Revelation 19:17 - Exposition

And I saw an angel standing in the sun. That is, in mid heaven (as in Revelation 8:13 , etc.); in a place befitting his glory, and also whence he can appropriately issue his summons. And he cried with a loud voice. As is usual in all the heavenly utterances (see Revelation 5:2 , etc.). Saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven; the birds that fly in mid heaven (Revised Version) ( vide supra ) ; see Ezekiel 39:17 , et seq., for the origin of the imagery here employed. Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God; come, be gathered together unto the great supper of God (Revised Version). Not, of course, the "supper" of Ezekiel 39:9 , but rather a contrast to it; that supper which is reserved for the ungodly, at which they form the prey. The language is employed in filling in the accessory details of the central image, and must not be pressed too far in particular directions; e.g. Andreas considers the birds to be good angels.