Revelation 19 – Jesus Returns And The Battle Of Armageddon

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” 3 Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah!

The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.”  – Revelation 19:1-3

“After this” signifies that this is the next event in the chronological order of John’s vision. This is taking place after John saw the description of the antichrist’s global kingdom and system of religion in Revelation 17. And the antichrist’s global government and economic system in Revelation 18.

And after the judgment and destruction of the antichrist’s rebuilt capitol city of the Babylon in Revelation 18.

The judgment and punishment of God during the 7 year tribulation period started in Revelation 6 with the 7 seal judgements. Next were the 7 trumpet judgements.  And finally the 7 bowl judgements or plagues, ending in Revelation 18.

Who is the great multitude that John sees in heaven that is rejoicing?

Back in Revelation 6, when the 5th seal judgement was opened, John saw a great number of saints or believers that were martyred in the tribulation. They were crying out to God for Him to avenge their blood and deaths. And they were told to wait a little longer.

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.”  – Revelation 6:9-11

In Revelation 7 John saw the 144,000 faithful Jewish witnesses that God sent to preach the Gospel to Jews and the rest of the world in the tribulation. And after that he saw the results of their faithful witness for Jesus. A great multitude of believers that came to Christ in the tribulation, and then were killed by the antichrist.

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” – Revelation 7:9-10

“Then one of the elders addressed me, saying, “Who are these, clothed in white robes, and from where have they come?” 14 I said to him, “Sir, you know.” And he said to me, “These are the ones coming out of the great tribulation. They have washed their robes and made them white in the blood of the Lamb. 15 “Therefore they are before the throne of God, and serve him day and night in his temple; and he who sits on the throne will shelter them with his presence. 16 They shall hunger no more, neither thirst anymore; the sun shall not strike them, nor any scorching heat. 17 For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd,

and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.”  – Revelation 7:13-17

Finally near the end of Revelation 18 John hears an angel say:

“Rejoice over her, O heaven, and you saints and apostles and prophets, for God has given judgment for you against her!”  – Revelation 18:20

The great multitude that is rejoicing in heaven at the beginning of Revelation 19 are the believers that came to Christ during the tribulation. And they were killed by the antichrist because of their faith and their faithful witness.

They are rejoicing because God has finally brought His judgment and destruction upon His enemies. And He has finally avenged the death of all of His faithful prophets and witnesses.

“And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying,

“Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him,

small and great.” – Revelation 19:4-5

John then sees the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures join the great multitude in worshipping and praising God.

We first saw the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures in John’s vision of heaven and God’s throne in Revelation 4.

“At once I was in the Spirit, and behold, a throne stood in heaven, with one seated on the throne. 3 And he who sat there had the appearance of jasper and carnelian, and around the throne was a rainbow that had the appearance of an emerald. 4 Around the throne were twenty-four thrones, and seated on the thrones were twenty-four elders, clothed in white garments, with golden crowns on their heads. 5 From the throne came flashes of lightning, and rumblings and peals of thunder, and before the throne were burning seven torches of fire, which are the seven spirits of God, 6 and before the throne there was as it were a sea of glass, like crystal.” – Revelation 4:2-6

“And around the throne, on each side of the throne, are four living creatures, full of eyes in front and behind: 7 the first living creature like a lion, the second living creature like an ox, the third living creature with the face of a man, and the fourth living creature like an eagle in flight. 8 And the four living creatures, each of them with six wings, are full of eyes all around and within, and day and night they never cease to say, “Holy, holy, holy, is the Lord God Almighty, who was and is and is to come!” 9 And whenever the living creatures give glory and honor and thanks to him who is seated on the throne, who lives forever and ever, 10 the twenty-four elders fall down before him who is seated on the throne and worship him who lives forever and ever. They cast their crowns before the throne, saying, 11 “Worthy are you, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honor and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.” – Revelation 4:6-11

John saw the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures again in heaven around God’s throne in Revelation 5. This was when Jesus, the Lamb, opened the seals of the scroll, or the deed and title of the universe. Jesus is the rightful Heir to the universe and God’s kingdom.

