Revelation 19

Revelation 19:1

AFter these things] After the fall of Rome. He proceedeth to the things done under the sixth vial; for the beginning of this chapter answereth to chap. 16. 12. The middle of it, to chap. 16. 13, &c.

a great voice] To shew their affection in themselves, and desire to up others to praise God for it.

of much people in heaven] The saints of God in the Church, upon the first news of Romes fall, blesse God for it. They all in generall joy at this news. See the like, chap. 11. 15.

Alleluia] Praise ye the Lord, Psal. 111. and 112. and 113. This is the first time that it is used in the new testament; and it is found four times here. It seemeth the Christian Gentiles, after the fall of Rome, shall sollicite the Jews to come in to Christ, and to joyn with them in praising him for Romes fall.

Salvation, &c.] All the praise of this great work belongeth to God, chap. 5. 3. & 7. 10. 1 Timothy 1:17. Glory is a great opinion of him: honour is the means whereby we expresse it, inwardly or outwardly.

unto the Lord] Is unto him. He hath given us cause to honour him, for destroying the beast, and putting us out of all fear of him. Or, be unto him. We praise him for it, and desire that others do it also.

our God] He hath shewed himself our God, in destroying our enemies, and therefore we have especiall cause to praise him, Psalms 147:20.

Revelation 19:2

true and righteous] See chap. 15. 3.

for he hath judged] They shew what cause they had to praise God for declaring his truth, in performing his threats against Rome, which many doubted would not be effected; and his justice, in destroying such as would not be drawn from their idolatry by his word. Or, he hath not judged out of suspitions and reports, but in truth and justice, Genesis 18:21.

the great whore] See chap. 17. 1. Great, because of her many fornications. Or, by allusion to the thing signified, The great citie, chap. 18. 18.

corrupt] The earth. See Genesis 6:11.

averged] As was desired, chap. 6. 10.

his servants] He had reason to avenge their blood, because they were not slain for any wickednesse they had done, but for serving him, Psalms 44:22.

Revelation 19:3

again] They double their thanks, because of the greatnesse of the benefit.

and her smoke] This sentence should be in a parenthesis. The sense is; She is irrecoverably lost, Isaiah 34:10. Or, for her smoke; as Luke 6:32. and then there needeth no parenthesis; but the meaning will be; The saints shall ever be mindfull of the fall of Rome, to praise God for it, as if they saw the smoke of it always, to put them in minde of that fire that burned it down.

Revelation 19:4

And the four ard twenty elders, &c.] Chap. 4. 4, 6. Before, v. 1. Gods people blessed God suddenly, where they heard of it; now they do it publikely in the congregation, for destroying Rome. So chap. 11. 16. This better setteth out the greatnesse of the benefit, with their deeper sense of it, and stirreth up others the more to thankfulnesse, Psalms 5:7. This is Romes funerall.

four beasts] Or, living wights. Thorow all this book, there are beasts or wights, and elders, and a throne, to shew, that Gods ordinances and right worship was still somewhere in the world in use, during the heathen and antichristian persecutions: and so they will be to the end.

on the throne] Chap. 4. 2. & 5. 1. God shall then take his throne to himself, when Rome, which is Satans and antichrists throne, chap. 2. 13. is destroyed.

Amen, Alleluia] They allowe of the praise given to God before, v. 1. and perswade the people to praise him more.

Revelation 19:5

a voice came out of the throne] Chap. 4. 5. The generall applause of the Christian Gentiles, v. 1. and their solemn thanksgiving for the fall of Rome, v. 4. might come to the ears of the Jews; but God himself must speak to their hearts, before they will joyn with the Christians in this Alleluia. See the like method, Isaiah 66:6. This may be Christs voice, because it cometh from the throne; and yet he saith, Our God; as John 20:17.

praise our God] He doth not blame them, as if they had not done it well before; but giveth a new cause of praising God. See v. 7.

all ye his servants] Ye Jews, that once were his servants, joyn with the Gentiles in this Alleluia, Deuteronomy 32:43. Romans 15:10.

both great and small] All sorts of men, Psalms 115:13. See chap. 13. 16. & 20. 12.

