“The Book of Revelation Chapter 14”
Introduction: In this Bible Study lesson we are going to study the messages of Jesus Christ that He gave to the Apostle John aboutRevelation chapter Fourteen. Now chapter fourteen is somewhat like a table of contents; for the rest of the book of Revelation. In this chapter, we are given a preview of some of the things that are ahead at this point: 1) The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Sion. 2) The Angel with the everlasting Gospel. 3) The fall of that great city Babylon. 4) The judgment of the beast worshipers. 5) The blessing upon those who died in the Lord. 6) A preview of the “Battle of Armageddon”.
Revelation Chapter 14:
I) (The Lamb and the 144,000 on Mount Zion) (Revelation 14:1-5)
1) (Read) (Chapter 14:1); And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. (KJV)
1) Explanation: (Chapter 14:1); And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion. (This is the same portrayal as (Revelation 5:6); Now here Jesus Christ is referred to as a “Lamb” and proclaims the fact that our Redemption was accomplished at the Cross. This in fact, the title “Lamb” as it refers to Jesus Christ is used some twenty-eight times in the Book of Revelation. And all the Atoning Work of Jesus Christ on the Cross; and incidentally, this is the Heavenly “Mount Sion”). And with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father’s name written in their foreheads. (Now this is the number of Jews who came to Jesus Christ in the first half of the Great Tribulation. Now some of the early Manuscripts, which are probably correct, read, “Having His Name (the name of the Lamb) and the Father’s Name upon their foreheads.” Now considering that this was inspired by the Holy Spirit, and in this verse we have the Doctrine of the Trinity).
1) Comments: (Chapter 14:1); we read about the first-fruits of God and the Lamb. Now here John tells us that the Lamb is Christ and He is standing on Mount Zion and this is the location of Jerusalem. It may refer to the New Jerusalem (Hebrews 12:22-24) or to the earthly Jerusalem during the Millennium. The 144,000 are the same as in (Revelation chapter 7). Also in Revelation chapter 14 it is designed to give encouragement concerning the certainty of our Lord Jesus Christ and His victory over the Beast. These 144,000 thousand saints have the name written on their foreheads of God the Father.
1) Extra Comments: (Chapter 14:1); A Lamb stood on Mount Sion and with him an hundred forty and four thousand. There is difficulty in identifying the term, “Mount Sion”. Some say this is a Heavenly scene using (Hebrews 12:23), as a proof text which says, “But ye are come unto Mount Sian, and unto the city of the living God, the Heavenly Jerusalem, and to an innumerable company of angels.” If this is so, the 144,000 have been Raptured from the earth because they were sealed in (Revelation 7:2-3), so they could not be hurt by the judgments in the Tribulation Period. If this view is taken, it seems strange that this rapture or resurrection, if they had been killed, was not recorded in other scriptures like the resurrection of the two witnesses in (Revelation 11:7-12). Now the other view on Mount Sion is that it is an Earth seen” in the Millennial Kingdom. In the Old Testament, Mount Sion refers to Mount Hermon (Deuteronomy 4:48). The Word, Zion in the Old Testament, is the same word as Sion in the New Testament. The term Zion in the Old Testament refers to Jerusalem the city of David. (I Chronicles 11:5), (Psalm 2:6); (Isaiah 2:3).
2) (Read) (Chapter 14:2); And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters, and as the voice of a great thunder: and I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps. (KJV)
2) Explanation: (Chapter 14:2); And I heard a voice from heaven, as the voice of many waters. And as the voice of a great thunder. (Now this voice from Heaven proclaims the type of praise and worship being offered; and it sounds like a waterfall mixed with thunder. Now this is typical of the modern Church. And I heard the voice of harpers harping with their harps. (Now the voice of harpers harping portrays the musical that is accompaniment them).
2) Comments: (Chapter 14:2); Now the 144,000 start singing this song of redemption and the harpers are the (Martyred Saints) in heaven and they join with them in this new song. Now this is the multitudes of various nations. The voice of harpers were sounds that were many and apparently confused, but yet both harmony and melody were preserved here.
