Chapter 9
-The fifth angle blows his trumpet bringing on the first woe
to the earth. A star (more than likely this represents an angel from the Lord)
comes down with the key to the bottomless pit and opens the shaft of it
releasing smoke that darkens the sun and air. It also releases a locust type
creature that has the power of scorpions to sting unbelieving mankind in
torment, but not to the point of death. They were not to harm any of the grass
of the earth or any green plant or any tree. They only were to harm those who
did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. Their torment last for five
months with the torment of the scorpion sting. In those days people will seek
to die, but will not be able to find it; death will flee from them (Revelation
9:1-6). The tormenting creatures are described more fully in verses 7-11, and
the name Abaddon (in Hebrew) and Apollyon (in Greek are given, which denotes
destruction (the destroyer).
-The sixth angel brings about the beginning of the second
woe upon the earth. In this occurrence, the four angels who are bound at the
great river Euphrates are released to kill a third of mankind. The number of
these released mounted troops is heard, which was twice ten thousand times ten
thousand (20,000,000). These are further described in verses 17-19. Their power
were in their mouths and their tails (the tails are described to be like
serpents with heads).
-“The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues,
did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and
idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or
hear or walk, nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their
sexual immorality of their thefts (Revelation 9:20-21).” *Application* What an
incredible commentary on the condition of the world when the Lord is about to
come back and make all things right and new! There will no remorse for sin and
no repentance (or turning) to the Lord God Almighty. The resistance is total
and unashamed against the Living Lord even in the face of great torment. This
reveals the hardness of these hearts. What about you? Will you remain hard towards
the power of God and resist His authority? Or will you relent, give in, give up
and surrender all to His saving grace and mercy? This is ultimately what He
desires and extends to us. Don’t be too stubborn my friend. God will win in the
end. Join Him in victory by turning to Jesus in saving faith. This is His
desire. You cannot survive on your own strength and power.
Verses to Memorize:
Revelation 9:20-21
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