Revelation 19:6

And I heard] Or, Then I heard. So this particle is used, Matthew 23:32. Here is the effect of the former exhortation.

of many waters, &c.] See chap. 14. 2. & 17. 15. The Jews and Gentiles praising God together, for the fall of Rome, will make such a noise, as will fill heaven and earth. Or, it may be understood of Gentiles converted from popery by the sight of Romes fall.

reigneth] God is publikely worshipped every where, as king, now the whore is destroyed.

Revelation 19:7

Let us be glad. &c.] Chap. 11. 10, Psalms 118:24. Matthew 5:12. Let us prepare for feasts and triumphs against the marriage of the Lamb.

give honour to him] As we have cause to rejoyce in it, so also to give God praise and thanks for it.

for the marriage, &c.] Matthew 22:2. The Church is now called, as a bride, to dwell with her husband, after the whore is burned: before, she was but as it were espoused to him. Glorious times will follow Romes fall. This cause was not mentioned, v. 1, 4. but these converts, as they looked foreward to the destruction of Rome, so they look backward to the conversion of the Jews, and marriage of the Lamb.

made her self ready] As virgins use to deck themselves when they are to be married, Psal. 45. 13, 14. Isaiah 61:10. so the Church is now purged from all superstition, and ready to entertain Christ in the purity of his ordinances. Or, the Jews being now come in, with the fulnesse of the Gentiles, Romans 11:12; Romans 11:25-26. the Church is ready to be married to Christ. It cannot but be matter of great joy, that two sisters, so long parted, should now be firmly knit together, Son 8:8.

Revelation 19:8

to her was granted] Sanctification, the Churches ornament, Psalms 45:13. & Psalms 93:5. is a dowry given her by Christ her husband, chap. 3. 18. Eph. 5. 26, 27.

righteousnesse] Gr. righteousnesses: That is, good works, which adorn Gods servants, as much as fine linen or glistering garments do great men, Matthew 5:16. and do as conspicuously appear in their lives, as gorgeous apparel on the back or body of those that wear it, Romans 13:12; Romans 13:14. Colossians 3:12. 1 Pet. 3. 3, 4. & 5. 5. Philippians 4:5; Philippians 4:8.

Revelation 19:9

he saith] The angel mentioned, chap. 18. Now he goeth on with the story, which had been broken off in the beginning of this chapter, with relation of the great praise given to God for destroying Rome.

write] The matter to come is weighty, and worthy to be conveyed to posterity. So chap. 14. 13.

Blessed] Matthew 22:2. They are happie times, and they are happie that are so called, that they come; that is, internally called. The things being strange, and very unlikely to come to passe; the angel taketh a speciall care to confirm John in the truth of them, that he may the more confidently report them to others.

marriage-supper] It seemeth such feasts used to be then at night, v. 17. Luke 14:16-17. See notes on chap. 18. 22.

these are the true sayings of God] They are not my words, but God’s, and shall certainly be fulfilled in their time, Luke 1:20.

Revelation 19:10

to worship him] Having so good news from him, John, being over-joyed, falleth down to worship him, as Cornelius, on somewhat the like occasion, did to Peter, Acts 10:25.

See thou do it not] Chap. 22. 9. Gr. See, not. The angels concise speech, as if he had not time to say all, sheweth how evil Johns act was, and how displeasing to him, and dangerous to John, if he should suffer him to do it. To that end also he saith, See: that is, Beware thou do it not.

thy fellow-servant] One whom Christ useth, to declare his will to others, as he doeth thee. Therefore, for brethren, is put prophets, chap. 22. 9. It may be the angel that revealed this revelation to John, chap. 1. 1. yet, for all that, not to be worshipped by John, his fellow-servant.

worship God] To whom onely religious worship is due, Matthew 4:10.

is the spirit of prophesie] Christ onely can by his Spirit make us prophets to foretell things to come, from him. His revealing things to us, is the life of prophecie. He therefore must be worshipped for it, and not we.

