“And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit” (Revelation 9:1).

Many translations, including the King James Version quoted here, say: “I saw a star fall.” “Fall” (peptokota), however, is in the past perfect tense, which really says: “I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth” (NIV). That little change redirects the meaning. If John saw the star fall, the timing and sequence of the Trumpet events would be impossible to understand. The seer sees a star that had fallen in the past.

Stars are often symbols of angels (Judges 5:20, Job 38:7). Since this star is personified, it is an intelligent being. This star or angel had fallen from heaven to the earth. There is a wonderful link to this with Revelation 12:7-9 where it notes that the “dragon and his angels” were cast out of heaven “to the earth.” Jesus had noted: “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven” (Luke 10:17 – NIV). John is seeing Satan, who was previously cast out of heaven, suddenly on the stage of Trumpet five.

Before the curtains are drawn back, it might be helpful to look at two very special references:

The king of Tyre is a metaphor for Satan. God noted: “I have destroyed you, O covering cherub … I cast you to the ground” (Ezekiel 28:12-19).

“How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! [how] art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! … Yet thou shalt be brought down to hell, to the sides of the pit” (Isaiah 14:12, 15).

This star is Satan and, amazingly, he is still associated with the “pit” where Isaiah saw him more than 800 years before.

We will look later at verse 11 where the star’s name is after what he stands for, “destruction.” This terrible being is in command of other evil angels. It is unquestionably Satan.

Long ago Satan was cast to the earth. God restricted his power and that of the massive host under his command. How do we know? Repeatedly, the term “was given” (endothe) is used in Revelation as it is here (a few examples: 6:2, 4, 8; 7:2; 8:2-3; 13:5, 7). Satan was not permitted to have this key until it “was given” to him. He couldn’t release what was in the pit until he had that key. “Was given” is a common phrase in Judaism. They felt “God’s name was too sacred to be uttered except in rare circumstances.” So they used phrases as a “divine passive” such as here, which when used, refers to God.[1] God gave Satan the key.

We are given a picture of Satan in imagery God wants us to remember – He cast him out of heaven and He gave him the key. So what we discover in the rest of this Trumpet must be put in the context that it is in God’s plan! He is working through it all. Something good will come out of this incredible message.

What lock does that key fit into? The “bottomless pit.” Sound scary? It is! We’re going to discover that it is filled with evil angels. And when they are released, terrible is their mission – but only against the wicked. And that’s good.

But what is that “pit?” It really means in Greek “shaft of the abyss” – a great well, a corridor or tunnel to a prison. “Abyss” was the word used for this earth before creation (Genesis 1:2). It was used to describe Palestine when the Jews were in Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 4:23-30). It is also the place where evil beings are confined awaiting punishment (Isaiah 24:21-22). It represents the deepest waters of the sea (Palsm 42:7, Isaiah 51:10), also the place of the dead, “depth of the earth” (Psalm 63:9, 71:20).

This abode is synonymous with the idea of Hades (Job 38:16, Ezekiel 31:15, Jonah 2:6). God restricts angels and imprisons them in the abyss to await judgment (II Peter 2:4; Luke 8:31; Jude 6; Revelation 20:1, 3) or freedom as He dictates.

Trumpet five refers to the place where evil angels are confined. Remember that startling encounter Jesus had with two demon-possessed men in the region of Gergesenes? That legion of demons inhabiting their very beings begged Jesus not to release them to the abyss. When inside of men they were not confined and were content. But they even preferred to be inside of pigs rather than the abyss (Luke 8:31-32). That must be an awful place, even for evil angels. And isn’t it incredible – Satan has no control over those prison-house gates unless God hands him the key!

It is fascinating – very, very intriguing – that the prophetic beast of Revelation (who teams up with Satan and the false prophet) is in that abyss also (Revelation 11:7, 17:8).

We must not yield to fantasy thinking, such as this abode is inside the earth or at some specific geographic place. We know that it is earth-related/associated because this is where Satan was cast to. Paul wrote that the principalities of the rulers of darkness “of this world” was a spiritual realm in “high places” (Ephesians 6:12). That simply means that they are in a spirit world that God has control over.

E. G. White recognized this accelerating freedom of Satan: “As we near the close of time, there will be greater and still greater external parade of heathen power; heathen deities will manifest their signal power, and will exhibit themselves before the cities of the world.”[2]

We are about to witness what occurs when Satan has almost unbridled freedom over mankind. The demoniacs were one amazing illustration.

