11. Under this plague, what incites the nations to war?
“And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.” Verses 13, 14.
12. At this time, what event is near at hand?
“Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.” Verse 15.
13. To what place will the nations be gathered for battle?
“And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.” Verse 16.
Note.—Armageddon consists of a great triangular plain in northern Palestine, twelve by fifteen by eighteen miles, extending southeast from Mt. Carmel, otherwise known as the plain of Esdraelon, or valley of Jezreel. It has been the scene of many great battles, such as that of Gideon's overthrow of the Midianites (Judges 6, 7), when “the Lord set every man's sword against his fellow;” of Saul's defeat by the Philistines (1 Sam. 29: 1; 1 Chronicles 10); and of Josiah's defeat by Pharaoh Necho (2 Kings 23:29, 30; 2 Chron. 35:20-24): and, as this scripture indicates, it is the place where, under the influence of evil spirits just preceding Christ's second coming, the great armies of the world will be gathered for their final struggle and utter destruction under the seventh plague.
14. When the king of the north comes to his end, what, according to the prophecy, is to take place?
“And at that time shall Michael stand up, the great Prince which standeth for the children of thy people: and there shall be a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time: and at that time thy people shall be delivered, every one that shall be found written in the book.” Dan. 12:1.
Note.—The expression “stand up” occurs eight times in this line of prophecy (Daniel 11 and 12), and in each case means to reign. See Dan. 11:2, 3, 4, 7, 14, 20, 21; 12:1. Michael is Christ, as will be seen by comparing Jude 9, 1 Thess. 4:16, and John 5:25. When the Turkish Empire is brought to an end, therefore, the time will have come for Christ to receive His kingdom (Luke 19:11-15), and begin His reign. This great change will be ushered in by the downfall, not only of Turkey, but of all nations (Rev. 11:15); by the time of trouble here spoken of; by the seven [pg 300] last plagues described in Revelation 16; and by the deliverance of all God's people,—those whose names are found written in the book of life (Rev. 3:5; 20:12),—which shows that probation and the investigative judgment will then be past.