Revelation Bible Prophecy

Revelation Chapter 19

Revelation 19:1 “And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:”

After these things - After witnessing the scenes of chapters 17 and 18. (see notes on Revelation 18:1) Those of chapter 19 were presented to John immediately without interruption. It is apparent from verse 2 that this song is sung after judgment has been executed upon the “great whore.” An event that takes place under the seventh plague, (see notes on Revelation 16:19; 17:1) and thus after the scene described in Revelation 17:16-17; 18:4-23. The singing of this song of praise to God follows immediately upon the completion of the work of the seventh plague bearing angel. If the events of chapters 18 to 20 are recorded in chronological order as appears to be the case, the anthem of Revelation 19:1-7 is sung in close connection with events at the second coming of Christ, whether at that time or just before or after cannot be determined with certainty. The context may be understood as assigning the anthem to a time immediately prior to the actual appearance of Christ. (cf. verse 11)

A great voice - See notes on Revelation 11:15.

Much people - The inhabitants of heaven and possibly also men redeemed from this earth. (cf. Revelation 18:20) It may be that the anthem of Revelation 19:1-7 is sung in response to the call of Revelation 18:20.

Alleluia - Greek Allelouia - A transliteration of the Hebrew halelu-Yah, “praise ye Yahweh,” (Psalms 104:35) from halal, “to shine,” “to boast,” “to celebrate,” “to praise,” and Yah, a shortened form of Yahweh. Like another Hebrew word “amen,” “hallelujah” has been adopted into the English language practically unchanged. The four occurrences of the word in chapter 19 (verses 1, 3, 4, 6) are the only instances of its use in the NT.

Verses 1-7 constitute an antiphonal choral arrangement composed of two anthems and two responses:

(1) In verses 1-3 a great voice in heaven leads out with the theme of the song, ascribing honor and justice to God for having punished Babylon.
(2) In verse 4 the “beasts” and the “elders” respond in affirmation.
(3) In verse 5 a voice from the throne summons all loyal subjects throughout the universe to a joint recognition of the truth of the theme.
(4) In verses 6-7 the entire universe unites in acclaiming the right of God to universal sovereignty. This paean of praise stands in striking contrast with the dirge of death in Revelation 18:10-19.

The design this antiphonal hymn of praise is similar to that Psalms 24:7-10, which is likewise composed of two anthems and two responses. This responsive chorus was first used during the triumphal procession marking the return of the ark to Jerusalem, and centuries later at the resurrection and the ascension.

Salvation - Literally “the salvation.” In the Greek each of the virtues ascribed here to God is preceded by the definite article. This suggests the fullness, the sum total, of each attribute. The “salvation” of Revelation 12:10 is specifically salvation from “the accuser of our brethren.” Here it is salvation from mystical Babylon. (see notes on Revelation 16:17) The one refers to what was accomplished at the first coming and the other to what is to be accomplished at the second.

Glory - See Matthew 6:13; Romans 3:23.

Honour - Textual evidence attests the omission of this word.

Power - See Matthew 6:13; 28:18.

The Lord - Textual evidence attests the omission of this expression.

Revelation 19:2 “For true and righteous are his judgments: for he has judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and has avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.”

For - Verse 2 accounts for the ascription of praise in verse 1.

True - Genuine, real, dependable. (see notes on Revelation 15:3)

Righteous - Or “just.” (see notes on Revelation 15:3; 16:1, 5) God will make no error in His acts of judgment. He will take all the facts into account.

Judgments - Literally “acts of judging,” (see notes on Revelation 16:7) No doubt here the seven last plagues in general and the judgment of mystical Babylon in particular. (see notes on Revelation 17:1; 18:4, 10)

Hath judged - The Greek specifies a single, completed act.

Great whore - See notes on Revelation 17:1, 5.

Did corrupt - Or “was corrupting.” Her criminal conduct covered a long period of time. See notes on Revelation 17:2, 6.

Her fornication - See notes on Revelation 17:2.

And hath avenged - Or “in that he hath avenged.” The judging is the avenging. See notes on Revelation 18:6, 20.

Blood of his servants - See notes on Revelation 6:9, 10; 16:6; 17:6.

Revelation 19:3 “And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.”

Her smoke rose up - See notes on Revelation 18:8-9.

For ever and ever - See notes on Revelation 14:11.

Revelation 19:4 “And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.”

Elders - See notes on Revelation 4:4.

