Revelation 19:11-16

Verse 11

A white horse – The symbol of victory!

Faithful and true – The real Messiah as opposed to the false messiah of 6:2.

In righteousness He judges and wages war – Unlike the antichrist, whose rule will be based on deception, Jesus will judge and punish in perfect righteousness.

Verse 12

His eyes were a flame of fire – (1:14) Denoting Jesus’ piercing and all-knowing judgment of sin.

Upon His head are many diadems - The word for “diadem” is diadema which means “regal crowns.” These crowns symbolize Jesus’ right to rule the world as King of Kings! In Matthew 4:8-9 Satan tried to tempt Jesus by offering Him ruler ship over the world.

A name written upon Him which no one knows except Himself – This unknown name perhaps speaks of his eternal relationship with the Father (Matthew 11:27). There was also a first century belief that knowing someone’s name gave others power over the person. No one has power over Jesus. He is supreme. His name, corresponding to his Kingship, is known only to Himself.

Verse 13

And He is clothed with a robe dipped in blood – Probably referring to the blood of his enemies, representing divine judgment upon wicked men.

His name is called The Word of God – Christ is the perfect expression of God’s mind and heart. Note John 1:1, 14; Psalm 33:6, 9; Hebrews 4:12-13.

Verse 14

And the armies which are in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, were following Him on white horses – Although angels will accompany Christ at His second coming (Matthew 16:27; Mark 8:38; 2 Thessalonians 1:7), the soldiers on these white horses seem to be saints, specifically the Lamb’s bride. They have no swords and do not take part in the action. Daniel 7:18, 22, and 27 speak of the saints inheriting the kingdom.

Verse 15

And from His mouth comes a sharp sword, so that with it He may smite the nations – This is a verbally executed judgment portrayed by a sharp sword (Greek = hromphaia, meaning a long, large sword).

He will rule them with a rod of iron – This expression comes from Psalm 2:9 and is quoted also in Revelation 2:27 and 12:5. Christ will rule with inflexible righteousness.

And He treads the wine press of the fierce wrath of God, the Almighty – God will judge Israel and the Gentiles when Christ returns. On the day of judgment it is too late for men to expect the mercy of God. Note Isaiah 63:1-6 and Revelation 14:19-20. “There is nothing more inflexible than divine judgment where grace has been spurned.” John Walvoord

Verse 16

And on His robe and on His thigh He has a name written, “KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS.” - His robe is a symbol of majesty. The thigh suggests power. Evidently the name appeared on the part of Christ’s robe that covered His thigh. God ascribes a similar title to Himself in Deuteronomy 10:17. What a contrast in the two advents of Christ!

-His first advent – Jesus came as a baby, in humility and obscurity, riding a donkey into Jerusalem, coming to die rather than to reign.

-His second advent – Jesus comes as King of Kings, in great power for all to see, riding a white horse, coming to reign in righteousness.

How should we live in light of His coming?

-Realize we will stand before Him at the judgment seat.

-Do not judge your brother…for we shall all stand before the judgment seat of Christ (Romans 14:11)

-Our works and motives will be judged (1 Cor. 3:10-15)

-Be pleasing to God in all we do (2 Cor. 5:9-10)

-Live lives of purity in view of His coming (1 John 3:3).

-Be found faithful! (1 Corinthians 4:1-2, Matthew 25:21)

“…it is required of stewards that one be found trustworthy.”

“…Well done, good and faithful slave. You were faithful with a few things, I will put you in charge of many things; enter into the joy of your master.”