final conflict takes place near Jerusalem—in the valley of Jehoshaphat, also known as the valley of decision—where God judges the nations for scattering His people and dividing His land. (Zech. 14:2; Joel 3:2, 12–14)
4. Jesus Christ returns with His saints from heaven to defeat the armies of the Antichrist and deliver Israel. His eyes will be as a flame of fire, and He will land and split the Mount of Olives in two. He will destroy His enemies with the sword that proceeds out of His mouth. (Zech. 14:3–4; Rev. 19:11–21; Jude 1:14–15; Col. 3:4)
5. The 1,000-year Millennial Kingdom of Jesus Christ begins after the Battle of Armageddon. Satan is bound in the bottomless pit, and Christ reigns on earth with His saints in righteousness and peace. This fulfills God’s promises to Israel and establishes global justice under Christ’s rule. (Rev. 20:1–3; Isa. 2:2–4; Zech. 14:9)
As you can see, we as believers will not be here for the Battle of Armageddon. God has a grand-finale purpose for that war that centers on Israel. And because the prophetic clock is practically at midnight, we see the “final seconds” leading up to it with the widespread hatred of Israel that is building up. This antisemitism plays into God’s plan to judge Israel for their unbelief/rejecting Jesus AND His plan to judge those who hate Israel. In other words—the whole world.
But a few points to ponder about this war:
· One of the purposes of the Battle of Armageddon is for God to judge the nations for dividing His land. (Joel 3:2) Right now there’s this huge push for a Palestinian state that will require the parting of Israel’s land. It looks as though it is prophesied to happen, and it will draw God’s battle wrath. Remember that God has promised to bless those who bless Israel and curse those who curse it. (Gen. 12:3; Num. 24:9; Zech. 2:8)
· The valley of decision is another name for the locale of this battle. It is not an alter call to get saved. It is God deciding or settling matters of the heathen and of Israel’s rejection. Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision: for the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision. (Joel 3:14)
· This battle, then, is not only about God judging the opposing nations—it is also the moment He chooses to jointly fight for Israel and transform their hearts. Though Israel has long rejected Jesus Christ, the One whom they pierced, at His return, they will finally recognize Him as their Messiah. The pain of their war-torn souls will be deep, but it will end in their rescue and salvation. (Zech. 12:10; Rom. 11:26-27)
O the depth of the riches both of the wisdom and knowledge of God! how unsearchable are his judgments, and his ways past finding out! (Rom. 11:33)
R&J Shee