Revelation #30: Revelation Chapter 19 The Marriage of the Lamb and the Return of the Messiah in Judgment

Revelation #30: Revelation Chapter 19 The Marriage of the Lamb and the Return of the Messiah in Judgment

Introduction

Chapter 19 of the Book of Revelation marks a pivotal moment in the unfolding events of the Apocalypse. With the destruction of Babylon (chapters 17 and 18), the Great Tribulation comes to an end. At this point, the cries of despair give way to praise. While the previous scenes took place on earth, the focus now shifts to heaven, where the return of the Messiah is imminent. For the redeemed and the angels, this is a time of great joy and victory.

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A Heavenly “Hallelujah Chorus” (Revelation 19:1-6)

Verse 1: “After this, I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God.’”

The phrase “After this” (Greek: meta tauta) indicates that chapter 19 follows the events of chapter 18. Here, the Apostle John hears the voice of a vast crowd in heaven, who begins with the word “Hallelujah!”—a Hebrew term meaning “Praise the Lord.” This term only appears four times in the New Testament, all within this chapter. Indeed, what we have here is a magnificent “Hallelujah Chorus!”

This great multitude likely includes the martyrs of the Great Tribulation (Revelation 7:9). They praise God, acknowledging that salvation, glory, and power belong to Him.

Verses 2-3: “For His judgments are true and just; He has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged the blood of His servants. Again, they shouted, ‘Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.’”

This multitude praises God for His righteous judgments, especially against the “great prostitute,” symbolic of the apostate church and false religions on earth during the Tribulation (Revelation 17:1-4). Her punishment is eternal, as emphasized by the statement: “The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”

Verses 4-5: “The twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, ‘Amen. Hallelujah!’ And a voice came from the throne, saying, ‘Praise our God, all you His servants, you who fear Him, small and great.’”

Another group, composed of the 24 elders (representing the Church) and the four living creatures (likely angels, see Revelation 4:6-8), joins in worship, celebrating the God who reigns from the throne. A fourth and final “Hallelujah” is about to sound, heralding a significant event.

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The Marriage Supper of the Lamb Announced (Revelation 19:6-10)

Verses 6-8: “Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, ‘Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. Let us rejoice and exult and give Him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and His Bride has made herself ready. She was allowed to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure’—for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.”

A fourth and final “Hallelujah” rings out, proclaiming that the Lord God Almighty reigns. The anticipation of the marriage of the Lamb (Christ) and His Bride (the Church) fills heaven with joy. The Bride, clothed in fine, pure linen, symbolizes the righteous deeds of the saints (Ephesians 2:10). This marriage is a cause for immense celebration in heaven, as it signifies the perfect union between Christ and His Church.

Verses 9-10: “And the angel said to me, ‘Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.’ And he said to me, ‘These are the true words of God.’ Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, ‘You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.’”

A special blessing is pronounced on those invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb. These invited ones are likely the saints from the Old Testament and the Tribulation martyrs, who will participate as guests rather than the Bride herself, which represents the Church. The angel’s words affirm the truth and the divine nature of this event.

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The Return of the Messiah as King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:11-16)

Verses 11-13: “Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness, He judges and makes war. His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on His head are many crowns; and He has a name written that no one knows but Himself. He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which He is called is The Word of God.”

John sees heaven open, revealing Jesus Christ on a white horse, symbolizing victory and righteousness. He is called “Faithful and True” and comes to judge and make war justly. His eyes, like a flame of fire, and His robe dipped in blood indicate His role as the righteous judge who will execute divine vengeance. His name, “The Word of God,” emphasizes His identity as the Creator and Judge (John 1:1).

Verses 14-16: “The armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following Him on white horses. From His mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and He will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. On His robe and on His thigh, He has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.”

Jesus is followed by the armies of heaven, likely the saints and angels, dressed in fine linen. His word, symbolized by the sharp sword from His mouth, will defeat the nations in rebellion. The reference to ruling with a rod of iron (Psalm 2 ) indicates His absolute authority. His title, “King of kings and Lord of lords,” reflects His supreme sovereignty over all earthly rulers.

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The Great Supper of God (Revelation 19:17-21)

Verses 17-18: “Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice, he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, ‘Come, gather for the great supper of God, to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.’”

A grim contrast to the joyous marriage supper of the Lamb, this “great supper of God” is a scene of divine judgment. The birds are summoned to devour the flesh of those who opposed Christ, from kings to common men. This feast symbolizes the destruction of all who rebel against God.

Verses 19-21: “And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against Him who was sitting on the horse and against His army. And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet… These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire… The rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of Him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.”

In this final battle, the beast (the Antichrist) and the false prophet are captured and thrown into the lake of fire, where they will suffer eternally. The rebellious armies are slain by Christ’s word, and their bodies are consumed by the birds in this vivid scene of judgment.

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Conclusion

Revelation 19 presents a stark contrast between the joy of the redeemed and the judgment of the wicked. The chapter emphasizes both the love and justice of God, highlighting the ultimate victory of Christ as King of kings and Lord of lords. While His first coming was marked by humility and sacrifice, His second coming will be characterized by glory, judgment, and the establishment of His eternal reign.

This passage calls every person to respond to the grace of God while there is still time, for the day of His return draws near.

-sermon series by Pastor Michel Bohrer