Revelation 9:3 – “And out of the smoke locusts came down on the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth.”
Extended Explanation
In this verse, we see what comes out of the smoke that poured from the Abyss in the previous verse—locusts. But these aren’t ordinary insects. They are described as having the power of scorpions, meaning they are dangerous and capable of inflicting pain. The wording tells us they were given this power. This is a key detail. They didn’t take it for themselves—it was allowed by a higher authority. That higher authority is ultimately God.
The appearance of these locusts is symbolic. In the Bible, locusts often represent destruction, especially in terms of crops and food sources. But these locusts are different—they don’t attack plants. They attack people. They bring not physical death, but intense suffering. This is a spiritual plague unleashed to bring judgment and a wake-up call.
Historical Context
John’s original audience would have immediately recognized the reference to locusts as a sign of judgment. In the Old Testament, one of the plagues that fell on Egypt was a swarm of locusts that destroyed everything in their path (Exodus 10). That plague was a warning from God and a consequence for refusing to listen to Him.
In ancient times, locusts were one of the most feared natural disasters. They could wipe out an entire harvest in a day, leaving people without food. So the idea of locusts coming out of smoke and carrying the sting of a scorpion would have been terrifying. It told the early Christians that a powerful, destructive judgment—more spiritual than physical—was being unleashed.
Theological Implications
This verse shows that God is still in charge, even when dark forces are allowed to act. The locusts are given power, which means their actions are limited by God’s permission. Evil is not running wild on its own—it is restrained, timed, and used by God for His purposes.
It also shows us that God uses spiritual means to deal with spiritual problems. These locusts aren’t destroying land—they’re causing pain to people who have rejected God. The purpose isn’t just punishment—it’s also to wake people up and call them to repentance.
Literary Analysis
The language in Revelation is full of vivid, symbolic images, and this verse is no different. “Locusts” here are not literal bugs. They are described later as looking like war horses with crowns, human faces, and other unnatural features. This tells us they are symbolic beings—likely demons or demonic forces—released to torment people.
The phrase “power like that of scorpions” adds to the emotional weight of the scene. Scorpions are feared for their sting. The idea is that these creatures are here not to kill, but to torment, and their power is felt in real, painful ways.
The fact that they came “out of the smoke” links them to the Abyss and to the spiritual darkness released in verse 2. Everything here is connected to judgment and spiritual warfare.
Biblical Cross-References
- Exodus 10:12-15 – The plague of locusts in Egypt.
- Joel 1:4 and Joel 2:25 – Descriptions of locusts as a symbol of destruction and judgment.
- Luke 10:19 – Jesus gives His followers authority over scorpions and all the power of the enemy.
- Revelation 9:10 – These same locusts are described as having tails like scorpions to sting people.
These references show that the Bible uses locusts and scorpions to talk about God’s judgment, spiritual warfare, and the torment that comes from resisting God.
What This Verse Means for Today’s Christian
This verse reminds us that spiritual realities are serious and powerful. There is a battle happening that we often don’t see with our eyes. The world isn’t just facing physical trouble—it’s facing spiritual danger. These “locusts” show us that rejecting God doesn’t lead to freedom—it leads to torment.
For believers, this verse is a reminder to stay close to God and be alert. It should drive us to prayer, to be serious about spiritual things, and to have compassion for those who are still far from God. It also reminds us not to take sin lightly. There are real consequences, both now and in eternity.
How This Verse Relates to a Loving God
It’s hard to see love in a scene like this—but it’s there. God allows this torment not to destroy people, but to wake them up. He’s giving them a taste of what life without Him really looks like—full of darkness, pain, and confusion. Sometimes, the only way people will turn to God is when they’ve hit the bottom.
God’s love is not soft or sentimental. It is a strong love that disciplines, warns, and even wounds in order to save. The release of these locusts is part of God’s larger plan to bring people to repentance before it’s too late.
How This Verse Connects to Jesus Christ
Jesus came to destroy the works of the devil (1 John 3:8). These locust-like beings represent the kind of evil Jesus came to defeat. His death and resurrection broke the power of sin and spiritual darkness. When we belong to Him, we are not at the mercy of these kinds of forces.
In Luke 10:19, Jesus told His followers that He gave them authority over snakes and scorpions—a direct connection to this kind of spiritual threat. In Christ, we are protected from the full force of spiritual torment. Jesus is the light that overcomes the smoke. He is the Savior who guards His people when judgment comes.
Questions for Reflection and Discussion
- Why do you think God allows these locust-like beings to torment people?
- What does this passage teach you about the seriousness of spiritual warfare?
- How can we tell the difference between God’s punishment and His wake-up call?
- What comfort does Jesus offer to those who belong to Him in the midst of spiritual darkness?
- How should this verse impact how we pray for those who are far from God?