Revelation Chapter 19
A. Praise in Heaven
1. Revelation 19:1–5 — Praise for the Judgment of Babylon
Revelation 19:1–2 – “After these things I heard a loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying, ‘Alleluia! Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God! For true and righteous are His judgments, because He has judged the great harlot who corrupted the earth with her fornication; and He has avenged on her the blood of His servants shed by her.’”
a. “After these things” (Greek: meta tauta) signals a shift from the vision of Babylon’s destruction in chapter 18 to the praise in heaven in response to that judgment.
b. The “great multitude in heaven” includes the redeemed, the angelic host, and possibly the Old Testament saints and Tribulation martyrs. This vast heavenly audience erupts in praise over the final judgment on Babylon.
c. “Alleluia” (Hebrew: הַלְלוּ יָהּ – halĕlû-yāh) means “Praise Yahweh.” This is the only place in the New Testament where “Alleluia” is used, and it appears four times in this chapter. It is used here in celebration of divine justice.
d. “Salvation and glory and honor and power belong to the Lord our God” – These four aspects belong exclusively to God and are reasons for worship:
Salvation: deliverance of His people from the corruption of Babylon
Glory and honor: recognition of God’s majestic presence and supreme worth
Power: the active force behind divine justice
e. “True and righteous are His judgments” – This is in contrast to the unjust judgments of earthly rulers. God’s justice is based on truth, not politics, and always aligns with His perfect holiness.
f. “He has judged the great harlot” – Babylon is judged not just for idolatry, but for seducing the nations into spiritual and moral corruption. Her influence was global.
Cross-Reference: Jeremiah 51:49 – “As Babylon has caused the slain of Israel to fall, so at Babylon the slain of all the earth shall fall.”
Revelation 19:3 – “Again they said, ‘Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!’”
g. “Her smoke rises up forever and ever” – A picture of unending judgment. This phrase indicates the eternal consequences of rebellion against God.
Cross-Reference: Isaiah 34:10 – “It shall not be quenched night or day; its smoke shall ascend forever. From generation to generation it shall lie waste.”
Revelation 19:4 – “And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, ‘Amen! Alleluia!’”
h. The twenty-four elders represent the glorified Church (Revelation 4:4). The four living creatures are cherubim (Revelation 4:6–8), representing all creation. Together, they affirm heaven’s praise.
“Amen” (Hebrew: אָמֵן – āmēn) means “so be it,” a solemn affirmation of what has just been said.
Revelation 19:5 – “Then a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants and those who fear Him, both small and great!’”
i. This voice may come from one of the angels near the throne, not God Himself. It is a divine summons for all of God’s people to join in corporate praise.
Cross-Reference: Psalm 115:13 – “He will bless those who fear the Lord, both small and great.”
2. Revelation 19:6–9 — Praise for the Marriage of the Lamb
Revelation 19:6 – “And I heard, as it were, the voice of a great multitude, as the sound of many waters and as the sound of mighty thunderings, saying, ‘Alleluia! For the Lord God Omnipotent reigns!’”
a. “Sound of many waters” recalls Revelation 1:15 and Ezekiel 43:2, a thunderous, overwhelming sound denoting divine presence and power.
b. “The Lord God Omnipotent” (Greek: pantokratōr – all-ruling) emphasizes God’s absolute sovereignty. The Greek phrase here is ho kurios ho theos ho pantokratōr.
Cross-Reference: Psalm 93:1 – “The Lord reigns, He is clothed with majesty…”
Revelation 19:7 – “Let us be glad and rejoice and give Him glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His wife has made herself ready.”
c. This marriage is the consummation of Christ’s covenant with His Church. The metaphor of marriage reflects deep intimacy, eternal commitment, and covenant faithfulness.
d. “His wife has made herself ready” – Although salvation is by grace, the Church must prepare herself by walking in obedience, holiness, and readiness.
Cross-Reference: Ephesians 5:25–27 – “…that He might sanctify and cleanse her… that He might present her to Himself a glorious church, not having spot or wrinkle.”
Revelation 19:8 – “And to her it was granted to be arrayed in fine linen, clean and bright, for the fine linen is the righteous acts of the saints.”
e. “It was granted” – a divine gift. The Church is not glorified by her own works, but by God’s grace. However, her righteous acts do matter and are rewarded.
f. “Fine linen” reflects both purity and glory. “Clean” implies moral purity; “bright” (Greek: lampros) conveys shining brilliance.