3) (Read) (Chapter 14:3); and they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders: and no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. (KJV)
3) Explanation: (Chapter 14:3); And they sung as it were a new song before the throne, and before the four beasts, and the elders. (Now this song is for the 144,000 only; and it could very well be (Psalm 149); also, the “new song” mentioned here is not so much as that the song itself is new, But that what it says can only be carried out by those represented by the 144,000, which is the Redeemed Israel. And no man could learn that song but the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. (Now no man could learn that song but the 144,000 because they were redeemed, by trusting in Jesus Christ, and what Jesus did at the Cross, which is the only way anyone can be redeemed).
3) Comments: (Chapter 14:3); They sang a song and this is a song of redemption can be compare with (Exodus 15:1-2), (Revelation 15:3). Now this song was sung before the four beasts (Cherubims), and the elders (Church). Remember, John is on the earth looking on the Lamb (Jesus), and the 144,000 on Mount Sion (Jerusalem), when the 144,000 start singing this song of redemption and the harpers (Martyred Saints) in heaven join with them in this new song. Now these are not defiled with women, for they are virgins. The term virgin, does not always apply to women. In (II Corinthians 11:2), Paul refers to the Church-Men, women, boys and girls) as a chaste virgin. Now these 144.000 are not defiled by the beast (Revelation 13:11-18), and not by taking the mark of the Beast. They are not defiled by the Religious Harlot (Revelation 17:4-6). They follow the Lamb where ever the Lamb goeth. (This refers to the M1illenial Kingdom). They are the first fruits unto God and to the Lamb. The 144,000 are the first fruits of Israel to be purchased out of the earth to enter the Millennium. They are not taken to heaven at the end of the Tribulation, but in their physical bodies enter directly into the Millennial Kingdom.
4) (Read) (Chapter 14:4); these are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. (KJV)
4) Explanation: (Chapter 14:4); These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. (Now this refers to the 144,000 who did not corrupt themselves with idolatry. Now faith in anything other than Jesus Christ and the Cross constitutes spiritual adultery, which is idolatry. Now there are millions in the modern Church are guilty of this sin, due to not understanding the Cross. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. (Now by use of the word “Lamb” they took up their Cross exactly as Jesus Christ demands of all. (Luke 9:23-24);
These were redeemed from among men, being the first-fruits unto God and to the Lamb. (Now by use of the word “first-fruits,” and this tells us that the entire nation of Israel is coming to Jesus Christ, which will happen at the Second Coming).
4) Comments: (Chapter 14:4); Now these people are true believers whose robes have been washed and made white in Jesus Christ’s blood (Revelation 7:14); through his death on the Cross. Now in the Old Testament, idolatry was often portrayed as spiritual adultery in the book of Hosea. Their purity is best understood symbolically, meaning that they are free from any involvement with the pagan world system. Now to remain spiritually pure means to resist the seductions and idolatries of the present world of its power, wealth, and sexual immorality. Now to do so requires daily application of God’s Word. Now the Word has a purifying effect on the mind and heart. Now this requires a great resolution to just don’t give in to these temptations.
5) (Read) (Chapter 14:5); And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God. (KJV)
5) Explanation: (Chapter 14:5); And in their mouth was found no guile and there was no hypocrisy found in their mouth. For they are without fault before the throne of God. (Now this pertains to “Justification by Faith,” which trusting in Jesus Christ Alone can bring this about).
5) Comments: (Chapter 14:5); Now these 144.000 are not defiled by the beast (Revelation 13:11-18), by not taking the mark of the Beast. They are not defiled by the Religious Harlot (Revelation 17:4-6). They follow the Lamb where ever the Lamb goeth. (This refers to the “Millenial Kingdom)”. Now in their mouth was found no guile; but when they were brought before the kings and rulers they did not dissemble, but boldly confessed the Lord Jesus.
