Revelation 19:11
Then I saw heaven standing open, and there before me was a white horse. And its rider is called Faithful and True. With righteousness He judges and wages war.
Then I saw
This phrase indicates a continuation of John's visionary experience. The Greek word for "saw" is "εἶδον" (eidon), which implies not just a physical sight but a spiritual revelation. John, the apostle, is granted a divine vision, emphasizing the prophetic nature of the Book of Revelation. This vision is a direct communication from God, revealing His ultimate plan for humanity.

heaven standing open
The imagery of "heaven standing open" signifies an unveiling of divine mysteries. The Greek word "ἀνεῳγμένον" (aneōgmenon) suggests a permanent opening, indicating that the events to follow are decreed by God and are part of His sovereign will. This open heaven symbolizes access to divine truth and the fulfillment of God's promises.

and there before me
This phrase underscores the immediacy and personal nature of the vision. John is not a distant observer but is directly confronted with the unfolding revelation. The Greek structure emphasizes the directness and clarity of the vision, highlighting its importance and urgency.

was a white horse
The "white horse" is a symbol of victory and purity. In ancient times, a white horse was often associated with a conquering hero or a king returning in triumph. The color white in the Bible often represents holiness and righteousness, indicating that the rider is divine and pure. This imagery sets the stage for the revelation of Christ as the victorious King.

And its rider is called Faithful and True
The rider, identified as "Faithful and True," is a direct reference to Jesus Christ. The Greek words "Πιστός" (Pistos) and "Ἀληθινός" (Alēthinos) convey reliability and authenticity. Christ is faithful to His promises and true in His judgments. This title assures believers of Christ's unwavering commitment to justice and truth.

With righteousness He judges
The phrase "with righteousness He judges" highlights the just nature of Christ's judgment. The Greek word "δικαιοσύνη" (dikaiosynē) refers to justice and moral integrity. Christ's judgments are not arbitrary but are based on divine righteousness, ensuring that justice is perfectly administered.

and wages war
The phrase "and wages war" indicates that Christ actively engages in spiritual warfare against evil. The Greek word "πολεμεῖ" (polemei) suggests a deliberate and strategic battle. This is not a physical war but a spiritual one, where Christ triumphs over sin, Satan, and all forms of evil. This imagery reassures believers of Christ's ultimate victory and the establishment of His kingdom.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Heaven
The realm of God, depicted as open, symbolizing divine revelation and the unveiling of God's plan.

2. White Horse
Represents victory, purity, and conquest. In ancient times, a white horse was often associated with a triumphant leader.

3. Rider
Identified as "Faithful and True," this is a reference to Jesus Christ, who embodies these attributes.

4. Judgment and War
The rider judges and wages war with righteousness, indicating a divine and just intervention in human affairs.
Teaching Points
Christ's Sovereignty
Jesus is depicted as the ultimate judge and warrior, emphasizing His authority over all creation.

Righteous Judgment
The passage assures believers that Christ's judgments are just and righteous, providing comfort and hope.

Victory in Christ
The white horse symbolizes the assured victory of Christ over evil, encouraging believers to remain steadfast.

Faithfulness and Truth
As followers of Christ, we are called to emulate His faithfulness and truth in our daily lives.

Spiritual Warfare
The imagery of war reminds us of the spiritual battles we face and the need to rely on Christ's strength.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of the white horse and its rider enhance your understanding of Christ's role in the end times?

2. In what ways can we reflect the attributes of "Faithful and True" in our personal lives?

3. How does the assurance of Christ's righteous judgment impact your perspective on justice and fairness in the world today?

4. What connections can you draw between the description of the rider in Revelation 19:11 and other biblical depictions of Jesus?

5. How can the concept of spiritual warfare, as depicted in this passage, influence your approach to challenges and trials in your life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Revelation 3:14
Jesus is referred to as the "Faithful and True Witness," reinforcing His role as the ultimate truth-bearer and judge.

