Reasons #8-9

8. Based on other Scriptures, one can also make a case for “Magedon” or “Megiddo” pointing to Jerusalem. During the time of Jesus and Revelation’s subsequent writing, large crowds of devout Jews would gather three times a year to celebrate their religious feasts in this central city. Other related Hebrew terms support this identification:

• Har Mo’edh  the mount of assembly
• Ar himdah, God’s city of desire
• Har migdo, His fruitful mountain (Mount Zion)
• megiddow, rendezvous – from gadad, to crowd, assemble, gather.

9. “Magedon” or “Megiddo” may also be comparative imagery. A great slaughter once took place in the valley of Megiddo (2 Ki. 9:27; Zech. 12:11). Throughout ancient history, this valley was also a favorite corridor for invading armies and the scene of numerous famous battles (Jud. 4-7; 1 Sam. 29-31; 2 Sam. 4; 1 Ki. 9:15; 2 Ki. 9-10; 22; 2 Chron. 35). So much blood was shed in this valley of Jezreel or Megiddo that it became a synonym for slaughter, violence, bloodshed, and a battlefield, as well as a symbol for God’s judgment (Hos. 1:4-5).In our day, Armageddon has also become synonymous with and a symbol for the ultimate in warfare and conflict.

In a similar fashion, the word “Waterloo” has garnered a symbolic use. In 1815, this town in Belgium was the battleground and scene of Napoleon’s final defeat. Today, we have a saying that some one or some thing has met their “Waterloo.” We don’t mean they have met that city in Europe. We mean, by way of comparative imagery, that they have met a decisive or crushing defeat, or their demise. I suggest Revelation could have employed the word “Magedon” or “Megiddo” in a similar manner.

Sources:

1 The Greater Jesus by John Noe

2 The Scene Behind the Seen (future book – est. 2017) by John Noe