In contrast to the earth-dwellers, God's people will rejoice when Babylon falls (cf. 11:10). The songs in 19:1-5 may be their response to this invitation. Heaven rejoiced over the fall of ancient Babylon too (Jer. 51:48-49).610What causes bitter mourning on earth brings great exultation to heaven.
The speaker is evidently the angel (v. 4; cf. 12:12). Saints are all believers. Apostles, who died as martyrs, and prophets are special groups of saints (cf. 11:18). The similar exhortation in 12:12 suggests that all these believers are now in heaven. The reason for this merry-making is that God has pronounced a verdict in their favor. He has vindicated them by punishing their oppressors (cf. 19:2-3).611
Believers characteristically have greater interest in glorifying God and helping other people than they do in hoarding earthly treasures for themselves (Matt. 6:19-34; 22:34-40). The desire of unbelievers to accumulate wealth for themselves has resulted in untold opposition to the gospel and God's servants throughout history (cf. 6:9-11).
