God sovereignly gathers the armies of the world into the Valley of Megiddo, using the Antichrist's call as a means, to execute His judgment.
The Antichrist issues a call for nations to come against Israel, but it is ultimately God who gathers them to Armageddon (Megiddo). This area, a flat plain with a history of battles, becomes a staging ground for divine retribution. God causes the generals to pack their troops densely, contrary to military wisdom, to fulfill His purposes.
Revelation 16:16 — This verse explicitly states that the spirits gather the kings to a place called Armageddon, connecting to Megiddo.
Revelation 16:16 (KJV) says, 'And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.' This gathering is part of the sixth bowl judgment, where demonic spirits perform miracles to gather the kings of the earth for the war of the great day of God Almighty (Revelation 16:14). The term 'Armageddon' is derived from 'Megiddo,' a place associated with significant battles in Israel's history. Revelation 14:14-20 describes a harvest of the earth, with the winepress of God's wrath being trodden outside the city, indicating the destruction of those gathered.
Les Feldick emphasizes that while the Antichrist initiates the call for armies to come to the Middle East to destroy Israel, it is the sovereign God who ultimately gathers them. He describes the Valley of Megiddo (also called the Valley of Esdraelon) as a flat, broad area suitable for encampments, historically a battlefield. Les teaches that God will cause the armies to be packed in 'like sardines in a can,' contrary to military logic, to force the issue and bring about His judgment. This gathering is not beautiful but awful, culminating in the Battle of Armageddon when Christ returns.
According to Les, the Antichrist will issue the call for nations to bring their armies to eliminate the Jewish problem. However, this is merely a means used by God; the real force behind the gathering is divine sovereignty. The demonic creatures working miracles convince the world's leaders to send armies, but God is directing the outcome.
Les explains that Israel is mountainous, but valleys provide level ground for military camps. The Valley of Esdraelon, where Megiddo sits, has been a battlefield for millennia, making it a fitting location for the final confrontation. God uses this natural geography to accommodate the armies He gathers.
Les emphasizes that the armies will be packed together in an irrational manner, 'like sardines in a can,' with no military strategy. This is a result of sovereign God 'forcing the issue', causing generals to act against all wisdom. This density sets the stage for the eventual divine judgment of hail and other plagues.
Antichrist's Call and God's Sovereignty
Les teaches that the Antichrist calls nations to the Middle East, but God is the ultimate gatherer, bringing them to Armageddon.
Valley of Megiddo as Battlefield
Les explains that the Valley of Esdraelon is a natural, flat area where armies encamp, echoing its historic use as a battlefield.
Packing Armies Like Sardines
Les describes how God causes armies to be packed densely, demonstrating His control against military logic.
God's Wrath on Congregated Armies
Les notes that God's wrath will pour on the packed armies, using them as His wine vat of judgment.
Demonic Miracles and God's Sovereignty
Les reiterates that demonic miracles convince leaders, but God is sovereignly behind the gathering.
Armageddon from Megiddo
Les connects Armageddon to the ancient city of Megiddo, illustrating the geographic reference.
Plain of Esdraelon as Gathering Site
Les highlights the flatness of the plain and how armies historically fought there, setting the stage for the final gathering.
Senseless Packing and Hail Judgment
Les explains that generals will pack troops senselessly, and then God will rain 100-pound hailstones as judgment.
Revelation 16:14: 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.
This verse explains that demonic spirits gather the world's kings for the battle, setting the stage for Armageddon.
Revelation 16:16: And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.
This is the direct statement that the gathering place is Armageddon, which is derived from Megiddo.
Revelation 14:14: And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle.
This begins the harvest imagery that Les uses to describe the gathering and judgment.
Revelation 14:20: And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs.
This depicts the extent of judgment on the gathered armies, reflecting the valley's location.
The Antichrist issues the call, but God sovereignly gathers them through demonic miracles. Les teaches that God is the ultimate force behind the gathering, using the Antichrist's plan to bring the armies to Megiddo.
Megiddo is an ancient city near the plain of Esdraelon. The name Armageddon comes from Megiddo, and the site has historically been a battlefield, making it a fitting location for the final conflict.
Les describes them as packed 'like sardines in a can,' with no military sense, because God forces the issue. This dense packing makes them vulnerable to divine judgment, such as the great hail.
Watch the Teaching: What Really Happens at Armageddon — Revelation 16 & 19