Useful Bible Studies > Revelation Commentary > chapter 19
An ancient king’s palace was not just his home, but also the place of his government. Two types of officials had the most important positions in government. There were the guards, who defended the king’s life; and there were the elders (rulers), who advised him. These officials had to remain with the king constantly; often, their homes were in his palace.
God organises his government in heaven in a similar way. Instead of guards, he has the four living creatures, who are special angels (special servants of God). Of course, God needs nobody to defend him, because he has all power. So, the four living creatures praise him for his greatness. They say, ‘Hallelujah’, which means ‘Praise God’.
God does not need anyone to advise him either; he has all wisdom (Job chapters 38-40). However, he still has wise elders who remain constantly with him. They use their wisdom to declare that his judgements are right. They say ‘Amen’, which means ‘It is the truth’. Everything that God does is true, correct and right. They are in complete agreement with him.
God’s government in heaven will not always exist, because heaven itself will not always exist (2 Peter 3:10; Revelation 21:1). Even before that happens, God will establish the rule of his Son, Christ, upon the earth. Then, there will be a different kind of government (20:4). However, even that is not God’s final plan. In the end, God the Father will rule with Christ in the New Jerusalem (1 Corinthians 15:28; Revelation 22:3-5). Then all God’s people will constantly be with God, and they will have royal authority as the children of God (Romans 8:18-21).
Rulers in this world often fight against any change of government or loss of power. However, heaven’s rulers have a different attitude (Mark 10:35-44). Revelation 19:1-14 was the last time in the Book of Revelation that John saw events inside heaven. He saw that, even then, heaven’s rulers were in complete agreement with God’s plans.
Next part: Everyone and everything should praise God (Revelation 19:5)
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© 2016, Keith Simons.