Revelation 16:12 - Meaning and Application

The sixth angel poured out his bowl, and we should notice where it fell. It fell on the great river Euphrates. Some take this literally, as the place where the Turkish power and empire first began. On that view, this prophecy points to the destruction of the Turkish monarchy and its idolatry. They think that will happen around the same time as the fall of the papacy, which they also treat as another form of antichrist, and that this will open the way for the Jews, called the princes of the east here.

Others understand Euphrates as the river Tiber, because Rome is mystical Babylon, and Tiber is its mystical Euphrates. If Rome is destroyed, then its river and its trade must suffer with it. The main point is that this blow falls where the city’s strength and supply come from.

The bowl first dries up the river, which had given the city wealth, food, and every kind of support. Then a way is prepared for the kings of the east. The idolatry of the Roman church has long stood in the way of both the Jews, who have long been cured of any love for idols, and the Gentiles, who are hardened in their own idolatry by seeing it among those called Christians. So it is very likely that the fall of popery, by removing these barriers, will open the way for both the Jews and other eastern nations to come into the church of Christ.

If we also suppose that Mahomedism will fall at the same time, then there will be an even freer path between western and eastern nations. That could help bring about the conversion of the Jews, and the gathering in of the full number of the Gentiles. When God’s work begins to appear close to completion, it is no surprise that another result follows, the last effort of the great dragon, that is, Satan. He makes one more desperate push, hoping, if possible, to repair the ruin of his cause in the world.

He does this through three unclean spirits like frogs, one coming from the mouth of the dragon, one from the mouth of the beast, and one from the mouth of the false prophet. Hell, the civil power of antichrist, and the church power would join together and send out their agents. These would be armed with hellish hatred, worldly skill, and religious lies and deceit. Together they would gather the devil’s forces for one decisive battle.

The means they use are pretended miracles, the old trick of the one who comes with Satan’s work, with all power, signs, lying wonders, and every kind of deception about evil, as in (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). Some think that shortly before antichrist falls, the Roman Catholic claim to do miracles will be revived and will greatly deceive the world. Their false wonders would be meant to win rulers and nations to their side.

The field of battle is called Armageddon. Some understand this as the mount of Megiddo, near the place where Barak defeated Sisera and the kings allied with him (Judges 5:19). In the valley of Megiddo, Josiah was also killed. So this place had been known for two great events, one bringing joy to God’s people and one bringing sorrow. Now it will be the scene of the last battle in which the church is involved, and she will be victorious. Since this battle would take time to prepare, the fuller account is delayed until (Revelation 19:19-20).

God also gives warning of this great and final trial to stir his people to readiness, as in (Revelation 16:15). It will come suddenly and unexpectedly, so Christians must be clothed, armed, and ready, so they will not be caught off guard or put to shame. When God’s cause is brought to judgment and his battles are to be fought, all his people will be ready to stand up for his honor and prove faithful and brave in his service.