Psalm 45:4-5
Describes a king riding forth victoriously, which parallels the imagery of the rider on the white horse.

Isaiah 11:4-5
Speaks of the Messiah judging with righteousness, aligning with the description of the rider's actions.

John 1:14
Jesus is the Word made flesh, full of grace and truth, connecting to His title as "Faithful and True."
The Eternal in the Universe, and His Representative to ManD. Thomas Revelation 19:1-21
Armies Invisible and Distant on the Side of the GoodHomilistRevelation 19:11-16
Christ a KingJ. Foot, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
Christ and His CrownsThe StudyRevelation 19:11-16
Christ's Kingly AuthorityWm. Ramsay.Revelation 19:11-16
Christ's Kingly OfficeDean Alford.Revelation 19:11-16
King of Kings, and Lord of LordsW. H. M. H. Aitken, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
Many CrownsW. M. Statham, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
Many Crowns -- Christ as KingR. H. Parr, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
SupremacyJ. Irons.Revelation 19:11-16
The Crowned ChristA. J. Lyman, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The Crowns of ChristT. W. Mays, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Dignities of ChristHomilistRevelation 19:11-16
The Four Names of ChristS. Conway, B. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Grand ReviewT. De Witt Talmage.Revelation 19:11-16
The Kingdom of ChristC. Clayton, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Many CrownsBp. Woodford.Revelation 19:11-16
The Mark of the BeastH. Macmillan, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The Redeemer's CrownsPreacher's Portfolio.Revelation 19:11-16
The Rider on the White Horse and the Armies with HimC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 19:11-16
The Royalty of the Glorified RedeemerR. S. McAll, LL. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The Saviour CrownedM. Braithwaite.Revelation 19:11-16
The Saviour's Many CrownsC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 19:11-16
The Supreme Kingship of ChristRichard Roberts.Revelation 19:11-16
The Victory of the Word of GodD. K. Greer, D. D.Revelation 19:11-16
The War in HeavenC. Kingsley, M. A.Revelation 19:11-16
The Word of GodHomilistRevelation 19:11-16
The Four Names of ChristS. Conway Revelation 19:11-21
The Holy WarR. Green Revelation 19:11-21
People
John
Places
Patmos
Topics
TRUE, Appeared, Behold, Door, Faithful, Heaven, Horse, Judge, Judges, Judging, Justice, Makes, Making, Named, Open, Opened, Rider, Righteous, Righteousness, Sat, Seated, Sitting, Standing, Thereon, Wages, War
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 19:11

     1035   God, faithfulness
     1462   truth, in NT
     2021   Christ, faithfulness
     2072   Christ, righteousness
     4657   horse
     4807   colours
     5360   justice, God
     6677   justification, necessity
     6688   mercy, demonstration of God's
     9240   last judgment

Revelation 19:11-13

     9155   millennium

Revelation 19:11-14

     4859   white

Revelation 19:11-16

     1075   God, justice of
     2024   Christ, glory of
     2042   Christ, justice of
     2309   Christ, as judge
     2312   Christ, as king
     4546   winepress
     5700   headship

Revelation 19:11-21

     2372   Christ, victory
     5127   back

Library
January 22. "His Wife Hath Made Herself Ready" (Rev. xix. 7).
"His wife hath made herself ready" (Rev. xix. 7). There is danger in becoming morbid even in preparing for the Lord's coming. We remember a time in our life when we had devoted ourselves to spend a month in waiting upon the Lord for a baptism of the Holy Ghost, and before the end of the month, the Lord shook us out of our seclusion and compelled us to go out and carry His message to others; and as we went, He met us in the service. There is a musty, monkish way of seeking a blessing, and there is
Rev. A. B. Simpson—Days of Heaven Upon Earth

