This section is probably John speaking – Righteousness Triumphs!

REJOICE – the righteous are vindicated by God’s judgments.

v. 20 – Finally, justice shall prevail!  If Christians have nothing to hope for, than we are to be pitied more than anyone (1 Cor. 15:19).  NO – The righteous are on God’s side – victorious.  There may be persecution and torture here, but there’s a better hope for the future in Eternity.  REJOICE here – not MOURN, like previously.  Wrongs done to the saints will be put right now! – Justice – not vengeance has been done!

v. 21 – A mighty angel - different but powerful – representative of heaven.  Throwing a great stone into the sea – (Jer. 51:63) – of Babylon.  Complete and violent destruction of “the city” (never found again).

v. 22 – A list of things never heard of or done in the city again.  Arts, Craftsmanship, Normal Daily Life – will be discontinued.  John is slowly showing the totality of the destruction of the great city. 

v. 23 – Greatness was measured in terms of material prosperity – now that has yielded destruction – no rejoicing – no celebrating.  It was all a deception – the city was a fraud – Not a Success!

v. 24 – In her – Babylon – was found … blood of the saints – and of all who died on the Earth – no one city can claim this - - It is symbolic – all earthly cities in history. 

Rev. 19:1-5

Thanksgiving -  for the destruction of Babylon and future like her.

v. 1 – The redeemed – the church? – Sing a song of praise … Hallelujah – Praise to Yah – the LORD – Hebrew word – ancient?  Ascribes to God - - - salvation, glory, and power (here – all three).

v. 2 – More than doom or destruction – Judgment – has prevailed!

Justice has won out – God’s judgment is RIGHT and TRUE!  All heaven rejoices at the overthrow of the harlot who corrupted the earth – led others into her adulteries.

We are all vulnerable!  We have all committed adultery with foreign idols by being deceived by the “great city” - - - We have tried to bend the will of God to serve the desire of man!  The evil heart shed the blood of God’s servants – she is evil – She had to be called to account.

v. 3 – Again – Praise to God!  Hallelujah!  -  Justice is done!  Praise rings out the old, and it also rings in the new! (It ain’t over yet!).

v. 4  - Twenty-four Elders and four Living Creatures (last time mentioned in Revelation).  They continually worship God – creator and sustainer of all things - - - God in majesty – they worship – “AMEN – Hallelujah” – Let it be done – praise.