10. THE SEVEN VIALS OF GOD'S WRATH. Rev.15 and 16.

a. The sign of the Vials is a special wonder.

In Rev.15v1., John records that he saw another great sign, “seemion,” a sign, wonder, token, it is used 7 times in Revelation. Rev.12v1,3. 13v13,14. 15v1. 16v14. 19v20. This sign was very striking for John describes it as, “great and marvellous,” “mega kai thaumaston,” and John does not describe any other wonder with both of these adjectives. “Thaumaston,” is something amazing that causes wonder, it is a verbal adjective derived from “thaumazo,” to wonder. God reveals to John the seven angels with the seven last plagues, “plege.” “Plege” originally denoted a blow, stroke, stripe or wound, but it came to be used of calamities and misfortunes in general; it occurs 14 times in Revelation out of the 20 times that it occurs in the New Testament. Lk.10v30. 12v48. Acts.16v23,33. 2Cor.6v5. 11v23. Rev.9v20. 11v6. 13v3,12,14. 15v1,6,8. 16v9,21. 18v4,8. 21v9. 22v18. The seven plagues are described as, “the last,” they finish, complete, and bring to a conclusion the active judgements of God in the great tribulation; “finished,” is “etelesthe,” the aorist passive indicative of “teleo,” to bring to a conclusion, to complete.

b. The vision of the murdered martyrs who had been victorious over Antichrist.

John saw the Christians who had “come victorious (the present active participle of “nikao,” to gain a victory, to be victor, to overcome), out of the conflict with the Beast, and over his image, and over his mark, and over the number of his name,” standing on the glassy sea and singing the song of Moses and the Lamb. They were rejoicing at the power and grace of God that had given them the victory. The song of the Lamb could be the song of redeeming grace mentioned in Rev.5v9-12., and the song of Moses is probably the song which Moses and the Israelites sang in Exod.15v1-21., which Miriam took up and sang with the women of Israel, of the glorious triumph of the Israelites over Pharaoh. These Christians had chosen death rather than deny Christ and serve and follow Antichrist, they had not been preserved in body from Antichrist's wrath, but they had been victorious and preserved in soul from the defiling and damning influence of the Beast. The “good report” and victory of faith of those who are faithful to death, is every bit as great as the victory of the woman of Rev.12., who is delivered by God's Almighty power. See Heb.11v32-40. Dying for the faith is usually much more trying on our faith, than believing God for deliverance. In the early Church the day when Christians were martyred, it was often called the day of their victory. Christian victory does not consist in avoiding trouble, but, if necessary, being willing to be faithful even unto death. Rev.7v9-17.

c. The saints attribute their victory to God's amazing dedicated grace and love.

These victorious saints sing a song of exultant praise before God and give Him the glory for their victory. The world had wondered at the beast, but these saints are lost in wonder, love and praise at the “great and marvellous works” of the “Lord God Almighty.” Rev.4v8. Amos.4v13. They rejoice that God's ways are “just and true,” “dikaiai kai alethinai,” and in Rev.16v7., and a voice out of the altar states that the judgements of God are “true and righteous,” “alethinai kai dikaiai.” Rev.6v9.-11. Deut.32v4. They realise that all creation should fear and worship Him, and that His perfect justice will judge the wickedness of the nations, and all the world will come and bow down before Him and worship Him.

These saints acknowledge that only God is truly holy, “for Thou only are holy.” The Greek word for holy is “hosios” and it occurs in the New Testament in Acts.2v27. 13v34,35. 1Tim.2v8. Titus.1v8. Heb.7v26. Rev.15v4. 16v5., and it conveys the idea of perfect purity, it is used differently than “hagios,” which has the fundamental meaning of separated and devoted. “Hagios” is used to speak of the Holy Spirit, the holy angels, the holy city, holy prophets, the holy child Jesus, and saints. The Greek word “hagnos” which is from the same root as “hagios,” is often used to speak of physical purity in the New Testament. 2Cor.7v11. 11v2. Phil.4v8. 1Tim.5v22. Titus.2v5. James.3v17. 1Pet.3v2. 1Jn.3v3. The Greek word “hieros,” which has the meaning of sacred, only occurs in 1Cor.9v13. and 2Tim.3v15.. God is pure and completely dedicated to us, let us be pure and completely dedicated to Him. 1Pet.1v15,16. God is just, holy and true in His character, ways and judgements, and all of Heaven acknowledges this, and worships Him for it. Rev.3v7. 6v10. 15v3. 16v7. 19v2,11.

d. God's "strange act" of judgement becomes a fact because of men's wickedness. Is.28v21.

John tells us that, “The Temple was filled with smoke from the glory of God and from His power.” A majestic and awe-inspiring sight. The glory of God was openly manifested in the Tabernacle and the Temple, and many of the prophets had personal visions of the glory of God. This glory usually protected the people of God, but, as in the case of the sons of Korah, it could also be manifested in judgement. Exod.14v18-20. 33v9-11. 40v34-38. Lev.10v1,2. Numb.3v1-14. 16v19. 1King.8v10,11. Is.6v1-6. Ezek.1v4,26-28. 10v1-5,15-19. 44v1-4. We read in Rev.15v8., that no one can enter into the Temple in Heaven until the plagues are finished, which shows that they cannot be stopped. The wicked could individually escape these plagues by repentance, but we read that they do not repent, but blaspheme God to His face. Rev.16v9,11,21.

God is the just judge of the whole earth and of all nations, and He is always righteous in His judgements, and here, as in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah, His righteous judgements fall on the people of the nations that follow Antichrist. Gen.18v25. God is stated to be, “The King of the nations,” in Rev.15v3., in Mabcde, A, Hodges and Farstad, and the Critical Texts. See Jer.10v7. 1Tim.1v17. God is the King before whom even the wicked of every nation will be forced to bow the knee, and confess that He is Lord, even when they refuse to repent of their sins. Is.45v21-25. Rom.14v10-12. Phil.2v5-11.

THE OUTPOURING OF THE VIALS. Rev.16.

The Greek word for Vial, “phiale,” means a broad, flat saucer or bowl, which is broader at the top than at the bottom. Several things show that these 7 plagues are poured out during a period of weeks or months at the end of the great tribulation.

a. These 7 plagues are said to be the seven last plagues.

These do not appear to be the plagues that the two witnesses have power to inflict, for these seven plagues are determined in number and time by God, whereas the plagues of the two witnesses occur as often as they desire. The fact that these plagues are spoken of as the last plagues shows that there have been others before them. These seven last plagues are far more widespread and severe than the plagues of the two witnesses, they are God's direct judgements on the wicked.

b. These 7 plagues only cover a short period of time at the end of the great tribulation.

This is proved by the fact that during the pouring out of these plagues, no one is able to enter into the Temple, “naos,” in Heaven, and it is still open well toward the end of the great tribulation; it is certainly not closed throughout the great tribulation. This is the real Temple of which the earthly Tabernacle and Temple was a shadow, and from which judgement also came, as in the case of Nadab and Abihu. Lev.9v24. 10v1,2. During these plagues God will again issue forth out of the sanctuary in judgements, which get more and more severe. However, we know that during this period, whosoever calls upon the name of the Lord shall be saved. Acts.2v17-21.

c. The large number of martyrs in Heaven proves it is towards the end of the great tribulation.

In Rev.6v9-11., well into the great tribulation, the martyred saints ask God to avenge their blood, and cry for judgement on their evil murderers. In Rev.15v2-4., the martyred saints state that the time for God's vials of judgement on those who kill His saints has come. God's final execution of the wicked occurs at the 7th Vial, and 7th trumpet, on the last day. Rev.16v5,6.

d. The movement of the armies mentioned in the sixth Vial will take a few weeks.