“The encounter with the demoniacs of Gergesa had a lesson for the disciples. It showed the depths of degradation to which Satan is seeking to drag the whole human race, and the mission of Christ to set men free from his power. Those wretched beings, dwelling in the place of graves, possessed by demons, in bondage to uncontrolled passions and loathsome lusts, represent what humanity would become if given up to satanic jurisdiction. Satan’s influence is constantly exerted upon men to distract the senses, control the mind for evil, and incite to violence and crime. He weakens the body, darkens the intellect, and debases the soul. Whenever men reject the Saviour’s invitation, they are yielding themselves to Satan. Multitudes in every department in life, in the home, in business, and even in the church, are doing this today. It is because of this that violence and crime have overspread the earth, and moral darkness, like the pall of death, enshrouds the habitations of men. Through his specious temptations Satan leads men to worse and worse evils, till utter depravity and ruin are the result.”[3]

“And he opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit” (Revelation 9:2).

Satan opens the prison-house of hell, releasing his minions. As we noted above, this simply means that they have been given freedom to work in new ways. What could this mean? Knowing this is his last chance to deceive the world, what might their tactics be? Possessing the minds and wills of individuals such as the demoniacs is certainly one. That doesn’t mean the individual has to be naked, cutting himself and frothing at the mouth. There are a thousand ways that satanic beings might entice and then control the mind.

What behavior has God severely restricted since the beginning of time? The visible appearance of evil angels. Now is Satan’s chance to not only “impress” the sensory heart of man but confront his senses in ways most of the world will submit to.

“Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism. He has not yet reached the full accomplishment of his designs; but it will be reached in the last remnant of time. Says the prophet: ‘I saw three unclean spirits like frogs; … they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.’ Revelation 16:13, 14. Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion.”[4]

“It is foretold in the Scriptures, which declare that ‘in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils.’ 1 Timothy 4:1. Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, points to the special working of Satan in spiritualism as an event to take place immediately before the second advent of Christ. Speaking of Christ’s second coming, he declares that it is ‘after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders.’ 2 Thessalonians 2:9.

When these fallen angels have greater access to mankind, it likely will come with supernatural signs and miracles. That in itself could be coercive and deadly persuasive! Yet, there are other techniques by which the deceiver will entrap all but the prepared. They are very personal. When there are individual encounters with those beings, the world will be put to the greatest test, including the saints.

“Evil angels in the form of men will talk with those who know the truth. They will misinterpret and misconstrue the statements of the messengers of God.”[5]

“I saw that the saints must have a thorough understanding of present truth, which they will be obliged to maintain from the Scriptures. They must understand the state of the dead; for the spirits of devils will yet appear to them, professing to be beloved relatives or friends, who will declare to them unscriptural doctrines. They will do all in their power to excite sympathy and will work miracles before them to confirm what they declare. The people of God must be prepared to withstand these spirits with the Bible truth that the dead know not anything, and that they who thus appear are the spirits of devils.”[6]

The Pit, Smoke and Darkness

The smoke rises out of the pit. An inferno must be within that deep well. The imagery suggests a key opened a sealed lid, followed by a massive “swoosh.” Instantly billows of smoke rise and darken the sky as the smoke from a great furnace. This graphically describes something dramatic.

“Smoke rising from a furnace” is used as an expression for God’s terrifying power and presence (Exodus 19:18; cf. Psalms 104:32, 144:5). The description of God’s destructive power on Sodom and Gomorrah used similar language: As “dense smoke rising from the land, like smoke from a furnace” (Genesis 19:28 – NIV). Power, control or judgment is associated with this imagery. But, we already know that it is Satan who opened the “lid.” He is about to begin a dreadful work.

Peter said: “God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment” (II Peter 2:4). That characterizes some of the “pit” attributes. The “key” broke those chains. Darkness from the smoke of hell represents great spiritual darkness that now actively covers the earth (cf. Genesis 19:27-28, II Corinthians 6:14, Ephesians 2:2). This is synonymous with the black horse of Revelation 6:5. There, the cost of wheat and barley was high, symbolizing how difficult it was to obtain truth. Darkness covered the land. That horse represents people waiting to be called out of darkness.

