The punishment of the enemies of Israel

In this passage also, the description of the Battle of Armageddon continues. In verses 1-3, the armies of the nations advancing against Jerusalem were described. These are the armies of the Antichrist. They will plunder Jerusalem. However, at the final stage of this battle, the Messiah will return. As it says, “Then the Lord will go forth and fight against those nations, as when He fights on a day of battle” (v 3). In today’s passage, it is prophesied how the armies of the nations that oppose Israel will be destroyed. The details are remarkably specific. God wants us to understand clearly what the destiny of those who oppose Israel will be.

Four methods

The first method is decay caused by a plague. “Now this will be the plague with which the Lord will strike all the peoples who have gone to war against Jerusalem; their flesh will rot while they stand on their feet, and their eyes will rot in their sockets, and their tongue will rot in their mouth” (v 12). The second method is mutual destruction. “And it will come about on that day that a great panic from the Lord will fall on them; and they will seize one another’s hand, and the hand of one will be raised against the hand of another” (v 13). The self-destruction of the enemy through great panic has a precedent in Scripture (ref. Judges 7:22). The third method is the participation of the people of Judah in the battle. “Judah also will fight at Jerusalem; and the wealth of all the surrounding nations will be gathered, gold, silver, and garments in great abundance” (v 14). The people of Judah had taken refuge in Bozrah (ref. 12:7). The Messiah will first come to Bozrah and achieve victory there, and then He will come to the Mount of Olives (v 4). At that time, the people of Judah will go up from Bozrah to Jerusalem and join in the defense of the city. As a result, a great amount of plunder will be taken from the enemy. This is a reversal of what is described in verse 1, where the enemy gathers plunder. The fourth method is a plague. “And just like this plague, there will be a plague on the horse, the mule, the camel, the donkey, and all the cattle that will be in those camps” (v 15). The pack animals will also be struck by the plague – the same disaster described in verse 12. As a result, the enemy will lose its means of transportation. “And I will bless those who bless you, and the one who curses you I will curse. And in you all the families of the earth will be blessed” (Gen. 12:3). This promise is still in effect today. Blessed are those who pray for the protection and salvation of Israel.