Revelation 19:14; Upon White Horses, Clothed in Fine Linen, White and Clean (2)

Revelation 19:14 (KJV)  And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean. 

Two considerations that are persuasive in concluding these armies are redeemed men are their clothing and the indication of Revelation 17:14 that they elect will join Christ for this climatic event.

Revelation 17:14 (KJV)  These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful. 

Their clothing “fine linen, white and clean” closely identified them with the Lamb’s bride who apparel is “clean and white” (Revelation 19:8).

Revelation 19:8 (KJV)  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. 

Seeing the armies as the company of the redeemed also corresponds with the presence of the “called, and chosen, and faithful,” at the final battle against the beast and his forces in Revelation 17:14.

A confirming consideration is the promise to the overcomer in Revelation 2:27 of ruling with a rod of iron the same as Christ does here (Revelation 19:15). The overcomes from the churches must be among the troops in these armies (Charles). Limiting the armies to saints is appropriate. It does not deny the presence of angels on this occasion but simply concludes that the angels are not mentioned here. The saints will have a role in judgment during this important episode.

[Robert L. Thomas, Revelation 8-22 – An Exegetical Commentary, Moody, 1995, 388]