The sixth vial shows us that the vials must be poured out at least several weeks before the great tribulation ends, the troops mentioned here may already be marshalled and near Euphrates at this time. In Rev.9v13-21., the Euphrates is also mentioned, and the army is said to number 200,000,000, and its murderous activities are said to last for 13 months. From these facts we can ascertain that the Vials are poured out during the last weeks or months of the great tribulation. These seven plagues will be the most severe and widespread plagues that man has ever known, but even these greatest of God's plagues fail to bring the vast majority of the wicked to repentance. Rev.16v9,11,21. Beyond doubt these vials are to be taken literally, many of them are like the judgements that came upon Egypt, and what God has done before to one nation, He can do in a greater measure to many nations. The five plagues of Egypt and the first four trumpet judgements did not directly affect man, but here evil men are directly and severely attacked from the first Vial.

The First Vial. Rev.16v2.

The mark of the Beast will be a visible mark in the forehead, like some Indian religions have on their foreheads. This first Vial is poured out upon, those who follow and serve Antichrist. They had followed Antichrist to escape his wrath, now they experience the seven great plagues in which the wrath of God reaches its climax. The “noisome and grievous sore,” “helkos kakon kai poneron,” is looked upon by the translators as a severe and painful malignant ulcer or sore. This seems to be even more severe than the sixth Egyptian plague of boils, but the followers of Antichrist do not repent. Exod.9v8-12. The curse spoken of in Deut.28v27,35., comes upon the followers of Antichrist.

The Second Vial. Rev.16v3.

The sea is “turned into a fluid like the blood of a corpse,” Phillips, that is, an evil smelling, putrid, and contaminated fluid. This cannot mean that all the seas of the world were affected in this way, otherwise all life would cease in the world in a matter of days. It is probably speaking of a sea that would affect Antichrist and his followers, like the sea of Galilee, or Red sea, it kills all the living things in the sea. It cannot be the Dead sea, which as its name suggests, already has no life in it.

The Third Vial. Rev.16v4-7.

At the fourth Vial the rivers and fountains of waters are turned to blood, like the sea in the second Vial. So in these two Vials we have an effect similar to the first Egyptian plague. Exod.7v17-25. This deprives Antichrist and his armies of food in the form of fish, and causes a severe shortage of drinking water. We are not told if this water is poisonous, as the bitter water was under the third trumpet. The Egyptians either had to drink blood or suffer extreme thirst, and the followers of Antichrist will be in a similar difficult situation, they will have to transport water for a considerable distance if they desire to drink.

Two angels proclaim that God is righteous in His judgements, and that the wicked deserve the plagues they are receiving because of their evil treatment and murder of God’s children. All the inhabitants of God’s kingdom are totally satisfied that God’s judgements are just., this is one of the great themes of Revelation. Rev.4v11. 5v12,13,14. 6v10. 7v9,10. 11v17. 15v2-4. 19v1-6. Judgement and anger is God’s “strange act ,” Is.28v21., and foreign to the beautiful, kind and indescribably lovely character of the God of love, but His judgements are just, necessary, and unavoidable, and spring out of His great love for His creation.

The Fourth Vial. Rev.16v8,9.

Antichrist's followers are blistered and burnt with great heat from the sun, literally, “scorched a great scorching,” a previously unknown plague. These first three plagues fail to bring them to repentance, they blaspheme God to His face, they are irrevocably hardened and unreconcilable, even God cannot bring them to repentance; their attitude to God will be exactly the same on judgement day. Men's hatred of God is very real, continual sin brings a person to the place where they can’t repent. These evil people could escape these plagues by repentance, for Rev.16v9., tells us that God has power over these plagues, they only fall on the wicked, the people of God are safe from them. The faithful Israelites were safe from the wrath of God on the wicked in Egypt, the wilderness and Canaan. Rev.9v4. 11v3-6. Numb.11v1-3.33,34. 16v1-3,28-35,49. Ezek.9v3-6.

The Fifth Vial. Rev.16v10,11.

A darkness falls on the throne of the Beast, like that which covered Egypt in the ninth Egyptian plague. Ex.10v21-29. Antichrist's false claim that he is God, is destroyed step by step, he cannot protect his followers, and the centre of his administration, which seems to be the Temple at Jerusalem, is in darkness. The effects of the first and fourth Vial are still in operation according to Rev.16v10.. We have the picture of the wicked sitting in darkness gnawing their tongues for pain; they know these plagues are from God, but instead of using their tongues to cry for mercy, they use them to blaspheme God to His face. They are irrevocably hardened in sin and rebellion against God.

The Sixth Vial. Rev.16v12-16.

a. The drying up of the river Euphrates for the armies of the kings of the East.

The drying up of the river Euphrates allows the armies of Antichrist to be gathered from the East to Armageddon for destruction at the great last day. Antichrist gathers His armies in order to win the battle with the nations who oppose him. It seems that God dries up the Euphrates to make it easier for these armies to be gathered to Armageddon for destruction. In Rev.9v13-21., we see that the sixth Trumpet is also linked with the river Euphrates, and the movement of a vast army of 200 million, but the sixth Trumpet starts 13 months before the end of the great tribulation, and this is many months earlier than any of the Vials, never mind the sixth Vial. It is obvious, therefore, that this army has spent much of those 13 months subduing the armies and nations in its path, and that it does not arrive in Palestine until around the sixth vial. Is.11v15,16. 10v20-22. Satan persuades these armies to come to fight for Antichrist by means of three false prophets, who do mighty signs and lying wonders through the power of three unclean spirits. Rev.16v13,14. 2Thes.2v7-12. The Two Witnesses do wonders that lead people to the true and living God, Satan does lying wonders to deceive and destroy mankind. There is no time in Church history when God's wonders are more needed than today, and in the final days of this age.

b. Here, almost at the end of the great tribulation, our Lord warns Christians to be watchful.

The argument that the Church is already raptured by this time, is refuted by Rev.16v15., which tells us that even as late as this, at the very end of the great tribulation, the Church is still on earth, and still waiting for the coming of Christ. Jesus warns that he will come as a thief, and tells us to watch and be prepared, this warning would be pointless and incorrect if He had already returned. In 1Thes.5v2-4., Paul tells us that though the day of the Lord will come upon the world as a thief, we are not in darkness that it will overtake us as a thief. It will only come upon the backslidden Christian, and the sinner as a thief, the world will not be expecting His return. Some think that this keeping of garments is a reference to the inspection of the temple guard by the captain of the guard, anyone who was found asleep on duty was beaten, or had their garments set on fire. The coming as a thief, certainly does not refer to a secret rapture, for Peter tells us that when the Lord comes, “as a thief,” the heavens will pass away with a great noise, the elements will melt with fervent heat, and the earth and its works will be burnt up, this is certainly not a secret rapture. 2Pet.3v10. Lk.12v39. For “garments,” see Rom.13v11-14. 1Cor.3v15. 2Cor.7v1. Eph.4v20-24. 6v10-20. Col.3v8-14. James.1v27. 1Pet.1v13. 1Jn.2v28. Jude.v23. Rev.3v3-5. 7v14. 19v7,8.

c. Armageddon. Rev.16v16.

