William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Revelation 19:11 - 19:11

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William Burkitt Notes and Observations - Revelation 19:11 - 19:11


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Here we have a new and fresh vision, in which St. John saw heaven opened, and Christ represented as a great and victorious general, marching forth with a glorious army for his church's enemies' full and final destruction. This great general is first described from the place whence he comes, namely, from heaven; he is no earthly prince or potentate, but an heavenly monarch.

Next he is said to sit on a white horse, denoting victory, prosperity, and success; He is called faithful, and true, and righteous, because faithful in all his promises, true in his threatenings, righteous in all his dispensations towards his enemies; he will do them no wrong.

Next, his eyes are said to be as a flame of fire: denoting his clear and piercing knowledge, and also his terror as a judge, his eyes being in wrath as a flame of fire, ready to consume his enemies.

And farther, to show his royal dignity, it is added, on his head were many crowns, which also denoted his many victories over his many and mighty enemies. And by the name which no man knew but himself, some understand the nature and essence, which is so incomprehensible and unsearchable, as that none but he who is true God is able to comprehend it fully, or reveal it perfectly. Others by his name understand his judgments and ways, by which he is known, as a man by his name.

Observe next, This great and mighty general is described from his vesture dipped in blood, which denotes the mighty overthrow of his enemies: the cruellest and proudest of them can expect nothing in the end from him, but extremity of wrath and deserved destruction, for they must all become his footstool.

And his name being called the word of God, speaks dread and terror to antichrist, who slanders, opposes, corrupts, and suppresses, and offers all manner of indignities to the word of God; exercises the utmost cruelties against the preachers and professors of it.

Observe farther, That after the description of this great and mighty general, follows next the description of his armies, his attendants and followers, namely, the holy angels and glorified saints, Rev_19:14. these also ride upon white horses, as their general before them, and are clothed in fine linen, white and clean.

Behold the comely conformity, and purity, and holiness, between the general and his soldiers, between Christ and his followers; they both appear on white horses, suitable to one another. Christ will admit none to be his followers that are not like him.

Next we have the weapon described, Rev_19:15. which Christ makes use of for the destruction of antichrist, and all his church's enemies; and that is, a sword, a sharp sword, the holy scriptures, particularly the threatenings of the word, with which he will smite all the wicked nations that side with antichrist against him and his kingdom; dealing with his enemies as men do with grapes gathered into a wine-press, which they can easily crush.

Lastly, He is described by a new name of royal dignity and supreme power, being called King of kings and Lord of lords. And this name is said to be written on his vesture and on his thigh, partly for perspicuity, that all might take notice of it; and partly for permanency, to show that as long as himself lasts, which is for ever, so long shall his kingdom and dominion over all endure.