“And between the throne and the four living creatures and among the elders I saw a Lamb standing, as though it had been slain, with seven horns and with seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent out into all the earth. 7 And he went and took the scroll from the right hand of him who was seated on the throne. 8 And when he had taken the scroll, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb, each holding a harp, and golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints. 9 And they sang a new song, saying, “Worthy are you to take the scroll and to open its seals, for you were slain, and by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation,10 and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God, and they shall reign on the earth.” – Revelation 5:6-10

To understand who or what the 24 elders and the 4 living creatures are, you can go back to our studies of Revelation 4 and Revelation 5.

We see the word “Hallelujah” various times in Revelation 19.

“After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, crying out, “Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, 2 for his judgments are true and just; for he has judged the great prostitute

who corrupted the earth with her immorality, and has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” – Revelation 19:1-2

“Once more they cried out, “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up forever and ever.” – Revelation 19:3

“And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who was seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!” 5 And from the throne came a voice saying,

“Praise our God, all you his servants, you who fear him, small and great.” – Revelation 19:4-5

“Then I heard what seemed to be the voice of a great multitude, like the roar of many waters and like the sound of mighty peals of thunder, crying out, “Hallelujah! For the Lord our God the Almighty reigns. 7 Let us rejoice and exultcand give him the glory” – Revelation 19:6-7

It is interesting to note that the word Hallelujah only appears in the New Testament in this chapter of Revelation, 19.

The word Hallelujah does not appear anywhere else in the New Testament. It appears about 25 times in the Old Testament, and only in the Psalms. Some of the Psalms start and/or end with Hallelujah. For example:

“Praise the LORD (Hallelujah)! Praise the LORD, O my soul! 2 I will praise the LORD while I live; I will sing praises to my God while I have my being.” – Psalm 146:1-2

 “Hallelujah! Praise God in His sanctuary; praise Him in His mighty heavens.” – Psalm 150:1

Some versions of the Bible will have the words “Praise the LORD ” instead of Hallelujah.

The term “Hallelujah” is derived from the Hebrew phrase “halelu Yah,” which means “praise Yah” or “praise the LORD. Normally it is associated with praising God for deliverance of God’s people from evil and wickedness.

That is the case in Revelation 19. The great multitude of slain believers, and the angels, and the 24 elders and 4 living creatures are all saying “Hallelujah” because it is finally time for Jesus to return and deliver the world from the God’s enemies and the evil one Satan.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” – Revelation 19:7-9

The Bible often uses the words marriage and bride to describe the relationship between God’s people and God in the Old Testament. And between Jesus and His followers in the New Testament. For example:

“For as a young man marries a young woman, so shall your sons marry you, and as the bridegroom rejoices over the bride, so shall your God rejoice over you.” – Isaiah 62:5

“Go and proclaim in the hearing of Jerusalem, Thus says the Lord, “I remember the devotion of your youth, your love as a bride, how you followed me in the wilderness, in a land not sown. 3 Israel was holy to the Lord, the firstfruits of his harvest.” – Jeremiah 2:2-3

God even uses the word adultery when His people turned away from Him and turned to idols, false gods, and immortality.

“During the reign of King Josiah, the Lord said to me, “Have you seen what faithless Israel has done? She has gone up on every high hill and under every spreading tree and has committed adultery there.” – Jeremiah 3:6

In ancient days marriages were more elaborate and involved much more than marriages today. There were 3 main parts of a marriage.

The first part was a marriage contract or when 2 were betrothed. It was a contract between the bride’s family and the groom’s family. And it involved the groom or his family giving a dowry to the bride or her family. The betrothal or engagement period usually lasted a long time.

Many times the contracts were made when the bride and groom were young, and sometimes before they were even born. Families wanted their son or daughter to marry into another family that had similar beliefs and values and morals.

The next part of the ancient marriage was something that was part of the marriage festivities. Usually a short time before the marriage ceremony. It was a procession or parade that a groom and his friends made to pick up the bride and her maidens at her house, and then take her to the groom’s house. When they did this at night they would all have oil lamps to light the way.

Jesus used this lightened procession in his parable of the 10 virgins (brides) in Matthew 25.

“Then the kingdom of heaven will be like ten virgins who took their lamps and went to meet the bridegroom. 2 Five of them were foolish, and five were wise. 3 For when the foolish took their lamps, they took no oil with them, 4 but the wise took flasks of oil with their lamps.” – Matthew 25:1-4

The third part of the marriage process was the marriage supper or celebration festivities. The celebration could last for days, or even up to a week if the families were rich. The marriage supper culminated in the actual marriage ceremony and vows.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints. 9 And the angel said to me, “Write this: Blessed are those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb.” And he said to me, “These are the true words of God.” – Revelation 19:7-9

There is another reason for the rejoicing going on in heaven in Revelation 19. The marriage supper of the Lamb.

