19:8 righteousness. “Righteousness” is actually in the plural, and could well be rendered “righteous deeds.” We who are saved shall have removed the “filthy rags” of our own self-righteousness (Isaiah 64:6) and have “put on Christ” (Galatians 3:27), with His “garments of salvation,” and His “robe of righteousness” (Isaiah 61:10). By His grace, He will use the very righteous deeds and good works which He created in us to perform (Ephesians 2:10) as the material for the fine linen of our raiment.

19:9 marriage supper. Though all the different groups of saints throughout the history of the world will no doubt retain their distinct identities in the ages to come, they will all be at the great marriage supper, for all will be in the presence of the Lord forever. In fact, the ultimate eternal home of the saints, the New Jerusalem, is even called “the Bride, the Lamb’s wife” (Revelation 21:9-10). She is inscribed with both the names of the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles of the Lamb (Revelation 21:12,14), indicating that both the pre-Calvary saints in Israel and the post-Calvary saints of the Gentile age will be a part of the Bride, dwelling in the Holy City. The only requirements for being at the great supper are: (1) responding to His invitation and donning the garments of salvation (Matthew 22:1-14), and (2) assuming the right attitude of heart and life toward the Bridegroom and His revealed will (Matthew 25:1-13).

19:10 do it not. Only God, not even the mightiest angel, is to be worshipped. To “worship” means, literally, to “bow down to the will of the one being worshipped,” and it is God’s will with which we must be concerned, not that of any creature of God. The sin of the devil was his desire to be worshipped and obeyed as God.

19:10 testimony of Jesus. This verse is the only place where the phrase “the testimony of Jesus” (i.e., about Jesus) appears in the Bible, and also the only place where the phrase “the Spirit of prophecy” appears. Thus a true prophet, inspired by the Holy Spirit, will testify that God was indeed incarnate in the man Jesus (I John 2:22; 4:1-3). Therefore Jesus is God, and is to be worshipped, but He alone.

19:11 he that sat upon him. At His initiation of the tribulation on the earth and with the opening of the sealed scroll, the great Rider had set forth to conquer His own rightful domain from its usurper, the old dragon. The Rider now appears again to terminate the tribulation and complete His conquest.

19:12 he himself. He is known by many names, including three in this passage alone (Revelation 19:11-16). However, He now has “the name which is above every name” (Philippians 2:9), and that name represents the fullness of who He is and what He does. Even though we shall learn more and more of our great Creator and Redeemer as the ages of eternity roll on, we can never reach that fullness, for He is infinite. Thus the ultimate name above every name can never be known save by God Himself.

19:13 vesture dipped in blood. The vesture was dipped in blood as He rode triumphantly down the great winepress, where the spilled blood had reached the horses’ bridles (Revelation 14:20). He will begin His journey deep in Edom at Bozrah (Isaiah 63:1), and continue on, “red in thine apparel, and thy garments like him that treadeth in the winefat” (Isaiah 63:2), until He reaches Jerusalem and the Mount of Olives. “In thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things” (Psalm 45:4).

19:13 The Word of God. Note John 1:1-3 and Hebrews 11:3. The same one who created the universe and framed the aeons will also triumph over all the hosts of darkness and wickedness.

19:14 armies which were in heaven. All the saints are prepared for the marriage supper (Revelation 19:8) but it will be held on earth, so the earth must first be purged. Therefore, they will follow the Rider to the battle, but they will not be involved in the battle, for He has the only weapons needed (Revelation 19:21).

19:14 followed him upon white horses. Note Zechariah 14:5; I Thessalonians 3:13; Jude 14. His saints will accompany Christ both at the rapture (I Thessalonians 4:14) and at His glorious appearing on the earth, as described here.