Revelation 9:1-12
Please read your Bible text: Rev 9:1-12
The first four of the seven trumpet judgments (Rev. 8:7-13) are targeted at the elements of the earth. But the last three of the seven trumpet judgments are targeted on human flesh, and these are by far the worst and most terrifying. For this reason, an angel is dispatched to earth – flying amid the heavens and saying with a loud voice, “Woe, woe, woe to the inhabitants of the earth… (Rev. 8:13).” This is super dramatic – an angel appearing in the sky with a message broadcast to the people of the earth. Perhaps CNN or CNA may capture this moment in their news broadcast with this headline: “Angel with doom and gloom message above the Jerusalem skyline”. And this is for real.
Here in chapter 9: 1-12, the fifth trumpet Judgment ushers in three of the worst sufferings on human flesh. The apostle John records it as the first woe, with two more woes to come in the subsequent trumpet judgments.
The angel from the abyss – vv.1-2, 11-12
The star which fell from the sky (v.1) represents an intelligent creature, apparently “the angel of the abyss (the pit)”. The abyss is the abode of the demons. The name of this angel of the abyss is Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek. Both mean “destructions”. This is a direct reference to Satan himself – who was given the key to the bottomless pit (the abyss). Notice the name mean “destruction” and Satan’s nature is to destroy. Notice also that the key was given to him – Satan does not have the key. The Lord Jesus holds the key (Rev. 1:18). With this key, Satan can open the pit and releases a host of demons to attack human flesh. Satan and his demons are restricted in their powers. They cannot do any harm other than what is allowed by God. In the tribulation, as God pours forth His wrath on the sinful world – He will allow this demonic attack as a judgment on earth. However, we also can see God’s grace when he curbs this demonic attack on humans only to a mere short period of 5 months and not resulting in death. We see here, both God’s sovereignty over demonic forces and God’s tender mercy over humanity. In His tender mercy, and not wanting humanity to perish, God is giving humanity a chance to repent.
Demonic plague on humans – vv.3-10
The great description of these locusts in v.7-10 indicates that they are demonic beings. However, I believe the description of these demonic beings are not literal and should be taken figuratively. The shape of the locusts was like horses could mean these forces of demons are marching out as to war. We see this confirmed in v.10 that the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle. They have on their heads a crown of gold (fake gold) which means authority – they are given authority or power to sting. They have faces of men to suggest they have human-like intelligence and having hair like women’s hair means deception. The demonic attack will be misconstrued to be ‘ACTS OF GOD’, and man will curse God (as we will see in later chapters). They have teeth like lions and breastplate like iron. This could mean the plague inflicted is infectious and robust. No medical science can ever counter this demonic plague. They have tails like scorpion confirm the attack is some sort of outbreaks cause by bite or sting of insects.
This demonic plague is to attack human flesh, not with lethal stings but with unbearable pain. During this time, people would prefer death than to suffer pain. Yet death would elude those who even attempted suicide. This demonic attack could be in a rare, widespread disease or virus which infected would deteriorate the human flesh painfully, yet not lethal. Clearly then, the attack on humans is not to kill but to torment. The torment is as though stung by scorpions and this torment will go on for five months.
Protective seal of God – vv.4, 7-10
While the attack is on all human flesh, the point of consideration is that those who escape have the imprint of God’s seal. The 144,000 Jewish remnants, having the mark of God’s seal on their foreheads are protected! No harm shall come on them.
Here is something for our thought. Every child of God in Christ has been sealed by the Holy Spirit (Eph. 4:30). And you having been sealed by the Holy Spirit are under divine protection. When forces of darkness assail us in this life, we can assuredly claim that divine protection, which shall surround us as an impregnable shield. There are spiritual foes that cannot be fought with human strength and whose invasions we must seek shelter under God’s seal of protection.
John’s imagery description of the suffering here may seem like fiction, but the fact remains – this is for real, and it is going to take place soon. I am sure the Lord will set a distinction between those who are His and those who are not. Just as in the days of Moses, the plague only attacks the Egyptians not the Hebrews. While the world gets darker, on the contrary, the Church of Jesus Christ will get brighter. To my unbelieving friends who happen to chance upon this book of Revelation, I urge you to believe and receive the Lord Jesus Christ before it is too late. Do not wait until these things happen, for by then, you may be too late.
Think: The Torment on earth is for five months – the Torment in the Lake of Fire is for eternity!
Prayer: Thank you, Lord, the torment is for five months because of your grace. Pray many would turn to Christ and the children of God be protected amid your fiery judgment on the earth.
Leave a Reply