When a person repents and puts his or her faith in Jesus, and commits to follow Him, this is similar to the first part of the ancient marriage. A marriage contract, or better said a total commitment to Jesus.

The second part of the ancient marriage was the procession, taking the bride to the groom’s house. This is similar to when Jesus’ church or faithful followers will be raptured into heaven right before the tribulation begins.

And now in Revelation 19 we see the final part of the marriage. The marriage supper of the Lamb, or the celebration festivities.

Jesus used a parable in Matthew 22 to teach about the marriage supper of the Lamb. And the requirements for salvation and entry into the marriage feast. Or the required “marriage clothing or apparel”.

You can read our study about predestination, the elect, and the marriage feast here to better understand these things: Predestination In The Bible and Predestination And The Elect

In Revelation 19 everything is ready for the marriage supper of the Lamb. But one more thing must take place before the celebration begins.

God’s wrath and judgment needs to be completed. And God’s enemies must be defeated and destroyed.

Just as God designated Jesus, the Lamb, as the rightful Heir of the universe, God has designated Jesus to be the One to finalize the destruction of Satan and God’s enemies. And starting in verse 11 we will see this happen.

“Let us rejoice and exult and give him the glory, for the marriage of the Lamb has come, and his Bride has made herself ready; 8 it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” – Revelation 19:7-8

John sees the bride at the marriage supper of the Lamb, or the great marriage celebration in heaven. The bride is the church, the true followers of Jesus. Note just people who are members of a “Christian” type church. But the faithful followers, disciples, and witnesses of Jesus.

John sees the bride, Jesus’ church, clothed in bright fine linen or clothing. John has seen various times now in Revelation the saints or true followers of Jesus in heaven, clothed in shining white robes or garments.

In Revelation 6 John saw the believers that had been killed for their faith and faithful witness during the tribulation. They were given white robes.

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. 10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers[c] should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.

In Revelation 7 John saw a great multitude of saints that were martyred in the tribulation. They too were dressed in shining white robes.

“After this I looked, and behold, a great multitude that no one could number, from every nation, from all tribes and peoples and languages, standing before the throne and before the Lamb, clothed in white robes, with palm branches in their hands, 10 and crying out with a loud voice, “Salvation belongs to our God who sits on the throne, and to the Lamb!” – Revelation 7:9-10

Isaiah talked about the shining white garments. He said that the Lord clothed him in “garments of salvation”, and a “robe of righteousness “.

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord; my soul shall exult in my God, for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation; he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decks himself like a priest with a beautiful headdress, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels.” – Isaiah 61:10

In Revelation 19 John says that the bride, or the true church, in the marriage supper of the Lamb will be dressed in fine, bright and pure linen. And the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.

“it was granted her to clothe herself with fine linen, bright and pure”— for the fine linen is the righteous deeds of the saints.” – Revelation 19:7-8

One could misinterpret “the righteous deeds of the saints” as meaning that the salvation of the saints can be earned by doing good deeds. It does not mean this.

Paul in Ephesians 2 says this about salvation:

“For by grace you have been saved through faith. And this is not your own doing; it is the gift of God, 9 not a result of works, so that no one may boast. 10 For we are his workmanship, created in Christ Jesus for good works, which God prepared beforehand, that we should walk in them.” – Ephesians 2:8-10

Paul talks about good works after salvation. But he clearly shows that salvation is by faith and grace, and not by works.

The shining white garments of righteousness that will be given to all faithful and true followers of Jesus for the marriage supper or celebration of the Lamb will not be because of our own righteousness. Or our own good works of righteousness.

The shining white garments signify that the righteousness of Jesus will be given to His true followers and bride. Only Jesus is righteousness, pure, and holy. All the rest of us are sinners.

But by God’s grace we are given salvation and a restored relationship with God through Jesus. By placing our faith in Jesus alone, and by repenting from our sins.

