Book of Revelation - Chapter 19 - Verse 3
Meaning
In this verse from the Book of Revelation, the phrase "And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever" describes the reaction of the heavenly beings to the destruction of Babylon, a symbolic representation of all evil in the world. The word "Alleluia" is an expression of praise and joy, signifying the victory of God over evil. The rising smoke symbolizes the eternal punishment of Babylon for its sins. This verse serves as a reminder that ultimately, evil will be defeated and righteousness will prevail. It is a powerful image of the consequences of turning away from God and embracing wickedness. The eternal nature of the smoke signifies the lasting impact of sin and the importance of remaining faithful to God. Overall, this verse serves as a message of hope and encouragement for believers to persevere in the face of evil, knowing that God's justice will ultimately prevail.
Theological Overview
The theological interpretation of the verse "And again they said, Alleluia. And her smoke rose up for ever and ever." can be understood in the context of the book of Revelation. This verse comes from the scene where the great prostitute Babylon is being judged and destroyed for her sins against God. The word "Alleluia" is a Hebrew expression of praise to God, indicating the victorious culmination of God's judgment. The rising smoke symbolizes the eternal nature of Babylon's destruction and the finality of her judgment. This verse serves as a reminder of the sovereignty of God over all nations and the inevitability of divine justice.
In terms of word studies, the term "Alleluia" comes from the Hebrew word "hallelu Yah" which means "praise the Lord." This expression is commonly used in the Bible to exalt God's name and acknowledge His greatness. The word "smoke" in this context signifies the visible evidence of Babylon's destruction, reminiscent of the imagery of smoke rising from a burning city. The phrase "for ever and ever" emphasizes the eternal nature of God's judgment and the permanence of Babylon's downfall.