Beasts - See notes on Revelation 4:6-8.

Fell down - Compare Revelation 4:10.

Sat on the throne - See notes on Revelation 4:10.

Amen - See Matthew 5:18.

Revelation 19:5 “And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all you his servants, and you that fear him, both small and great.”

Out of the throne - This was either the voice of God Himself or that of one speaking for Him. (see notes on Revelation 16:17)

Praise - Literally “keep on praising.” The response to this call is the chorus of voices of verses 6-7.

His servants - See notes on Revelation 1:1.

And ye - Or “even ye,” “ye that fear,” is equivalent to “ye his servants.”

Fear - In the sense of reverential awe. (see notes on Revelation 11:18)

Small and great - Compare Revelation 11:18.

Revelation 19:6 “And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.”

I heard - Compare on Revelation 1:2.

As it were - Or “what seemed to be.”

Voice - See notes on Revelation 14:2.

And as the voice - Rather “even as the voice.” In both instances where this expression occurs in verse 6.

Many waters - Compare Revelation 14:2.

Alleluia - See notes on verse 1.

Omnipotent - Or “Almighty.” (2 Corinthians 6:18; Revelation 1:8)

Reigneth - Literally “reigned” in the sense that He “began to reign.” It is at the close of the investigate judgment but before Christ leaves the most holy place that He receives His kingdom and begins His reign as “King of kings.”

Revelation 19:7 “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife has made herself ready.”

Be glad - The inward experience of the heart.

Rejoice - The outward expression that results from the inward emotion of gladness. It comes from a heart overflowing with happiness that Christ is now reigning as king. (cf. Revelation 18:20)

Honour - Literally “glory.” This is the climatic expression of gratitude and devotion.

Marriage - “The bride, the Lamb's wife” is “that great city, the holy Jerusalem.” (Revelation 21:2, 9-10) The New Jerusalem is to be the capital of the new earth, and as such is representative of “the kingdoms of this world,” which are to “become the kingdoms of our Lord and of his Christ.” (Revelation 11:15; 21:1-5) The New Jerusalem will contain the Garden of Eden in which the tree of life has been preserved. (Revelation 22:1-2) The wedding referred to here consists of the reception by Christ of His kingdom as represented by the New Jerusalem, and His coronation as King of kings and Lord of lords, in heaven at the close of His priestly ministry before the plagues are poured out. (see notes on Revelation 17:14) As in the parable of the Ten Virgins, the waiting saints are represented as guests invited to the wedding. (Revelation 19:9; cf. Matthew 25:1-10)

The Lamb - See notes on Revelation 5:6.

Is come - Or “has [finally] come,” that is, the event has already taken place when this announcement is made. (see above on “marriage”; cf. verse 1)

Made herself ready - John continues his figurative account in terms of an ancient oriental wedding. For comment on customs connected with such an occasion, see Matthew 22:1-13; 25:1-10; John 2:1-10.

Revelation 19:8 “And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”

To her was granted - John has set forth the New Jerusalem symbolically as the bride. (see notes on verse 7) Continuing the figure he speaks of the garments in which she is arrayed.

Fine linen - Here a figure for a righteous character. (cf. Revelation 3:5; 6:11; see notes on Revelation 3:18; cf. Revelation 22:14)

Clean - Literally “splendid,” brilliant and shining like the light of a lamp. The same word is translated “gorgeous” in Luke 23:11 and “bright” in Revelation 22:16.

White - Literally “pure.”

Righteousness - Greek dikaiomata - Meaning “righteousness deeds,” not dikaiosune, “righteous character.” (Matthew 5:6; Romans 3:20) Righteous deeds are the natural and inevitable result of a righteous character. Dikaiomata applies particularly to the sanctified deeds of the Christian, his victorious life developed by the grace of the indwelling Christ. (Galatians 2:20; James 2:17-18, 20) For comment on the wedding garment in the parable of the man without a wedding garment. See Matthew 22:11. Compare on Matthew 5:48.

Revelation 19:9 “And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.”

He - The angel of verse 10.

Write - See notes on Revelation 1:2, 11.

Blessed - Or “happy.” (Matthew 5:3)

Called - Invited to the marriage feast. (Matthew 22:14; Romans 8:28)

Supper - Greek deipnon - The evening meal. The “marriage supper of the Lamb” takes place at the end of earth's long day. See Matthew 22:1-14.

The Lamb - See notes on Revelation 5:6.

