Title: Understanding the Three Stages of the 40-Year War of Armageddon
The War of Armageddon, spanning over a period of 40 years as prophesied, unfolds in three distinct stages, each crucial in the ultimate judgment of the world. These stages, delineated in various biblical texts such as Psalms, Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Revelation, provide a comprehensive framework for understanding the sequence and significance of events leading to the establishment of divine rule on Earth.
**Stage 1: War with Israel’s Nearby Nations**
The initial phase of the 40-year conflict involves a war with Israel’s neighboring nations, as foretold in Psalm 83. This confrontation, characterized by regional tensions, results in Israel's victory and a temporary period of peace. The focus is on nearby adversaries, including those residing in Syria, Jordan, and Lebanon. The aftermath of this stage sets the stage for subsequent developments, laying the groundwork for broader conflicts to come.
**Stage 2: War with Israel’s Wider Enemies**
The second stage, occurring within the first decade of the 40-year period, expands the scope of the conflict to encompass Israel’s wider enemies, such as Russia, Iran, and Turkey, as outlined in Ezekiel 38. This phase unfolds rapidly after the initial conflict, drawing the attention of the international community. The prophecy in Zechariah 14 describes Jerusalem as a "heavy burden for all the nations," indicating a global involvement in the struggle. The motive for this invasion revolves around the desire for wealth and spoils, echoing the plundering depicted in Ezekiel’s vision.
**Stage 3: Religious War Centered on Jerusalem**
The culmination of the 40-Year War of Armageddon is a religious war centered on Jerusalem, involving Rome and Europe, as prophesied in Revelation 17. This final conflict, spanning the latter part of the 40-year period, marks the ultimate showdown between the forces of darkness, symbolized by the Papacy and its allies, and the divine rule established by Christ and his saints in Jerusalem. Unlike the previous stages, this phase transcends geopolitical motives and delves into the spiritual realm, signifying the triumph of righteousness over evil.
**Interpreting Zechariah 12 and 14**
Zechariah’s prophecies offer insight into the distinct stages of the 40-year war. Chapter 12 describes the conflict with nearby nations, while Chapter 14 portrays a broader engagement involving all nations. The devastation inflicted upon Jerusalem in Chapter 14 contrasts with its survival in Chapter 12, highlighting the progression of the conflict from regional to global proportions.
**Significance of Revelation 17**
Revelation 17 provides a detailed account of the final confrontation between the forces of darkness and the divine rulership established by Christ. The defeat of the false prophet and the beast symbolizes the ultimate triumph of good over evil, ushering in an era of peace under Christ’s reign.
**Conclusion**
The War of Armageddon unfolds over a span of 40 years, encompassing three distinct stages, each building upon the preceding one to culminate in the establishment of divine rule on Earth. From regional conflicts to global warfare and finally, a spiritual battle for Jerusalem, these stages symbolize the ongoing struggle between good and evil. Through prophecy and interpretation, believers seek to discern the signs of the times and prepare for the fulfillment of God’s ultimate plan for humanity's redemption and restoration.
Stage 1 is a war with Israel’s nearby nations. The very people mentioned in Psalm 83. Following Israel’s victory there is a temporary time of peace.
Stage 2 is a war with Israel’s wider enemies eg Russia, Iran, Turkey see Ezekiel 38
Stages 1 and 2 must happen within a 10 year period
Stage 3 is a war is a religious war and is centred on Jerusalem - this war is with Rome and Europe 30 years
Zechariah 12 and Zechariah 14. In the past we may have seen these two chapters as simply the same war told twice.
But what if Zechariah 12 was stage 1 of the conflict and Zechariah 14 was stage 2?
What if Zechariah 12 involved Israel’s nearby nations and Zechariah 14 involved totally different nations – the outer ring of nations of Russia, Iran, and Turkey etc.
12v2 NLT says “I will make Jerusalem like an intoxicating drink that makes the NEARBY NATIONS stagger when THEY send THEIR armies to Jerusalem and Judah.
This description is surely talking about people living in Syria, Jordan, Lebanon etc. eg Israel’s nearby nations. The nearby nations send THEIR armies. We cannot call Russia, Iran, Turkey nearby nations!
But the destruction of Israel’s nearby nations is not the final victory. In fact Israel is greatly weakened at this point. Despite a peace deal and a sense of security an enormous void has opened up in the Middle East. Into this vacuum pours Russia and Iran etc.
This is the second stage. It is detailed in Zechariah 14.
12v3 Moreover, on that day I will make Jerusalem a heavy burden for all the nations, and all who try to carry it will be seriously injured; yet all the peoples of the earth will be assembled against it.
This verse sounds more encompassing but this is speaking of the broader second stage of the conflict – it is saying that Jerusalem WILL become a heavy burden for the world. And it does of course eventually become this
Please note that there is NO specific mention at all of neighbouring nations or people in Zechariah 14. It begins with verse 2 which says ALL NATIONS are gathered against Jerusalem.
We also note that verse 1 gives the reason for the invasion… “Thy SPOIL shall be divided in the midst of thee” Why are we told the nations have come to take a spoil?
This is surely a reference to Ezekiel 38 v 11-12 “I will …take a spoil and take a prey” Whereas in Zechariah 12 Jerusalem survives the onslaught in Ch 14 it most certainly does not. We read in verse 2
The city will be taken, the houses looted, and the women raped. Half the population will be taken into captivity, and the rest will be left among the ruins of the city.”
Jerusalem is in ruins – the city has fallen to the invading Russian army. This is a totally different war to Ch 12 where Jerusalem does not fall.
Finally Zechariah 14 v 5 says there is the great earthquake we have a great earthquake in Zechariah 14. This surely also links to the great earthquake of Ezekiel 38 when Russia is destroyed.
And then when this second stage of the judgement is complete Christ is established as King in Jerusalem. Zechariah 14:9
There is of course one last conflict – Stage 1 was a war with Israel’s nearby nations. They have been dealt with in Zechariah 12. Their motive was revenge for Israel living in what they thought was their land.
Then Israel’s wider enemies have been dealt with in Zechariah 14. Their motive was riches / spoil. This is speaking of the nations in Ezekiel 38. Russia etc.
But there is a final war. A religious war. This war is led by the Papacy against Christ and the saints. We note there is NO MENTION of a religious aspect to the war of Zechariah 14. It is about spoil.
The final war is recorded in Revelation 17. Rome joins with Europe attack Christ and the saints when they are established in Jerusalem.
The false prophet and the beast are destroyed NEVER to appear again. The kingdom is now at peace.
The world is now subdued under the rulership of Christ the King of Kings and Lord of Lords – and his saints.
