Revelation 19:9 - Exposition

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb; which are bidden (Revised Version). Cf. the command in Revelation 1:11 and Revelation 21:5 , and the prohibition in Revelation 10:4 ; cf. also the expression in Revelation 14:13 , "Blessed are the dead," etc. It almost seems as if the writer has in his mind the connection of ideas indicated by the words quoted above on Revelation 14:8 , "Their works do follow them." The figure of the "marriage supper" is rather a new symbol than the continuation of the symbol of the bride; though very probably suggested by it. For those who partake of the "marriage supper" are those who constitute the bride, viz. the faithful Church of God. Cf. Revelation 3:20 , the words which are spoken by the "Amen, the faithful and true Witness" ( Revelation 3:14 ): "If any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me." It is impossible to say who the speaker is that thus addresses St. John, except in so far as may be gathered from verse 10. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God. Cf. the words of Revelation 3:14 , quoted above, and Revelation 21:5 ; also the "Yea, saith the Spirit" of Revelation 14:13 . (On the word "true," see Revelation 3:7 .) These words have been restricted to different portions of the Apocalypse by different commentators; but it seems best, on the whole, to understand them as referring to the whole series of visions connected with the harlot and Babylon and the faithful bride of Christ.