January 9: THE HALLELUJAH CHORUS

Again they said, “Alleluia! Her smoke rises up forever and ever!” And the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures fell down and worshiped God who sat on the throne, saying, “Amen! Alleluia!” Revelation 19:3-4

The joyful exclamation “Alleluia!” (transliterated from Hallelujah) appears only four times in all of Scripture, all four being in Revelation 19. It is a compound Hebrew word that expresses intense gratitude to God, and its literal meaning is “Praise to ‘I AM’!” This joyful interjection is in “command form” to everyone present. In popular use among first century Christians, it clearly displays the Hebrew foundation of the Christian faith. This joyful command, “Praise to ‘I AM’!” was a beloved and powerful reminder of the glory that He alone deserves. How moving it must have been for John to see and hear the enormous heavenly host praising God with this most cherished expression! In addition, it is the inspiration of arguably the world’s most beautiful piece of music, The Hallelujah Chorus, the finale of George Frideric Handel’s Messiah.

Now we come to the announcement, “[Babylon’s] smoke rises up forever and ever!” The word smoke is an indicator of the destruction accomplished at the hands of the angry mobs (17:16; 18:18), possibly similar to that which Abraham saw following the destruction of the cities on the plain (Genesis 19:28). The extinction of these cities was specifically cited by Old Testament prophets to convey the fate of ancient Babylon: And Babylon, the glory of kingdoms, the beauty of the Chaldeans’ pride, Will be as when God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah. It will never be inhabited (Isaiah 13:19-20a). As God overthrew Sodom and Gomorrah and their neighbors,” says the LORD, “So no one shall reside there, Nor son of man dwell in it” (Jeremiah 50:40). Jesus and New Testament writers also cited this model (see Matthew 10:14-16; Mark 6:11; Luke 10:11-13; Romans 9:28-29; 2 Peter 2:6; Jude 7). The word forever is found in the Bible to refer to a seemingly long time (see 1 Samuel 1:22,28). It usually means as long as life endures, but to Jonah, it was much shorter (Jonah 2:6). When forever is used in the context of God Himself, it is naturally infinite. His mercy endures forever (Psalm 136:1).

The joyful praise of the angels is echoed by the twenty-four elders and the four living creatures. Surrounded by countless angels, John saw them fall down and worship God who sat on the throne. What a sight! Although the twenty-four elders are not identified by name, it seems reasonable to believe that they are redeemed humans, based on their song lyrics when they sang to Jesus: For You were slain, And have redeemed us to God by Your blood (Revelation 5:9; Other supporting verses are found in Psalm 68:18; Matthew 27:52; Ephesians 4:8). The four living creatures, exalted angels* who reside in immediate proximity to God’s throne, join in the worship and praise of God. In very unique and intimate ways, they seem to relate closely with God and with His created beings. Their empathy with both God and man will be a marvelous exploration for future heaven-dwellers! Remember the preview we were given of the redeemed in heaven (Revelation 7:9-17).

…Jesus Christ, whom having not seen, you love. Though now you do not see Him, yet believing, you rejoice with joy inexpressible and full of glory . . . things which angels desire to look into. 1 Peter 1:7b,8,12b            

*Ezekiel 1:5,15; Revelation 4:6-8; 5:6,8,14