King of Kings and Lord of Lords
And He hath on His vesture and on His thigh a name written, K ING OF K INGS AND L ORD OF L ORDS T he description of the administration and glory of the Redeemer's Kingdom, in defiance of all opposition, concludes the second part of Messiah Oratorio. Three different passages from the book of Revelation are selected to form a grand chorus, of which Handel's title in this verse is the close --a title which has been sometimes vainly usurped by proud worms of this earth. Eastern monarchs, in particular,
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Lord Reigneth
Hallelujah; for the Lord God Omnipotent reigneth! T he book of the Revelation, being chiefly prophetical, will not, perhaps, be fully understood, till the final accomplishment of the events shall draw near, and throw a stronger light upon the whole series. But while the learned commentators have been, hitherto, divided and perplexed in their attempts to illustrate many parts of it, there are other parts well adapted for the instruction and refreshment of plain Christians. Particularly, those passages
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Departed Saints Fellowservants with those yet on Earth.
"I am thy fellowservant, and of thy brethren the prophets." The revelation made to St. John in the isle of Patmos, was a comfort to the suffering apostle, and a blessing to the church. "Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the word, of this prophecy." The beginning indeed was dark; the prophetic sketch, was for sometime, gloomy: It unfolded a strange scene of declensions and abominations, which were to disgrace the church of Christ and mar its beauty; and dismal series of woes on woes,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

The Saviour's Many Crowns
My brethren, it needs John himself to expound this glorious vision to you. Alas my eye has not yet seen the heavenly glory, nor has my ear heard the celestial song, I am therefore but as a little child among topless mountains, overawed with grandeur, and speechless with awe. Pray for me that I may utter a few words which the Holy Spirit may comfortably apply to your souls, for if he help me not, I am helpless indeed. With his divine aid, I dare to look upon the glorious diadems of our Lord and King.
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 5: 1859

"They have Corrupted Themselves; their Spot is not the Spot of his Children; they are a Perverse and Crooked Generation. "
Deut. xxxii. 5.--"They have corrupted themselves; their spot is not the spot of his children; they are a perverse and crooked generation." We doubt this people would take well with such a description of themselves as Moses gives. It might seem strange to us, that God should have chosen such a people out of all the nations of the earth, and they to be so rebellious and perverse, if our own experience did not teach us how free his choice is, and how long-suffering he is, and constant in his choice.
Hugh Binning—The Works of the Rev. Hugh Binning

Christ's Kingly Office
Q-26: HOW DOES CHRIST EXECUTE THE OFFICE OF A KING? A: In subduing us to himself, in ruling and defending us, and in restraining and conquering all his and our enemies. Let us consider now Christ's regal office. And he has on his vesture, and on his thigh, a name written, "King of kings, and Lord of lords", Rev 19:16. Jesus Christ is of mighty renown, he is a king; (1.) he has a kingly title. High and Lofty.' Isa 57:15. (2.) He has his insignia regalia, his ensigns of royalty; corona est insigne
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Seventh (And Last) vision "On Earth"
E^7, xix. 17&151xx. 15. THE FINAL FIVE JUDGMENTS. We must get a complete view of these in order to embrace them all and view them as a whole. The Structure shows their true sequence: E^7., xix. 17-- 15. The Seventh (and Last) Vision "on Earth." E^7 A^1 xix. 17-21. MEN. The Judgment of the Beast and the False Prophet. B^1 xx. 1-3. SATAN. The Judgment of Satan (Before the Millennium). A^2 xx. 4-6. MEN. The Judgment of the overcomers. The "rest of the dead" left for Judgment. B^2 xx. 7-10.
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Last Watch of the Night
C. P. C. Rev. xix. 7 It ends--the vigil of high festival, The solemn night of song; For lo! the crimson day has lit the hills, The day desired so long. From peak to peak there spreads the jasper glow, The morning star grows dim; How passing strange the joy that now we know-- So soon to look on Him! Oh, deeper than our longing and our love, More wondrous than our bliss, His love that waited while the ages rolled To welcome us as His! And now, the watching and the waiting o'er, The sin and sadness
Frances Bevan—Hymns of Ter Steegen, Suso, and Others

