and with Ahab, &c.: the manner of it may be different, but it exercises this guiding character, in apostasy; the power to be wielded being held by another.
These three gather the kings (τἤς οίκουμένἤς) of the whole organised habitable earth, to the battle of the great day of God Almighty. But now Christ was nigh at hand. All this went on with multiplied human plans; perhaps, but to the saints it was the sign that Christ was at hand. “And He gathered them together.” Who is He? This was the power and providence of God by Christ, I apprehend: whatever the Satanic influence or instrumentality, it was done, if through that, by Him. The spirits were to go forth to gather; and they gathered: but it was really the Lord’s doing in judgment. Compare Mic. iv. 11, 13.
This battle, the scene of the Lamb’s judgments, against whom the hatred and opposition was, is reserved for His coming forth, and the display of His power. We have an intimation of its connection with Hebrew localities: the place has a Hebrew name, Armageddon. But this comes in here, by the bye; for it is the account of God’s wrath, and the gathering is all that has this character providentially. If there be allusion to the place and