These - That is, the words of the invitation.

True sayings - Literally “genuine [ones].” The invitation is absolutely trustworthy. It can be depended upon.

Revelation 19:10 “And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See you do it not: I am your fellowservant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.”

Fell - A typical oriental gesture of reverence and worship. Here it is an expression of profound joy and gratitude for the marriage supper is a celebration of triumph over the forces of evil, which have sought to prevent this very event. This is the first occasion on which John responded to the message of the angel and represents the depth of feeling it stirred in him.

Do it not - Compare Acts 10:26.

I am your Fellowservant - Literally “fellow slave,” “fellow bondsman.” What a privilege it is that devoted workers on earth may share the companionship of and be co-workers with heavenly angels!

Of thy brethren - Fellow servant of thy brethren. Some have considered this designation as evidence that the speaker must be a member of the human family, such as Enoch, Elijah, Moses or one of the saints raised with Christ at His resurrection. However, there is no direct evidence in Scripture that a translated human being ever acted in the role of an angel to reveal truth to his fellow men.

The testimony of Jesus - See notes on Revelation 1:2; 12:17.

Spirit of prophecy - For the word “prophecy,” compare the word “prophet” in Matthew 11:9. The Holy Spirit was sent to bear testimony to Jesus, (John 15:26) and His witness is equivalent to that of Jesus in person. The Spirit of prophecy is one of the gifts of the Spirit. (1 Corinthians 12:10; Ephesians 4:11) For the manifestation of this gift among the people of God in the last days. See notes on Revelation 12:17.

Revelation 19:11 “And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he does judge and make war.”

Opened - Literally “standing open.” Heaven was open when John's attention was first directed to it and remained open. Compare Revelation 4:1; 11:19; 15:5. Accompanied by the angel armies of heaven, (Revelation 19:14) Christ is seen descending from heaven as King of kings (verse 16) in power and majesty to deliver His faithful people from those who are bent upon their destruction. The scene described in verses 11-21 is the climax of “the battle of that great day of God Almighty,” often called the battle of Armageddon. (see notes on Revelation 16:12-19)

Behold - Compare on Revelation 21:5.

White horse - In Bible times horses were used almost exclusively in connection with warfare or government business. When used figuratively in the Bible as here, the horse is usually a symbol of battle. (cf. Exodus 15:21; Isaiah 43:17; Jeremiah 8:6; Ezekiel 38:15; Zechariah 10:3; Revelation 14:20; see notes on Revelation 6:2) White typifies holiness of character. (see notes on Revelation 3:4; 6:2; 7:14) White horses have ever been the favorite of kings and military leaders. Christ has received the right to rule this earth as King of kings (see notes on Revelation 19:1, 7) and now appears figuratively as a warrior riding forth as a conqueror on a magnificent white charger to occupy His lawful domain and to escort His faithful people back to the “marriage supper.” (verse 9; see notes on Revelation 11:15) Compare Isaiah 63:1-6

Faithful and True - It should be remembered that oriental names depict character, (Acts 3:16) and that therefore the names here ascribed to Christ specifically represent Him in His role as champion of His beleaguered people on earth. Four statements are made concerning Christ's name in connection with the battle of Revelation 19:11-21:

1. Christ is called “Faithful and True” (verse 11) in that He now appears, according to His promise, (John 14:1-3) to deliver His own. To them He has seemed to delay His coming, (see notes on Revelation 16:15) but they “have waited for him” and He now appears for the purpose of effecting their salvation. (Isaiah 25:9; cf. Revelation 16:17)

2. The “name written that no man knew but he himself” (verse 12) represents the heretofore unknown role in which He now appears as the avenger of His people. (see notes on Revelation 16:1) In the performance of this “strange” work (Isaiah 28:21) He acts in a role new to both men and angels.

3. But as the avenger and deliverer of His people He is still “The Word of God.” (verse 13) He is “The Word of God” at work carrying out the will of the Father on earth, now in judgment, as formerly in mercy. (John 1:1-3; Revelation 19:15)

4. The title “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (verse 16) applies in a special sense to Christ at this time. (see notes on Revelation 17:14) All power has been given into His hands. (1 Corinthians 15:25) Satan selfishly aspired to the exalted position that had been reserved for Christ as the Son of God. (Isaiah 14:12-14; Revelation 12:7-9) But the latter, not counting equality with the Father a thing to be grasped, had voluntarily relinquished the full exercise of the attributes and prerogatives of Deity for a time, (Philippians 2:6-8) and thereby demonstrated His worthiness to receive the honor and dignity implicit in the title “King of kings, and Lord of lords.”