II) (The Vision of the Angel with the everlasting Gospel) (Revelation 14:6-7)
6) (Read) (Chapter 14:6); and I saw another Angel fly in the midst of heaven, having the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth, and to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. (KJV)
6) Explanation: (Chapter 14:6); And I saw another Angel fly in the midst of heaven, and this was a different Angel from the one described in (Revelation 8:13). Now this Angel has the everlasting gospel to preach unto them that dwell on the earth. And to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. Now this refers to the same Gospel of Grace preached by Paul and the Apostles, (Hebrews 13:20); as well. And the implication here is that this Angel will be observed by inhabitants on Earth, who will, hear him preach. And it is the first recorded instance of an Angel preaching; no doubt, the television cameras will record his appearance and his Ministry, projecting him and his Message into all of the world.
6) Comments: (Chapter 14:6); Another Angel having the everlasting gospel. This gospel means “Good News”, and involves the redemption of the Spirit, Soul, and Body of Man. This redemption also includes the earth and its inhabitants. When man fell in the garden, the curse was upon his soul (In the day that ye eat, ye shall surely die), this was separation from God. God said the ground (Earth) was cursed and Adam would eat of it in sorrow all the days of his life. God said that Adam would return to dust (Physical) death. The gospel that Paul preached was that Christ died for our sins, was buried, and arose the third day (I Corinthians 15:1-4). This gospel is for the redemption of the Spirit, soul, and Body of man. This everlasting gospel is for the redemption of the earth and proclaims that judgment is come, and that Christ will come and sat up his Kingdom. (This is the gospel of the kingdom in (Matthew 24:14). This gospel was preached by John the Baptist, Jesus and his disciples, but the Jewish people rejected Jesus as the king.
7) (Read) (Chapter 14:7); Saying with a loud voice, Fear God, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come: and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. (KJV)
7) Explanation: (Chapter 14:7); Saying with a loud voice, this loud voice denotes significance and urgency. Now it is a Command to all the nations of the world, Fear God, and give glory to him. Now this is in contrast to the message being preached by the false prophet. For the hour of his judgment is come. But here the seven Angels with the seven vials of plagues will shortly be poured out on the Earth; and worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Now here the Antichrist is claiming the power of creation. Then the Angel counters by announcing to the entire world exactly who the Creator actually is and that is God Almighty).
7) Comments: (Chapter 14:7); Here John tells us that he saw, another Angel fly in the midst of Heaven, “having the everlasting gospel; to preach unto them that dwell on the earth”. And to every nation, and kindred, and tongue, and people. Saying with a laud voice, “Fear God”, and give glory to him; for the hour of his judgment is come. I worship him that made heaven, and earth, and the sea, and the fountains of waters. Now here in this verse we see something very unique because there was an Angel of God preaching the gospel to sinners. Now up to this point in time our God has used only men to reach other men.
(Read) (Acts 1:8); (II Peter 1:21); and (II Corinthians 4:7), But now, and due to the serenity of the Tribulation period, “Angels will be used to tell the Good News”
III) (The fall of that great city Babylon is foretold.) (Revelation 14:8)
8) (Read) (Chapter 14:8); And there followed another Angel, saying, Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city, because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (KJV)
8) Explanation: (Chapter 14:8); And there followed another Angel saying. Here this Angel replaces the one who had been preaching the Everlasting Gospel, and makes another announcement). Babylon is fallen, is fallen, that great city. Now Babylon that Great city will be rebuilt; and she will fall at the conclusion of the Great Tribulation), because she made all nations drink of the wine of the wrath of her fornication. (Now we know that Babylon was the site of Earth’s first organized rebellion against God in (Genesis 11:1-9). Now Babylon will be the site of this last great rebellion. Just as it began here, so shall it end here?
8) Comments: (Chapter 14:8); Another Angel saying Babylon is fallen, is fallen! Now this double emphasis refers to the fall of both the religious systems in the middle of the Tribulation (Revelation 17:1-18). And the political system at the end of the Tribulation; (Revelation 18:1-24). Here we see another Angel preaching in verse eight and telling the GOOD NEWS about the fall of Babylon.