This plague, the fifth Trumpet or first woe, is Satan’s last opportunity to deceive and promote falsehood. It is the time described later when a loud voice spoke to John: “Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time” (Revelation 12:12).

The Greek word here for “time” is kairos – the last opportunity. This means that a fateful, decisive short period of time has come to planet earth.

This is the most solemn period ever to come to mankind this side of the flood. But the drama doesn’t stop there. Out of the smoke and darkness comes Satan’s cohorts – demons.

“And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power” (Revelation 9:3).

Out of the darkness of Satanic deception comes this host of locust. No, they are not real locust, helicopters or some vast military machinery. Yes, they are symbolic of a warfare about to reach its zenith of intensity.

There are nine different words in Hebrew for locust. Figuratively, they usually represent swarming hordes or powerful hosts (Judges 6:5, 7:12; Joel 2:4). They can call forth an emotion of distain and fear (Isaiah 33:4, Naham 3:17). The destruction that locust can cause is so extensive (Deuteronomy 28:38, II Chronicles 7:13, Joel 2:25) that Jewish tradition permitted the blowing of the shophar (ram’s horn trumpet) on the Sabbath as an alarm at the threat of such a plague.[7]

These locust are not even ordinary insects. They have the ability to hurt because of scorpion-like tails. Perhaps most important, it once again says that their power “was given” (endothe) to them. God again is in control, permitting the demons to exercise harm over only selective parts of the earth.

Why is this permitted? The time has arrived for the universe to see the consequences of raw demonic power contrasted with the loving ministry of God’s saints. There is an exciting informational tie of this to Joel’s writings. He presents a locust visitation as a harbinger or part of the Day of the Lord. Making this message more end-time compelling is his intimation that these locust represent invading Babylonian armies out to destroy Judah or God’s people (chapter 2).

That is exactly the imagery we find in Revelation. Babylon is used to represent the apostate powers (Satan being a part of them) that war against those who keep the commandments of God and have the testimony of Jesus. Notice a few of these amazing comparisons:

“Joel:      

1.  ‘Blow ye the trumpet in Zion’ (2:1)

2.  ‘A day of clouds and blackness’ (2:2)

3.  ‘They have the appearance of horses’ (2:4)

4.  ‘It [the nation that invades Israel] has teeth of a lion’ (1:6)

5.  'With a noise like that of chariots they leap over the mountaintops … like a mighty army drawn up for battle’ (2:5)

"Revelation:

1.  'And the fifth angel sounded' (9:1)

2.  ‘The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss’ (9:2)

3.  ‘The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle’ (9:7)

4.  ‘Their teeth were as the teeth of lions’ (9:8)

5.  ‘The sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle’ (9:9)”[8]

Joel sees the army as disciplined and ruthless with lions’ teeth. What a fitting symbol for God to use again with John. Since they both represent prophecies of the final spiritual battle before Jesus comes, information is shared, unfolding an incredible scene we will all be engaged in!

Joel says that the invasion was permitted to bring people to repentance. John’s message comes at earth’s last-chance time. Joel calls this invasion “the northern army” (2:20). Isn’t that interesting? That is where Satan is represented as wanting to set up his throne (Isaiah 14:13) and from where smoke arises (Isaiah 14:31). That is the direction from whence the “little horn” of Daniel 8 waxed exceedingly great.

Scorpions are noted only eleven times in the Bible. They always represent powers of evil. All of these support the idea (including Isaiah 9:8-19) that they symbolize Satan and his evil angels presenting falsehoods. Revelation 12:4 states that one third of the stars of heaven were swept away by the dragon’s tail. Like a scorpion, the evil is done from behind.

There are other incredible parallels. The beast that “ascendeth” out of the bottomless pit and that overcomes and destroys truth (Revelation 11:7, 17:8) relates to the locust imagery. The “power” and “authority” given to the locust relate to the authority given to the beast to “make war against the saints” (Revelation 13:7). Who gave the beast its power and authority? The dragon (Revelation 13:2).

The locust represent first Satan’s wicked angels. Then ties noted to the beast and Babylon reveal that their work is carried forward by the papacy and apostate Protestantism. From Joel to Revelation that imagery is end-time.

“And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads” (Revelation 9:4).

This is the third report within Trumpet five where evil forces are subject to divine authority. That is wonderful to know. Through all the hate and harm that that satanic kingdom exudes, it is always tempered by a sovereign God. Those agencies were given power to harm the earth-dwellers. But now we are told that those operations are restricted even further.

