Megiddo
Megiddo is mentioned a dozen times in Scripture, all in the Old Testament. It is not a site associated especially with one person or event, but it was evidently a significant place within its region. It is located on the southern edge of the Plain of Esdraelon (Jezreel) at the northeast of Mt. Carmel.
Megiddo is identified with two Old Testament kings. It was one of the cities that Solomon is said to have fortified as part of his effort to secure and strengthen his kingdom. And it was also the unhappy site of Josiah's fatal encounter with the Pharaoh of Egypt. In modern times, Megiddo has become important because it has proven to be a rich archaeological spot. Visitors to Megiddo today are impressed by the ancient water tunnel that has been discovered there, as well as the large model rendition of what the ancient site looked like and included. Finally, there is one mention in Revelation of a place called Armageddon. It is portrayed as the site of a great, climactic battle, and so the word "Armageddon" has grown in its meaning in popular usage to refer to events that are cataclysmic or utterly destructive. In reality, the underlying Greek word simply means "the hill of Mediddo" or "the city of Megiddo." Thus a site that would have witnessed so many battles in Old Testament times is identified with the ultimate battle at the end of time. |
The photo from water tunnel excavations near Megiddo is compliments of BiblePlaces.com.
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