Chapter 19
Heaven erupts in the Alleluia chorus. Christ returns as the Word of God on a white horse, conquering all opposition — his sword is the Word that converts.
After this I heard what sounded like the loud voice of a great multitude in heaven, saying: "Alleluia! Salvation, glory, and might belong to our God,"
Then I heard something like the sound of a great multitude or the sound of rushing water or mighty peals of thunder, as they said: "Alleluia! The Lord has established his reign, (our) God, the almighty."
"Let us rejoice and be glad and give him glory. For the wedding day of the Lamb has come, his bride has made herself ready."
NAB footnote:Wedding day of the Lamb: the union of Christ and his church, the new Jerusalem; cf Rev 21:2, 9; Eph 5:25-32.
Then I saw the heavens opened, and there was a white horse; its rider was (called) "Faithful and True." He judges and wages war in righteousness.
NAB footnote:White horse: symbol of victory. Faithful and True: titles of Christ; cf Rev 1:5; 3:14.
He wore a cloak that had been dipped in blood, and his name was called the Word of God.
NAB footnote:Word of God: Christ is the definitive revelation of God; cf John 1:1-14.
Out of his mouth came a sharp sword to strike the nations. He will rule them with an iron rod, and he himself will tread out in the wine press the wine of the fury and wrath of God the almighty.
NAB footnote:Sharp sword: the word of God; cf Rev 1:16; Hebrews 4:12.
The rest were killed by the sword that came out of the mouth of the one riding the horse, and all the birds gorged themselves on their flesh.
Saul's insight:Killed by the sword = converted by the Word of God. The flesh is destroyed by the Spirit.