Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 19
The great battle at Armageddon is the battle where antichrist (Christ’s great enemy) fights against Christ. It is the most important battle ever. The armies of heaven, hell and the whole world have gathered for the fight.
For such an important battle, John’s account is very brief. Perhaps that is because the result of the battle was always certain. All the devils in hell could never defeat God; the armies of earth certainly cannot do it. One word from God is enough to defeat all his enemies (see my note on verse 15).
Perhaps, however, John does not give the details of the battle because they already appear in Zechariah chapter 14. Christ will stand on the hill called the Mount of Olives, in Jerusalem (Zechariah 14:4). That is the same place from which he rose into heaven (see Acts 1:9-12). The hill will split apart to make a new valley so that Israel’s people can escape the battle (Revelation 16:19; Zechariah 14:5). Immediately before these events, Israel’s people will turn to God, and God will forgive them (Zechariah 12:10 to 13:1).
A terrible illness will spread through antichrist’s camp. There will be great confusion there, so that his armies will attack each other (Zechariah 14:12-13). They will kill each other; Christ’s sword in Revelation 19:21 means his word of judgement against them. The results of these events is that antichrist will be too weak, even to defend himself. He is called ‘the beast’ in Revelation 13:1-10 and 19:20. The false prophet is the man who spoke on behalf of antichrist in Revelation 13:11-15. They were the men who persuaded the people of the world to fight against God. They led the world’s armies against Christ. Christ’s forces will catch them, and their punishment is truly awful.
God will give special strength to Israel’s people in this battle, and they will gain wealth and security by it (Zechariah 12:8 and 14:14). Then something very wonderful will happen. Now that Israel’s people have turned to God, the people in every nation will turn to him (Romans 11:12). The people who are still alive in every nation will serve him (Zechariah 14:16). That is how Christ’s rule on earth will begin (20:4-6).
Next part: The devil’s punishment (Revelation 20:1-3)
Please use the links at the top of the page to find our other articles in this series. You can download all our articles if you go to the download page for our free 700+ page course book.
© 2016, Keith Simons.