8) Extra-Comments: That great city of Rome. But which Rome is meant? Pagan or Papal Rome? Some parts of the description apply best to the former. Now the wine of the wrath of her fornication. And there is an allusion here to a custom of impure women, who give love potions to those whom they wish to seduce and are blinded to their will. Now these potions are generally of an intoxicating nature, and greatly inflaming the blood, which disturbs the intellect. Here fornication and adultery are frequently used in Scripture as emblems of idolatry and false worship. The wine of the wrath is another expression for the envenomed or poisoned cup given by such women. No nation of the earth has spread their idolatries so far as the ancient Romans; and they were as extensive as their conquests. And papal Rome has been not less active in disseminating her superstitions. She has given her rituals, but not the everlasting Gospel, to most nations of the earth.
IV) (The Judgment that will come upon the Beast Worshipers) (Revelation 14:9-12)
9) (Read) (Chapter 14:9); And the third Angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand, (KJV)
9) Explanation: (Chapter 14:9); And the third Angel followed them, saying with a loud voice. (Now the third Angel says with a loud voice which presents the last of this Heavenly trio). If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand. Now the Angel proclaims a warning to everyone on Earth. And this is a declaration that every single individual is responsible for their own behalf, to make sure that they don’t receive this mark.
9) Comments: (Chapter 14:9); The third Angel declares the doom on the Beast worshipers. If any man takes the mark of the beast (Revelation 13:15-18), he shall drink of the wrath of God (Judgments in the Tribulation Period. And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in (Hell, the Lake of Fire). The smoke of their torment, ascended up, for ever and ever. This is “ETENAL PUNISHMENT!” Now the Bible says the beast, the false prophet, and all that received the mark of the beast was cast alive into a Lake of Fire burning with brimstone. (Revelation 19:20); And after a thousand years, the devil was cast into the Lake of Fire and brimstone where the beast and false prophet are and shall be tormented day and night for ever and ever (Revelation 20:10).
10) (Read) (Chapter 14:10); The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. (KJV)
10) Explanation: (Chapter 14:10); The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture. Now there will be no Mercy in this Judgment, into the cup of his indignation. (Now when the cup gets full, the Judgment of God will commence; this “cup” is not only full, but is running over with evil). And he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone. Now this refers to everyone who receives the mark of the beast, and speaks of Eternal Hell), in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. (This refers to the Great White Throne Judgment in (Revelation 20:11-15).
10) Comments: (Chapter 14:10); Then “Third Angel” followed them saying with a loud voice and preaching to everyone that worshiped the beast and his image, and also received his mark in his forehead, or on his hand. They will drink the same wine of the wrath of God,
which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation. Now he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the Holy Angels and in the presence of the Lamb. And the smoke of their torment will ascend up forever and ever; and they will have no rest day nor night for those who worshiped the beast and his image, and for those that receiveth the mark of his name (Revelation 14:9-11). Now here I will warn all of those people that are (lost) or unsaved for the last time. “I BEG OF YOU TO REPENT OF YOUR SINS AND ASK JESUS TO COME INTO YOUR HEART AND BE YOUR LORD AND SAVIOR.” Now this is the last “Hell-Fire and Brimstone Message” that will ever be preached to the unsaved and it will not be delivered by Billy Gram or Billy Sunday; but by an Angel! But apparently no one will respond to this invitation. Now God will pour out His undiluted Wrath, something that our God (Jehovah) has done once before upon His Son, Jesus Christ, at Calvary. Now how tragic that our Savior, Jesus Christ, had once drank from this same cup for the very unrepentant sinners who are now forced to drink it again.
11) (Read) (Chapter 14:11); And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. (KJV)
11) Explanation: (Chapter 14:11); And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever. This refers to the fact that a conscious existence will be forever. And they have no rest day nor night. This refers to an unbroken continuance of torment that will go on day and night forever and ever. Who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name. Now all who take the mark of the beast in the coming Great Tribulation will, in essence, be blaspheming the Holy Spirit, for which there is no forgiveness. (Read)- (Mark 3:29).