“Now after John was arrested, Jesus came into Galilee, proclaiming the gospel of God, 15 and saying, “The time is fulfilled, and the kingdom of God is at hand; repent and believe in the gospel.” – Jesus, Mark 1:14-15

“Then I fell down at his feet to worship him, but he said to me, “You must not do that! I am a fellow servant with you and your brothers who hold to the testimony of Jesus. Worship God.” For the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy.” – Revelation 19:10

Next John does something very interesting and surprising. He falls down to worship the angel that is telling him about the marriage supper of the Lamb. And the shining white garments of the bride.

Perhaps he was caught up in the moment when seeing how glorious and wonderful it will be to be a part of the joyous marriage supper or celebration of the Lamb.

When John started to worship the angel, the angel told him not to do that, and that he was just a fellow servant of the Lord like John.

The bride of Christ, the true church of true followers and witnesses, are simply servants. Christ is the Lord and King. And all of us are simply servants.

In the modern day church there are so many leadership conferences offered. So many people learning to be good leaders.

Yet in God’s word we are encouraged and taught to be faithful and obedient followers. And servants. Pastors, leaders, missionaries… are to be humble and faithful servants.

Paul, one of the most passionate and faithful people that God used in great ways, called himself a bond servant or slave of Christ.

“Paul, a servant of Christ Jesus, called to be an apostle, set apart for the gospel of God” – Romans 1:1

The Greek word for servant or bond servant “doulos” means someone who was bound to serve a master, often without the rights of a free person. Paul used this term to describe his relationship with Christ, emphasizing total devotion, humility, and obedience.

Being a servant or bond servant of Christ signifies a life surrendered to the lordship of Christ. Where personal ambitions and desires are secondary to the calling and mission given by God. Paul not only spoke about this, he lived it.

Paul writes in Philippians 2 about our ultimate or main example that we should follow. Jesus.

“Have this mind among yourselves, which is yours in Christ Jesus, 6 who, though he was in the form of God, did not count equality with God a thing to be grasped, 7 but emptied himself, by taking the form of a servant, being born in the likeness of men. 8 And being found in human form, he humbled himself by becoming obedient to the point of death, even death on a cross.” – Philippians 2:5-8

“Then I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse! The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war. 12 His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.” – Revelation 19:11-13

After seeing the marriage supper of the Lamb in his vision, John sees heaven opened up. And he sees coming from heaven a rider on a white horse.

And the rider on the white horse is called Faithful and True. Who is the rider called Faithful and True? It is the One who promised to return.

“Let not your hearts be troubled. Believe in God; believe also in me. 2 In my Father’s house are many rooms. If it were not so, would I have told you that I go to prepare a place for you? 3 And if I go and prepare a place for you, I will come again and will take you to myself, that where I am you may be also.” – John 14:1-3

In Matthew 24, after Jesus taught His disciples about the end times, He talked about His return at the end of the tribulation.

 “Immediately after the tribulation of those days the sun will be darkened, and the moon will not give its light, and the stars will fall from heaven, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken. 30 Then will appear in heaven the sign of the Son of Man, and then all the tribes of the earth will mourn, and they will see the Son of Man coming on the clouds of heaven with power and great glory.” – Matthew 24:29-30

Jesus will return at the end of the 7 year tribulation, after the wrath and punishment of God is poured out on His enemies. When He returns He will return as the King. The rightful Heir and King of the earth and universe. The King of kings.

“Therefore God has highly exalted him and bestowed on him the name that is above every name, 10 so that at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, 11 and every tongue confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.” – Philippians 2:9-11

When Jesus comes back to take the reign of the earth and universe, He will judge. When Jesus was on earth the first time, he taught his disciples that God had given Him the right to judge.

“And he has given him authority to execute judgment, because he is the Son of Man. 28 Do not marvel at this, for an hour is coming when all who are in the tombs will hear his voice 29 and come out, those who have done good to the resurrection of life, and those who have done evil to the resurrection of judgment.” – John 5:27-29

When Jesus comes back to take the reign of the earth and universe, He will judge. And He will make war.

Jesus came the first time as a Lamb. And to bring peace. He is the Prince of Peace. Not peace between nations and peoples. Peace with God.

“Therefore, since we have been justified by faith, we have peace with God through our Lord Jesus Christ.” – Romans 5:1

When Jesus returns in Revelation 19 He will judge. And make war. War against who?

Against Satan and God’s enemies. Against the antichrist and his false prophet. And against anyone who decides to reject Christ and follow and worship Satan and the antichrist.

