Dear Paul,

    I think that you are reading the passage correctly.  I was taught that the Wedding of the Lamb coincided with the Tribulation, but I always had a problem whenever I read Revelation 19.  The Wedding is clearly after the Tribulation – and there is no mention of the Wedding in any of the preceding chapters.

    After many years, I had to conclude that the application of the 7 day wedding feast to the 7 year Tribulation is wrong.  I now believe that the Wedding will be celebrated over a literal 7 day period (Tabernacles?) after the conclusion of the Tribulation.

    I think that Psalm 45 supports this conclusion.  Psalm 45 is a wedding song that is Messianic in nature.  It talks about a bridegroom riding forth in victory and conquering his enemies.  Then it talks about his bride coming to meet him.  "All glorious is the princess within her chamber; her gown is interwoven with gold.  In embroidered garments she is led to the king; her virgin companions follow her and are brought to you.  They are led in with joy and gladness; they enter the palace of the king."  Psalm 45:13-15.  In Revelation 19, we see the Bride making herself ready for the wedding.  We also see Christ on a white horse, riding forth to conquer His enemies.  The 2 passages are too similar to be coincidental.

    The timing is clear.  Christ will marry His Bride at the time that He will conquer His enemies.

    I have unfortunately reached the age where I realize that nobody gets scripture 100% right – including me.  I know that it is hard to question the points of view we started off with as Christians.  But as we mature in our walk, it is good to make sure that there is a biblical basis for our beliefs.  I have made my biggest goofs in interpretation when I failed to take the Bible literally and at face value.

    So, you are doing good in questioning interpretations that do not seem to jive with what you are reading in the Bible.  And, for Pete’s sake, don’t believe the interpretation that I just gave you.  Check it out for yourself and ask for the Holy Spirit for guidance.  He is the best teacher!

    Maranatha.

                  – Lisa Taylor