Revelation 19:1-3 After this I heard what sounded like the roar of a great multitude in heaven shouting:
“Hallelujah! Salvation and glory and power belong to our God, for true and just are his judgments. He has condemned the great prostitute who corrupted the earth by her adulteries. He has avenged on her the blood of his servants. And again they shouted: “Hallelujah! The smoke from her goes up for ever and ever.”
This chapter is the answer to the call in 18:20 to rejoice over the fall of Babylon. This is a transition section from Babylon to praise and closure of history. Each section begins with “Hallelujah!” The first three verses give the celebration of a great multitude in heaven. Who this group is is not stated, but may be all of the hosts of heaven (angels, elders, the living creatures, multiples of God’s people). The praise God for
- Attributes of God: salvation (through Christ), glory (God’s awesomeness and holiness) and power (God’s sovereignty), justice (God is righteous)
- Condemning Babylon
- Revenging the blood of the Saints (see Deut 32:43); 6:10 cry for justice is answered.
The story of Babylon teaches us that sin has consequences in this world and eventually will be judged by God. We should not take sin casually but with utmost concern. If we are not concerned with disobeying God, there is no place for love for God.
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