Moses' Prayer to be Blotted Out of God's Book.
"And Moses returned unto the Lord and said. Oh! this people have sinned a great sin, and have made them gods of gold. Yet now, if thou--wilt, forgive their sin; and if not, blot me, I pray they, out of thy book which than hast written." In the preceding discourse we endeavored to show that the idea of being willing to be damned for the glory of God is not found in the text--that the sentiment is erroneous and absurd--then adduced the constructions which have been put on the text by sundry expositors,
Andrew Lee et al—Sermons on Various Important Subjects

That Worthy Name.
James ii:7. IN the second chapter of the Epistle of James the Holy Spirit speaks of our ever blessed Lord as "that worthy Name." Precious Word! precious to every heart that knows Him and delights to exalt His glorious and worthy Name. His Name is "far above every Name that is named, not only in this world, but also in that which is to come." (Ephes. i:21.) It is "as ointment poured forth" (Song of Sol. i:3); yea, His Name alone is excellent (Psalm cxlviii:13). But according to His worth that blessed
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

He Shall not Keep Silent.
THE heavens have long been silent. It is one of the leading characteristics of this present age, the closed, the silent heavens. But they will not be silent forever. "Our God shall come and shall not keep silence" (Ps. i:3). In His divine Patience the Lord has been at the right hand of God for nearly two thousand years. He will not occupy that place forever. It is not His permanent station to be upon the Father's throne. He has the promise of His own throne, which He as the King-Priest must occupy.
Arno Gaebelein—The Lord of Glory

The Disciple, -- Master, what is the Real Meaning of Service? is it that We...
The Disciple,--Master, what is the real meaning of service? Is it that we serve the Creator and then His creatures for His sake? Is the help of man, who is after all but a mere worm, of any value to God in caring for His great family, or does God stand in need of the help of man in protecting or preserving any of His creatures? The Master,--1. Service means the activity of the spiritual life and is the natural offering prompted by love. God, who is Love, is ever active in the care of His creation,
Sadhu Sundar Singh—At The Master's Feet

The Third vision "In Heaven"
H3, xi. 15-19-. THE SOUNDING OF THE SEVENTH TRUMPET. The Seventh Trumpet brings us back to Heaven and to the Third Vision seen there by John. For it is "in heaven" that the Trumpet is sounded. After it is sounded, we again hear the heavenly utterances which tell us of the design of this sounding. In xix. 1-16, heavenly voices again tell us of the completion of its effect. After it is sounded, and its object unfolded, there is a break; and an episode occupying chaps. xii., xiii. and xiv.; the effects
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

All Fulness in Christ
The text is a great deep, we cannot explore it, but we will voyage over its surface joyously, the Holy Spirit giving us a favorable wind. Here are plenteous provisions far exceeding, those of Solomon, though at the sight of that royal profusion, Sheba's queen felt that there was no more spirit in her, and declared that the half had not been told to her. It may give some sort of order to our thoughts if they fall under four heads. What is here spoken of--"all fullness." Where is it placed--"in him,"
Charles Haddon Spurgeon—Spurgeon's Sermons Volume 17: 1871

An Advance Step in the Royal Programme
(Revelation, Chapters iv. and v.) "We are watching, we are waiting, For the bright prophetic day; When the shadows, weary shadows, From the world shall roll away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the star that brings the day; When the night of sin shall vanish, And the shadows melt away. "We are watching, we are waiting, For the beauteous King of day; For the chiefest of ten thousand, For the Light, the Truth, the Way. "We are waiting for the morning, When the beauteous day is dawning, We are
by S. D. Gordon—Quiet Talks on the Crowned Christ of Revelation