Later in Revelation 19 we will see that Satan and the antichrist will persuade the kings and people of the world to go to Israel to try to defeat God and Jesus and Israel.

We already saw in the 6th bowl judgement in Revelation 16 God dry up the great Euphrates River. And the antichrist and Satan gathering the armies of the world for battle.

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east. 13 And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” – Revelation 16:12-16

Later in Revelation 19 we will see this final battle between Satan and God. The ultimate battle between good and evil.

“His eyes are like a flame of fire, and on his head are many diadems, and he has a name written that no one knows but himself. 13 He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.” – Revelation 19:12-13

John describes the rider on the white horse, Jesus. First he mentions his eyes being like a flame of fire.

The book of Revelation begins with John having a vision and seeing Jesus. Here is part of John’s description.

“Then I turned to see the voice that was speaking to me, and on turning I saw seven golden lampstands, 13 and in the midst of the lampstands one like a son of man, clothed with a long robe and with a golden sash around his chest. 14 The hairs of his head were white, like white wool, like snow. His eyes were like a flame of fire, 15 his feet were like burnished bronze, refined in a furnace, and his voice was like the roar of many waters. 16 In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” – Revelation 1:12-16

John describes Jesus’ eyes the same way. Eyes like a flame of fire. The eyes like fire represents Jesus’ ability to see all things.

John also mentions many diadems on Jesus’ head. Diadems are the crowns of royalty and kings. Jesus is returning to take the reign of the universe.

John also mentions that Jesus is clothed in a robe dipped in blood. This is symbolic for Jesus’ sacrifice and death on the cross for our sins. He took our judgement and punishment Himself on the cross.

“He is clothed in a robe dipped in blood, and the name by which he is called is The Word of God.” – Revelation 19:13

Jesus is the Living Word of God. In the beginning of the book of John, he writes this about Jesus:

“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God. 2 He was in the beginning with God. 3 All things were made through him, and without him was not any thing made that was made. 4 In him was life,[a] and the life was the light of men. 5 The light shines in the darkness, and the darkness has not overcome it.” – John 1:1-5

“And the Word became flesh and dwelt among us, and we have seen his glory, glory as of the only Son from the Father, full of grace and truth.” – John 1:14

“From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” – Revelation 19:15-16

Another thing John describes about Jesus is the sharp sword that comes from His mouth. John mentions this also in Revelation 1.

“In his right hand he held seven stars, from his mouth came a sharp two-edged sword, and his face was like the sun shining in full strength.” – Revelation 1:16

The sharp sword coming from Jesus’ mouth is the powerful word of God. Paul describes God’s word this way in the book of Hebrews:

“For the word of God is living and active, sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing to the division of soul and of spirit, of joints and of marrow, and discerning the thoughts and intentions of the heart. 13 And no creature is hidden from his sight, but all are naked and exposed to the eyes of him to whom we must give account.” – Hebrews 4:12-13

“From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty. 16 On his robe and on his thigh he has a name written, King of kings and Lord of lords.” – Revelation 19:15-16

John says that Jesus will rule the earth with a rod of iron. Jesus is coming back as the King of kings, and the Lord of lords. He is coming back to take the reign of the earth. He will rule on the earth for 1000 years, as we will see next in Revelation 20.

He will rule with a rod of iron means that He will rule in righteousness and justice. He will not tolerate evil and injustice.

This is a fulfillment of the prophecy in Psalm 2:

“Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain? 2 The kings of the earth set themselves, and the rulers take counsel together, against the Lord and against his Anointed, saying, 3 “Let us burst their bonds apart and cast away their cords from us.” 4 He who sits in the heavens laughs; the Lord holds them in derision. 5 Then he will speak to them in his wrath, and terrify them in his fury, saying, 6 “As for me, I have set my King on Zion, my holy hill.” 7 I will tell of the decree: The Lord said to me, “You are my Son; today I have begotten you. 8 Ask of me, and I will make the nations your heritage, and the ends of the earth your possession. 9 You shall break them with a rod of iron and dash them in pieces like a potter’s vessel.” – Psalm 2:1-9

“From his mouth comes a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations, and he will rule them with a rod of iron. He will tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God the Almighty.” – Revelation 19:15

John sees a sharp sword from Jesus’ mouth. And he says Jesus will strike down the nations. And that Jesus will tread the winepress of the fury of God’s wrath.