In righteousness - His cause is altogether just. (see notes on Revelation 15:3; 16:5) Throughout history earthly rulers have waged war for selfish ends and personal or national aggrandizement. Compare Isaiah 11:1-5.

Doth judge and make war - He executes judgment by waging war. This war is against the political and military forces of earth, which had assembled to destroy His faithful servants. (see notes on Revelation 13:15; 16:13-14, 16-17)

Revelation 19:12 “His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.”

His eyes - See notes on Revelation 1:14. As Christ goes forth, the great champion of eternal justice, nothing escapes His notice.

Crowns - Greek diadema. (see notes on Revelation 12:3) In the Bible diadema is never applied to the reward of the saints. It is always the crown of royalty. In addition to the many royal crowns that Christ receives as King of kings, He also wears the chaplet of victory, the stephanos since He too overcame Satan. (see notes on Revelation 12:3; 14:14)

A name - See notes on verse 11; cf. Revelation 2:17.

Revelation 19:13 “And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.”

Vesture - Greek himation - (Matthew 5:40) Here perhaps a rider's coat or the cloak of a military commander.

Dipped in blood - Figuratively of course. The question arises as to whose blood stains the cloak of the rider. Some have suggested that it is a symbol of Christ's own blood shed on the cross on the assumption that it cannot be that of the wicked who at this point in the narrative have not yet been slain. However, Christ here appears not in the role of “a Lamb as it had been slain,” (Revelation 5:6) but of a conquering warrior. The striking similarity between this passage and that of Isaiah (Revelation 63:1-6) suggests that this passage is a fulfillment of the words of Isaiah.

His name - See notes on verse 11.

Word of God - See John 1:1. In executing divine justice on those who persist in rebellion against the government of heaven, Christ is truly as the “Word of God” as when at His first coming, He came to earth with the gracious offer of divine mercy. His coming on both occasions is an expression of the divine will.

Revelation 19:14 “And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.”

Armies - The angelic hosts that accompany Christ at His second coming. (see Matthew 24:31; 25:31) See notes on Revelation 17:14; cf. Matthew 22:7.

Revelation 19:15 “And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”

Out of his mouth - The sword is obviously figurative. By the word of the Lord the earth and its inhabitants were brought into being, (Psalms 33:6, 9) and now by the word of His mouth He terminates their existence. (see Revelation 19:20-21)

Sword - Greek rhomphaia - (see notes on Revelation 1:16) The large weapon of assault used by soldiers of ancient times in contrast with the machaira, the short stabbing sword used in defense. (Luke 22:36) Compare Jeremiah 46:10.

Smite - Literally “smite [once for all].”

Rule - Greek poimaino - Meaning literally “to shepherd.” (Matthew 2:6) The expression “and shall rule them” may better be translated, “that is, shall rule them,” for the smiting and the ruling refer to the same thing.

Rod of iron - See notes on Revelation 2:27; cf. Psalms 2:9; 110:1-2, 5-6. The ancient shepherd's rod had a double function. The crook on one end served to help and guide the sheep, while the heavy ferrule on the other end, a metal cap or ring to strengthen the rod, made it also a weapon of assault. This was used for the protection of the flock. To repel and kill wild animals that would scatter and destroy it. It is now time for the Good Shepherd to use the “rod of iron” against the nations for the deliverance of His beleaguered flock on earth. His ruling or smiting the nations with a rod of iron results in their extermination, not their government during the millennium as some hold.

Winepress - See Isaiah 63:3; Revelation 14:19-20 where the same figure is developed further. Compare Lamentations 1:15.

Of the fierceness and wrath - Rather “which is the fury of the anger.” See notes on Revelation 16:1.

Almighty - See notes on Revelation 1:8.

Revelation 19:16 “And he has on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.”

Vesture - See notes on verse 13.

And on his thigh - Preferably, “that is, upon his thigh.” The name was seen inscribed on the part of his cloak that covered the thigh.

A name - See notes on verse 11.

King of kings - See notes on Revelation 17:14; cf. Revelation 19:6.

Revelation 19:17 “And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;”

Standing in the sun - Perhaps the blinding light of the sun is here descriptive of the glorious light of the divine presence. (cf. 2 Thessalonians 2:8-9; Revelation 6:15-17) Thus the angel who issues the challenge of Revelation 19:17 would be standing next to Christ as in ancient combat an armor bearer would be near his lord.

Fowls - This invitation to the “fowls” warns the assembled hosts of the wicked as to the fate that impends for them. (see notes on Revelation 16:15-17) It is couched in the graphic oriental phraseology of a challenge to personal combat. (cf. 1 Samuel 17:44-46) To be devoured by the scavengers of the skies constituted one of the curses for disobedience pronounced by Moses in his valedictory address to the people of Israel. (Deuteronomy 28:26) John's phraseology in Revelation 19:17-18 appears to be based on God's words to the heathen nations of earth as recorded in Ezekiel 39:17-22. (cf. Jeremiah 7:32-33)

Supper - The gruesome alternative to eating at the marriage supper of the Lamb (verse 9) is to be eaten by the fowls of heaven at the “supper of the great God.” Those who do not voluntarily accept God's gracious invitation to be present at the one must respond to His imperative summons to the other.

Revelation 19:18 “That you may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.”

Flesh - Literally “flesh pieces.” (cf. Revelation 17:16)

Kings - The confederate nations of earth acting in concert under the direct supervision of Satan in the guise of an angel of light. (cf. Revelation 16:14, 16-17; 17:12, 14)

Captains - The leaders in command of the military forces assembled to carry out Satan's will in the closing scenes of the great controversy.

Mighty men - Armed forces organized, trained, and equipped.

Flesh of horses - The remainder of verse 18 is a graphic word picture of the total destruction of all the forces of evil at the second coming of Christ. (cf. Revelation 6:15; 14:17-20; 16:21)

Free and bond - Compare Revelation 13:16.

Revelation 19:19 “And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.”

The beast - See notes on Revelation 17:3, 8, 11.

Kings of the earth - See notes on Revelation 16:14, 16; 17:12-14.

Their armies - Now assembled for battle and engaged in bitter conflict among themselves. (see notes on Revelation 16:17, 19)

Gathered together - See notes on Revelation 16:14, 16.

War - Literally “the war,” that is, “the battle of that great day of God Almighty,” often referred to as the battle of Armageddon. (see notes on Revelation 16:14)

Him that sat - See notes on verse 11.

His army - Compare “they that are with him.” (Revelation 17:14; cf. Revelation 16:12; 19:14)

Revelation 19:20 “And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.”

The beast - See notes on Revelation 17:3, 8.

Taken - Or “captured.” The phrase of the battle following Christ's appearance is short and dramatic, for at its very outset the “beast” and the “false prophet” are captured. (see notes on Revelation 16:17, 19)

False prophet - Apostate Protestantism, which is deluded by Satan and cooperates with him. (see notes on Revelation 13:11-17; 16:14) A “prophet” is one who speaks on behalf of another. (Matthew 11:9) This “prophet” speaks on behalf of the first beast in connection with the healing of its “deadly wound,” (see notes on Revelation 13:12; 17:8) to persuade the world to unite in allegiance to it.

Miracles, deceived - See notes on Revelation 13:13-14; 16:14; 17:2; 18:2-3, 23.

Mark of the best - See notes on Revelation 13:16; cf. Revelation 14:9; 16:1.

Image - See notes on Revelation 13:14; 14:9.

A lake of fire - Or “the lake which is fire.” This phrase immediately turns the reader's mind to an identical phrase in Revelation 20:10, which in turn seems to call for the conclusion that these phrases refer to the same fiery event being the destruction of the wicked at the end of the thousand years. But to do so presents a problem. The 19th chapter is most evidently discussing events in connection with the second coming of Christ. Hence to hold that the lake of fire mentioned in Revelation 19:20 describes an event at the close of the millennium is to lift this verse out of its contextual sequence. It is always better if possible to find an explanation that allows any given statement to maintain its historical sequence in a passage of Scripture. As regards Revelation 19:20, this is possible on the reasonable premise that there is a fiery judgment from God both at the beginning and at the close of the millennium. There is no inconsistency and certainly no contradiction in speaking of a lake of fire at the beginning and a lake of fire at the end of the millennium.

Revelation 19:21 “And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.”

The remnant - Or “the rest.” All of earth's inhabitants except the redeemed.

Sword - See notes on verse 15.

Him that sat - See notes on verse 11.

All the fowls - See notes on verse 17.

Revelation Bible Prophecy Chapter 20...