Revelation 17:14 - Exposition

These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them; shall war against. This connects the description with Revelation 16:1-21 :34 and with Revelation 19:11-21 . This war between the Lamb and the powers of evil is that which extends throughout the history of the world ( vide infra ) ; it occupies the "one hour" of Revelation 19:12 , which is equivalent to the period of the world's existence. But the seer in this verse looks forward also to the termination of the conflict, the result of which, here briefly indicated, is soon to be narrated more fully. For he is Lord of lords, and King of kings. This is the reason given to the Israelites ( Deuteronomy 10:17 ) for obedience to God (cf. also Daniel 2:47 ; 1 Timothy 6:15 ; and Revelation 19:16 ). Though the beast may exercise m this world dominion and power as "prince of this world," yet the Lamb is King still greater, to whom the beast must finally succumb. He is thus King above the kings of Revelation 17:2 , Revelation 17:10 . And they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. The Revised Version is more correct, And they that are with him, called and chosen and faithful [shall also overcome]. Another evidence of the lifelong nature of this war. Not only Christ wars and overcomes, but those associated with him are permitted to share in the battle and the victory. Christ's saints are called here to battle; in Revelation 19:9 they are called to the marriage supper of the Lamb (cf. also the exhortation to faithfulness in Revelation 2:10 ). The three epithets describe the progressive life of those who share Christ's victory They are called— as all men are—to serve him; having heard the call, they dedicate their lives to his service, and become his chosen servants; finally, having remained faithful to him, they share in his victory.