Revelation 19:1-10

1. The praise of God in heaven 19:1-10

This pericope has strong ties to what precedes (Revelation 16:17 to Revelation 18:24). It is the concluding revelation concerning the fall of Babylon (the latter-day Egypt and Tyre) and Antichrist (the ultimate Pharaoh of the Exodus and King of Tyre). The praise in this section is in response to the angel’s invitation for those in heaven to rejoice (Revelation 18:20). [Note: Charles, 2:117-19; Wall, p. 219.] Revelation 19:9-10 conclude the section begun in Revelation 17:1-3. [Note: Thomas, Revelation 8-22, p. 353.] The proleptic silence of ruined Babylon on earth now gives way in the narrative to enthusiastic rejoicing in heaven. [Note: Kiddle, p. 375.] This is the climactic expression of praise in Revelation (cf. Revelation 4:8; Revelation 4:11; Revelation 5:9-10; Revelation 5:12-14; Revelation 7:10; Revelation 7:12; Revelation 7:15-17; Revelation 11:15; Revelation 11:17-18; Revelation 15:3-4; Revelation 16:5-7).

The four songs in Revelation 19:1-5 look back to the judgment of Babylon, and the song in Revelation 19:9-10 looks forward to the marriage supper of the Lamb. The harlot dies, but the bride begins to enjoy new life. [Note: Thomas, Revelation 8-22, p. 355.]