Jesus’ return is the culmination of God’s wrath and judgment. This is the final part of the day of the Lord. The defeat and destruction of Satan, the antichrist, the false prophet. And the rebellious unrepentant people that have chosen to reject Christ and worship the antichrist and Satan.

They are all gathered too for the ultimate battle between good and evil. Between God and His enemies.

“And the armies of heaven, arrayed in fine linen, white and pure, were following him on white horses.” – Revelation 19:14

Next John sees the millions of angels of the armies of heaven following Jesus on white horses. The enemy has gathered for the ultimate battle of good versus evil. Delusional in their thinking that they could defeat God, Jesus, and the armies in heaven.

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” 19 And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army.” – Revelation 19:17-19

In Revelation 16 we saw in the 6th bowl judgement or plague that God dried up the great Euphrates River. Which is where, in Revelation 18, the capitol city of the antichrist’s worldwide kingdom and center of commerce, Babylon, will be.

“The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.” – Revelation 16:12

John sees the next angel pour out the 6th bowl of judgment quickly after the previous plague. The bowl is poured out onto the great Euphrates River. And the great Euphrates River is dried up. The Euphrates River is called great because it is a very large river.

The Euphrates River is 1740 miles long. It begins on Mount Ararat in modern day Turkey. Mount Ararat is where Noah’s ark ended up. It flows from Turkey, then through Syria and Iraq, and it ends up in the Persian Gulf.

The ancient city of Babylon, the capital of the Babylonian empire, was located on the Euphrates River. It is now modern day Iraq.

Also the Euphrates River was the eastern boundary of the Promised Land that God gave to His chosen people Israel.

“The Lord will dry up the gulf of the Egyptian sea; with a scorching wind he will sweep his hand over the Euphrates River. He will break it up into seven streams so that anyone can cross over in sandals.” – Isaiah 11:15

Why would God use one of His final bowl judgements or plagues to dry up the Euphrates River?

John tells us in verse 12 “The sixth angel poured out his bowl on the great river Euphrates, and its water was dried up, to prepare the way for the kings from the east.”

So God will dry up the Euphrates River to prepare the way for the kings from the east. In this and the next verses John tells us why.

“And I saw, coming out of the mouth of the dragon and out of the mouth of the beast and out of the mouth of the false prophet, three unclean spirits like frogs. 14 For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty. 15 (“Behold, I am coming like a thief! Blessed is the one who stays awake, keeping his garments on, that he may not go about naked and be seen exposed!”) 16 And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” – Revelation 16:13-16

In his vision, at the time God dries up the Euphrates River, John sees the dragon Satan, the beast or the antichrist, and the false prophet. We saw John introduce and describe the dragon Satan in Revelation 12. And the beast of the sea, the antichrist, and the false prophet in Revelation 13.

And he sees “unclean spirits” or demons coming from their mouths. The demonic spirits, sent by Satan, empower the antichrist and the false prophet to perform signs and wonders that they use to deceive people into thinking that the antichrist is a god.

In other words, the antichrist and his false prophet are men possessed by demons. Their ultimate goal is to deceive people and get them to reject Christ and to worship Satan and the antichrist.

“For they are demonic spirits, performing signs, who go abroad to the kings of the whole world, to assemble them for battle on the great day of God the Almighty…. And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” – Revelation 16:14,16

John tells us that the demons will get the kings of the world to send their armies to war against God and Israel. Remember from Revelation 12 that the dragon, Satan, is described as having 10 horns or crowns on his 7 heads. And the antichrist is described in Revelation 13 as having 10 horns or crowns or diadems on his 7 heads.

“And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great red dragon, with seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven diadems.” – Revelation 12:3

“And I saw a beast rising out of the sea, with ten horns and seven heads, with ten diadems on its horns and blasphemous names on its heads.” – Revelation 13:1

These show that the antichrist’s world kingdom in the tribulation will have 10 territories or regions. The kings John sees marching to do battle against God and Israel in Revelation 16 are the kings or leaders of the 10 territories in the antichrist’s world kingdom.

God dries up the Euphrates River, to allow His enemies, led by the kings of the territories in the antichrist’s kingdom, to march to the battle. John tells us in verse 16 the location of the great battle.