“Armageddon,” is derived from “Har,” “valley,” and means the valley of Megiddo.” There have been many battles upon the plain of Esdraelon before Megiddo, and probably all the conquerors of Palestine have fought on this plain. Josh.12v21. Judges.4 to 8. 1Sam.31. 2Chron.35v20-27. Zech.12v11. Joel.3v2. When Jesus lived at Nazareth He was only a few miles from this plain, how He must have meditated as He looked upon this plain, and thought of the things that had happened in the past and would happen in the future. This is where Deborah gained a decisive victory over Sisera. Judges.5v19. Antichrist’s armies defeat the armies of the West in a great battle at Armageddon a few days before our Lord’s return. Armageddon is also the place where Antichrist's armies are destroyed by Jesus at His return. Ezek.39v2-4,11-16. Rev.16v14-16. 19v17-21.

The Seventh Vial. Rev.16v17-21.

a. This vial occurs at the same time as the sixth and seventh seal and the seventh trumpet.

All these occur on the last day, the great day of God's wrath, and they all stress judgement, for it is the day of vengeance of our God. Is.61v2. In the seventh Vial some of the details of the sixth seal and the seventh trumpet are expanded, and there are several new pieces of information. The words “It is done,” can be translated, “It is all accomplished,” which is the same thought as the words of the angel of Rev.10v6,7., that at the seventh Trumpet, “there will be no more delay,” the kingdom of God has been set up, and the prophecies concerning the coming of Jesus, and the establishing of His kingdom are fulfilled. We read again of “voices,” Rev.11v19.4v5. 10v3,4.; and “thunders,” Rev.4v5. 8v5. 11v19. 14v2. 7v10. 19v6.; and lightnings.” Rev.4v5. 8v5. 11v19. There must be great storms and tremendous winds to keep hailstones in the air which are a talent in weight, i.e. from 45 to 130 pounds in weight, it is no wonder that God says that this plague is exceeding great. Rev.11v19.

b. There is mention again of the greatest earthquake that the world has ever known. Rev.16v18-20.

This earthquake shakes and moves every mountain and island in the world, and greatly changes world geography; it is mentioned several times in Revelation and elsewhere. Rev.6v12-14. 11v19. Zech.14v4,5. Is.24v17-21. Haggai.2v6,7. This earthquake occurs when the feet of the Lord Jesus touch the Mount of Olives, and the city of Jerusalem is divided into three parts, this is the final fall of Jerusalem, which spiritually is as evil as ancient Babylon, under Antichrist. Zech.14v4. Rev.16v19. This last great earthquake divides the city up and buries the old city beneath the waters of the new river that flows both to the former and hinder sea. Dan.9v26. “The end is determined by a flood.” Zech.14v8,9. Ezek.47v1-12. The new city is built upon the new mountain that is north of the site of the present city. Ps.48v1-3.

Carnal reasoning would say that the judgements of the Vials would make the wicked cry for mercy, but only a remnant do, the vast majority turn and revile God to His face. They are fearful, but are certainly not repentant. Rev.6v14-17. James.2v19. Mt.8v28,29. 27v3-5. 28v1-4,11-15. Acts.24v24-26. The case of Judas reveals to us that remorse is quite a different thing from repentance. The Scriptures also reveal the dreadful truth, that obdurate sinners, like Felix, who trembled in fear as Paul preached to him; can be greatly convicted about their sins, and fully realise the fact and truth about the judgement of God, and yet in spite of this, they refuse to repent. These defiant sinners harden their hearts against God, even though they know that they are going to be judged by the living God, for their evil and selfish lives, and experience His justice and righteous anger. Heb.10v30,31. 1Pet.4v18.


11.THE DESCRIPTION OF JERUSALEM AS A SCARLET WOMAN. Rev.17v1-19v4.

1. Jerusalem is portrayed as a harlot woman sitting upon the Beast. Is.1v21.

One of the seven angels who had one of the Vials, introduces John to this evil Scarlet Woman; later in Rev.21v9. one of these seven angels introduces John to the New Jerusalem, where the Lamb's bride will live. We have shown in our introduction, that this Scarlet Woman is the city of Jerusalem, and that she has the name of Babylon given to her to show her spiritual condition, even as she had the names of Sodom and Egypt given to her in Rev.11v8., to show other aspects of her wickedness. The seven heads of the Beast are seven nations, or kingdoms, that have conquered and ruled over Jerusalem. We know from Rev.17v10., that in John’s time, the sixth head, Rome, ruled over Jerusalem; the seventh kingdom, the kingdom of Antichrist, was in the distant future. The previous five kingdoms that conquered and subjugated the Jews and Jerusalem were; Babylon, Medo-Persia, Greece, Egypt and Syria. Though this vision of the Scarlet Woman refers to and covers the time period of these six previous kingdoms, in Revelation seventeen, it is particularly dealing with Jerusalem in relation to the final Antichrist.

The Scarlet Woman is said to sit upon many waters, which Rev.17v15., says are, “peoples, and multitudes, and nations and tongues,” which are subjugated, and under the ruthless domination of the Beast with seven heads. Rev.17v3. In the last few days of the great tribulation, these nations attack Jerusalem and burn it with fire. Rev.17v16. Mt.24v28. Lk.17v37. Jesus returns and destroys these armies, and delivers the persecuted Jews and Christians from them. Zech.14v1-4. Is.42v13-17. 63v1-6. Ps.2v1-12. 2Thes.1v4-10. Rev.19v17-21. In the last seven years of this age the great majority of people in the nations under Antichrist’s control, will serve, follow and worship Antichrist. Antichrist’s followers in the nations, which oppose and fight against Antichrist, will be a rebellious and dangerous minority, and many will forfeit their lives in terrible suicidal acts of terrorism.

In Mt.24v7., Jesus warns us that ethnic groups will fall upon, attack and kill each other, “nation shall rise against nation, is “ethnos epi ethnos.” Ethnic conflicts have taken place down the centuries, but it is much worse today than it has ever been, millions of people are dying in ethnic conflicts. It is no wonder that Jesus warns us in Lk.21v25,26., that there will be “distress (“sunoche” 4928, anguish, only here and 2Cor.2v4.) of nations, with perplexity,” and that “men’s hearts will fail (“apopsucho” 674, expire, faint, leave off breathing) in them for fear,” because of the terrible wars, raging storms, and other natural disasters that are coming on the world. We now beginning to see a great increase in these natural disasters, wars and terrorist atrocities. Jesus warns us in Mt.24v8., that much worse is to follow, “but all these things are “the beginning of sorrows.” “Sorrows,” is “odin” 5604, it is used to speak of travail in childbirth, but also of intolerable anguish, and the pains of death. However, Jesus tells us not to be troubled, for it proves that His return and God’s kingdom is at hand. In Mt.24v7., “see that ye be not troubled,” “see” is “horate,” the imperative of “horao” 3708, to discern and see properly, and “troubled” is “throeisthe,” 2360, the present passive imperative of “throeo” 2360, to wail, to cry aloud, to scream. When the worldlings scream in terror, and their hearts fail them for fear, because of the terrible events that are taking place in the world, we are to be calm and unafraid, for these events prove that the return of Jesus is near, “even at the doors.” Mt.24v33.

Paul, also uses the same verb (“throeisthai,” the present passive infinitive of “throeo” 2360), to warn us not to cry aloud, to scream, or be terrified, or be shaken, (“saleuthenai” the aorist passive infinitive of “saleuo” 4531, a verb meaning, to agitate, to cause to totter, to shake thoroughly), by false teaching, or false prophecies, that Jesus can return at any moment, or that Christ has already returned. Paul refutes the idea that Christ’s return is imminent, he warns us that Jesus cannot return until there has been a “falling away” (“apostasia” 646, only here and Acts.21v21.), from the faith, and Antichrist, “the man of sin (“anomies” 458), “the lawless one,” “ho anomos” 459, has been manifested. (Jesus applies a similar terrible phrase, “the son of perdition,” to Judas in John.17v12.) We are to “keep our heads" and not give way to fanatical incorrect doctrines about our Lord’s return.