The “locusts” have been blocked from devouring their usual food sources – grass, any green thing or trees. But they could inflict great pain on humans with their scorpion tails. What is this story telling us? Elsewhere, vegetation is the focus of the locust plagues (Exodus 10:15, Joel 2:3). Recall that literal vegetation was destroyed over one third of the world under Trumpet one.

Trumpets five and six are given in symbolic language (in contrast to the first four). They are about people, not nature. The grass, green things and trees cannot be harmed. Why? They represent good people. They are contrasted with those who do not have the seal of God in their foreheads.

“Grass” is symbolic for people (Isaiah 40:3-8). “Trees” also represent people, especially leaders – some good (Psalms 52:8, 92:12-14; Jeremiah 11:16, 17:7-8), some bad (Psalm 37:35, Micah 7:4, Nahum 1:10). “Green things” is a general figure for mankind, living beings.

Under Trumpets one to four many people were destroyed. They were individuals who resisted the final appeal and refused to repent. Mercy and grace no longer pled for their salvation. Two thirds remained. Two thirds still could submit to God’s final call.

Now Satan is permitted to inflict pain and distress on the remaining two thirds – except those who are sealed. Might some of the non-sealed still come into the fold? It would appear that way. There is a hiatus of information during the several months of this Trumpet.

The weight of evidence suggests that the Loud Cry is still moving forward and penetrating the remotest hovels of earth. The imagery also suggests that humanity will suffer keenly – as from the sting of a scorpion – during this time. Does the grief and pain come from the devastation of the first four Trumpets? That likely contributes. But there is another issue.

This is Satan’s final chance to turn the world against God’s people. E. G. White seems to have penetrated this period of time with these words:

“While appearing to the children of men as a great physician who can heal all their maladies, he will bring disease and disaster, until populous cities are reduced to ruin and desolation…. And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils. The class that have provoked the displeasure of Heaven will charge all their troubles upon those whose obedience to God’s commandments is a perpetual reproof to transgressors…. As the wrath of the people shall be excited by false charges, they will pursue a course toward God’s ambassadors very similar to that which apostate Israel pursued toward Elijah.”[9]

“Satanic agencies have been moved from beneath, and they have inspired men to unite in a confederacy of evil, that they may perplex, harass, and cause of the people of God great distress. The whole world is to be stirred with enmity against Seventh-day Adventists, because they will not yield homage to the papacy, by honoring Sunday, the institution of this antichristian power. It is the purpose of Satan to cause them to be blotted from the earth, in order that his supremacy of the world may not be disputed.”[10]

This appears to be Satan’s strongest hour. He will hurt his own followers and then cause them to blame God’s people for their loss and distress. It is easy to see how a death decree would soon follow against those who are sealed. The picture is one especially of spiritual and mental torment that the wicked are experiencing. They are helpless in face of disaster and loss. We will see this unfold more in the next two verses.

This Trumpet represents the “hour of temptation which shall come upon all the world, to try them that dwell upon this earth” (Revelation 3:10) given to the Philadelphia church.

What is the “seal of God?” This is a special mark from God whereby He recognizes individuals as his own (II Timothy 2:19). This reminds us of a wonderful promise given to the twelve disciples – but it is also for us: “I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you” (Luke 10:19). John talks about a fascinating series of notes God wants to write on presumably the foreheads of the overcomers: the name of God, name of the city of God (New Jerusalem) and Christ’s new name. These names vest the great family names of heaven to those who have victory over sin.

“As the people of God afflict their souls before Him, pleading for purity of heart, the command is given, ‘Take away the filthy garments’ from them, and the encouraging words are spoken, ‘Behold, I have caused thine iniquity to pass from thee, and I will clothe thee with change of raiment’ (Zech. 3:4). The spotless robe of Christ’s righteousness is placed upon the tried, tempted, yet faithful children of God. The despised remnant are clothed in glorious apparel, nevermore to be defiled by the corruptions of the world. Their names are retained in the Lamb’s book of life, enrolled among the faithful of all ages. They have resisted the wiles of the deceiver; they have not been turned from their loyalty by the dragon’s roar. Now they are eternally secure from the tempter’s devices. Their sins are transferred to the originator of sin. And the remnant are not only pardoned and accepted, but honored. ