REVELATION OF ST. JOHN THE DIVINE - Chapter 19 - Verse 1

CHAPTER XIX

ANALYSIS OF THE CHAPTER

THIS chapter, as well as the last, is an episode, delaying the final catastrophe, and describing more fully the effect of the destruction of the mystical Babylon. The chapter consists of the following parts:—

I. A hymn of the heavenly hosts in view of the destruction of the mystical Babylon, Re 19:1-7.

(a) A voice is heard in heaven shouting Hallelujah, in view of the fact that God had judged the great harlot that had corrupted the earth, Re 19:1,2.

(b) The sound is echoed and repeated as the smoke of her torment ascends, Re 19:3.

(c) The four and twenty elders, and the four living creatures, as interested in all that pertains to the church, unite in that shout of Hallelujah, Re 19:4.

(d) A voice is heard from the throne commanding them to praise God, Re 19:5; and

(e) the mighty shout of Hallelujah is echoed and repeated from unnumbered hosts, Re 19:6,7.

II. The marriage of the Lamb, Re 19:8,9. The Lamb of God is united to his bride—the church—never more to be separated; and after all the persecutions, conflicts, and embarrassments which had existed, this long-desired union is consummated, and the glorious triumph of the church is described under the image of a joyous wedding ceremony.

III. John is so overcome with this representation, that in his transports of feeling he prostrates himself before the angel, who shows him all this, ready to worship one who discloses such bright and glorious scenes, Re 19:10. He is gently rebuked for allowing himself to be so overcome that he would render Divine homage to any creature, and is told that he who communicates this to him is but a fellow-servant, and that God only is to be worshipped.

IV. The final conquest over the beast and the false prophet, and the subjugation of all the foes of the church, Re 9:11-21.

(a) A description of the conqueror—the Son of God, Re 9:11-16. He appears on a white horse—emblem of victory. He has on his head many crowns; wears a vesture dipped in blood; is followed by the armies of heaven on white horses; from his mouth goes a sharp sword; and his name is prominently written on his vesture and his thigh—all emblematic of certain victory.

(b) An angel is seen standing in the sun, calling on all the fowls of heaven to come to the great feast prepared for them in the destruction of the enemies of God—as if there were a great slaughter sufficient to supply all the fowls that feed on flesh, Re 19:17,18.

(c) The final war, Re 19:19,21. The beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies are gathered together for battle; the beast and the false prophet are taken, and are cast into the lake that burns with fire and brimstone; and all that remain of the enemies of God are slain, and the fowls are satisfied with their flesh. The last obstacle that prevented the dawn of the millennial morning is taken away, and the church is triumphant.

Verse 1. And after these things. The things particularly that were exhibited in the previous chapter. See Barnes on "Re 18:1".

I heard a voice of much people in heaven. The voice of the worshippers before the throne.

Saying, Alleluia. The Greek method of writing Hallelujah. This word—allhlouia—occurs in the New Testament only in this chapter, Re 18:1,3,4,6.

The Hebrew phrase— ? Hallelujah—occurs often in the Old Testament. It means properly Praise Jehovah, or Praise the Lord. The occasion on which it is introduced here is very appropriate. It is uttered by the inhabitants of heaven, in the immediate presence of God himself, and in view of the final overthrow of the enemies of the church and the triumph of the gospel. In such circumstances it was fit that heaven should render praise, and that a song of thanksgiving should be uttered in which all holy beings could unite.

Salvation. That is, the salvation is to be ascribed to God. See Barnes "Re 7:10".

And glory, and honour. Barnes on "Re 5:12".

And power. See Barnes "Re 5:13".

Unto the Lord our God. That is, all that there is of honour, glory, power, in the redemption of the world belongs to God, and should be ascribed to him. This is expressive of the true feelings of piety always; this will constitute the song of heaven.

{a} "great voice" Re 11:15 {b} "Alleluia" Re 19:3,4,6

{c} "Salvation" Re 7:10,12