Revelation Chapter 19 Explained: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return

Revelation Chapter 19-Introduction

With Revelation chapter 18 ending on a somber note, the end of the seventh vial judgment, which is the destruction of Babylon, chapter 19 introduces a joyous time. After Babylon’s judgment and the complete destruction and elimination of evil, comes blessing and joy. Also this interesting chapter records two very different feasts.

Revelation 19:1-Heavenly Rejoicing

And after these things I heard a great voice of much people in heaven, saying, Alleluia; Salvation, and glory, and honour, and power, unto the Lord our God:

The word “alleluia” is the Greek transliteration of the word “Hallelujah.” The word “alleluia” is used four times in this chapter. These four instances are the only times this word is used in the entire Bible. Hallelujah, as a word, is not used in the Bible. But the meaning of hallelujah (and “alleluia”) is “Praise the LORD.” This exact phrase is used in 33 verses throughout the Bible, and the essence of this command is also used in other verses. After any war, the victors rejoice, and the same is true in this instance. In heaven, the spectators who were watching the destruction of Babylon will cheer loudly when Babylon is completely destroyed.

Revelation 19:2-Reason for Heavenly Praise

For true and righteous are his judgments: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

The people in heaven knew about the evil of Babylon, and they are exhilarated when their hero, Christ Jesus in His righteous judgment, finally destroys this evil entity. In her destruction, God’s servants received justice since they knew that Babylon had been responsible for their deaths. With her destruction, they got needed closure because their deaths were now avenged.

Revelation 19:3-Eternal Smoke

And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever.

The perfect word to sum up this great time of rejoicing is simply Alleluia — “Praise the Lord.” The eternal smoke of the destroyed city of Babylon is a constant reminder of both God’s triumphant justice over evil and the permanence of Babylon’s destruction.

Revelation 19:4-The 24 Elders’ Affirmation

And the four and twenty elders and the four beasts fell down and worshipped God that sat on the throne, saying, Amen; Alleluia.

The twenty-four elders and the four beasts in the throne room of God will join in this glorious praise. The word “Amen” is an affirmation. The twenty-four elders will agree with the praises of the other people in heaven, and they, too, will also repeat the simple, but profound word, “Alleluia.”

Revelation 19:5-God Commands Praise

And a voice came out of the throne, saying, Praise our God, all ye his servants, and ye that fear him, both small and great.

This heavenly command, the voice of God Himself, is both an invitation and an order to praise God. It is also an encouragement to those who are already engaged in their praises for them to continue their joyful exclamations of approval.

Revelation 19:6-Worldwide Rejoicing

And I heard as it were the voice of a great multitude, and as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of mighty thunderings, saying, Alleluia: for the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.

In response to this command, all of God’s servants, all those who have a reverent fear of Him, obediently and sincerely praised God, again, saying Alleluia, and giving Him glory as reigning King. John could only explain what he heard as mighty thundering waters.

Revelation 19:7-Marriage Preparations

Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready.

The praise from this great heavenly multitude shifts from the rejoicing of the destruction of Babylon to looking forward to the next event, which will be the marriage of the Lamb of God. It seems the destruction of Babylon must occur before the wedding can take place. In any case, the Victor is now positioned to take His bride. The bride, here called “his wife,” has prepared herself for the wedding ceremony. The only way the bride, the individuals who compose the body of Christ, can make themselves ready for this glorious time is to accept Him as their personal Savior.

Revelation 19:8-The Bride’s Wedding Dress

And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints.

The clean, white linen as the wedding dress for the Lamb’s bride was given to her. She did not procure it herself. This pure, white clothing, which symbolizes the righteousness of Christ, is not her own righteousness since the saints of God are sinful humans. Rather, she (the entire collection of humans who will compose the bride of Christ) will be given this white raiment as a symbol of Christ’s righteousness.

This wearing of the white raiment for the bride of Christ, referred to as the “righteousness of saints,” speaks of the overcomer in Revelation 3:5. “He that overcometh, the same shall be clothed in white raiment; and I will not blot out his name out of the book of life, but I will confess his name before my Father, and before his angels.” (KJV)

Revelation 19:9-The Wedding Guests

And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb. And he saith unto me, These are the true sayings of God.

With any wedding, guests are invited, and this wedding will not be an exception. I believe the guests will be the Old Testament saints. John the Baptist described himself as “The friend of the bridegroom.” Since John both lived and died before Christ started His Church, which occurred in Acts chapter 2, John the Baptist considered himself a friend of the Groom. Here is what he said in his own words:

“John answered and said, A man can receive nothing, except it be given him from heaven. Ye yourselves bear me witness, that I said, I am not the Christ, but that I am sent before him. He that hath the bride is the bridegroom: but the friend of the bridegroom, which standeth and heareth him, rejoiceth greatly because of the bridegroom’s voice: this my joy therefore is fulfilled.” John 3:27-29 (KJV)

This marriage feast is the first feast mentioned in this chapter. This wonderful meal is a joyful celebration of marriage.

