Revelation 19 contrasts the rejoicing of God’s faithful with that of the kings, merchants, economic empires, and transportation industries that mourn over the destruction of Babylon (Revelation 18).
The fall of Rome which represents the world’s system that corrupts the earth began in 17.1. This is a fitting response to Rome’s fall.
After this I heard what seemed to be the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying,
“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power to our God (Revelation 19.1).
This is the first time in Revelation that “Hallelujah” is found in the book. “Hallelujah” means, “Praise Yehovah,” which is the sacred name God gave Moses at the burning bush.
The church that has been victorious over all of the forces of evil joins in praise for the destruction of Rome.
Why is praise over the destruction of Babylon an appropriate response?
Abraham asked a very pertinent question as he interceded for Sodom and Gomorrah. He asked, “Shall not the Judge of all the earth do what is just?” (Genesis 18.25).
God’s faithful servants praise him and reveal how the Judge of all the earth does what is just.
“For his judgments are true and just;
he has judged the great whore
who corrupted the earth with her prostitution,
and he has avenged on her the blood of his servants.” (Revelation 19.2)
Rome is the “great whore” that represents the world’s system in all of its abuse of humans. In short, the “great whore” has thoroughly corrupted the earth.
It is the nature of evil to seek the elimination of everything that stands in its way to achieve its desires. Since the people of God oppose evil, all of the forces of evil oppress and persecute them.
In the end, the Just Judge will right all wrongs. God’s justice includes judgment on all forces that have harmed his followers.
The mighty and powerful, who are symbolized by Babylon, will not escape accountability. They will stand before the Almighty, who is just in all his judgments.
Exuberant Praise and Worship
A person’s ultimate concern reveals the driving force that motivates their attitudes and actions.
The heavenly worship that is pictured in Revelation helps us evaluate our individual ultimate concern.
Those who fully rely on the world’s system will see it dissolve in smoke. Those who are committed to God, exult in their participation in his glory.
“Hallelujah!
The smoke goes up from her forever and ever.”
And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who is seated on the throne, saying, “Amen. Hallelujah!”
And from the throne came a voice saying,
“Praise our God,
all you his servants
and all who fear him,
small and great.” (Revelation 19.3-5)
The heavenly host fully understands the realities of life. They give God the reverence and worship he is due. Their actions show that the best “ultimate concern” in life is centered around the person of God.
YouTube Video
Rudy Ross and I discuss this passage on YouTube today. It is on the Bob Spradling channel.
Real Voices 