(Zechariah 12:10-11; Matthew 24:26-33; Revelation 1:7; 16:16)
Many people believe that the last war will be at a place called Armageddon, which is otherwise known by the Hebrew name Megiddo. This belief comes from the literal reading of Revelation 16:16, which says, “and they gathered them together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.”
The real meaning of Armageddon is found in Zechariah 12:11—“In that Day, there shall be mourning in Jerusalem, like the mourning at Hadad Rimmon in the plain of Megiddo.” John is telling us that Israel’s repentance must precede Christ’s return. When Israel realizes that they have crucified their God, they will mourn as they did at Megiddo.
The apostle Paul said that when the fullness of the Gentiles has come, all of Israel will be saved.1Rom 11:25-26 Zechariah said that after Israel repents, they will see Him returning on the clouds: “then they will look on Me whom they pierced.”2Zech 12:10 John described this in the first chapter of the Book of Revelation, saying, “Behold, He is coming with the clouds, and every eye will see him, even those who pierced Him.”3Rev 1:7
Jesus said, “When the fig tree puts forth her leaves … this generation shall not pass away.”4Matt 24:26 The prophet Joel described Israel as God’s “fig tree” in the Day of the Lord.5Joel 1:7 Isaiah said the end-time gathering of Israel would be the day of Israel’s salvation.6Isa 10:20-23 Ezekiel described the restoration of Israel and the outpouring of the holy spirit on Israel in the last days, saying, “Behold, O My people, I will open your graves and cause you to come up from your graves; and bring you into the land of Israel … I will put My spirit in you, and you shall live, and I will place you in your own land.”7Eze 37:12-14
Israel will be the last, but the last will be the first.
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