Revelation 19:11

heaven opened] Free accesse to Gods publike worship every where. Or, the Church opened, that Christ may stir up his people, v. 14. to go fight against antichrist, who, after Romes fall, will be for a time somewhere else, gathering new forces. Vers. 19. a door was opened in heaven, before the rising of antichrist, chap. 4. 1. the temple was open in heaven after the death of the witnesses, chap. 11. 19. Now heaven it self, that is, the Church, is set wide open, that Christs armies may go forth to destroy the beast and the false prophet, v. 20. So the great gates of a citie are opened, when armies go forth to battel, 2 Samuel 18:4.

behold] This requireth attention to the great battel yet to come.

a white horse] Chap. 6. 2. A signe of Christs just carriage in the war, and certain triumph after it.

he that sate upon him] Christ, who appeared then to John, as ready to destroy antichrist utterly, and will do it by the kings that hate the whore, chap. 17. 16.

faithfull and true] See chap. 1. 5. & 3. 7, 14.

in righteousnesse, &c.] He condemneth the enemies of his Church justly, and then executeth them accordingly. He will not abuse his power, to destroy any that have not deserved destruction.

Revelation 19:12

as a flame of fire] Chap. 1. 14. & 2. 18. He can see his enemies privie plots, and destroy them. His eyes do not sparkle, but flame out with anger. Wo be to his enemies.

many crowns] All kingdoms are subject to him, v. 16. Psal. 2. 8, 9. & 72. 8, 9, 10. Matth. 28. 18, 19, 20. Or, for victories over many kings, v. 19. whose crowns he taketh off their heads, and putteth on his own, 2 Samuel 12:30. The dragon and the beast never had above ten crowns: he hath a multitude: his Kingdom shall be larger then ever theirs was.

a name written] Now to be made known: sure also, and permanent.

no man knew] Chap. 2. 17. Judges 13:18. None knew the eternal generation of Christ, who is called The Word of God, v. 13. Or, none knew it, till it was revealed in the word, v. 13. Or, by his victories, v. 16, 19. So Gods name, JEHOVAH, was revealed, Exodus 6:3.

Revelation 19:13

dipt in blood] Isaiah 63:2. It sheweth the exceeding great slaughter of his foes formerly: for his garments are not sprinkled with blood, as Isaiah 63:2. but dipt or dyed in it, Isaiah 9:5. What could his enemies look for from him now, seeing the marks of his former victories, but destruction? Or, as if he should come to revenge the blood of his servants shed by antichrist, and should wear one of their garments full of blood, to incite him to the greater revenge. Or, it might be to signifie the event of this battel, that so much blood should be shed, that not the common souldiers onely, whose hands are most employed in war; but the generall himself, whose head useth to be more employed then his hands, shall have his garments dyed in blood.

the word of God] By eternal generation, John 1:1; John 1:14. Or, because he maketh his Fathers word good, by destroying the foes of his people. Or, because, by destroying antichrist, he causeth Gods word to be freely preached every where, and God is known thereby, as by a name.

Revelation 19:14

the armies, &c.] Gods people being flusht with the fall of Rome, shall be in arms, ready to destroy antichrist utterly, when Christ shall call them to that work.

white horses, &c.] Fitter for triumph then for fight; for here are no bucklers nor swords mentioned, which are more fit for war then fine linen; a poor fence against blowes; ut here is the apparell of conquerours: so that they made themselves as sure of the victory, as if it were already gotten. Thus, though the battel may be sharp, Gods people shall comfort themselves, by looking beforehand on the happie issue.

Revelation 19:15

out of his mouth] See v. 21. Chap. 1. 16. and 2. 16. He shall passe sentence of death upon them, and execute it, Isaiah 11:4. Or, he shall destroy them, according as he hath foretold, 2 Thess. 2. 8. Arms are attributed onely to the captain; for all is done by his power, though he use instruments.

the nations] Or, Gentiles, chap. 11. 2. Popish enemies.

rule them, &c.] See chap. 2. 27. & 12. 5.

treadeth] Treadeth on Gods enemies, gathered as it were into a wine-presse, at Armageddon, till their blood be all out of their bodies, chap. 14. 20. Isaiah 63:3. Thus he threateneth his foes with his mouth, striketh them with his iron rod in his hand, trampleth them under his feet.