“And they assembled them at the place that in Hebrew is called Armageddon.” – Revelation 16:16

Armageddon comes from the Hebrew word Har-Magedone, which means “Mount Megiddo”. At the base of Mount Megiddo is the Plain of Megiddo, which is a very large plain that has been the location of many battles. It is located 60 miles north of Jerusalem in northern Israel.

Many people believe that this will be the location of the great battle of Armageddon in the day of the Lord. But there are prophecies in the Old Testament that speak about other locations.

The prophet Joel spoke about the day of the Lord and the battle of Armageddon.

“I will gather all the nations and bring them down to the valley of Jehoshaphat. Then I will enter into judgment with them there on behalf of My people and My inheritance, Israel, whom they have scattered among the nations; and they have divided up My land.” – Joel 3:2

The word Jehoshaphat means “Yahweh judges”. The valley of Jehoshaphat is also known as the Valley of Kidron. It is located close to Jerusalem to the east, between the Mount of Olives and Jerusalem.

Zachariah also prophesied about the day of the Lord and the battle of Armageddon. He speaks about the battle being against Jerusalem. And the probable location for Jesus’ return to earth at the Mount of Olives.

“Behold, a day is coming for the Lord, when the spoil taken from you will be divided in your midst. 2 For I will gather all the nations against Jerusalem to battle, and the city shall be taken and the houses plundered and the women raped. Half of the city shall go out into exile, but the rest of the people shall not be cut off from the city. 3 Then the Lord will go out and fight against those nations as when he fights on a day of battle. 4 On that day his feet shall stand on the Mount of Olives that lies before Jerusalem on the east, and the Mount of Olives shall be split in two from east to west by a very wide valley, so that one half of the Mount shall move northward, and the other half southward. 5 And you shall flee to the valley of my mountains, for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azal. And you shall flee as you fled from the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Then the Lord my God will come, and all the holy ones with him. 6 On that day there shall be no light, cold, or frost. 7 And there shall be a unique day, which is known to the Lord, neither day nor night, but at evening time there shall be light. 8 On that day living waters shall flow out from Jerusalem, half of them to the eastern sea and half of them to the western sea. It shall continue in summer as in winter. 9 And the Lord will be king over all the earth. On that day the Lord will be one and his name one.” – Zachariah 14:1-9

“So the angel swung his sickle across the earth and gathered the grape harvest of the earth and threw it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. 20 And the winepress was trodden outside the city, and blood flowed from the winepress, as high as a horse’s bridle, for 1,600 stadia.” – Revelation 14:19-20

In his vision in Revelation 14 John says that the blood of God’s enemies will rise as high as a horse’s bridle. This is a reference to the final battle of Armageddon. The blood of God’s enemies will reach around 4 feet high. And that it will be that high for 1600 stadia. Approximately 200 miles.

In other words, the blood of the defeated human army of Satan and the antichrist will rise to 4 feet high for nearly the entire length of the nation of Israel. This would indicate an army of millions and millions. And that their armies will be spread across a large area of approximately 200 miles. This is an area that covers from the northern top of Israel to the southern part of Israel, and includes Jerusalem near the middle.

Putting all of the verses in Revelation 16 together with Joel’s and Zachariah’s prophecies, and other details in Revelation 14, the conclusion is that the battle of Armageddon will take place in various locations in Israel. The combined armies of God’s enemies will be so large they will cover a very large area in Israel. Including the Plain of Megiddo, Jerusalem, the valley of Jehoshaphat or the valley of Kidron. And perhaps other areas.

We saw more details about the battle of Armageddon in Revelation 17, and especially now in Revelation 19.

“Then I saw an angel standing in the sun, and with a loud voice he called to all the birds that fly directly overhead, “Come, gather for the great supper of God, 18 to eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, both small and great.” – Revelation 19:17-18

Next John sees another angel in the sky. And with a loud voice the angels calls all of the birds flying in the sky to gather for the battle. And to get ready to feast on the dead bodies of the armies of the world that are gathered to war against God and Jesus.

The outcome of the battle of Armageddon is already determined by God.

One interesting thing to note is that at certain times of the year in Israel huge numbers of various types of birds migrate through Israel. They migrate south from Europe and Asia.

Rather than migrate over the Mediterranean Sea to the west, or over the barren dessert to the east, the millions of birds fly over Israel. Since the land of Israel is more fertile and there is more food for the birds.

