The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up to prepare the way for the kings from the East. – Revelation 16:12

Today's Scripture Reading (June 12, 2021): Revelation 16

The Euphrates is one of the most important rivers in Western Asia. It originates in the Armenian Highlands of Eastern Turkey and runs for 3,000 kilometers (1,900 miles) until it empties into the Persian Gulf. The river is a roadway for those who travel its waters, but the Euphrates also serves as a barrier for those who wish to cross its shores. The river, at places, is over a kilometer wide, and especially in ancient times, it represented a formidable barrier. The Roman Empire relied on its belief that the Euphrates River was a barrier against any enemy that came from the East wanting to cause trouble in its territory.

But the importance of the Euphrates River extends beyond its military importance. The river supports many ecosystems. It has drawn people to its banks, allowing the growth of cities and towns. The Euphrates River has shaped politics into the modern Era, even appearing on the Coat of Arms for the Kingdom of Iraq from 1932 until 1959.

John sees the sixth angel come and pour out his bowl onto the Euphrates River, and as a result of his action, the river dried up. The drying up of the Euphrates would cause an economic upheaval in the region, destroy fragile ecosystems, and negatively impact human communities up and down the river. But John argues that it also makes the Middle East vulnerable to the Kings of the East. China, India, and Japan could move toward the Middle East to make war with Israel or even Europe. But the Psalmist makes it clear that the purpose of these Eastern nations crossing the Euphrates would be to fight against God and his Messiah.

The kings of the earth rise up
    and the rulers band together
    against the Lord and against his anointed, saying,
"Let us break their chains
    and throw off their shackles."

The One enthroned in heaven laughs;
    the Lord scoffs at them.
He rebukes them in his anger
    and terrifies them in his wrath, saying,
"I have installed my king
    on Zion, my holy mountain" (Psalm 2:2-6).

Tomorrow's Scripture Reading: Revelation 17