Revelation 19:10-Angel Worship Forbidden

And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said unto me, See thou do it not: I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.

The Apostle John, after given a vision of these wonderful future events, was so overwhelmed that he fell down to worship the angel who told him these things. But the angel immediately and sharply rebuked him, reminding John that even he, an angel, was simply, like the human man John, only a servant of Jesus Christ.

Revelation 19:11-The Second White Horse Rider

And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.

John’s revelation continued and next he was shown the symbol of a conqueror. This is Christ Himself riding a white horse with the intention of both executing judgment and going to war. This white horse Rider is the second instance of a rider on a white horse mentioned in Revelation. The first rider on a white horse mentioned in the Book of Revelation in chapter 6 is the Antichrist.

Revelation 19:12-Christ Returns With Vengeance

His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Christ’s eyes not only see all, but in righteous judgment they pierce all. Unlike the first rider on a white horse mentioned in Revelation chapter 6, Jesus Christ wears not only a single crown, but many crowns. The last part of this verse a private name is written upon Christ, which may refer God’s personal name commonly known as “Jehovah.” The name Jehovah is sometimes called “the unpronounceable name of God.”

Revelation 19:13-Christ’s Bloodied Garment

And he was clothed with a vesture dipped in blood: and his name is called The Word of God.

The clothing Christ wears in this vision John sees is bloodied. But the source of this blood is not His own blood. Rather, it is the blood of judgment of those who have come to Armageddon to make war against Him.

Revelation 19:14-Heavenly Armies

And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Although the heavenly armies follow Christ, they are not bloodied. The fine linen refers to the bride of Christ, and although they follow Him, it is He Who fights alone. He will not need help from His army as He conquers alone. A verse from the Gospels in John 6:15 is prophetic of this future action by Jesus Christ. “When Jesus therefore perceived that they would come and take him by force, to make him a king, he departed again into a mountain himself alone.” (KJV) The mountain in this verse refers to a kingdom. When Jesus comes to take His kingdom, He will do it by Himself, and on His own terms.

Revelation 19:15-The Sword of Christ

And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

The sharp sword from Christ’s mouth is a symbol of God’s word. This two-edged sword is described in Hebrews 4:12 “For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any twoedged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.” (KJV) After smiting the rebellious nations of the world, Christ will rule over them with a strong, powerful, and unbending leadership. Jesus Christ will bring God’s judgment on the rebellious. This will fulfill John 5:22: “For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son” (KJV)

Revelation 19:16-Christ’s Title

And he hath on his vesture and on his thigh a name written, KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.

Despite the unknown name that only Jesus Christ knows, His worldwide position of authority will be prominently advertised on His clothing.

Revelation 19:17-The Second Feast

And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God;

An angel, knowing the result of Christ’s coming back to Earth in judgment, will invite the birds to come and eat flesh, knowing these will be carcasses of armies that Satan will gather.

Revelation 19:18-The Menu

That ye may eat the flesh of kings, and the flesh of captains, and the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses, and of them that sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and bond, both small and great.

This is the second banquet mentioned in this chapter. In this gruesome repast birds of prey will consume the dead bodies of the antichrist’s soldiers and their horses. But not only these, but all who have taken the mark of the beast and worshipped the antichrist.

The Two Feasts of Revelation 19 Chart

Feast	Guests	Menu	Purpose
Marriage Supper of the Lamb	Likely the Old Testament saints, described as “friends of the bridegroom.”	Not described — a joyful wedding celebration.	Celebrates Christ’s union with His bride, the Church.
Supper of the Great God	The birds of prey, or “fowls of heaven.”	The flesh of kings, captains, mighty men, horses, and all who followed the beast.	God’s righteous judgment on those who rejected Christ and followed the Antichrist.

Download a printable PDF of the two feasts of Revelation 19 here.

Revelation 19:19-Futile Attempt of Retaliation

And I saw the beast, and the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against him that sat on the horse, and against his army.

Satan, in a last-ditch effort at the ending of the Great Tribulation, will gather his armies together to fight against Christ and against those whom Christ will bring with Him.

Revelation 19:20-Fate Of the Beast And False Prophet

And the beast was taken, and with him the false prophet that wrought miracles before him, with which he deceived them that had received the mark of the beast, and them that worshipped his image. These both were cast alive into a lake of fire burning with brimstone.

Who it will be who captures alive the beast and the false prophet is not told here. Perhaps it will be angels and/or one of the redeemed who came back with Christ. But these two deceivers, who caused so much chaos, evil, and destruction in the world, will receive a fate worse than death. They will be taken alive and thrown into the lake of fire.

