Time of Distress (21) - Valley of Decision

The global struggle between big powers will spill over into Israel. This is often called the battle of Armageddon, but that is a misunderstanding of a single verse in Revelation.

Then they gathered the kings together to the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon (Rev 16:16).

John did not intend to indicate the site of the big battle, but to explain why it affects Israel. The Hebrew words transliterated as Armageddon refers to the Mount of Meggido, which was seared in Jewish memories as the place where King Josiah died. He was one of Judah’s best kings, but at the peak of his career, he was drawn into in a battle between Egypt and Assyria, and was killed by a random arrow. Jeremiah composed a lament, because his pointless death was a tragic waste for Judah, as it never had a good king again (2 Chron 35:20-25).

The same thing will happen in the big battle. The western Beast and the Islamic powers will be continuing their posturing and Israel will get drawn in. The Islamic nations will decide to invade Israel to gain control of resources (Ezek 38,39). The Beast of the West will already be there (Dan 11:40-45). Significant numbers of mounted infantry will join this battle.

Joel says that will be gathered in the Valley of Jehoshaphat (Joel 3:12). This is not a place but an explanation of what happens. The word Jehoshaphat means “God judges”. This event will bring judgement on the powerful nations.

Joel also refers to the valley of decision

Multitudes, multitudes in the valley of decision!
For the day of the LORD is near in the valley of decision (Joel 2:14).
The people of the world will make a decisions about their political and military leaders. The people of Israel will make a decision about Jesus.