The virgin daughter of Jerusalem is described as a harlot, for she has gone after many lovers, and like a harlot has led many into sin, when she should have been leading people to God. Jerusalem is called Babylon, for she has been guilty of all the sins that brought judgement upon Babylon, idolatry, sorcery, murders, thefts, and the murder of the saints of God. Jer.50 and 51. Is.13v1-22. Those who say the Scarlet Woman cannot represent Jerusalem, because she is called a whore, and not an adulteress, ignore the fact that in Is.1v21., God said that “the faithful city” had become a harlot. Jer.2v20. 3v1,9. In Nahum.3v4., God also said that wicked Nineveh was a harlot, however, Jerusalem's sin was far worse, because they sinned against the light that God had given them. In Ezek.16v15,32,45-49,56.,God calls Jerusalem the sister of Sodom to show the people's depravity and sin, a description, which is repeated in Rev.11v8.

2. The gross wickedness of the Beast and the woman is vividly displayed.

a. The woman leads the nations into sin.

The woman's gorgeous robes cover abominable evil and wickedness. She is clothed in costly robes, and decked with gold, precious stones and pearls, but she is still a harlot, and her golden cup is full of abominations. She is drunk with the blood of the saints, and is inspired by the Beast, who is full of blasphemy, to murder those who worship the true God. Here the city of God has become the city of Satan and Antichrist, a city full of the vilest doctrines and practices. Ancient Babylon is spoken of as a cup in God’s hand in Jer.51v7., a cup that made the earth drunk and mad. Jerusalem, as the centre of Antichrist and Satan worship, has the same effect on the world as the idolatry and sin of ancient Babylon, she causes many nations of the world to follow the blasphemies of Antichrist, and to persecute the Church.

b. Jerusalem again becomes the murderer of saints and prophets.

Here in Rev.18v24., we read that the blood of prophets has been shed by the harlot city Babylon, the sin that Jesus said was the sin of Jerusalem, which could well be called the slaughter house of the prophets. Mt.23v37-39. Jerusalem has in the past killed many of the Old Testament prophets, and here she is seen murdering Christians at the desire of Antichrist. Rev.13v7,12. 6v9-11. 20v4. Is.1v21. 57v8. Jer.2v20. 3v1-25. 4v30. 11v15. 13v27. Ezek.16v15,16,22,23,32.

3. The prophecy of Dan.9v24-27., and its link with the Scarlet Woman.

In Dan.9v20-27. we read that God's dealings with Jerusalem were to cover seventy times seven years, a period of 490 years. “Week,” “shabuwa,” literally means “seven,” either days, or as here, years. These 490 years are divided up in the following way.

a. 49 years from the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem, to Jerusalem being built.

The following decrees were given to restore either the Temple or Jerusalem.

1) By Cyrus. In B.C. 538 to 536. Ezra.1v1-3. 5v13-17. 2Chron.36v22,23.

2) By Darius the 1st. Hystapes. Ezra.6v3-8. The Temple was rebuilt from about B.C. 520 to 516.

3) By Artaxerxes Longimanus. In his 7th. year. B.C.467. Ezra.7v7,11-26. (There are about fifty years between Ezra.6 and 7.) It appears from Ezra.9v9., that permission was given to Ezra to rebuild Jerusalem's wall and city.

4) By Artaxerxes Longimanus. In his 20th. year. B.C. 454.
It was not until 13 years after Ezra set out for Jerusalem, that the actual rebuilding took place, when Artaxerxes Longimanus in his 20th. year, B.C. 454, commanded Nehemiah to rebuild Jerusalem and its walls. Neh.2v1-8. The wall itself was quickly rebuilt in 52 days, Neh.6v15., but it was doubtless made more secure over the years, for the prophecy of Dan.9v25., suggests that it took 49 years for all the rebuilding of the city and wall to be finished. Usher, after 37 years of consideration, dates the accession of Artaxerxes as the year 474 B.C., and the date of 454 B.C., for the commandment to rebuild Jerusalem in Neh.2v1-8.

b. 434 years from the completion of the street and wall of Jerusalem to the death of Jesus. Dan.9v24-26.

Christ was “cut off, but not for Himself,” His death was “to make reconciliation for iniquity,” Christ was to die to bring in the New Covenant and make salvation available for all who would receive Him. Heb.7v22-28. 9v11 to 10v39. 1Jn.2v1,2. 5v9-13. God showed Daniel that the coming of the Messiah was over 500 years away. It was this prophecy of Daniel that made godly Simeon, praying Anna, and many others expect the coming of the Messiah in their day. Lk.2v25-38.

c. The final period of seven years which brings in the end of the age.

Jesus referred to the final seven years of Daniel's prophecy concerning “thy people,” the Jews, and “thy holy city,” Jerusalem, as the period that would precede His return, and God’s kingdom being set up on earth. Immediately after these seven years Jesus will return and “bring in everlasting righteousness and seal up the vision and prophecy.” When we consider this verse in connection with Rev.10v7,11. and 11v15,18., we see that the seventh trumpet will sound on the last day of these seven years and God will take over the rule of the earth and destroy the wicked. Since most of Israel are blind to grace and are broken off, the Church now has the leading part in God's prophetic purposes, until the last seven years of this age, when both the Church and Israel have a part to play in prophecy. Rom.11v7-26.

Only Babylon, and the nations that have ruled over Jerusalem during these 483 years in the past, and the seven years of Antichrist's kingdom in the future, are shown as part of the Beast. Other nations, such as the Turks, are not included in the Beast, even though they have reigned over Jerusalem. We know, from Rev.17v10., that at the time of John, the sixth kingdom was ruling Jerusalem, this was Rome; the seventh kingdom, the kingdom of Antichrist, has yet to come.

N.B. The exact fulfilment of the first part of Dan.9v24-27., assures the fulfilment of the second part.

There was a remarkable fulfilment of the first part of the prophecy of Dan.9v20-27., and in Mt.24v15-33., Jesus tells us that there will be an equally striking fulfilment of the last part of this prophecy. In 2Thes.2v1-12., Paul reminds the Thessalonians that the desecration of the Sanctuary of the Temple at Jerusalem by Antichrist, will inform us that the second coming of Christ, and the Millennial kingdom, is only 3½ years away. Jesus said that no one knew the day or the hour of His coming, but He tells us that we shall know the year of His coming by Daniel's prophecy, and that when the signs that He gave us come to pass, that His coming will be “nigh, even at the door.” Mt.24v32-36.

4. The significance and history of the Beast and the woman explained. Rev.17v7-15.

a. It is a divine secret which the wise have revealed to them by God.

