Megiddo is an ancient city located in northwestern Palestine. Joshua defeated a king of Megiddo (Josh. 12:21). King Ahaziah of Judah died there (2 Kings 9:27-28) as did King Josiah (2 Kings 23:29). Megiddo is a vast plain (2 Chron. 35:22). In the New Testament Megiddo is known as Har Megiddon from which we get Armageddon (Rev. 16:16).

Megiddo is mentioned in a number of Egyptian and Assyrian texts as well as in the Bible. The earliest reference is in the fifteenth-century b.c. annals of Thutmose III on the walls of the Temple of Karnak in Upper Egypt. Megiddo’s defeat is described in detail, elaborating on the battle plan, the booty of prisoners, chariots, and household goods, and the tribute of gold, silver, grain, and wine. The Barkal Stele erected at the Fourth Cataract of the Nile further describes this campaign.¹Achtemeier, Paul J., Th.D., Harper’s Bible Dictionary, (San Francisco: Harper and Row, Publishers, Inc.), 1985.