Hallelujah! Our God Reigns

Chapters 19 begins with a great celebration in heaven over the destruction of Babylon on earth which had taken place in chapters 17 and 18. The command that had been given in 18:20 is obeyed as those in heaven rejoice over Babylon, because God had pronounced judgment for them against her. God is praised (vv.1-8) as they cry out with a loud voice, "Hallelujah!" or "Praise the Lord!" They acknowledge four facts: (1) that His judgments are righteous and true; (2) that Babylon's smoke will rise up forever and ever; (3) that the 24 elders and 4 living creatures seated around the throne are in full agreement; and (4) that the Lord our God, the Almighty, reigns. Believers have been privileged (vv.8-10) as those who are invited to the marriage supper of the Lamb - they should worship God alone. The next message we will see that unbelievers are punished (vv.11-21) as Jesus Christ wages war on them