The triumph of the servants of God – Imagery of marriage.  The church is the Bride of Christ.

 

v. 6 – John hears – an unidentified voice – details –

                3 times – “like” – not exactly, but like:    “The voice of a great multitude”

                                (powerful & musical)                “of many waters”

                                                                                  “A mighty thunder”

HALLELUJAH – starts with praise – strong and sustained – WHY?  Because the “Lord God Almighty reigns”

Not because Babylon has been overthrown.

Many Waters – the voice of God – Ez. 43:2 – Patmos – sound of breakers constantly

Mighty Thunder – same as 18:2 – thunder voice of Babylon’s destruction.

 

v. 7 – A call for all who hear to rejoice and give God glory - - -  WHY?  Not for the mighty display of power in destroying evil…  Not concerned with the Past – but the Future.

Praise because the marriage of the Lamb is about to happen.  The Bride?   O.T. – Israel (Is. 54:6; Ez. 16:8ff; Hos. 2:14ff).   N.T. – Church – (Mt. 22:2ff; 25:1ff; Mk. 2:19; Jn. 3:29) – Rev. 19:9; 21:2,9; 22:17

Rev. 3:20 – may tie in here (reflection).

 

v. 8 – The bride clothed herself? – Not really – It was granted to her … “Fine Linen” – (7:9, 14) – pure and bright – “The Righteousness.”  Contrast with the clothing of the harlot (17:4; 18:16).  This righteousness was given to them – not earned by any acts of thiers.  We are clothed in the righteousness that Jesus provided and that God gives.

 

v. 9 – John is told/commanded to write – “This is very important – Write it down!”

We’ve seen this before – Write the book (1:11,19) – Write to the seven churches (c. 2-3).  Don’t write what the thunders said (10:4) – Write about the dead in the Lord (14:13) – Here – 19:9 – and once more saying (21:5).

“Blessed are those who are invited to the feast…”

“The true words of God” – solemn emphasis – it was the persecuted saints who would be blessed (original audience) – not the enemy.  They had God’s word on it – So Do We!

 

v. 10 – John attempts to worship the angel – BUT – is quickly stopped.  He thought the angel was divine!  Worship God only!!!   Some early Christians were tempted to worship angels.  Angels and humans are both servants of the Lord.  The angel belongs to those who hold to …

“The testimony of Jesus” – which is – “The spirit of prophecy.”  The testimony that Jesus bore - - - is the Spirit – the heart of all prophecy.  “The mind of Christ” (Paul) – the content of the prophets’ message.  The true spirit of prophecy always bears witness to Jesus.  O.T. – N.T. prophets – John – and angels – all bear witness to Jesus (as Son of God)!  In any event worship is to be given/offered to God alone!