Bible Commentaries

We now come to the things leading up to the establishment of the Kingdom. There are three great movements of praise: one by a great multitude who have been slain; the second by the elders and the living ones; finally, a mighty chorus which John describes by a threefold similitude as "the voice of a great multitude," "the voice of many waters," "the voice of mighty thunders." This precedes the marriage of the Lamb. The harlot is no more. The true Bride is manifest.

A word of blessing is pronounced on those bidden to this marriage ceremony.

Now comes the actual manifestation of Jesus to the world, and the judgment already foretold is described from the standpoint of His activity. The principle of His procedure is that He is "faithful and true" in character, and judging in righteousness in conduct. On His head are many diadems, suggesting His imperial sway over every realm of life. His name is "The Word of God." On His thigh is written "KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS." This glorious King in His manifestation is accompanied by His armies.

As the heavens are opened, and the King and His armies are manifested, an angel is seen standing in the sun, and in figurative language is heard announcing the coming victory. The massed powers of godlessness are gathered with the awful purpose of making war against the true King. The battle is immediately joined. There is no indecision, no varying fortunes. The King and His armies are supernatural. It is the hour when heaven is touching earth, and the victory is with heaven.