Daily Bible Reading – Revelation 19

Chapter Summary

  • Verses 1-10 – the saints rejoice over Babylon’s judgment
    • God had heard (6:9ff.) & answered the prayer of the saints (14:7ff.).
    • God’s servants called to praise Him (vv. 5-6)
    • The marriage of the Lamb & His wife described (vv. 7-9)
      • The church is the bride (cf. Eph. 5:22; 2 Cor. 11:2)
      • The church is now espoused, awaiting the marriage supper (note the pure, white linen of the Lamb’s bride, as opposed to the gaudy attire of the harlot)
      • The ones called to the supper are the saints, those called by the gospel of Christ (1 Cor. 1:9; 2 Ths. 2:14)
  • Verses 11-16 – the Christ pictured
    • “Not a description of Jesus’ 2nd coming or final coming, but of the victorious war against the forces that have been under discussion” (Homer Hailey, p. 381)
    • Victory over the harlot was accomplished in ch. 18, & now we will see victory over the other 2 forces of Satan (as well as Satan himself in ch. 20)
    • “But, first, John wants us to see who will bring this victory” (Hailey)
      • White horse (v. 11) – symbol of purity & holiness
      • Eyes as a flame of fire (v. 12) – penetration into the hearts of enemies
      • Many crowns (v. 12) – symbol of royalty & sovereignty
      • A name that no one knew except Himself (v. 12) – Christ stands above all, & His power is unknowable
      • Clothed with a vesture (“robe,” NKJV) dipped in blood (v. 13) – in the context, likely the blood of His enemies, as He treads the winepress of the wrath of God (cf. Isa. 63:1-6)
      • Name called The Word of God – Jesus is the incarnate word (cf. Jn. 1:1-4, 14)
      • Sharp sword out of His mouth (v. 15) – again, in this context, seems not to be the sword of His word (Heb. 4:12), but the sword of judgment
      • Name written, “King of Kings & Lord of Lords” – He is clearly seen & recognized as the Christ, the Almighty
  • Verses 17-21 – the beast & his armies defeated
    • The beast, the kings of the earth, & their armies gathered to make war against Christ & His army (v. 19)
    • The beast (13:1-10) & the false prophet (13:11-18) captured & cast into the lake of fire burning with brimstone (v. 20)
    • The remnant (“the rest,” NKJV – the kings & those who make up the armies of v. 19) defeated, killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of the Christ (v. 21)
    • This section of the defeat of the beast continues through 20:10