These verses present the climax of the wrath of God as Jesus Christ comes to destroy the armies of the nations of the world.

I. THE ANTHEMS OF JOY IN HEAVEN (19:1-10)

There are four "Hallelujah Choruses" here as all of heaven anticipates the return of Christ to the earth. The word "alleluia" means "Praise Jehovah" and is a familiar Old Testament word. Why does heaven rejoice?

[1]. Because sin has been judged (1-4).

In chapter 18, the merchants of earth and the kings were lamenting because of the fall of Babylon; but here, heaven is rejoicing. Babylon was the source of all religious deception and confusion; Babylon has caused the death of multitudes of God's saints; and now Babylon was destroyed. In fact, the fall of Babylon merits three "Alleluias" from heaven!

[2]. Because God is reigning (5-6).

It seems that all of heaven 's voices unite to raise God because He is God, and because He is on the throne!

[3]. Because the Marriage of the Lamb is Come (7-10)

The Bride is now the Wife (vs. 7) and the marriage supper is now to be served. It is interesting that this is the marriage supper of the Lamb, and not "the King" or 'the Lord." The one title that Christ wants emphasized is "the Lamb"; for it speaks of His love for the church and the price that He paid to purchase the Church. Of course, the Church has to "make herself ready" for this supper. This was done during the judgment seat of Christ, when all the "spots and wrinkles" were taken away (Eph. 5:25-27). The Bride goes to heaven by God's grace, and not by good works. But once in heaven, the believers will be judged at Christ's judgment seat as to whether they have been faithful in service. Verse 8 states that the Wife will wear "the righteousness of the saints"; that is, "the righteous deeds of the saints." Christ will reward us according to our faithfulness, and the rewards we receive will make up the "wedding gown" as it were. Dr. Lehman Strauss writes, "Has it ever occurred to you, that at the marriage of the Bride to the Lamb, each of us will be wearing a wedding garment of our own making?" What a solemn thought!

II. THE ARMIES OF JESUS CHRIST FROM HEAVEN (19:11-16)

In (4:1) heaven opens to let the Church in; but here, heaven opens, to let the Church in; but here, heaven opens to let Christ and His armies ride forth in victory. At His trial, Christ said that the Father could send legions of angels to deliver Him; and here the Lord rides forth with the armies of glory-the Old Testament saints, the Church, and the angels (Matt. 25:31; 1 Thess. 3:13). In (6:1), the Antichrist had ridden on a white horse, imitating Christ; but here the "Faithful and True" rides forth to judge and make war.

The description of Christ is thrilling! He is no longer on a humble donkey, but on a fiery white charger. His eyes are not filled with tears as when He beheld Jerusalem; nor is He wearing a mocking crown of thorns. Instead of being stripped by His enemies, He wears a garment dipped in blood, signifying judgment and victory. When on earth, He was abandoned by His followers; but here the armies of heaven will follow Him in conquest. His mouth does not speak "words of grace" (Lk. 4:22); but rather the Word of victory and justice. See Isa. 11:4. He comes to rule with a rod of iron (Ps. 2). He comes, not to bear the wrath of God on the cross, but to tread the Winepress of God's wrath at the Battle of Armageddon. He is King of Kings and Lord of Lords!

Keep in mind that the armies of the world have gathered in Palestine to oppose the Beast and his armies. But they will see the sign of the Son of Man in the heavens and all unite to oppose Christ. Read again Rev. 16:12-16 and 14:14-20.

 

III. THE ANNOUNCEMENT OF JUDGMENT ON EARTH (19:17-21)

Two suppers are seen in this chapter: the marriage of the Lamb (9) and the supper of the great God - Armageddon. The first is a time of blessing and the second is a time of judgment and sorrow. All of human history is moving rapidly toward Armageddon.

The angel announces that the armies of the earth will lose the battle. In fact, there will not be much of a battle; for Christ will destroy His enemies instantly (2 Thess. 1). Note the repetition of the word "flesh" in this section, signifying that man is only flesh and can never fight against God. "Flesh" has been the source of trouble since the fall of Adam. Flesh does not change; God has condemned flesh; flesh can never please God. How foolish for flesh to fight against Christ! Even "kings' captains, and mighty men" are no match for the King of Kings.

Who are the armies gathered together against Christ? These are the armies of the Ten Kingdom Federation of Europe, the kings of the east, Egypt, and Russia. They gather on the Plain of Esdraelon in Palestine, an area that Napoleon called the most natural battlefield in the world.

Christ destroys the armies with the Word, the sword that comes from His mouth (Heb. 4:12). Men would not bow to His Word and receive the Gospel; now they must be slain by that same Word. The followers of the Beast are "marked men"; the mark of the Beast on their bodies seals them for certain judgment. Christ not only destroys the armies of the Beast, but He also captures the Beast and False Prophet and casts them alive into hell. He also takes Satan and casts him into the bottomless pit (20:1-3).

The Old Testament prophets have much to say about this great battle. (See Isa. 63, Zech. 14, and Joel 2-3).