Megiddo: History, Biblical Significance, and Relevance Today
Published January 30, 2022.
As accounted in the book of Revelations, Megiddo is the site of The Final Battle when the world will end. Megiddo is also known as Armageddon, which loosely translates to Hill of Megiddo from the Hebrew, Har Megiddo. Numerous battles have already been waged there, and today Megiddo is surrounded by a nature reserve that anyone can visit. While its history is gruesome and its future frightening, Megiddo is still of great importance in our faith and is something we should learn about.
Megiddo Today
Before we dive into the history of Megiddo, let's take a look at where it stands geographically. It is a kibbutz in Northern Israel near the Megiddo Junction. This junction connects lower Galilee to central Israel. The Jezreel Valley, or Valley of Megiddo, is a large plain where you can find the kibbutz. West of this valley lies the Carmel Mountain range, and to the east, the Jordan Valley.
The large size of this plain is, in part, the reason why so many battles were fought here.
The Biblical Significance of Megiddo
To understand the biblical significance of Megiddo, we must first take a look at some historical events that took place.
Historical Events in Megiddo
Megiddo is a site that has seen many battles throughout history and is said to be the place where the end of the world will occur. Historically, more wars have been fought in Megiddo than anywhere else in the world - a total of 34 battles. Two of the most noteworthy occur between Egyptian soldiers and surrounding rebel groups. Megiddo was strategically placed, as it was the passage for trade and commercial activity through Egypt to Mitanni.
15thC BC Battle of Megiddo
This battle was fought between the Egyptians and rebellion groups from Canaan. Both sides gathered enormous amounts of troops together as a showcase of power and rebellion.
609 BC Battle of Megiddo
This battle occurred between Judaean and Egyptian soldiers for many of the same reasons as the battle in the 15thC. Again, this was due to a denial of passage and a showcase of power.
1918 Battle of Megiddo
Very recently, in historical terms, a battle was fought in Megiddo in 1918. During the First World War, Sinai and Palestinian forces battled against the allied Egyptian forces. As with most of the battles of the First World War, it was one of territorial conquest.
Megiddo and the Final Battle
The final battle, when the world will end, will be fought in Megiddo, as is written in the Bible. It will be a battle between the forces of good and evil. It is said that during this battle, the clouds will open, and God will deliver his people from this evil and take them to heaven.
Visiting Meggido in Israel
Meggido is open at all times for tourists to pay a visit. The site is teeming with rich history, and from specific vantage points, you can almost imagine the numerous battles which occurred on its soil. There are two lookout points available to visitors: one to the north and one to the south. Each provides a unique view of beautiful sights in the surrounding area. There are underground tunnels to explore and ruins of ancient cities.
A secondary attraction to Meggido is the flora and fauna. You may catch a glimpse of foxes, jackals or even mongooses. There is also some leafy vegetation to enjoy in areas away from the old battlefield.
Tel Megiddo National Park Important Information
Opening Hours During Summer:
Saturday - Thursday: 08:00 - 17:00 Friday: 08:00 - 16:00 Any day before a holiday: 08:00 - 16:00
Opening Hours During Winter:
Saturday - Thursday: 08:00 - 16:00 Friday: 08:00 - 15:00 Any day before a holiday: 08:00 - 13:00
Price List:
Adult: 28 NIS Group of adults or students: 24 NIS/person Child or Senior Citizen: 14 NIS Children in a group: 12 NIS/person
Please do make a reservation through the Megiddo National Park official website, and note that prices are subject to change.
