Revelation of John 16:12-16
16:12 a The Euphrates, the largest river in Mesopotamia, stood between Babylon and Israel and formed the eastern boundary of the Roman Empire. If it dried up, it would allow kings from the east to move their armies westward (cp. 9:13-16 b). From John’s perspective as an ancient Jewish writer, these armies would always be identified with Mesopotamia rather than with countries farther east such as China or India.Summary for Rev 16:13-14: 16:13-14 c Three agents of deceit, evil spirits in the form of frogs, represent the demonic role of the evil trinity. Although the powers of evil battle against the Lord, it is God the Almighty, not any evil power, who is in control.
16:15 d Readers are warned to look because the Lord will come as unexpectedly as a thief (see also 3:3 e; Matt 24:43 f; 25:13 g; 1 Thes 5:2 h; 2 Pet 3:10 i). Being ready for his coming requires preparation; those who are not prepared will not have the proper clothing and will find themselves naked (see Matt 22:11-13 j). This imagery recalls the two failing churches: lifeless Sardis, which is told to “wake up” (Rev 3:2 k), and lukewarm Laodicea, which is advised to obtain proper clothing (3:18 l).
16:16 m The name Armageddon (or Harmagedon) is probably derived from Hebrew har (“mountain,” “hill”) plus Megiddo, which was one of the three cities fortified by Solomon along with Gezer in the south and Hazor in the north (1 Kgs 9:15 n). The fortress of Megiddo stood on a hill in the largest pass through the Carmel range, strategically guarding the Jezreel Valley. The city was situated on the Via Maris, the main highway between Egypt and Mesopotamia. Many armies used this route, and the site became known as a bloody battlefield. It was here, for instance, that Pharaoh Neco, on his way to fight the Assyrians, killed Josiah (2 Kgs 23:29 o). Armageddon thus became a symbolic term epitomizing the final conflict between God and the forces of evil.
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