It is a mystery, that is, one of God's hidden secrets for His children, but Rev.17v9., tells us that it needs a wise Christian inspired by the Holy Spirit to correctly interpret this Scripture. The phrase, “was, and is not, and yet is,” refers to Antichrist as the seventh head of the beast. “It was,” in the sense that six kingdoms had ruled in the past; “it is not,” in the sense that by then six kingdoms have passed away, and “it is,” in the sense that Antichrist's kingdom is reigning in the great tribulation. Until the Antichrist’s kingdom comes, the Beast “was and is not”; when his kingdom comes, it is the Beast “that was, and is not, and yet is.” Antichrist will start to reign as the evil Beast, after he ascends out of the Abyss. This could refer to Antichrist's resurrection from the dead, for no man can come out of the abyss unless they have previously died and gone there. This resurrection of Antichrist is implied elsewhere, Rev.13v3,12,14., and explains why Antichrist is spoken of as the seventh and eighth head, he is the seventh head before his death, and after his resurrection from the dead, he is the eighth head. Rev.17v10,11. No wonder all the world, except the elect, will wonder at the Beast. Ascending out of the abyss could also refer to the fact that death had taken away all the kings and kingdoms spoken of in the previous six heads, and that like these evil kings and kingdoms, Antichrist himself would “go into perdition.” God again reveals to John the certain ultimate triumph of good over evil.

b. The ten kings and the beast.

The ten kings do not succeed each other, they rule the ten kingdoms with Antichrist's delegated authority. The Greek word for “hour” in Rev.17v12., is “hora,” it is used in the New Testament to donate a part of the day, especially an hour, but it can mean any limited time or period, and so besides meaning hour or day, it can also mean season, as in 2Cor.7v8. Philemon.v15. and 1Jn,2v18.. The sense of the word here is undoubtedly “season,” for the kings reign with Antichrist for several years. Rev.13v5. The word “hora,” occurs in the following places in Revelation. Rev.3v3,10. 9v15. 11v13.14v7,15. 17v12. 18v10,17,19. (In Rev.8v1., “hemorion,” is made up from “hora” and “hemisu,” meaning half, so, “half an hour.”) These ten kingdoms are obviously the same kings spoken of in Dan.7v7,8,24., it seems that Antichrist has to fight and overcome three kingdoms before he rules over them all, then all ten of them give him their power, “dunamin,” and strength, “exousian.” This federation of ten evil kings overcome the armies of the rest of the world, but the Lamb, and His “called, chosen, and faithful” followers, destroy Antichrist, for no one can prevail against the King of kings and Lord of lords.

c. God's amazing overriding providence, foreknowledge and pre-creation love for His children. Rev.17v8.

Here in this gallery of sin and horror, God gives us a glimpse back to the time when only God was, and God was thinking over His creation, and seeing by His foreknowledge the people who would be saved and make His creation worthwhile. Before creation, God wrote down in the book of life, the names of those who He knew would one day enjoy the blessings of His great and loving heart. God knew that Jesus would have to suffer and die, and that dark and evil times, like the reign of the Beast, would come and plunge the world into darkness and evil, but these redeemed saints would make all the suffering worthwhile. Some, quite wrongly, think that those who are written in this book, are dominated by the irresistible will of God and cannot be lost in spite of what they do; the truth is that they have free wills, and are written in this book by God's amazing foreknowledge, He knows who will accept the Gospel, and who will reject it. We greatly rejoice that God blotted out our sins and wrote our names in Heaven, when we repented and accepted Jesus. Lk.10v20. Ps.51v1,9. Is.44V22. Acts.3v19.

We read in Exod.32v32,33.and Rev.3v5., that apostasy can result in a person's name being blotted out of the book of life. God does not force people against their wills, either to be saved, or to be lost; angels and men themselves decide their choice of Heaven and Hell, by their choice of good and evil. Rom.8v28,29,30. 1Pet.1v2. Rev.22v17. 2Pet.3v9. God desires to save all, it is the wickedness of men and angels that frustrates this desire of God. Antichrist is one of the unreconcilables, who God raises to a position of power, to reveal the horror of evil, and the power of God. Rev.17v17. Rom.9v21-24.

d. "They that are with Him are called, chosen and faithful." Rev.17v14. How are we "called" and "chosen?"

1. We are called to be saved. Rom.10v12-15. Rev.22v17. 2Pet.3v9.

2. We are called to do some particular work for God here on earth. If we respond to this call and prepare for it, then God chooses us to do this work for Him, as He did with Barnabus and Paul in Acts.13v1-3.. See Jn.15v16.

3. All who are saved are called to rule with Christ in the world and kingdom which is to come. Eph.1v18. However, we will only be chosen to rule with Christ, if we are good and faithful servants, please note, it does not say “successful servants.” Many martyrs did not succeed in winning the people that they were sent to, but they were faithful unto death.

“Chosen” in Rev.17v14., is “eklektos,” it is often translated as “elect,” it occurs in Mt.20v16. 22v14. 24v22,24,31. Mk.13v20,22,27. Lk.18v7. 23v35. Rom.8v33. 16v13. Col.3v12. 1Tim.1v1. 1Pet.1v2. 2v4,6,9. 2Jn.v1,13. Rev.17v14. Jesus states that it is not quantity, but quality of service that counts with Him, and that it is not length of service, but faithfulness in service that will win His “well done.” Love is the key to Christ's, “Well done.” Only those who love to serve and care for people will rule with Christ. Mt.20v1-28. Lk.19v17. 1Cor.13. all.


THE DESTRUCTION OF "BABYLON," AT THE END OF THE TRIBULATION. Rev.17v16-19v5.

A. THE LAST THREE MAJOR CALAMITIES AND FALLS OF JERUSALEM.

The city of Jerusalem will be the city of Antichrist during the last 3½ years of this age, and he will exercise great power from it. However during the last few days of this age Jerusalem appears to suffer three major falls and calamities.

1. When a revival brought about by the Two Witnesses is put down by Antichrist.

It seems that the ministry of the Two Witnesses is so successful in turning people to God in Jerusalem, that Antichrist has to return there immediately after winning his greatest and last battle at Megiddo, to bring the people in the city back under his control. God finally allows Antichrist to kill the Two Witnesses. In.Lk.17v31-37., Jesus warns us that Antichrist will send out his soldiers and secret police to seek out and murder those who have repented and turned to God in Jerusalem and Judea, and the country again briefly falls under Antichrist’s evil rule. Jesus brings his evil rule to an end within about three days.

2. After the Two Witnesses are raised from the dead.

The resurrection of the Two Witnesses, and the earthquake that follows it, turns many in the city in repentance to God. Rev.11v11-15. The conversion of many thousands of people due to these remarkable happenings, finally causes Antichrist to sack Jerusalem. Antichrist, Jerusalem's false ally, sends his armies to rend, loot and burn Jerusalem with fire, as a punishment and warning. Rev.17v16,17. 18v2,14. Jesus tells us of this destruction of Jerusalem in Lk.17v37., and says that Jerusalem becomes like a carcase with the vultures of Antichrist's armies around it picking its bones.

If Antichrist had burned the city when he returned to kill the Two Witnesses, a tenth of the city could hardly fall in the earthquake of Rev.11v11-15., as it would have previously been destroyed by gunfire and fire. In Rev.18v4-8., God warns His people to flee from Jerusalem to escape the wrath of Antichrist, and God's judgement on this apostate city.

N.B. God uses Antichrist and his armies to bring judgement on Jerusalem. Rev.17v16,17.

Antichrist fulfils the will of God when he sacks Jerusalem and sets it on fire. Rev.17v16-18. Is.10v5-19. esp. v7. Is.47v7,8. The plagues spoken of in Rev.18v8., of death, mourning, famine and fire, fulfil God's will even though they come through Antichrist. The city that had prided its self upon its power and influence and riches, becomes a desolation, and the hold of unclean spirits and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird. The words “hold,” and “cage,” in Rev.18v2., are translations of the same Greek word, “phulake,” and while it does have the meaning of prison, watch-post, or station, it can also mean “haunt.” Is.34v11. Jer.50v39. 51v37. Demons seek bodies that they can possess, and carrion seeking birds roam the city.

