Introduction
Revelation 9 details the fifth and sixth trumpets, known as the first and second woes. These judgments unleash demonic forces that bring unprecedented suffering to the earth, emphasizing the severity of God’s wrath against unredeemed humanity and the spiritual warfare underlying the end times.
The Fifth Trumpet: The First Woe
Release of the Locusts from the Abyss
When the fifth trumpet sounds, John sees a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star is given the key to the shaft of the Abyss (Revelation 9:1). Upon opening the Abyss, smoke rises and darkens the sun and sky, and from the smoke come locusts with the power of scorpions (Revelation 9:2-3).
Description and Mission of the Locusts
These locusts are described in vivid, symbolic terms, with appearances likened to horses prepared for battle, faces like humans, hair like women’s hair, teeth like lions’ teeth, and wearing armor (Revelation 9:7-10). They are commanded not to harm the grass, plants, or trees, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Their torment is likened to the pain of a scorpion sting, lasting five months, and their purpose is to torment but not kill, leading to such agony that people will seek death but will not find it (Revelation 9:4-6).
The Sixth Trumpet: The Second Woe
Release of the Four Angels
The sixth trumpet releases four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. These angels have been prepared specifically for this hour, day, month, and year to kill a third of mankind (Revelation 9:13-15).
The Army from the East
Following their release, an army of two hundred million is described. The horses and riders in this army bear breastplates of fiery red, dark blue, and sulfur yellow; the horses have heads like lions, and fire, smoke, and sulfur come out of their mouths (Revelation 9:16-17). A third of humanity is killed by these three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur.
Response to the Judgments
Hardening of Humanity’s Heart
Despite these severe judgments, the rest of mankind, those not killed by these plagues, do not repent of the works of their hands. They continue to worship demons and idols and do not turn away from murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, or thefts (Revelation 9:20-21). This response illustrates the hardness of human hearts even in the face of clear divine intervention and judgment.
Conclusion: Significance and Relevance
Connection to Jesus Christ
Revelation 9 connects to Jesus Christ through the demonstration of His sovereign authority over the judgments. Christ, as the Lamb who opens the seals and permits the sounding of the trumpets, underscores His role in executing God’s plan for the world, fulfilling divine justice.
God’s Love for the World
This chapter illustrates God’s love by highlighting His justice and the lengths He goes to in attempting to bring humanity to repentance. The judgments serve as drastic measures intended to lead people to the truth and away from eternal destruction.
Contemporary Relevance
Revelation 9 remains relevant today by challenging readers to reflect on the spiritual realities that influence the physical world. It serves as a sober reminder of the consequences of persistent sin and the importance of repentance. For believers, it reassures that God’s justice will prevail and that they are called to remain faithful and alert, engaging in spiritual warfare with the armor of God.
Through its intense imagery and themes of judgment and resistance to repentance, Revelation 9 provides a stark warning against complacency and a call to spiritual vigilance, underscoring the ongoing battle between divine forces and the powers of darkness.