Revelation 19:1

1. As in the case of the opening of the prophecy, Revelation 4:8; Revelation 5:9, c. so now, at one of the great closing events seen in vision, the judgment on the harlot (described in Revelation 5:9- :), there is a song of praise in heaven to God: compare Revelation 5:9- :, c., toward the close of the seals, and Revelation 5:9- :, at the close of the trumpets: Revelation 5:9- :, at the saints' victory over the beast.

And—so ANDREAS. But A, B, C, Vulgate, Syriac, and Coptic omit.

a great voice—A, B, C, Vulgate, Coptic, and ANDREAS read, "as it were a great voice." What a contrast to the lamentations Revelation 5:9- :! Compare Jeremiah 51:48. The great manifestation of God's power in destroying Babylon calls forth a great voice of praise in heaven.

people—Greek, "multitude."

Alleluia—Hebrew, "Praise ye JAH," or JEHOVAH: here first used in Revelation, whence ELLICOTT infers the Jews bear a prominent part in this thanksgiving. JAH is not a contraction of "JEHOVAH," as it sometimes occurs jointly with the latter. It means "He who Is": whereas Jehovah is "He who will be, is, and was." It implies God experienced as a PRESENT help so that "Hallelujah," says KIMCHI in BENGEL, is found first in the Psalms on the destruction of the ungodly. "Hallelu-Jah" occurs four times in this passage. Compare Jeremiah 51:48- :, which is plainly parallel, and indeed identical in many of the phrases, as well as the general idea. Israel, especially, will join in the Hallelujah, when "her warfare is accomplished" and her foe destroyed.

Salvation, &c.—Greek, "The salvation . . . the glory . . . the power."

and honour—so Coptic. But A, B, C, and Syriac omit.

unto the Lord our God—so ANDREAS. But A, B, C, and Coptic read, "(Is) of our God," that is, belongs to Him.