3. When the feet of the Lord Jesus touch the Mount of Olives and it splits in two.

When our Lord's feet touch the Mount of Olives, a great earthquake takes place and shatters the city, and divides it up into three parts, according to Rev.16v19.. Some of the old city is then covered with the waters of the new river of Ezek.47v1-12.. According to Ps.48v1,2., the new Millennial city of Jerusalem will be built upon the new mountain that is formed to the north of the present site. The prophecy of Dan.9v26., also confirms that the end of the present city of Jerusalem will be with a flood. This is quite impossible at the moment, it takes the colossal earthquake of Zech.14v4-8., which is also mentioned in Rev.16v17-20., and the consequent massive earth movements to make this possible. The Hebrew word for “flood,” in Dan.9v26., is “sheteph,” and is translated as “flood,” in Ps.32v6. Dan.11v22. and Nahum.1v8. This flood is the reason why neither music or voice shall be heard in the streets, and no work will ever take place in her again. So will every person, city, or nation perish that forgets God.

B. THE JOY OF GOD'S CHILDREN AT THE DESTRUCTION OF "BABYLON."

From Rev.18v20 to 19v5., we see the joy of all of Heaven's inhabitants at the destruction of this evil city, that has shed the blood of the children of God, but the wicked sorrow over the destruction of this evil and financially profitable city. How vain does the pursuit of sin, pleasure and wealth look in the light of judgement day, how quickly worldly things can perish. It is a dreadful indictment of this city and the wicked people who mourn over her, that the bodies and souls of men are placed last in their list of the things that this city traded in, even animals like sheep and cattle are counted of more value. The wicked look upon their souls as the cheapest and least important commodity. Rev.18v9-19.

All of Heaven's citizens proclaim the justice of God's judgement upon Jerusalem; in Rev.18v6. the word for “reward” is “apodote,” which speaks of a just requital and not of revenge. Likewise in Rev.18v20. the word for “avenged” is “ekrinen,” which also speaks of justice and not vengeance, the Revised Standard Version translation reads “God has given judgement for you against her.” Heaven rejoices that God has exacted just judgement for the blood of his servants from (“ek”) her, and praises and worships God for His judgement on the wicked. Rev.19v4. A voice from the throne, summons all God’s servants to join in praise to God over these issues of judgement. In Rev.19v1-6., we have four tremendous Alleluias over the judgement of the wicked and Jerusalem, and because “the Lord God omnipotent reigneth.” Rev.5v11. Heb.12v22. All rejoice that the sufferings of God, and the suffering of His people at the hands of the wicked, is finished forever. God's kingdom has been set up on earth. Is.34v10. 42v13-17. 63v1-6. 66v24.

There will be heartfelt rejoicing and thankfulness when Satan and his angels and the rest of the wicked are confined in God's prison. This, is, of course, quite a different kind of rejoicing to that rejoicing which takes place when the sinner repents, for there can be no pleasure over the death and eternal confinement of the wicked in Hell. Lk.15v7. Ezek.18v23,32. They rejoice that the pain and suffering caused by the wicked and their evil acts are forever banished from the creation. We also see in Rev.19v2., that all the redeemed are perfectly satisfied at the “true and righteous” judgements of God. They are “saying,” (“legonton,” the present active participle of “lego”), “Allelouia,” it only occurs in the New Testament in Rev.19v1,3,4,6., it means, “Praise ye the Lord.” Fifteen of the Psalms begin or end with “Hallelujah.”

A prominent place is given to Jerusalem in Revelation, for Rev.11v1-13. 13v14-16. 14v8,20. 16v10,19. 17v1 to 19v4. show Jerusalem during the great tribulation; Rev.20v7-9. Jerusalem in the Millennium; and Rev.21v9 to 22v7. the New Jerusalem in the eternal kingdom.

12. THE WRATH OF GOD, AND MARRIAGE SUPPER OF THE LAMB. Rev.19v1 to 20v3.

God reigns, the wicked are vanquished, the separation of Christ from His Church on earth is ended, and we see our beloved Lord as He really is. What a wonderful day that will be, when the marriage supper of the Lamb is come, and Christ is the Bridegroom of the Church. Mt.22v2. 25v1. Mk.2v19. Jn.3v29. 2Cor.11v2. Eph.5v25. Rev.19v9. 21v2. 22v17. The exceeding joy of all Heaven at the marriage supper of the Lamb is expressed with the words of Rev.19v7., “Let us rejoice and be exceeding glad,” “chairomen kai agalliomen,” the present active subjunctive of “chairo” and “agalliao.” Both verbs occur together in Mt.5v12.. God is said to be the Bridegroom of Israel in Is. 54v6. Hos 2v16. Christ is the Bridegroom of the Kingdom in the Gospels. Mt.9v15. Mk.2v19,20. Lu.5v34,35. Jn.3v29. The marriage, “gamos,” is mentioned in Mt.22v2-14.. The bride is said to have “made herself ready,” with her Lord's help, for this great day. 1Jn.3v3. Jude.v21. 2Cor.7v1. Eph.5v25. This bridal dress is said to be “the righteous acts of the saints,” but it is also a gift from Christ., for “it was given,” (“edothe,” the aorist passive indicative of “didooi,” to give, “edothe,” “it was given,” occurs about 20 times in Revelation). The garments are said to be, “fine linen, bright and pure.” See Rev.15v6. 19v14. In sharp contrast are the filthy garments of the harlot. Rev.17v4. 18v16.

Is the Bride of Christ a select group of Christians?

There are differences of opinion as to what persons will make up of the bride of Christ. Some think that they may be a select group of Christians, like the 144,000 of Rev.14v1-5., while others think the Bride is composed of the choice children of God from all the ages, while still others think that they are the saved of all the ages. I personally think that they are the saved of the present age, however, God has prepared a heavenly city for some faithful Old Testament saints; for Abraham, and others, were looking for a heavenly city. Heb.11v10-16,39,40. 12v22,23. 13v14. Rev.21v2,9,10. A faithful servant can have rule over a son that causeth shame. Prov.17v2. The saved nations who bring their glory and honour into the new Jerusalem are distinguished from those who live in the city. Compare Rev.21v9,10. with 21v26. Who are nations who live outside the city and bring their glory into it? Do these nations consist of the redeemed of the Old Testament and Millennium? We shall have to wait until Jesus returns to find all the answers, but we can certainly say that this enormous city is built to hold untold millions of inhabitants.

Through the grace of God every believer is a member of Christ's Church and therefore a part of the bride of Christ. Rom.7v4. When Jesus is called the bridegroom of the Church, it is another way of saying that He is the Head of the Church. The Church is spoken of as a bride in relation to the age that is to come, and her role in that age, whereas she is looked upon as Christ's body in relation to this present age. All believers, even the carnal Corinthians, are looked upon as a member of the Church, and part of the body of Christ. 1Cor.12v12,13,27. 11v32. Eph.1v22,23. 5v23,24,27. Jn.3v29. Rev.19v9. Mt.22v2-10. We need to realise the great privilege that is ours in Christ, the Church is looked upon as being of a higher rank than the Old Testament Israel of God, however, they are both complementary and dependent upon one another. Mt.11v11. Heb.11v39,40. We are told very little about the organisation of the eternal kingdom of God so we should not be too dogmatic in our statements about it.

