Expositor's Bible Commentary Commentary Revelation 19:14

"And the armies which are in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white [and] pure." — Revelation 19:14 (ASV)

This verse seems somewhat parenthetical because it does not refer directly to Christ’s person or his actions. The armies of heaven mounted on white horses may be angelic hosts, since both OT and NT speak of the armies of heaven as angels (148:2; Acts 7:42). Furthermore, the NT also associates the coming of Christ with angels (e.g., Matthew 13:41; 16:27; 24:30–31). On the other hand, this may not be John’s meaning. These soldiers, like their leader, are riding white horses of victory—something hardly true of angels. Their clothing of bright and clean linen is identical to the bride’s attire (cf. v.8). Thus human victors probably accompany Christ, either all of them (resurrected and raptured [1 Thessalonians 4:16–17]) or the company of the martyrs. In 17:14, John writes that the Lamb will overcome the beast and the ten kings “because he is Lord of lords and King of kings—and with him will be his called, chosen and faithful followers” (italics added; cf. 15:1–2).