The Power of God
The next attribute is God's power. Job 9:19. If I speak of strength, lo, he is strong.' In this chapter is a magnificent description of God's power. Lo, he is strong.' The Hebrew word for strong signifies a conquering, prevailing strength. He is strong.' The superlative degree is intended here; viz., He is most strong. He is called El-shaddai, God almighty. Gen 17:7. His almightiness lies in this, that he can do whatever is feasible. Divines distinguish between authority and power. God has both.
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

The Living One
"I am He that liveth, and was dead" (i. 18). (...) (ho zon), THE LIVING ONE. Like the previous title, it is used as a special designation of the One whose unveiling is about to be shewn to John. Its use is peculiar to Daniel and Revelation. The two books thus linked together by it are linked as to their character and subject matter in a very special manner. It is used twice in Daniel:- Dan. iv. 34 (31 [19] ) and xii. 7; and six time in Revelation:- Rev. i. 18; iv. 9,10; v. 14; x. 6; and xv. 7. [20]
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

The Seventh vision "In Heaven"
H^7. Chap. xix. 1-16. The final heavenly Utterances and Actions. We now come to the last of the seven Visions seen "in Heaven," which is the subject of chap. xix. 1-16, giving us the final heavenly Utterances and Actions which lead up to, explain, and introduce the five concluding judgments which close up the things of Time, and pass on to what we call the Eternal State. This last Vision "in Heaven" is divided into two parts, each having its own independent construction. The first contains the words
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

An Appendix to the Beatitudes
His commandments are not grievous 1 John 5:3 You have seen what Christ calls for poverty of spirit, pureness of heart, meekness, mercifulness, cheerfulness in suffering persecution, etc. Now that none may hesitate or be troubled at these commands of Christ, I thought good (as a closure to the former discourse) to take off the surmises and prejudices in men's spirits by this sweet, mollifying Scripture, His commandments are not grievous.' The censuring world objects against religion that it is difficult
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Opposition to Messiah Ruinous
Thou shalt break them with a rod of iron; Thou shalt dash them in pieces like a potter's vessel T here is a species of the sublime in writing, which seems peculiar to the Scripture, and of which, properly, no subjects but those of divine revelation are capable, With us, things inconsiderable in themselves are elevated by splendid images, which give them an apparent importance beyond what they can justly claim. Thus the poet, when describing a battle among bees, by a judicious selection of epithets
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Lord's Supper
We are approaching now the end of our Saviour's life. The last week has come, and we are in the midst of it. This is called Passion week. We commonly use this word passion to denote anger. But the first and true meaning of the word, and of the Latin word from which it comes, is--suffering. And this is the sense in which we find the word used in Acts i: 3. There, St. Luke, who wrote the Acts, is speaking of Christ's appearing to the apostles, after his resurrection, and he uses this language: "To
Richard Newton—The Life of Jesus Christ for the Young

In Reply to the Questions as to his Authority, Jesus Gives the Third Great Group of Parables.
(in the Court of the Temple. Tuesday, April 4, a.d. 30.) Subdivision D. Parable of the Marriage of the King's Son. ^A Matt. XXII. 1-14. ^a 1 And Jesus answered and spake again in parables unto them, saying, 2 The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a certain king, who made a marriage feast for his son, 3 and sent forth his servants to call them that were bidden to the marriage feast: and they would not come. 4 Again he sent forth other servants, saying, Tell them that are bidden, Behold, I have made
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Consolations against the Fear of Death.
If in the time of thy sickness thou findest thyself fearful to die, meditate-- 1. That it argueth a dastardly mind to fear that which is not; for in the church of Christ there is no death (Isa. xxv. 7, 8), and whosoever liveth and believeth in Christ, shall never die (John xi. 26). Let them fear death who live without Christ. Christians die not; but when they please God, they are like Enoch translated unto God (Gen. v. 24;) their pains are but Elijah's fiery chariot to carry them up to heaven (2
Lewis Bayly—The Practice of Piety

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