Perhaps the headline for this section could be "CHRIST RETURNS TO EARTH!"
John describes Him as a conquering King leading His army in vv. 11-16. Notice the names which refer to Christ: Faithful, True, the Word of God, King of Kings and Lord of Lords! He is even given a "secret name" that only He knows.
Notice also the descriptions that show His victory: His eyes are blazing like fire, and on His head are many crowns. The robe dipped in blood perhaps symbolizes judgment of sin and evil. "Out of his mouth comes a sharp sword. The sharp sword represents the Word of God which will "strike down the nations. The iron scepter and the winepress represent the judgment of God which will finally fall on the wicked.
Exactly whom will Jesus defeat at this time? vv. 17-21
- He will defeat the earthly kings and their armies who have stood in rebellion against God. This will be a terrible slaughter, and the birds will eat their flesh for a "great supper of God."
- He will defeat the beast and the false prophet who had deceived so many. They both will be thrown into "the fiery lake of burning sulfur."
- Satan will be defeated. Rev. 20:1-3 He will be cast into the Abyss and bound there for a thousand years. After that God will release him for a short time for a specific purpose before his final and eternal defeat.
vv. 1-3 It seems that David's army had suffered a defeat, and it seemed that God had rejected them.
vv. 4-5 David did not give up or give in to fear of people. He feared God and lifted His banner high. Don't ever give in to discouragement during or after hard times. Remember that God has not forgotten you. He loves you, and He will help you with His right hand.
vv. 6-12 We must believe God. He has spoken from His sanctuary. He is in control over the nations, and He is in control over our circumstances. We must not depend on the "help of man." Of course, God can and does use people to further His work in our lives, but ultimately it is God Himself whom we trust.
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