Revelation 19:16

on his vessture] That all men may see it, and fear him. Some footsteps of his power appeared before, in converting the Gentiles; but much obscured by the persecution under the heathen emperours, and afterwards under the popes: but when both these are destroyed, then all men may fully discern it.

on his thigh] That men might submit to him, Gen. 24. 2, 9. & 47. 29. being subdued by his sword, which useth to be placed on the thigh, Psalms 45:3. Cant. 3. 16.

King of kings] Chap. 17. 14. & 11. 15. Daniel 2:44.

Revelation 19:17

an angel] Christs herauld, to bid all the fowls to a banquet.

in the sun] That he might be heard all the world over, as the sun is seen. A clear token of the ensuing victory: and that the enemies should be destroyed in the sight of the sun, as surely as we see the sun.

with a loud voice] Chap. 18. 2. That the most remote might hear, and come to take their share. It also sheweth the weight of the matter. Men speak loud, when they speak of great things.

fowls] Warriours or souldiers mixing themselves with Gods people, more for love of the spoils, then of the cause. Or, it may be taken literally; for many dead carcases will be left unburied, to fill the fowls, v. 21. 1 Samuel 17:44. Jeremiah 7:33. Ezekiel 39:4; Ezekiel 39:17, &c.

in the midst] See chap. 8. 13. & 41. 6.

of heaven] Of the air, Genesis 1:20. Psalms 8:8.

gather your selves] The fouls are called beforehand, to shew the certainty of the victory.

Revelation 19:18

that ye may eat] Christ will be married as a conquerour.

the flesh of captains, &c.] Feed on the revenues and spoil of all the papists; for they shall all be destroyed, great and small. There shall be variety of prey, to fit every ones appetite; as there is of dishes at a feast, chap. 17. 16. Or, it may be literally understood of the carcases of great men and small, left for the fowls to devour, v. 17. Ezekiel 39:4; Ezekiel 39:17; Ezekiel 39:20. Jerem. 7. 12.

Revelation 19:19

the beast, &c.] The Romane or Germane emperour, chap. 13. 1. with some kings, chap. 16. 14. after Romes fall, v. 1. shall assist the pope, living elsewhere, in this last war against Christ and his Church.

Revelation 19:20

the beast] The emperour, v, 19.

was taken] Like a beast in a snare. This seemeth to be at the conclusion of the sixth vial, or beginning of the seventh. See chap. 16. 16, 17.

the false prophet] The pope, chap. 13. 13. & 16. 13. Yet some take it for the popes clergie, and the pope for the beast. This is that false prophet that wrought miracles, chap. 13. 13, 14, &c.

alive] Put to horrible tortures, being taken alive; whereas the kings and their followers shall be slain in the battel, v. 21. An allusion to Numbers 16:31-32. An extraordinary destruction is signified, to terrifie others from misleading Gods people, Psal. 55 15.

lake of fire, &c.] Chap. 20. 14. & 21. 8. & 14. 10. An exquisite torment, Ezekiel 38:22. Psalms 11:6. Genesis 19:24.

Revelation 19:21

the remnant] The kings that fought for the pope, and their armies. As their sin was not so great as the emperours and popes, so neither shall their judgement.

out of his mouth] Vers. 15. Gods word slayeth them, when he performeth his threatnings, Jeremiah 5:14. Thus the prophecie, v. 18. is fulfilled. None shall be ransomed for money, Isaiah 13:17-18. A severe execution shall be on all that shall take part with antichrist in this his last battel.

were filled with their flesh] There was wealth enough for all comers, Jeremiah 50:10. Or, carcases enough lying unburied, to glut all the fowls. See v. 18.