Revelation Public Domain. We often assume events and persons are given in chronological order, but John often presents events and persons in a literary order, not in chronological order see Poythress, below. The one sitting on it is called Faithful and True , and in righteousness he judges and makes war. The victorious conqueror rode into his city seated on a white horse in Bible times. This image was used once before in Rev.
There it was symbolic of conquest that leads to war. Laurus nobilis is an aromatic evergreen tree or large shrub with green. It is native to the Mediterranean region and is used as bay leaf for seasoning in cooking. See Wikipedia under laurel wreath. The figure on a white horse in Rev. It could be made of linen like a band around the forehead. Image right is by Wolfgang Sauber; Diadem.
Greek, probably made in Alexandria, Egypt, β B. It means that which is genuine in contrast to that which is false, e. Rome and its made-up narrative. Most men and nations allow passion to flare out against someone.
This leads to war and vengeance. Christ is not like this. He wars from a steeled disposition of justice. The image of the warrior messiah is taken from Psalms β. The Divine Warrior will not permit evil empires and persons to escape. The first image connects this with the vision in chapter There will always be mystery when it comes to God. We know him only through revelation. Often in surrounding cultures, secret names of idols were used to get favor or fortune. If a person knew that secret name, they could use it to get what they wanted.
The fact that he will share that name with his people means that his people will share his rule. Who is this who comes from Edom, in crimsoned garments from Bozrah, he who is splendid in his apparel, marching in the greatness of his strength?