11) Comments: (Chapter 14:11); Those who worship the beast and accept his mark and operate according to his world economic system will face God’s judgment. Now our world values money, power, and pleasure over our God’s leadership. Now to get what the world values, many people disown God and violate the Christian principles. Now this is why they must drink of the wine of God’s wrath (Psalms 75); and (Isaiah 51:17). Now the result of sin is the unending separation from God. Because human beings are created in God’s image with an inborn thirst for fellowship with Him, and the separation from God will be the ultimate torment and misery. Now sin always brings misery, but in this life we can choose to repent and restore our relationship with God. Now in eternity there will no longer be an opportunity for repentance. Now if in this life we choose to be independent of God and in the next life we will be separated from him forever. Nobody is forced to choose eternal separation from God, and nobody suffers this fate by accident. Now Jesus Christ invites all of us to open the door of our hearts to Him (Revelation 3:20). Now if we do this, we will enjoy everlasting fellowship with Him.
12) (Read) (Chapter 14:12); Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. (KJV)
12) Explanation: (Chapter 14:12); Here is the patience of the saints. And this is a Message to those on Earth who have come to Jesus Christ during the Great Tribulation; by the of the word “patience” we are told that this persecution is soon to come to an end. Now here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus. Now the only way the Commandments of God can be kept is by the Believer placing his Faith in Jesus Christ and the Cross. Now remember, the Holy Spirit will always help you in your hour of need.
12) Comments: (Chapter 14:12); The news about God’s ultimate triumph should encourage God’s people to remain faithful through every trial and persecution. Now they can do this because God promises, by trusting in Jesus Christ and obeying the commandments that are found in His Word. Now the secret to enduring, therefore, we must trust and be obedience. Just trust God to give you patience to endure even in the small trials you face daily; and obey Him even when obedience is unattractive or dangerous. Now here is the patience of the saints. Here the faith of the true Christians shall be proved; and they will follow the Lamb whither so ever he goeth. Now they will keep the commandments of God, and are steadfast in the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ. Sometimes patience or perseverance; is taken for the reward of these virtues. The text therefore may be miss understood here. But here the reward of the perseverance; of the true Christians; and for although; they died for the testimony of the Lord Jesus Christ, yet; they shall be unutterably blessed.
V) (The Blessing upon those who died in the Lord) (Revelation 14:13)
13) (Read) (Chapter 14:13); And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write, Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth: Yea, saith the Spirit, that they may rest from their labours; and their works do follow them. (KJV)
13) Explanation: (Chapter 14:13); And I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Write. (Now here according to the rest of this verse, it is the Holy Spirit who is speaking to the Apostle John). Blessed are the dead which die in the Lord from henceforth. Now this refers to the Great Tribulation Period, when many will die for their Testimony rather than serve the Antichrist. Yea, saith the Spirit that they may rest from their labors. This is the exact opposite of the beast worshippers who have no rest). And their works do follow them. Now the translation should read, “Their works follow with them.”
13) Comments: (Chapter 14:13); Blessed are the dead who die in the Lord from henceforth. Now this refers to those who die after the false prophet issues the command to take the mark of the beast. They will not have to suffer the attacks of the Anti-Christ. They will receive a martyr’s crown in (Revelation 2:5). Now they will rest from their labors, while those who take the mark of the beast have no rest day or night. Their works or rewards follow them.
VI) (The Vision of that Battle of Armageddon) (Revelation 14:14-20)
14) (Read) (Chapter 14:14); And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. (KJV)
14) Explanation: (Chapter 14:14); And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man. (Now here the white cloud and the Son of Man is obvious that we are looking at the Lord Jesus Christ because “white” denotes purity. And the word “cloud” denotes glory; and the “Son of Man” has reference to the Humanity of Jesus Christ. Which always points to the Cross and having on his head a golden crown. Now this presents the victor’s crown. And in his hand a sharp sickle. Now this represents the reaping that’s going to be done at the Battle of Armageddon, as the rest of this chapter portrays.
