the armieswhich were in heaven According to ordinary O. T. usage (e.g. 1 Kings 22:19) this would mean the holy Angels exclusively, or at least primarily. But some think that the glorified Saints are at least included: it seems in harmony with the ideas of this Book to represent them, not indeed as executing Christ's vengeance (which the angels do, Revelation 14:19; St Matthew 13:39-42), but as spectators of His triumph, which is all that these armies seem to be.

fine linen, white and clean The dress of Angels in St Matthew 28:3 and parallels, Acts 1:10; but of Saints in this Book, Revelation 3:4; Revelation 7:9, and probably Revelation 4:4: compare the almost exactly similar words of Revelation 19:8. Here this costume contrasts with the blood-dyed one of their Leader. The probable meaning is, that they have no need to take part in the work of slaughter, see Revelation 19:21. We cannot argue that Martyrs who shed their own blood for their Lord are not included, nor yet that these are not of those for whom His Blood was shed; for Revelation 7:14 shews that thatBlood does not leave a stain.

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