Expert: Edward Bode - 6/17/2007

Question
What is armageddon and the day of reckoning? Are they mentioned anywhere in the bible besides Revelation 16:16?

Answer
The meaning of the Rev passage seems clear: in the struggle between light/good and darkness/evil, God will ultimately prevail for light/good.  Other biblical passages refer to the "Day of the Lord [Yahweh].
The meaning of Armageddon has been the source of schoraly denbate for a long time.  The word itself is quite obscure in the Hebrew original.  The best understanding, I think, is that the reference is the pass of Megiddo [a city of plains] where many ancient battles were actually fought.  See, for example,  Jdg 5:19; 2 Kings 23:29.  I remember the old Western movies where the bad guys were always "headed off at the pass."  In ancient warfare, the high ground was especially important.
I hope these thoughts help to clarify your concern.  If not, please feel free to write again.
Best wishes, Patrick.