After the judgment of the Harlot, John hears a great sound coming from a great multitude in heaven, saying, “HALLELUJAH; SALVATION, AND GLORY, AND POWER, BELONG TO OUR GOD.” As was true with the Old Testament prophets, it is true in this text that we find salvation for a remnant along with the punishment of the ungodly. This chapter reveals the other side of the proverbial coin. Heaven is shouting praises to our God who enacts a just recompense of reward on the day of harvest. Whatever is reaped on this day is based on what has been sown (Gal. 6:7). The wheat and the tares are harvested on the same day. So, while old Jerusalem is destroyed, the creation of the new Jerusalem follows close behind. In this context of Jerusalem being likened unto a Great Harlot, we are given the marriage motif that depicts Israel as the bride of Jehovah (Hos. 2:2-7, 4:12; Jer. 3:14-20, 2:2; Isa. 54:1-5; Ezek. 16:8-21). Jehovah had taken an unattractive wretch and created a beautiful queen and for whom he provided and richly lavished blessing upon blessing. But, she had forgotten God and gone after her lovers. In playing the harlot, she even attributes her blessings to everything except God. Injustice lies, and hypocrisy abounds as their iniquity is full. Innocent and righteous servants have filled the graves and His longsuffering is ended. Their blood is avenged (19:2).
Jesus came against Jerusalem on the clouds of heaven “with power and great glory” (Matt. 24:30; Luke 16:27-28, 21:27). Thyatira and the woman Jezebel are similarly depicted as an idolatrous city that will receive their just reward according to their works (Rev. 2:20-22). No doubt, the harlotry of Jerusalem, like that of Thyatira is symbolic of any and all affections that cause one to forget God, redirect our attention, and focus on other pursuits. It need not be accomplished only by attending an idol’s temple. The time had come to “clean house” and the day of the Lord would involve the separation of the wheat and chaff in the purging of the threshing floor (Matt. 3:12). It was the “day of vengeance, that all things that are written may be fulfilled” (Luke 21:22).
A second time they say, “Her smoke goes up for ever and ever.” The Jews were a perpetual witness to the power and glory of God. Obviously, this is not a literal burning and smoke that never quits, but the effects and the implications of the message of that destruction is on-going.  This is similar to Isaiah 66:24, which reads, “And they shall go out and look on the dead bodies of the men who have rebelled against me. For their worm shall not die, their fire shall not be quenched, and they shall be an abhorrence to all flesh” (ESV). Another repeating refrain is the statement that the 24 elders and four living creatures fall down and worship God that sits on the throne saying, “Amen; Hallelujah.” Then, a voice comes from the throne addressing His servants, “Give praise to our God, you that fear Him, small and great.” Then, the loud sound of a multitude was heard praising God for the Lord God reigns.  On the same occasion and context of praising God for His salvation and power in avenging the blood of His servants, His servants that fear Him were told to praise Him., while the twenty-four elders and four living creatures shout His praises because He reigns. Therefore, the praise to God for salvation coincides with the praise for His judgment of the city, the Great Harlot and both are linked to His kingdom reign.  Both proves Him as having supreme power and authority, but it was not accomplished in one day. Several events led to it. God, the Father, gave Jesus all authority in heaven and on earth (Matt. 28:18) after His resurrection. That implies that He first died for sin, which also implies that He live sinless so as to make atonement for others’ sin. This victory further implies that He descend from heaven. All of these events lead to His eventful ascent to the throne. His position of authority is demonstrated by sending the Holy Spirit to the Apostles whom he had chosen on earth. Sitting at the right of the Father is as if He was co-regent. We will try to avoid an attept to describe the personalities of the Godhead, but think it necessary to establish the thought that when establishing a kingdom, the ruler does not suddenly arrive to the position in one day.  David was annointed king and it took years before he occupied the throne. His son, Solomon took three years to establish his kingdom (1 Kings 2:39, 46). He had some among his rivals and opportunty seekers to oppose his rule as Jesus had both Jews and Gentiles to oppose Him (Ps. 2:1-12).
When Jesus was seen “coming (presence) in His kingdom” (Matt. 16:28), it was seen in the marching armies of Rome against the harlot city of Jerusalem. During these days, or approximatley 45 days after the destruction of Jerusalem, the King of kings cleansed the threshingfloor, preserving some in his barn, while burning up the chaff (Matt. 3:7-12). This judgment of the chaff coincided with the revealing of the sons of God and their reward in the “first resurrection” (Rev. 20:5-6). This resurrection is also the marriage of the Lamb and the called-out saints, a discussion for another blog.