The Biblical History and Archaeology of the Old Testament City of Megiddo
Keywords:
Biblical History, Apocalypse, Archaeology,, Armageddon, Megiddo, War, PeaceAbstract
This article explored the assertion that King Solomon built the cities of Megiddo, Hazor and Gezer as is recorded in 1 Kings 9:15. Solomon reigned as king in Israel in the 10th Century B.C.E. However, the finds of archaeology in the city of Megiddo point to a later date for the structures there. While previous dates orientated one to a high chronology, that is, the time of Solomon, current views push to a low chronology, that is, in the 9th century B.C.E, the time Omri or Ahab his son was king in Samaria. This shift in date may be shocking but not surprising, because archaeological excavations help to make the written text clearer in the search for truth. However, it is not always the case. Considering the fact that incessant wars took place at Megiddo in the past, this made the city become notorious as a battle ground. This notion grew to apocalyptic level, making Armageddon or Megiddo the place for final combat for all the forces of evil as recorded in Revelation 16:16. Using the inductive method, this paper argued that an understanding of Megiddo is an understanding of Israel. It went further to show that Megiddo is used as a symbol in Revelation. Not to see it as such is a misnomer. The conclusion is that, as symbol, it cautions against the thirst for violence and war. Key words
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