Revelation 16:12-16
In verse 12 the sixth vial is poured out on the Euphrates River causing it to dry up so that the kings of the east can cross it as they march onto Israel and Armageddon.
There are currently 22 dams that have been built along the Euphrates River. Many of these dams are controlled by Turkey and Syria. At the appointed time, you can be sure that they will use them to stop the flow of water.
There are different views of who these kings of the east may represent. Most ascribe to China as deserving this title for many reasons. As stated previously in chapter 9, there is an old Time Magazine publication expressing China’s boast of being able to man a two-hundred million man army. This coincides with verse 16 of chapter 9.
Japan which is near China is also known as the land of the rising sun. This could lend credibility to the title of the kings of the east. In current events of our day, it is well known that China is rapidly increasing in military strength and weaponry.
North Korea is known for its hostilities and could join China which is known for its perpetual abuses of humanity in their own Country. It is not hard to conceive that these nations once possessed of a demonic prince spirit are directed for war in the Middle East and would start a march across Asia which according to chapter 9 will be vicious and destructive to say the least.
China has recently surpassed the United States in oil consumption. So their need of this valuable commodity being located in the Middle East could be the hook in the nose that starts their quest to conquer.
There is another view being propagated which could have credibility concerning the kings of the east. That is, it could be Muslim Countries located east of Israel, which would be responsible for the death and destruction noted in chapter 9 as well. Current events show that there is much destructiveness going on in Muslim Countries given the name of Arab Spring.
Either way the kings of the east will march to Armageddon at the appointed time and cross the Euphrates River to get there.
In verse 13 John watches as three spirits of devils come out of the mouth of the dragon (satan), out of the mouth of the beast (involving the antichrist), and out of the mouth of the false prophet ( which could be the prophet Jesus of Islam mentioned chapter 13).
In verse 14 these are apparently prince spirits of the kingdom of darkness that are responsible for the power and deception of miracles that the antichrist and false prophet are able to perform. They would have to be quite powerful in deception to move leaders from around the world including the kings of the east, and bring them all together to the battle place of Armageddon, called the battle of the great day of Almighty God!
In verse 15 Jesus breaks in right in the middle of all this to proclaim the Blessing upon all those that are watchful and keeping their garments. This is a reference to purity and doing the will of God which is obedience. Then for those who will not do what is proclaimed here, they will find themselves naked experiencing shame as a result.
In verse 16 we are given the reference to the gathering place of the great battle to come called Armageddon. Movies have been created and books written about Armageddon.
However, we need to make sure we have made Jesus the Lord of our lives and become Born Again in order to view this battle from the white horses that we will be riding following Jesus when He conquers all those that gather to oppose Him!
