Revelation 19:11 - Meaning and Application

No sooner is the marriage between Christ and his church celebrated by the conversion of the Jews than the glorious Head and Husband of the church is called to a new campaign. This seems to be the great battle foretold at Armageddon (Revelation 16:16). Here we can notice several things.

First, we see the great Commander. His throne is in heaven, which shows that his power and authority are heavenly and divine. He is pictured again on a white horse, which shows that his cause is right and that his victory is sure. He is faithful and true to his covenant and promise. He is righteous in all his judgments and in all his acts of war. He also sees through all the strength and plans of his enemies. He has many crowns, for he is King of kings and Lord of lords.

We also see his armor. He wears a robe dipped in blood, either his own blood, by which he bought this mediatorial, or priestly and kingly, power, or the blood of his enemies, over whom he has always triumphed. His name is the Word of God. No creature fully knows that name, because his greatness cannot be fully understood by any created being. Yet we do know this, that this Word was God made known in human flesh.

Next is the army he commands (Revelation 19:14). It is a very large army, made up of many hosts. Angels and saints follow him, and they share his appearance in their clothing and their armor of purity and righteousness, as chosen, called, and faithful people.

Then we see the weapons of his warfare, a sharp sword coming out of his mouth (Revelation 19:15). With this he strikes the nations. This may mean the warnings of the written Word, which he is now about to carry out. More likely, it means his command, calling on his followers to take just revenge on his enemies and theirs. Those enemies are now placed in the winepress of God’s wrath, to be crushed under his feet.

We also see the marks of his authority, like a royal coat of arms, with a name written on his robe and on his thigh: King of kings and Lord of lords (Revelation 19:16). This declares both his authority and the cause of the conflict.

Then comes an invitation to the birds of the air to gather and see the battle, and to share in the spoil of the field (Revelation 19:17, 18). This shows that the final defeat of the church’s enemies will leave them as food for birds of prey, and that the outcome will give the whole world reason to rejoice.

Next comes the battle itself. The enemy attacks with great fury, led by the beast and the kings of the earth. The powers of earth and hell gather together and make their strongest effort (Revelation 19:19).

Finally, we see the victory won by the great and glorious Head of the church. The beast and the false prophet, the leaders of the army, are taken prisoner. One led them by power, and the other by deceit and lies. They are both thrown into the lake of fire, so they can never trouble the church of God again. Their followers, whether officers or ordinary soldiers, are given over to destruction and become food for the birds of the air.

Though God’s judgment falls especially on the beast and the false prophet, that will be no excuse for those who fought under their banner. They chose to fight for them, so they must fall and perish with them. Be wise now, then, O kings. Be warned, O rulers of the earth. Kiss the Son, lest he be angry, and you perish in your way (Psalm 2:10, 12).