The relationship between the Church and Christ is likened to that between a bride and bridegroom, the most blest relationship that the human mind can conceive of. The glorious fellowship between Christ and His Church is impossible to describe other than by such symbols, it gives the picture of perfect love and perfect union of spirit and purpose, and that the plans, purposes, joys and activities of Christ and His Church will be the same forever.. What a glorious day it will be! Hallelujah! Let us make quite sure that we inherit all the promises that are given to us as Christians, for we can certainly miss the heavenly calling to rule with Christ by sloth and sin, even if we do not miss the marriage feast. Eph.1v11-14. Col.1v21-23. 1Thes.2v12. 1Pet.5v10. Rev.3v5. 14v1-5. 17v14. Heb.6v11,12. 10v35,36. 11v24-27. 2Jn.v8. The bride of Christ makes herself ready, her white garments are the result of the righteous acts that she has done by God's grace. James.2v14-26.

John was so overwhelmed by the glory of the vision and the majesty of the angel, that he fell down to worship him, but the angel forbade it, “See thou do it not,” “hora me,” a prohibition which is repeated again in Rev.22v9.. See Col.2v18. The angel has no Satanic desire to receive worship and tells John to worship God, as he was only revealing prophetic truth and testifying of Jesus, as a fellow-servant of God with John, and others, who had testified of Jesus. The angel states that the Holy Spirit’s prophetic ministry manifests itself in witness to Jesus. This is a true test of a person's source of inspiration. 1Jn.4v1-6. Col.1v7.4v7. Rev.6v11. Heb.1v14. “Fellow-servant,” is “sundoulos,” “doulos” gives the idea of humble subjection without bondage. Holy angels gratefully acknowledge that they owe all they have and are to God, and are truly humble about their immense abilities. The working together of angelic and earthly servants of God is very apparent in the record of the activities of the early Church, and where the Church is renewed in faith, holiness and love, these visitations have always taken place.

JESUS COMES TO DESTROY EVIL AND REIGN. Rev.19v11 to 20v3. Cf. Is.24v21. 25v7-9.

The invisible spiritual world is permanently opened and made visible to all on earth.

We read in Rev.19v11., that “the heaven opened,” “eneoigmenon,” the perfect passive participle of “anoigo,” to open, the perfect tense indicates that it has opened and continues to stand open, the veil has been permanently removed. This most significant of all openings of Heaven, will reveal to mankind the present unseen realities in the heavenly and spiritual world. This fulfils the prophecy of Mt.24v27-31.. The Scriptures record that the heavens have been opened and visions of God have been granted to individuals, particularly the prophets, and to groups of people, as in the case of Moses and the 70 elders of Israel, and the 500 people who saw Jesus after His resurrection. Exod.24v9-18. 1Cor.15v6. Chron.18v18-22. Is.6v1-13. Ezek.1v1-28.

The heavens were opened to Jesus at His baptism, the aorist passive of “anoigo,” to open, is used in Mt.3v16. and Lk.3v21., but Mk.1v10., states Jesus saw the heavens “parting asunder,” “schizomenous,” the present passive participle of “schizo,” to split, to divide. Jesus said that Nathanael would experience an opened Heaven like Jacob. Gen.28v12-16. Jn.1v51. John in Revelation. Rev.4v1,2.. 3v7,8. The vision of Jesus is glorious, awe-inspiring and majestic.

Here we see Christ’s glorious appearing, an event referred to before in Revelation, but not described in detail. In Rev.1v14. and 2v18., as well as here, Christ’s eyes are described “as a flame of fire,” His kind but searching eyes search every heart and life, and give to everyone, sinner and saint alike, according to their works. Jesus wears, “many royal kingly crowns,” “diademata polla,” as King of kings and Lord of lords. The dragon has a diadem on each of his seven heads, Rev.12v3., and Antichrist one on each of his ten horns Rev.13v1., but their kingdoms and crowns are destroyed, Christ's kingdom and crowns will last forever. God rewards the incorruptible integrity and victories of Jesus with a name of special significance, which only He knows. His name, and the names written on the foreheads of the overcomers and the 144,000, contrast greatly with the blasphemous names written on the forehead of the harlot. Rev.2v17. 3v12. 14v1. 17v5.

Our faithful and true, Messiah Warrior, and Judge.

Christ’s white horse signifies his purity and love, He comes to purify and cleanse the world of evil. Antichrist’s white horse signifies that he makes an outside show of being a peacemaker, and deceitfully and craftily hides the total evil within. Rev.6v1,2. Antichrist brings sin, war, and awful suffering to the world, Jesus brings a reign of righteousness and peace. Jesus is “Faithful and True,” “pistos kai alethinos,” He fulfils His Word, He is the promised righteous Messiah Warrior Judge of the Old Testament, and “in righteousness he doth judge and make war.” Is.11v1-10. Rev.1v5.3v7,14. 22v6. Jesus comes with the final and irrevocable act of judgement on Antichrist and his followers, for the suffering they have caused, so He executes them and removes their evil presence from creation. Is.42v13-16. 63v1-6. 2Thes.1v5-11.

We read in Rev.19v14., that “the armies which are in Heaven followed him, upon white horses and clothed in fine linen white and pure.” This time they are not under the direction of Michael as in Rev.12v7., but under the command of Jesus. Mt.13v41. 24v29-31. 25v31. 26v53. Rev.5v11,12. Jesus personally executes the armies of Antichrist who turn to fight him, His angelic hosts gather the Christian saints together into His presence at His coming, Mt.24v31.; they also go among the nations of the earth and weed out the wicked from the righteous, and bring them for judgement. Mt.13v36-43,47-50. 25v31-46.

The sword of our Lord's mouth is an awesome weapon.

We read that a sword proceeds out of the mouth of the Lord, in Rev.1v16. 2v12., we read “romphaia distomos oxeia,” literally “a sword two-mouthed sharp,” here in Rev.19v15., “a sharp sword,” is “romphaia oxeia,” The sword here is not the “machaira,” spoken of in Heb.4v12., it is the “romphaia,” the long and heavy broad sword which the Thracians and other nations were armed with, some say the word speaks of a Thracian javelin. The word “romphaia,” only occurs in Rev.1v16. 2v12,16. 6v8. 19v15,21. and in Lk.2v35., where Simeon uses it to convey the terrible shock and inner pain that Mary would feel when Jesus became “a sign which was spoken against,” and was “despised and rejected,” persecuted and crucified. The sword of our Lord's mouth is a terrifying weapon, which will be manifested at His second coming with devastating effect on the wicked. His spoken words of judgement cause the dissolution of the bodies of the armies of Antichrist. Zech.14v12. Rev.19v15,21. “Rule” here is “poimanei,” the future active of “poimaino”, to shepherd as in Rev.2v27. and 12v5., Jesus shepherds the nations “with a rod of iron,” for it needs a rod of iron to bring and keep order in the world at His return, Jesus shepherds His own flock very differently. 1Pe.2v25. & Heb.13v20. use “poimen,” shepherd. Rev.7v17., “pomainei,” will shepherd.

The great day of the wrath of the Lamb.

This is the day when Jesus destroys the wicked who are destroying the earth. Rev.6v17. 11v18. 14v17-20. 16v17-21. The God of love has gone to the very limits of longsuffering and mercy, but He refuses to allow the world to suffer any more, so the day of vengeance has come, when the unrepentant will receive the wrath that they have treasured up. Is.61v2. Eccles.8v11. Rom.2v4. Rev.2v21. We read that our Lord “treadeth the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath of Almighty God,” The wrath of the Lamb is so much more striking, because it is the wrath of love and justice, it is in no sense due to personal spite. The meek and lowly Saviour is stirred to intense anger at the wicked because of the tremendous suffering that they have caused, so Jesus bursts out in terrible anger and judgement on the wicked. Is.42v13-17. 63v1-6. Ps.2v1-12. 45v1-7. 2Pet.3v9.10. Rev.6v12-17. Jer.25v15-38. Is.24v17-23.