There are so many birds that migrate that it was a big problem for any commercial or military planes flying over or to Israel. Until they figured out the times of the year they migrated, the migration pattern, and the altitudes the birds fly at.

The next thing John sees is the armies of the antichrist’s worldwide kingdom gathered for the final battle against God and Jesus.

“And I saw the beast and the kings of the earth with their armies gathered to make war against him who was sitting on the horse and against his army.” – Revelation 19:19

Finally it is time for the great battle. Jesus is back, and He and His army of angels are ready. And the antichrist and his kings and armies are ready.

“And the beast was captured, and with it the false prophet who in its presence had done the signs by which he deceived those who had received the mark of the beast and those who worshiped its image. These two were thrown alive into the lake of fire that burns with sulfur.” – Revelation 19:20

Instantaneously the battle of Armageddon is over. And the enemies of God are destroyed by Jesus and His great army of angels.

“For behold, the Lord will come in fire, and his chariots like the whirlwind, to render his anger in fury, and his rebuke with flames of fire. 16 For by fire will the Lord enter into judgment, and by his sword, with all flesh; and those slain by the Lord shall be many.” – Isaiah 66:16-16

And a fulfillment of Ezekiel’s prophecy in Ezekiel 39:

“And you, son of man, prophesy against Gog and say, Thus says the Lord God: Behold, I am against you, O Gog, chief prince of Meshech and Tubal. 2 And I will turn you about and drive you forward, and bring you up from the uttermost parts of the north, and lead you against the mountains of Israel. 3 Then I will strike your bow from your left hand, and will make your arrows drop out of your right hand. 4 You shall fall on the mountains of Israel, you and all your hordes and the peoples who are with you. I will give you to birds of prey of every sort and to the beasts of the field to be devoured. 5 You shall fall in the open field, for I have spoken, declares the Lord God.” – Ezekiel 39:1-5

“As for you, son of man, thus says the Lord God: Speak to the birds of every sort and to all beasts of the field: ‘Assemble and come, gather from all around to the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you, a great sacrificial feast on the mountains of Israel, and you shall eat flesh and drink blood. 18 You shall eat the flesh of the mighty, and drink the blood of the princes of the earth—of rams, of lambs, and of he-goats, of bulls, all of them fat beasts of Bashan. 19 And you shall eat fat till you are filled, and drink blood till you are drunk, at the sacrificial feast that I am preparing for you. 20 And you shall be filled at my table with horses and charioteers, with mighty men and all kinds of warriors,’ declares the Lord God.” – Ezekiel 39:17-20

John sees that the beast, the antichrist, and his false prophet, the leader of the antichrist’s false religion, are captured. And they are thrown into the lake of fire.

The lake of fire is the ultimate and eternal destiny for the antichrist and the false prophet. And as we will see in Revelation 20 it will also be the ultimate and eternal destiny for Satan. And for all that rebel against God, and refuse to repent and turn to Jesus as Lord and Savior.

We see in various places in God’s word the lake of fire mentioned. Sometimes it is not called by the name lake of fire.

“If your hand or your foot causes you to stumble, cut it off and throw it from you; it is better for you to enter life crippled or lame, than to have two hands or two feet and be cast into the eternal fire.” – Matthew 18:8

“The Son of Man will send his angels, and they will gather out of his kingdom all causes of sin and all law-breakers, 42 and throw them into the fiery furnace. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth.” – Matthew 13:41-42

“Then He will also say to those on His left, ‘Depart from Me, accursed ones, into the eternal fire which has been prepared for the devil and his angels” – Matthew 25:41

“And the rest were slain by the sword that came from the mouth of him who was sitting on the horse, and all the birds were gorged with their flesh.” – Revelation 19:21

After John sees the antichrist and the false prophet thrown into the lake of fire, he sees the fate of all the remaining people in the world who refused to repent and turn to Jesus. They will be executed and destroyed by Jesus. And the birds will eat and gorge themselves on their flesh.

Before we will see Satan thrown into the lake of fire, Jesus will reign on earth for 1000 years. We will see this in Revelation 20.

After Jesus’ 1000 year kingdom on earth, later in Revelation 20, we will see Satan thrown into the lake of fire. And the “great white throne ” judgment of all people will take place. And anyone that rebelled against God and refused to repent and turn to Jesus will also be thrown into the lake of fire for eternity.