“The Marriage of the Lamb” (Revelation 19:1-10)

What this episode covers

The Marriage of the Lamb The Marriage of the Lamb Brad Mills / General Revelation / Joy; Heaven; Marriage of the Lamb / Revelation 19:1–10 Revelation contains many contrasting themes. Darkness is followed by scenes of bright light. The torments of persecution on earth are followed by the glories of saints in heaven. In this case we jump from the theme of the world lamenting at Babylon’s funeral to the saints rejoicing at the wedding celebration of the Lamb. The death of Babylon left the inhabitants of the earth who identified with her corruption in deep mourning. Her judgment was swift and shocking for those who had been enamored by her beauty and wealth. Their whole world had been flipped upside-down and all they could do was weep. However, in spite of losing everything, they refused to repent. The second coming of Christ causes unbelievers to lament and believers to rejoice. This passage reflects on the passionate praise of “a great multitude”. It is their heartfelt response to the end of wickedness. Believers rejoice at the sight of Babylon’s judgment knowing that it will usher them into the eternal wedding feast of the Lamb. Not until immorality has been finally eradicated can the marriage of the Lamb be fully celebrated. Read Revelation 19:1-10. I. Praising the Judgment of Christ’s Enemy (1-5) Following John’s vision of the death of Babylon and the lamentation that immediately followed, John hears “the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven…” (1a). Their praise opens with “Hallelujah” which is the combination of “praise” (hallel) and “the LORD” (Yahweh). The word occurs twenty-four times in the Psalms and four times in Re 19. And that is all. It is believed that Jesus and his apostles—in sync with Hebrew tradition at Passover—sang the Hallel Psalms (Ps 113-118) during the last supper. Therefore, its placement at the very end of the psalter (Ps 150:6), at the climax of Christ’s ministry, and in the last song of the NT, reveals the theme of Hallelujah as the culmination of the fulfillment of God’s promises. This is followed by adoration for God’s “salvation and glory and power” (1b). These attributes of God are in direct relationship with the truth and justice of “his judgments” (2a). By judging the great prostitute, God “has avenged on her the blood of his servants” (2b). It is God’s answer to the prayers of the martyrs who pleaded for the Sovereign Lord to “avenge our blood” (Re 6:10). The great multitude rejoices that the smoke of Babylon ascends to heaven forever—representing the end of her seductive influence (3). Individuals seduced by Babylon and the beast will experience the same fate (Re 14:11). The twenty-four elders and four living creatures around God’s throne fall down in worship agreeing with the praise of the church triumphant (4). And a voice from the throne exhorts everyone in heaven—from the smallest to the greatest—to give their unhindered praise to God (5). God remains at the center of the scene. It is before the throne of God that the church triumphant declares their praise. The Church in the OT always had a problem with remaining faithful. Even though God initiated a covenant with her that involved rescuing her from abandonment and providing for her—so that she was adorned with beauty and splendor (Ezek 16:8-14)—she took the blessings of God and offered them to false gods (Ezek 16:15-58). This occurred repeatedly throughout the OT. God makes the same accusation in Hosea regarding unfaithful Israel. She used God’s good gifts to try to gain favor with her lovers. The temptations of the world were too strong for His bride. She became a prostitute, whoring after the gods of her neighbors. Even after being repeatedly rescued and brought back into a right standing within the covenant, the seduction of the world overpowered her. Although this grieved the Lord, it did not surprise him… Before the foundation of the world, the Father, Son, and Holy Spirit made a pact to redeem a people out of the corrupt

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