For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty. (Revelation 16:14)
That is, the day of God’s wrath (see on v. 1). Important textual evidence may be cited (cf. p. 10) for the reading “the great day.” See on Isa. 2:12.
The battle.
Proponents of both views agree that different aspects of the same battle are described in chs. 14:14-20; 16:12-19; 17:14-17; 19:11-21; cf. 6T 406. According to the first view this is primarily a politico-military battle to be fought in the literal valley of Megiddo between the nations of East and West (see on ch. 16:12, 13). According to the second view this battle is one in which the nations unite to destroy the people of God, and is therefore primarily a religious conflict.
To gather.
According to the first view this gathering consists of political and military preparations on the part of “the kings of the earth and of the whole world.” According to the second view it refers to efforts put forth by the threefold religious union to secure united action on the part of the political powers of earth for the purpose of waging war on the remnant of God’s people.
Kings of the earth.
Textual evidence attest (cf. p. 10) the omission of the words “of the earth and.” The “kings” are the political powers of earth, in contrast with the threefold religious union of v. 13 (see comment there), which summon the nations of earth to unite in a crusade to destroy God’s people (9T 16; GC 562, 624). This universal religio-political combine (see on ch. 17:3) aspires to rule the world. According to the first view these “kings” represent the nations of the West, in contrast with the “kings of the east” (ch. 16:12), the nations of the Orient. According to the second view the expression “kings of the earth and of the whole world” includes the nations of both East and West (see on v. 12). For further information concerning the identity of the “kings of the earth” and the temporary success of this plot see ch. 17:2, 12, 14; see on v. 12; cf. 7T 182.
Working miracles.
Or,“performing signs [sēmeia],” that is, miracles from the viewpoint of their value as authenticating the claims, or attesting the power and authority, of the person performing them (see Vol. V, p. 208). These miracles are also referred to in chs. 13:13, 14; 19:20. Supernatural manifestations of various kinds constitute the means by which Satan, working through various human agencies, succeeds in uniting the world behind his purpose to obliterate those who constitute the only barrier to his unchallenged dominion over mankind.
Spirits of devils.
Literally, “spirits of demons,” or “demonic spirits.” In the Gospels the term “unclean spirit” is used interchangeably with “devil” (see Mark 1:27, 34; 3:11, 15; 6:7; etc.). See Rev. 18:2; cf. 5T 472, 473.