Cross-Reference: Isaiah 61:10 – “He has clothed me with the garments of salvation, He has covered me with the robe of righteousness…”
Revelation 19:9 – “Then he said to me, ‘Write: “Blessed are those who are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb!”’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true sayings of God.’”
g. The “called” (Greek: keklēmenoi) refers to invited guests. While the Church is the bride, there are also guests—possibly saints from before the Church Age and faithful believers from the Tribulation.
Cross-Reference: Matthew 22:2 – “The kingdom of heaven is like a certain king who arranged a marriage for his son…”
h. “These are the true sayings of God” – A solemn assurance that what is promised will certainly be fulfilled. This statement validates the certainty of this prophetic event.
3. Revelation 19:10 — John’s Mistaken Worship of the Angel
Revelation 19:10 – “And I fell at his feet to worship him. But he said to me, ‘See that you do not do that! I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren who have the testimony of Jesus. Worship God! For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.’”
a. John, overwhelmed by the glory of what he witnessed, falls to worship the messenger. But even a godly man like John can make a serious mistake in worship.
b. “See that you do not do that!” – Angels are never to be worshiped. The angel immediately rebukes John and redirects all worship to God alone.
Cross-Reference: Matthew 4:10 – “You shall worship the Lord your God, and Him only you shall serve.”
c. “I am your fellow servant” – Angels serve alongside believers as ministers of God's purposes (Hebrews 1:14).
d. “The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy” – The essence and aim of all prophecy is to exalt and reveal Jesus Christ. The focus of prophetic revelation is Christ’s person, work, and kingdom.
Cross-Reference: Luke 24:27 – “And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
B. The Return of Jesus Christ in Glory
1. Revelation 19:11–16 — The Second Coming of Christ
Revelation 19:11 – “Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war.”
a. “Heaven opened” signals a dramatic new vision. Unlike Revelation 4:1 (a door opened to let John in), this opening is to let Christ out—as He descends to earth in judgment.
b. The “white horse” is a military image, representing conquest, purity, and victory. Christ does not come as the humble servant of His first advent, but as conquering King.
c. “Faithful and True” – Titles emphasizing Christ’s trustworthiness and authenticity. He fulfills every promise and acts with complete integrity.
d. “In righteousness He judges and makes war” – His war is not for conquest or revenge but to uphold divine justice. Unlike earthly rulers, His judgments are rooted in holiness.
Cross-Reference: Isaiah 11:4 – “But with righteousness He shall judge the poor, and decide with equity for the meek of the earth.”
Revelation 19:12 – “His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself.”
e. “Eyes like a flame of fire” – Penetrating discernment, symbolic of omniscience and judgment. Nothing is hidden from His gaze (cf. Revelation 1:14).
f. “Many crowns” (Greek: diadēmata) – Crowns of royalty, not victory. This signifies absolute sovereignty. Jesus has dominion over every realm.
g. “A name written that no one knew except Himself” – Represents the unfathomable aspects of Christ’s divine nature. His identity is both revealed and mysterious.
Cross-Reference: Philippians 2:9 – “Therefore God also has highly exalted Him and given Him the name which is above every name.”
Revelation 19:13 – “He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God.”
h. “Robe dipped in blood” – Possibly His own sacrificial blood, or the blood of His enemies as a warrior (cf. Isaiah 63:1–3). Either way, it reflects judgment and redemption.
i. “The Word of God” – This identifies Him as the pre-existent Logos (cf. John 1:1). Christ is the full revelation of the mind and will of God.
Revelation 19:14 – “And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses.”
j. “Armies in heaven” – These are the redeemed saints (cf. Revelation 17:14) and holy angels (cf. Matthew 25:31), all following the returning King. Their white garments symbolize righteousness (cf. Revelation 19:8).
k. “On white horses” – They share in His triumph but do not engage in the battle; the victory belongs to Christ alone.
Revelation 19:15 – “Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. And He Himself will rule them with a rod of iron. He Himself treads the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.”
l. “A sharp sword” – This symbolizes the power of Christ’s word. He slays with truth and divine decree, not conventional weapons.
Cross-Reference: Hebrews 4:12 – “For the word of God is living and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword…”
m. “Strike the nations” – A universal judgment against the rebellious Gentile powers at the end of the Tribulation.
n. “Rule with a rod of iron” – Quoted from Psalm 2:9. Christ will reign with unbreakable authority during His millennial kingdom.
o. “Treads the winepress” – A vivid image of judgment (cf. Isaiah 63:3; Revelation 14:19–20), showing the thorough crushing of God’s enemies.
Revelation 19:16 – “And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS AND LORD OF LORDS.”
p. This title declares Jesus’ absolute supremacy over all earthly and spiritual rulers.
q. “On His thigh” – Possibly referring to the location on His robe that drapes over His thigh. It is in plain view as He rides in triumph.
