Bible Groups - Digests of Bible Commentaries

The Revelation to John - Chapter 9

Revised 2013

With 5th trumpet move from earthly into mythological disasters, anticipating chap 20, when chaotic & terrible forces unleashed at the end of time. 5th heralds woe with elements from 8th & 9th plagues of Egypt (Exod 10:12-15, 21-23) but also invasion of locusts (Joel 1:4-2:10). With 6th trumpet John tells what he heard (9:14), then the projected result (9:15-16), then what he saw (9:17), then the result (9:18-19). Purpose of these disasters appears to be to shock mankind into turning towards God. Trumpets affect one-third, an escalation over the one-quarter of the seals.
1 Usually in late Judaism a fallen star meant a fallen power (Isa 14:12-15; Lk 10:18; Jude 13), but here is seems to be a fallen angel (1:20; 20:1). The abyss is Sheol, where Satan & fallen angels kept for 1000 years (17:8; 20:1-3), then to be cast into the pool of fire (20:7-10). In Jewish tradition the abyss is under the foundation stone of the Jerusalem temple. Only link with earth via passage or mine shaft, kept locked. Stars controlled by angels or spirits, one of whom, descending with the star, could unlock the shaft. Note again that the key “was given” - God is in control.
2 In mythical geology the unneeded waters of the ocean and destructive elemental forces were imprisoned below the earth. Their only escape was through shaft of which God held key. Opening this shaft threatens the earth with onslaught of suppressed forces of destruction. Smoke rise (from the pool of fire - 20:7-10) but becomes locusts (which usually seen initially as smoke).
3 Scorpions’ poisonous sting proverbial (Ezek 2:6; Lk 11:12).
4 Not to damage usual grass, but those people not sealed - ie the faithful are protected. Aim appears to be to shock sinners into repentance.
5 5 months approx life-span of locusts. Also a short time = 10/2. Again they “were allowed”. God does not cause the suffering: John is saying that evil has a human face and inflicts its suffering on whole humanity - as we know. And God is still sovereign, protecting the faithful who are sealed.
6 Intense human suffering of stings that torment but do not kill. As after 6th seal people wish to die but cannot (cf Jer 8:3; Job 3:21).
7 8 seeming - but incompatible - characteristics to show eschatological & diabolical nature of these locusts. Locusts do look like horses, and the metallic noise like cavalry. John sees them as human cavalry - like centaurs. Golden crown will re-appear as crown of the beast.
8 Centaurs - Sagittarius - have long hair.
9 Many features are from Joel (!;6; 2:4-5). Yea - horses with human faces, crowns on heads, lion’s teeth, scorpion’s tails: it’s our worst nightmare - which it is!
10 Sagittarius sometimes shown with tail of its neighbouring sign: Scorpio. In John’s vision they can afflict humans too. 5 months is time between beginning of Scorpio and year end. They are not locusts but insects in human form, marching under one of signs of heaven.
11 And their king is the angel of the pit, the power which commands all the suppressed evil of the universe. John avoids giving his true name. Abaddon (Job 26:6) (Aramaic) = destruction or ruin. Apollyon (Greek) = destroyer.
13 Heavenly ceremonial continues. 6th trumpet -> woe representing another diabolical attack, symbolised by invasion by Parthians. “Four” not in all mss. But in ancient Israel altars had vertical horns at 4 corners (Exod 27:2; 30:2-3), & this is where deity’s power resides. Hence this order comes directly from God. Altar reminds that release of these plagues is in answer to prayers of the faithful for God’s justice to be seen.
14 4 angels symbolise destructive activity which will be extended throughout universe. Counterpart on earth to underworld forces: forces from outside the empire which attack Rome, and constantly attacked Israel, always from NE across Euphrates: Hittites, Babylonians, Parthians.
15 Delay not because Parthians not ready or strong enough, but because held back by God until the appointed time in his plan. John sees that this moment has now come. But not end of world yet - only a third of mankind wiped out! Not just to torment but to kill.
16 Parthians defeated Rome 52 BC & 62 AD. 200 million = 2 x 10,000 x 10,000 - ie fullness upon fullness, too great to count.
17 Breastplate colours literally: “hyacinth-coloured” & “sulphurous”. Fire - red; smoke - blue; sulphur - yellow.
18 Not earthly disaster but direct killing of humans.
19 Parthians deadly accurate mounted bowmen, both advancing (heads) and retreating (tails).
20 Attack by Parthians a blow to Rome, but seen by John as overthrowing Rome with its idolatrous polytheism, materialism & sexual permissiveness, especially sorceries & fornication. “Works of their hands” (Ps 135:15-17) ie gods made by hand (cf Dan 5:23, which refers to fall of Babylon - so here refers to Rome’s fall). This revealing of “God’s wrath” ought to bring about changes to this culture, but John realises that this is not going to happen, as it didn’t in previous disasters seen by John. Unfortunately man’s normal reaction to disasters is to curse God, not turn to him. Only in Jerusalem will people eventually repent (16:9; 11:13). But since Jerusalem has opposed God’s covenant plan, like Sodom & Egypt, Jerusalem too must fall.
21 John has been privileged to gain insight into meaning of human history within God’s grand purpose - the “mystery” of God (10:7). Yet even these mythic attacks not enough to change humanity. As throughout OT, those hardened against word of God do not repent whatever suffering they undergo. They continue in idolatry. More must occur before a terrified humanity recognises that God is at work (11:13). Now an ominous pause before final trumpet blast, and John returns to earth.