He executes judgment by waging war. This war is against the political and military forces of earth, which had assembled to destroy His faithful servants (see on chs. 13:15; 16:13, 14, 16, 17).

 His cause is altogether just (see on chs. 15:3; 16:5). Throughout history earthly rulers have waged war for selfish ends and personal or national aggrandizement. Compare Isa. 11:1-5.

 It should be remembered that Oriental names depict character (see on Acts 3:16), and that therefore the names here ascribed to Christ specifically represent Him in His role as champion of His beleaguered people on earth. Four statements are made concerning Christ’s name in connection with the battle of Rev. 19:11-21:

 1. Christ is called “Faithful and True” (v. 11) in that He now appears, according to His promise (John 14:1-3), to deliver His own. To them He has seemed to delay His coming (see on Rev. 16:15), but they “have waited for him,” and He now appears for the purpose of effecting their salvation (Isa. 25:9; cf. Rev. 16:17).

 2. The “name written, that no man knew, but he himself” (v. 12) represents the heretofore unknown role in which He now appears, as the avenger of His people (see on ch. 16:1). In the performance of this “strange” work (Isa. 28:21) He acts in a role new to both men and angels.

 3. But as the avenger and deliverer of His people He is still “The Word of God” (v. 13). He is “The Word of God” at work carrying out the will of the Father on earth, now in judgment, as formerly in mercy (see on John 1:1-3; Rev. 19:15).

 4. The title “King of kings, and Lord of lords” (v. 16) applies in a special sense to Christ at this time (see on ch. 17:14). All power has been given into His hands (1 Cor. 15:25). Satan selfishly aspired to the exalted position that had been reserved for Christ as the Son of God (Isa. 14:12-14; Rev. 12:7-9; PP 36). But the latter, not counting equality with the Father a thing to be grasped, had voluntarily relinquished the full exercise of the attributes and prerogatives of Deity for a time (see on Vol. V, p. 918; see on Phil. 2:6-8), and thereby demonstrated His worthiness to receive the honor and dignity implicit in the title “King of kings, and Lord of lords.”

 In Bible times horses were used almost exclusively in connection with warfare or government business. When used figuratively in the Bible, as here, the horse is usually a symbol of battle (cf. Ex. 15:21; Isa. 43:17; Jer. 8:6; Eze. 38:15; Zech. 10:3; Rev. 14:20; see on ch. 6:2). White typifies holiness of character (see on chs. 3:4; 6:2; 7:14). White horses have ever been the favorite of kings and military leaders. Christ has received the right to rule this earth as King of kings (see on ch. 19:1, 7) and now appears, figuratively, as a warrior, riding forth as a conqueror on a magnificent white charger to occupy His lawful domain and to escort His faithful people back to the “marriage supper” (v. 9; see on ch. 11:15). Compare Isa. 63:1-6.

 Compare on ch. 21:5.

 Literally, “standing open.” Heaven was open when John’s attention was first directed to it, and remained open. Compare chs. 4:1; 11:19; 15:5. Accompanied by the angel armies of heaven (ch. 19:14), Christ is seen descending from heaven as King of kings (v. 16) in power and majesty to deliver His faithful people from those who are bent upon their destruction (cf. GC 641). The scene described in vs. 11-21 is the climax of “the battle of that great day of God Almighty,” often called the battle of Armageddon (see on ch. 16:12-19; cf. 6T 406).