Revelation 19:1-10 - Hallelujah, Babylon is fallen

We now hear a great rejoicing. We will rejoice at the fall of the world system and God's righteous judgements. This isn't something we hear much of this side of things in the church, but that is a sign of paucity of our Biblical understanding. In the Psalms David frequently rejoiced at God's judgements.

Hallelujah occurs four times in this chapter, and this is the only place in the NT that it occurs. 

So why is God praised? Because salvation, glory and power belong to our God. When evil is rampant it parades itself as all powerful, it tries to seduce us into thinking that if we give in to it, or at least acquiesce, we will be saved. It pretends that it is glorious and had power, but all this is a lie. Salvation, glory and power belong to our God, and we should always remember this. 

God's judgements are true, and He has condemned the great prostitute, and avenged the blood of His servants. 

Then in verse three we get the second hallelujah. This time because the smoke rises from her for ever and ever. The judgement and condemnation on Babylon, on the godless world system, will be final.

Next the twenty four elders and the four living creatures declare praise to God. And we are called to join in the praise. 

Next we get the final hallelujah. For our Lord reigns, He is the all powerful one, and the wedding has come. The people of God will be united with the Lord in perfect relationship. 

The bride has made herself ready, and fine garments have been given to her. These garments are the righteous acts of the saints. This does not mean that we earn our salvation, but in the midst of the apparent triumph of evil it is really us who will triumph. The Lord has cleansed us by His blood, and through the Holy Spirit He enables us to remain faithful and true in the midst of great opposition. This is part of God's plan, and is part of the reason why pre-tribulation rapture teaching is utterly defeatists and unbiblical. 

Now understand verse 9 in the context in which it is given. The Christians were facing great persecution, there was little obvious advantage in being a Christian, but the truth is that we are blessed beyond measure. 

John is overcome with joy and praise and falls at the feet of the angel, but the angel quickly stops him Jesus is the only one to be worshipped, and all prophecy points to Jesus and glorifies only Him.