14) Comments: In verse fourteen, The Son of man is Jesus Christ, the Messiah that is mentioned in (Daniel 7:13). The cloud relates to “Jesus Christ’s Second Coming” in (Matthew 24:30-31). Now the crown pictures Jesus as the ruler of the earth, and the sickle symbolizes judgment as an instrument of the harvest in (John 5:27). The time is come to finish the judgment of the earth. Now the Second Coming of Jesus includes more judgment. Now to reap and harvest the earth is to judge and punish its people in (Jeremiah 51:33); (Read) (Matthew 13:40-42).
15) (Read) (Chapter 14:15); And another Angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud, thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap; for the harvest of the earth is ripe. (KJV)
15) Explanation: (Chapter 14:15); And another Angel came out of the temple, crying with a loud voice to him that sat on the cloud. (Now the first Angel preached the “Everlasting Gospel”; and the second Angel predicted the fall of Babylon that Great city. And the third Angel proclaims a warning concerning the taking of the mark of the beast. And the fourth Angel announces the Battle of Armageddon, even though it will be some three years yet in coming. Thrust in thy sickle, and reap: for the time is come for thee to reap. For the harvest of the earth is ripe. (Now this speaks of the Battle of Armageddon, which is soon to take place and that the evil of the Antichrist is about to come to his end).
15) Comments: In verse fifteen; Now this is an image of judgment here and our Lord Jesus Christ is separating the faithful from the unfaithful just like a farmer harvesting his crops. This is a time of joy for the Christians who have been persecuted and martyred and they will receive their long awaited reward. Now the Christians should not fear the last judgment.
Jesus said, “I tell you the truth, whoever hears my word and believes Him who sent me has eternal life and will not be condemned. He has crossed over from death to life” (John 5:24).
16) (Read) (Chapter 14:16); And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth; and the earth was reaped. (KJV)
16) Explanation: (Chapter 14:16); And he that sat on the cloud thrust in his sickle on the earth. (Now this refers to Jesus Christ, who will orchestrate this momentous event. And the earth was reaped. Now this great scene that take place on Earth will be a reaping event that was first of all orchestrated in Heaven.
16) Comments: In verse sixteen, Jesus is the one that sat on the cloud and He cast his sickle upon the earth; and the earth was reaped. Now here the power of the Son of man, (Jesus Christ) is shown in this verse with just one swing of His sickle. The harvest of all the earth is reaped. Now this scenic, pictures the events of chapters 16 through 19 as parts of one rapid succession of His judgment and all will experienced this by the inhabitants of the entire world.
17) (Read) (Chapter 14:17); And another Angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, he also having a sharp sickle. (KJV)
17) Explanation: (Chapter 14:17); And another Angel came out of the temple which is in heaven, (Now this presents the fifth Angel of this chapter), he also having a sharp sickle. (Now this portrays the fact that Angels will have a great part to play in the coming Battle of Armageddon.
17) Comments: In verse seventeen; John tells us that another Angel came out from the temple which is in heaven and he also having a sharp sickle. Now this verse describes the scene of Jesus Christ in Heaven just before Jesus descends to earth for the Battle of Armageddon and His glorious appearing. This pictures Jesus Christ’s judgment as a grain harvest in this verse and symbolizes the wrath of God and again the sickle depicts judgment here.
18) (Read) (Chapter 14:18); And another Angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying, Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. (KJV)
18) Explanation: (Chapter 14:18); And another Angel came out from the altar. (Now this is the pattern Altar after which the Brazen Altar on Earth was fashioned), which had power over fire. (This refers to the fire on the Altar); and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle, saying.
Thrust in thy sharp sickle, and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth. For her grapes are fully ripe. (Now the repetitiveness of these statements proclaims the absolute significance of what is about to happen, and that its outcome will affect the Earth greatly).
