Armageddon: A Prophetic View
By Bobby Darvish
Introduction
The Battle of Armageddon has captivated the imagination of believers and non-believers alike, inspiring countless books, movies, and debates. Its mention conjures images of apocalyptic warfare, widespread devastation, and the ultimate struggle between good and evil. But what does scripture really say about this monumental event? How much is rooted in divine prophecy, and how much is mere speculation?
Scripture and modern prophets have provided extensive commentary on Armageddon, underscoring its significance in the timeline leading to the Millennium. From the ancient prophecies of Isaiah, Jeremiah, and Ezekiel, to the revelations given to modern-day prophets such as Joseph Smith, the story of Armageddon is a crucial piece of the divine plan.
The Meaning Behind the Name
Armageddon, derived from the Hebrew "Har-Megiddo" meaning "Mount of Megiddo," is more than just a symbolic term. Located in present-day Israel, Megiddo has historically been a battlefield for many empires, from Egyptian and Assyrian to Roman and Crusader forces. Revelation 16:16 refers to Armageddon as the place where the forces of evil will gather in the last days. However, as Elder Bruce R. McConkie clarified, the final conflicts will center around Jerusalem, not Megiddo itself.
The Prophetic Context
Scripture offers a clear prophetic outline leading up to Armageddon. The gathering of Israel, the re-establishment of Jerusalem as its capital, and the rise of Judah as a political and military power are all foretold events (Ezekiel 36:24; Zechariah 1:16–17). However, the culmination of these prophecies is the gathering of all nations against Jerusalem, as indicated by Zechariah 14:2 and Revelation 16:14-16.
Elder Joseph Fielding Smith emphasized the importance of these prophecies, stating that the final great conflict before Christ's return will be centered in Jerusalem, where the forces of Gog and Magog will be defeated by divine intervention (Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3, pp. 46-47).
The Participants in the Final Battle
The scriptures are clear that Armageddon is not just a localized conflict but a global one, involving all nations in a coalition against Israel. Ezekiel describes the armies of Gog from the land of Magog, symbolizing a vast and powerful alliance of nations set to invade Israel (Ezekiel 38:1-6). These forces represent the culmination of evil on earth, as Satan seeks to destroy the covenant people in the last days.
The Role of the Two Witnesses
In the midst of this chaos, two prophets, known as the "two witnesses," will stand against the forces of evil, performing miracles and pronouncing judgments upon the earth (Revelation 11:3-6). According to latter-day revelation, these prophets will be members of the Quorum of the Twelve or the First Presidency of the Church, and they will play a pivotal role in thwarting the armies of Gog (Doctrine and Covenants 77:15).
Their ministry will last three and a half years, mirroring the ministry of Jesus Christ among the rebellious Israelites of His time. These two witnesses will be the last line of defense for Israel, and their miraculous powers will prevent the complete destruction of Jerusalem.
The Climax and Divine Intervention
Despite their efforts, the two witnesses will be killed, and their bodies will lie in the streets of Jerusalem for three and a half days as the armies of Gog ravage the city (Revelation 11:7-9). But just as it seems all hope is lost, the Lord will intervene. The prophets will be resurrected before the eyes of their enemies, and the Lord will unleash His fury upon the armies of the world, delivering Israel from annihilation (Zechariah 14:3; Revelation 11:11-12).
The final deliverance will mark the beginning of the Millennium, as Christ returns in glory to establish His kingdom on earth. The nations that fought against Israel will be destroyed, and the earth will be cleansed in preparation for the Savior's reign.
Conclusion
The Battle of Armageddon is not just a tale of war and destruction; it is a divine plan that culminates in the triumph of righteousness over evil. As believers, we are called to study the words of the prophets, both ancient and modern, and prepare ourselves spiritually for the events that will precede the Lord's Second Coming. In the end, Armageddon is a reminder that, despite the trials and tribulations that lie ahead, the Lord's promises are sure, and His victory is certain.
Citations:
- Bruce R. McConkie, Mormon Doctrine, 2nd ed., (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1966), pp. 74, 298, 503-510.
- Joseph Fielding Smith, Doctrines of Salvation, Vol. 3, (Salt Lake City: Bookcraft, 1956), pp. 45-47.
- Holy Bible, King James Version, Book of Revelation, Chapters 11, 16.
- Doctrine and Covenants 77:15.
- Parley P. Pratt, A Voice of Warning, (Salt Lake City: Deseret Book, 1880), p. 33.
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