The "thumos" and "orge" anger of God.

The Bible often speaks of the anger of God and His punishment of the wicked. In Rev.14v10. 16v19. and 19v5., John uses two Greek words, both of which mean anger, to emphasise the strength of Christ’s and the Father’s anger on the day of the Lord. The flaming anger of “thumos,” and the smouldering lasting anger of “orge,” are used to describe the great anger of God the Father and Son on that great last day. “Orge,” speaks of God’s judicial anger, “thumos” is God’s, “great but transient anger,” a more passionate, but a more temporary anger, like fire in straw, quickly blazing up, and as quickly extinguished. “Thumos” occurs 18 times in the New Testament, 10 of which are in the Revelation, it is used to describe the wrath of God 8 times, Rom.2v8. Rev.14v10,19. 15v1,7. 16v1,19. 19v15., and it well describes the tremendous outburst of God's wrath on the day of the Lord, at the second coming of Christ. Everywhere else the word “thumos is used in a bad sense, Lk.4v28. Acts.19v28. 2Cor.12v20. Gal.5v20. Eph.4v31. Col.3v8. Heb.11v27. Rev.12v12. 14v8. 18v3.. The word “orge” describes “the smouldering anger,” and “the abiding and settled habit of mind” and attitude that God manifests in dealing with the sinner before the great day of His wrath. The word “orge” occurs in the following places. Mt.3v7. Mk.3v5. Lk.3v7. 21v23. Jn.3v36. Rom.1v18. 2v5,8. 3v5. 4v15. 5v9. 9v22. 12v19. 13v4,5. Eph.2v3. 4v31. 5v6. Col.3v6,8. 1Thes.1v10. 2v16. 5v9. 1Tim.2v8. Heb.3v11. 4v3. James.1v19,20. Rev.6v16,17. 11v18. 14v10. 16v19. 19v15. The verb “orgizomai,” is used in, Mt.5v22. 18v34. 22v7. Lk.14v21. 15v28. Eph.4v26. Rev.11v18. 12v17.

In Rev.19v13., we read that Jesus is “clothed with a garment dipped in blood,” (the Majority Text reads “bebammenon,” the perfect passive participle of “bapto,” to dip). In Is.63v1-3., it is stated that the garments of Jesus will be stained with the blood of His enemies; however, Rev.19v13., is almost certainly not speaking of the blood of the wicked, for this blood is on His garments before He destroys Antichrist and his evil followers. Christ's bloodstained garments proclaim to all, that before He judges the wicked, He has done all that He could to save them, even to the shedding of His own precious blood for them. Now He comes to judge the wicked, who had not only rejected His offer of salvation, but had brought terrible suffering to the world. Jesus is “Faithful and True” in all that He does, whether it be redemption, or judgement. Blessed be His name!

Antichrist and his armies are by no means repentant, and turn to fight the Lord.

Antichrist’s armies are frightened, but they try to fight the Lord, they think that they can destroy the Almighty. Rev.6v15-17. 19v19. Ps.2v1-12. Dan.8v25. It proves if wicked men see God, they will not repent, they see God and fight Him in open defiance and rebellion. Rom.1v18-21,32. An even more amazing rebellion takes place at the end of the Millennium, when, after living in the presence of God for 1,000 years, vast multitudes rebel and attempt to destroy the city of God and its inhabitants. A huge number of people still want to be wicked, even though there has been perfect peace, prosperity, and no problems of any kind. It is a tragic fact, that people can, like Satan, make an irrevocable choice for evil while living in the presence of God. Is.24v23. The Beast and the false prophet still have the same attitude to God and sin, that they had when they were put in the lake of fire 1,000 years before, they have lost their bodies, but they have not lost their desire to sin. Rev.20v10 with 21v8. We see from Mt.25v41,46. and Rev.14v9-11., that those who followed Antichrist go straight to the lake of fire, and not to Hades, and as they have made their decision to sin for ever, clear to all, there is no need of another judgement at the Great White Throne.

God the Word fulfils His promise to judge the wicked and establish His kingdom.

In Jn.1v1,14., Jesus is called, “The Word,” “ho logos;” in 1Jn.1v1., He is called “the Word of Life,” “ho Logos tes zoes;” here in Rev.19v13., Jesus is called, “The Word of God,” “ho Logos tou theou.” The Jews understood this phrase referred to the only true God, and it is as God that Jesus returns to judge. Jn.1v1,18. 14v7-11. Jesus fully and perfectly expresses all that the Father is, all the beauty and glory of His mind, person and character. Jn.14v8,9. Col.2v9.

Jesus is in charge of the armies of Heaven, He is the Lord of hosts, and the angelic hosts obey His commands, they “gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do wickedly,” they sift the remaining wicked from among the nations after Jesus has destroyed Antichrist's armies and followers. Mt.13v39-43,49,50. Zech.14v12. 2Thes.1v7,8. Rev.19v20,21. We know from 1Thes.4v14., and Judev14,15., that when Jesus returns He brings back the souls of the saints who have died. Jesus returns as King to reign, to receive the kingdom that is rightfully His. He is the King of kings and the Lord of Lords, and this title is written upon His dress that is upon His thigh, as was the usual custom of great personages in Eastern countries. Jesus comes to reign in righteousness and to bring peace. Is.32v1,15-18. The wicked, who have destroyed peace and happiness, are themselves destroyed. Scavenging birds are invited to eat the corpses of Antichrist’s armies, to help to clean up the earth after the slaughter. This prophecy of judgement will certainly be fulfilled. Ezek.39v9-22. The angelic armies God sends in judgement, He can send in blessing, if His Church is willing, but He is often frustrated by a stubborn and rebellious people. Rom.10v21.

Satan is seized, chained and put into the abyss by one angel. Lk.8v31. Rom.10v7. Rev.9v1,11.

Satan is not put in the lake of fire yet, for God has still to make further use of his wickedness, and “he must be loosed,” (“dei,” the Divine necessity), “for a little time.” Rev.20v1-3,7-10. God could have put Satan in the Abyss long ago, but He has used Satan to make people choose good or evil more quickly than they would have done without his influence. God has also used Satan to purify His saints, God uses a hired razor to shave his people. Job.1v1 to 2v13. Lk.22v31-34. Is.7v20. 10.v5,6.

Notice the names that God gives to the Evil One in Rev.20v2..

1. He is called, "The Dragon." This to show his destructive and fierce nature, he is the destroyer of mankind and creation.

2. God also calls him, "The Old Serpent." This reveals his longstanding hatred of mankind, he has been the enemy of man since man's creation, and has corrupted the first parents and the rest of their seed.

3. Satan is also spoken of as, "The Devil." He slanders and accuses God to man, and slanders and accuses man to God. Gen.3v1-5. Job.1v9-11. 2v4,5. Rev.12v10. He is the father and originator of all slanderous lies and deceit. Jn.8v44.

4. He is "Satan." The adversary, who opposes both the will of God, and the truth of God; he is the adversary who Christ had to fight, and Christ's brethren have the same conflict with him.

Here we see the kingdom of darkness smashed and broken by the Light of the world, Jesus Christ. When He returns Jesus imprisons Satan and his angels, a thing that they now look forward to with great dread. This judgement of the wicked angels, as well as wicked men, will make it possible for the world to be happy again. Ps.82.v6,7. Is.24v21-23. 25v7. 34v5. Mt.8v29.

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