18) Comments: In verse eighteen; Here another Angel came out from the altar, which had power over fire; and cried with a loud cry to him that had the sharp sickle. Saying, thrust in thy sharp sickle and gather the clusters of the vine of the earth; for her grapes are fully ripe. Now the clusters of the vine of the earth represent the unbelievers of the earth. These unbelievers have followed and worshiped the Beast. Now the grapes are fully ripe means that the time for our God’s judgment of the earth is now. Power over fire; Probably meaning the same Angel which is mentioned, and who stood by the altar of burnt-offering, having authority over its fire to offer that incense to God which represents the prayers of the saints.
19) (Read) (Chapter 14:19); And the Angel thrust in his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vine of the earth, and cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. (KJV)
19) Explanation: (Chapter 14:19); And the Angel thrust in his sickle into the earth and gathered the vine of the earth. (Now here the Angel thrust his sickle into the Earth to gather “the vine of the Earth” into a place called in the Hebrew tongue, “Armageddon”. And cast it into the great winepress of the wrath of God. Now this statement refers to the assembled nations that will be gathered into the Valley of Jehoshaphat.
19) Comments: In verse nineteen; The Angel cast his sickle into the earth, and gathered the vintage of the earth, and cast it into the winepress, the great winepress, of the wrath of God. Now this great winepress of the wrath of our God pictures the violence and the intensity of God’s coming judgment on the earth. (Read) (Revelation 19:15); (Isaiah 63:2-4); (Joel 3:12-14). This great wine press is a judgment of the wrath of God. The place or kingdom is where God executes his judgments on the workers of iniquity, whether they are pagans or anyone that persecuted Christians.
20) (Read) (Chapter 14:20); And the winepress was trodden without the city, and blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. (KJV)
20) Explanation: (Chapter 14:20); And the winepress was trodden without the city, (Now this refers to the actual Battle itself pressing in on Jerusalem, with the intent of completely destroying the city and slaughtering the Jews). And blood came out of the winepress, even unto the horse bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. (Now 1600 furlongs is a distance of about 200 miles; and the blood will be even unto a horse’s bridle. And that is approximately six feet deep, and it is possibly that millions will be killed in this Battle of Armageddon).
20) Comments: In verse twenty; The winepress was trodden without the city, blood came out of the winepress even unto the horses bridles, by the space of a thousand and six hundred furlongs. The winepress is the “Winepress of the Fierceness and wrath of Almighty God” (Revelation 19:15). The prophet Isaiah (Isaiah 6:1-6), describes Christ’s share in it. Now the blood will cover the whole land of Palestine, and extend as far South as Edom, and Bozrah. So great shall be this slaughter, that the blood shall be up to the horses’ bridles about (4 ½ to 5 Feet high) in the valley over the whole land of Palestine and this blood will run for 1600 hundred furlongs. (This is about 200 miles). It will be the time which the prophet Isaiah speaks, when the land shall be DRUNK WITH BLOOD (Isaiah 4:7-8). We will consider this battle in more detail in (Revelation 16:13-16) and (Revelation 19:17-19).
A) Remember Jesus is the source of eternal life. Now Jesus wants to be the doorway to a new life for you. In the bible Jesus was called the “Lamb of God” in (John 1:29). Now in the Old Testament, there were sacrifices made for the sins of the people. Now in the New Testament Jesus has become our sacrificial lamb offered for your sins and mine sins.
B) Jesus said, “I am the way, the truth, and the life. No one comes to the Father except through me” (John 14:6). Jesus is waiting for you right now. All you have to do is admit to God that you are a sinner.
C) Then repent and turn away from your sins. Then call upon the name of Jesus and ask Him to save you right now. Now by faith you receive Jesus Christ as God’s Son and accept His gift of forgiveness from sin. Then believe that He took the penalty for your sins by dying on the Cross and confess that Jesus is your Lord and Savior.
D) Now after you have received Jesus into your life, go and tell a pastor or another Christian about your decision. Then show others about your faith in Christ by asking to be baptism by immersion in water in your local church as a public expression of your faith.
Note: I pray that this Bible Study lesson about chapter five will help you in your studies and help you understand Gods’ word in the Bible. Please feel free to pass them on to other people if they have helped you.
Your, Brother in Christ
Frank Rose