Cross-Reference: 1 Timothy 6:15 – “…He who is the blessed and only Potentate, the King of kings and Lord of lords.”
2. Revelation 19:17–18 — The Supper of the Great God
Revelation 19:17–18 – “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the midst of heaven, ‘Come and gather together for the supper of the great God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men…’”
a. This is a grotesque and ironic contrast to the marriage supper of the Lamb. Those who rejected God now become the feast.
b. “Angel standing in the sun” – An exalted position of authority, speaking universally across the earth. The brightness shows divine commission.
c. “Birds that fly in the midst of heaven” – Refers to scavengers (vultures, etc.). Their feast represents the finality of God’s wrath against fleshly rebellion.
d. “The flesh of kings… captains… mighty men…” – All social ranks are judged. Human distinction is meaningless before divine judgment.
Cross-Reference: Ezekiel 39:17–20 – Similar language in the prophecy of Gog and Magog about birds feasting on God’s enemies.
3. Revelation 19:19–21 — The Final Defeat of the Beast and the False Prophet
Revelation 19:19–20 – “And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him… Then the beast was captured, and with him the false prophet… These two were cast alive into the lake of fire burning with brimstone.”
a. “The beast… and their armies” – This is the final rebellion of humanity against God. Armageddon (cf. Revelation 16:16) is a coalition of global power against the returning Christ.
b. “Make war against Him” – An insane escalation of human rebellion. Rather than surrender, the kings wage war on their Creator.
c. “The beast was captured” – No struggle is recorded. Christ’s victory is immediate and sovereign.
d. “The false prophet” – This counterfeit religious leader who deceived through false signs now shares the beast’s fate.
e. “Cast alive into the lake of fire” – A unique and terrible judgment. The lake of fire is the final, eternal destination for the unredeemed. This is different from Hades, which is temporary.
Cross-Reference: Matthew 25:41 – “Depart from Me, you cursed, into the everlasting fire prepared for the devil and his angels.”
Revelation 19:21 – “And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of Him… And all the birds were filled with their flesh.”
f. “Killed with the sword… from His mouth” – Again, Christ executes judgment by the power of His Word alone.
g. “Birds were filled with their flesh” – A final, symbolic act of desecration for those who gloried in the flesh.
h. There is no resurrection or hope for these enemies at this point. The next resurrection (Revelation 20:5) will not include them.
Graduate-Level Lesson Plan: Revelation Chapter 19
Theme: The Triumph of the Lamb and the Final War Before the Millennium
Objective: To explore the climactic events leading to Christ’s Second Coming, the Marriage Supper of the Lamb, the judgment of His enemies, and the theological implications for the Church and the world. This lesson underscores the righteousness of divine justice, the certainty of prophecy, and the glory of Christ as King of Kings.
I. Introduction and Context
Placement in the Book: Revelation 19 functions as the bridge between the destruction of Babylon (Revelation 17–18) and the establishment of the Millennial Kingdom in Revelation 20.
Tone Shift: The lament and destruction of Revelation 18 gives way to the joyous victory and praise of Revelation 19.
Key Themes:
Heavenly worship and divine justice
Christ’s visible return in glory
Final judgment on the beast and false prophet
Contrast of two suppers: The marriage supper and the supper of judgment
II. Praise in Heaven for God’s Justice (Revelation 19:1–10)
A. The Heavenly "Alleluia" Chorus (vv. 1–5)
Who is praising: The great multitude, 24 elders, 4 living creatures, and a voice from the throne.
Why they are praising: God's justice has been executed upon the harlot Babylon.
Doctrine of Vindication:
God has avenged the blood of His servants (cf. Romans 12:19; Revelation 6:10).
"Her smoke rises forever and ever" (Revelation 19:3) points to eternal judgment and the finality of God’s sentence (cf. Isaiah 34:10).
Worship as a theological act:
Worship affirms God’s sovereignty even in judgment.
All worship is due to God alone (Revelation 19:10).
Theological Insight:
God’s justice is not a contradiction of His love; it is the perfection of it. What He loves, He defends. What is wicked, He punishes. Heaven rejoices in this because righteousness and holiness are vindicated.
B. The Marriage Supper of the Lamb (vv. 6–9)
Symbolism:
Bridegroom: Jesus Christ.
Bride: The Church (cf. Ephesians 5:25–27, 2 Corinthians 11:2).
Preparation of the Bride:
“Fine linen, clean and bright” is the righteousness of the saints—not earned, but granted (cf. Philippians 3:9).
Theological Importance:
This is a public consummation of Christ's union with the Church.
Contrasts the harlot (Revelation 17–18) with the pure bride of Christ.
