By Dr. Randall Smith
Courtesy of Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.
Perhaps the Holy Land?s best-known Biblical city is Megiddo ? better known in its Latin form “Armageddon”. Located at the foot of the Carmel mountain range, Megiddo commands one of the most strategic points in the land of Israel.
Archeologists believe that Megiddo has been inhabited some 22 times and was the site of countless wars and bloody battles. Shishak of Egypt set up a monument at Megiddo to commemorate his victories over the towns of Israel and Judah.
Like other Israelite cities, Megiddo was destroyed and rebuilt over and over again producing a mound or “tel.”
In about 609 B.C. “while Josiah was king, Pharaoh Neco king of Egypt went up to the Euphrates River to help the king of Assyria. King Josiah marched out to meet him in battle, but Neco faced him and killed him at Megiddo.” Josiah’s servants brought his body in a chariot from Megiddo to Jerusalem and buried him in his own tomb” [2 Kings 23:29-30].
The city never recovered from the resulting devastation.
The book of Revelation mentions a great battle at the place called “Armageddon” a site where the decisive battle between the forces of good and evil will be fought before the Judgment Day [Rev. 16:16].
Archaeological excavations have unveiled monumental fortifications and gateways dating to the days of Solomon – exactly as recorded in the Bible. The acropolis includes altars, palaces made of ashlar stones, and many public and private buildings.
Of all these exciting findings, the most impressive was a system of water works hewn from the center of Megiddo by way of a 60-meter vertical shaft and a horizontal tunnel about 120 meters long. This water system permitted Megiddo?s inhabitants secret access to a spring located outside the city walls.
© Christian Travel Study Programs, Ltd.