As events in the Far East unfold, with China growing in international influence, the question comes up again, Who are the kings of the East in Revelation 16:12? Could this be a reference to China in regard to some of the final events of the tribulation? The answer is yes! But first, it is important to analyze as much as possible all we can about the verse.
Revelation 16:12 takes place toward the end of the seven year tribulation. It is the Sixth Bowl of Wrath that exhibits the full anger of the Lord against a rebellious and evil world. This bowl of wrath focuses on "the great river, the Euphrates." The verse reads:
And the sixth angel poured out his bowl upon the great river, the Euphrates;
and its water was dried up, that the way might be prepared for the kings from the east.
The Euphrates has always been seen as a geographical and political divide in the Middle East. Though it ran almost through the middle of ancient Babylon, it was seen as a barrier from forces that might descend upon the Middle East, Africa, or Eastern Europe, bringing the barbarian nations from the Far East.
One view is that this is a way of describing in the end times the movement of the forces of that region, i.e. all the Muslim nations such as Saudi Arabia, Iran, or Iraq who would conspire to come against Israel in the final days. But a more prominent view would say these "kings" are the heads of state for nations further to the East, India and/or China. India has never been an aggressor power that attempted to break out of the Indian Continent, though that is not impossible in an end time scenario. But the more plausible answer would be that these kings represent China.
John the Apostle
When John the apostle was writing Revelation the vast area of China was controlled by various dynasties and war lords. Now we see China as one large socialistic and communist nation but of course this was not the case in John's day.
I believe the verse is referring to China but I dare not be dogmatic or do my prophecy studies based on current news. I always am quick to say, "It seems to be that this is possible ...…"
Prophecy Teachers
Most dispensational and premillennial prophecy teachers have felt that the "kings of the East" referred to China, though Dr. J. Dwight Pentecost is not sure. He does write however:
Revelation 16:12 reveals that some supernatural event brings about the removal of that which kept the Asiatic powers from coming into the region of the Holy Land to challenge the authority of the Beast. Just who these forces will be, represented as the Kings of the East, can not be determined. But their coming brings us to the final stage of the campaign of Armageddon. They are brought toward the plains of Esdraelon for the purpose of meeting the armies of the Beast in conflict. (Things to Come)
Walvoord adds:
The drying-up of the Euphrates is a prelude to the final act of the drama, not the act itself. We must conclude, then, that the most probable interpretation of the drying-up of the Euphrates is that by an act of God its flow will be interrupted even as were the waters of the Red Sea and of Jordan. This time the way will open not for Israel but for those who are referred to as the Kings of the East. The evidence points, then, to a literal interpretation of Revelation 16:12 in relation to the Euphrates.
China—A Worldwide Dominant Power
According to Daniel 11:36-45 the king in the passage will arise during the tribulation "and he will exalt and magnify himself above every god" (v. 36). The apostle Paul quotes this passage and confirms for us that this is clearly a reference to the Antichrist (2 Thess. 2:3-5). "At the end time" the Antichrist will hear of an invasion coming from the king of the South, probably Egypt and other African powers (Dan. 11:40, 42).
Then a threat arises from the East and from the North that will "disturb him, and he will go forth with great wrath to destroy and annihilate many" (v. 44). To protect and consulate his forces the Antichrist sets up "his royal pavilion" (his military headquarters) between the seas (between the Mediterranean and the Dead Sea) and the beautiful Holy Mountain; "yet he will come to his end, and no one will help him" (v. 45).
This power from the East is probably this great force coming from China. While we want to be careful and avoid being dogmatic on this, all signs are leading to this as a possibility. Today, China could field an army of more than 300,000,000 men! She is now the leading producing nation even above both America and Japan. China's buildup of forces is taking place at an alarming rate. She is working toward a full submarine force and also desiring to build aircraft carriers that will give her complete mobility around the world.
The Pentagon says "China's expanding and improving military capabilities are changing East Asia military balances." America now imports almost everything from China, from drugs, to toys, and almost all electronic goods. She is a producing nation; we are the consuming nation! The label "Made in China" is actually supporting her fast growing military buildup! China is now spending $139 billion each year on her military growth. She is also the largest holder of American bonds and debt. We are beholding to her. We are no longer the dominant power on earth, yet we are almost the only country standing behind Israel. What will happen when we can no longer be Israel's defense?
In my opinion China will be the great force from the East that will invade the Middle East in the tribulation period.
Conclusion
On Revelation 16:12 Scott writes:
The Euphrates formed the limit in the east of the Roman conquest, and the eastern boundary of enlarged Palestine in the future. It has ever stood as a geographical barrier - a natural separating bulwark between the west and the east. The barrier is removed by an act of judgment.
The reason of divine judgment on the river is "that the way of the kings 'from' (not 'of' as in the AV) the rising of the sun might be prepared. It is not the king of the east, but from the east.
The reason of divine judgment on the river is "that the way of the kings 'from' (not 'of' as in the AV) the rising of the sun might be prepared. It is not the king of the east, but from the east.
Pentecost summarizes: "It can thus be concluded that the second great opposing Gentile force will be that composed of the coalition of nations in Asia, who unite against this threat of world-wide dominion by the head of the Roman empire," the Antichrist.
It is my opinion that the compelling commodity that drives the whole world into the Middle East is the oil reserves, coupled with doing the Arab nations a favor - attempting to get rid of the Jewish state in the process!