Prophetic Fulfillment:
This corresponds with Jewish wedding customs: betrothal, preparation, coming of the groom, and feast.
The Church has been in betrothal since Pentecost. This is the eschatological fulfillment of that covenant.
Pastoral Application:
The Church must live in purity and readiness. The “righteous acts of the saints” are not means of salvation but are evidences of a transformed life—her bridal gown.
C. John’s Misguided Worship (v. 10)
Mistake: John bows to the angel.
Correction: The angel deflects worship—Worship God!
Doctrinal Point:
Worship is reserved for God alone. No created being, no matter how glorious, is worthy of worship.
“The testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy”:
All prophecy centers on Christ (cf. Luke 24:27; John 5:39).
The purpose of prophecy is to exalt Jesus, not provide speculation.
III. The Glorious Appearing of Jesus Christ (Revelation 19:11–21)
A. The Second Coming of Christ (vv. 11–16)
Christ’s Titles:
Faithful and True – Contrast with the deceiver (the beast).
The Word of God – Direct link to John 1:1.
King of Kings and Lord of Lords – Supreme ruler over all creation.
His Appearance:
Flaming eyes – Omniscient judgment (cf. Revelation 1:14).
Many crowns – Complete authority (Greek: diadēmata, royal crowns).
Blood-soaked robe – May symbolize either His sacrificial blood (Isaiah 53) or the blood of His enemies (Isaiah 63:1–4).
His Weapon:
A sharp sword from His mouth – The power of His Word (Hebrews 4:12; Isaiah 11:4).
His Army:
Saints and angels in white linen (cf. Revelation 19:8; Jude 14).
They do not fight—Christ alone brings victory.
Eschatological Insight:
The Second Coming is distinct from the Rapture. The Rapture is Christ coming for His saints (1 Thessalonians 4:16–17). The Second Coming is Christ coming with His saints to judge and rule.
B. The Great Supper of Judgment (vv. 17–18)
Supper of the Great God:
A gruesome contrast to the marriage supper. This is a feast of death for carrion birds.
Who is judged:
Kings, captains, mighty men—those who rebel against God.
Biblical Parallel:
Ezekiel 39:17–20 – A prophetic foretaste of this supper after God defeats Gog and Magog.
Theological Reflection:
Rejection of the Lamb's invitation to the marriage supper means one becomes the main course at the supper of the great God. Every man must attend one of these feasts.
C. The Final Defeat of the Beast and False Prophet (vv. 19–21)
The Gathering at Armageddon:
The beast (Antichrist), kings of the earth, and their armies unite against Christ (cf. Revelation 16:14–16).
Immediate Capture:
No detailed battle is described—Jesus wins instantly.
The Lake of Fire:
The beast and false prophet are cast alive into it. This is their final, conscious, eternal punishment.
The Rest Are Slain:
Not with weapons, but “with the sword of His mouth” – divine decree.
The Birds Feast Again:
A picture of divine desecration and closure on rebellion.
Doctrinal Application:
The lake of fire is literal, eternal, and inescapable. It was prepared for Satan and his angels (Matthew 25:41) but will also contain all who align with him.
IV. Practical Applications
Worship Is Central to the Church’s Identity
Heaven’s worship serves as a model: reverent, Christ-centered, celebratory, and rooted in God’s justice and truth.
Prophecy Exalts Christ
All legitimate prophecy glorifies Christ. Prophetic teaching that leads away from Jesus is false and should be rejected.
Judgment Is Real and Righteous
The return of Christ brings divine vengeance, not indiscriminate violence. Every action is “in righteousness.”
There Are Only Two Suppers
Believers should be preparing for the marriage supper of the Lamb now. Rejecting that invitation leads to eternal judgment.
The King Is Coming
The visible, bodily return of Christ to earth is the blessed hope of the Church. He will establish His Kingdom in power and glory.
V. Key Cross-References for Teaching
Isaiah 63:1–4 – Christ trampling the winepress.
Psalm 2:9 – Ruling with a rod of iron.
Hebrews 4:12 – Sword of the Word.
Zechariah 14:3–4 – His feet will stand on the Mount of Olives.
John 1:1 – “In the beginning was the Word…”
Matthew 25:41 – Everlasting fire prepared for the devil.
VI. Questions for Discussion and Reflection
How does Revelation 19 challenge our modern view of Jesus?
What is the significance of Jesus executing judgment with only His Word?
What does the contrast between the two suppers teach us about salvation and judgment?
In what ways should the Church be preparing for the marriage supper?
How does the finality of the beast’s judgment shape our view of prophecy, politics, and the gospel?
