Bible Verse Meaning: Revelation 19:17

Verse: “And I saw an angel standing in the sun; and he cried with a loud voice, saying to all the fowls that fly in the midst of heaven, Come and gather yourselves together unto the supper of the great God.” (Revelation 19:17)

Summary of Insights

This verse is part of a vivid scene depicting the ultimate victory of God over evil, with the angel's call to the birds symbolizing divine judgment and the gathering for a feast of destruction.

Commentary Insights

• Matthew Henry:

  Henry emphasizes the solemnity of the angel's announcement. The angel's position "in the sun" suggests authority and the brightness of divine proclamation. The invitation to the "fowls" to partake in the divine judgment illustrates God's sovereignty over all creation and indicates the finality of His judgment against those who oppose Him.

• Albert Barnes:

  Barnes interprets this verse as a decisive moment in eschatology. He links this imagery to other prophetic texts, indicating that the gathering of birds symbolizes the defeat of God's enemies and provides a graphic illustration of the consequences of rebellion against God.

• Adam Clarke:

  Clarke adds depth to the imagery by suggesting that the supper described is a metaphor for judgment rather than a literal feast. He highlights that this moment represents a significant turning point in the narrative, where the wicked are overtaken and the righteousness of God is established.

Cross-References

This verse connects significantly with several other Bible passages, enhancing our understanding through thematic Bible verse connections:

• Matthew 24:28: "For wherever the carcass is, there the eagles will be gathered together." - showing the judgment and the gathering of the unclean.
• Ezekiel 39:17: "And, thou son of man, thus saith the Lord GOD; Speak unto every feathered fowl, and to every beast of the field, Assemble yourselves, and come; gather yourselves on every side to my sacrifice that I do sacrifice for you." - a similar imagery of divine judgment.
• Revelation 16:17-21: The pouring out of the seventh bowl of God's wrath culminates in a great earthquake and the gathering of nations to Armageddon.
• Luke 17:37: "And they answered and said unto him, Where, Lord? And he said unto them, Wheresoever the body is, thither will the eagles be gathered together." - paralleling the gathering for judgment.
• Isaiah 34:6: "The sword of the LORD is filled with blood, it is made fat with fatness, and with the blood of lambs and goats, with the fat of the kidneys of rams..." - speaks of the slaughter of the enemies of God.
• Revelation 19:14: "And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean." - depicting the victorious return of Christ.
• Zephaniah 1:7: "Hold thy peace at the presence of the Lord GOD: for the day of the LORD is at hand: for the LORD hath prepared a sacrifice, he hath bid his guests." - linking to the theme of divine judgment.

Thematic Connections

Revelation 19:17 serves as a critical juncture in understanding the confrontation between divine authority and worldly rebellion. The call to the birds can be seen as illustrating:

• The End Times: Just as the Gospels portray the final judgment, this verse reinforces the inevitability of God’s plan culminating in righteous judgment.
• God’s Sovereignty: The authority of the angel and the command to the birds reflect the ultimate control God has over creation, reaffirmed in the literary contexts of both Old and New Testaments.
• Judgment and Destruction: The imagery is a strong reminder of the consequences of rejecting God's authority and the eventual triumph of divine justice.

Understanding the Narrative

When interpreting Revelation 19:17, it’s crucial to recognize its place in the larger narrative of Revelation. The verses leading up to this highlight the battle of good versus evil, bringing a vivid conclusion to the prophecies regarding the end times.

Tools for Further Study

For deeper study and exploration of this verse and its connections, consider the following:

• Bible concordance for location of keywords and related themes.
• Bible reference resources for comprehensive studies.
• Cross-reference Bible study methods to expand understanding.

Conclusion

Revelation 19:17 is not just a moment of judgment; it is a clarion call to understand God's eternal sovereignty over all creation and His ultimate purpose for humanity. The angel's proclamation serves as a powerful reminder of the interwoven nature of scripture, where linking Bible scriptures illuminates the paths of judgment, mercy, and divine authority.