Revelation 19:21-The Fate of The Beast’s Followers

And the remnant were slain with the sword of him that sat upon the horse, which sword proceeded out of his mouth: and all the fowls were filled with their flesh.

Those who followed the beast and the false prophet will then die. Those still living who have taken the mark of the beast and worshipped the antichrist will immediately die, then they will be judged before God before they, too, are eventually thrown into the lake of fire. This judgment is referred to in Revelation 20:12 “And I saw the dead, small and great, stand before God; and the books were opened: and another book was opened, which is the book of life: and the dead were judged out of those things which were written in the books, according to their works.” (KJV)

Revelation Chapter 19-Bible Study Questions

Pin Me For Later!

Revelation Chapter 19-Personal Reflection Question

Where do you see yourself in this future scenario and why?

Revelation Chapter 19-Behind the Scenes Stuff

I like food and eating! The two feasts pictured here with very different guests, and different cuisine is striking. I cannot help but be thankful for the provision not only for those invited to the wedding feast but for also the birds of prey who will be invited to the second feast.

The Complete Revelation Bible Study Series

Chapter	Summary
Revelation Chapter 1: John’s Vision of Jesus Christ	John’s vision of the risen Christ standing among seven golden candlesticks on the island of Patmos; Christ identifies Himself as the Alpha and Omega.
Revelation Chapter 2: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos & Thyatira	Christ’s messages to four of the seven churches of Asia: Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, and Thyatira.
Revelation Chapter 3: Sardis, Philadelphia & Laodicea	Christ’s messages to the remaining three churches: Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea.
Revelation Chapter 4: John’s Vision of God’s Throne in Heaven	John is caught up to heaven and sees God’s throne room, the twenty-four elders, and the four living creatures.
Revelation Chapter 5: The Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who Was Slain	God holds a seven sealed book; but only Jesus Christ, Who is both the Lion of Judah and the Lamb Who was slain, is worthy to open it.
Revelation Chapter 6: The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse	The Lamb opens six of the seven seals, releasing the Four Horsemen, the cry of martyrs, and cosmic disturbances.
Revelation Chapter 7: The 144,000 and the Great Multitude	An interlude: 144,000 are sealed from the twelve tribes of Israel, and a great multitude in white robes stands before God’s throne.
Revelation Chapter 8: Meaning of the Seven Trumpets	The seventh seal is opened, bringing silence in heaven, followed by the first four trumpet judgments.
Revelation Chapter 9: The Locusts of Abaddon and the 200 Million	The fifth and sixth trumpets release demonic locusts led by Abaddon and an army of 200 million horsemen.
Revelation Chapter 10: The Little Book and the Seven Thunders	A mighty angel gives John a little book; the words of seven thunders are sealed; the book is sweet, then bitter.
Revelation Chapter 11: Who Are the Two Witnesses of the Apocalypse?	The ministry, death, and resurrection of the two witnesses; the seventh trumpet sounds.
Revelation Chapter 12: The Woman, the Dragon, the Angel Michael and War in Heaven	A woman, a great red dragon, and a man child; war breaks out in heaven as Michael defeats Satan.
Revelation Chapter 13: The Mark of the Beast and 666 Explained	Two beasts rise — one from the sea, one from the land — introducing the mark of the beast, 666.
Revelation Chapter 14: The 144,000, the Three Angels, and the Harvest of Wrath	The 144,000 stand victorious on Mount Zion; three angels proclaim their messages; the wheat and grape harvests.
Revelation Chapter 15: The Sea of Glass and Song of Moses	Seven angels prepare the seven last plagues; the redeemed sing the song of Moses and the Lamb beside a sea of glass.
Revelation Chapter 16: The Seven Vial Judgments and the Battle of Armageddon	The seven vial (bowl) judgments are poured out; the Euphrates dries up, gathering the nations to Armageddon.
Revelation Chapter 17: The Woman on the Beast	A vision of “Mystery, Babylon the Great,” a woman riding a scarlet, seven-headed beast.
Revelation Chapter 18: The Fall of Babylon the Great	The sudden fall of Babylon the Great; kings and merchants mourn her destruction while heaven rejoices.
Revelation Chapter 19: The Marriage Supper of the Lamb and Christ’s Return	The Marriage Supper of the Lamb; Christ returns as King of Kings and defeats the beast and false prophet.
Revelation Chapter 20: The Millennium, Satan’s Doom, and the Great White Throne	Satan is bound for a thousand years; the Millennium; Satan’s final rebellion; the Great White Throne judgment.
Revelation Chapter 21: The New Jerusalem Described	A new heaven and a new earth; the heavenly city of New Jerusalem descends from God, adorned like a bride.
Revelation Chapter 22: The River of Life and the Bible’s Final Invitation	The river and tree of life; the Bible’s final invitation and the promise and warning; “Surely I come quickly.”

Download a printer-friendly PDF of this Revelation Bible study summary chart here.

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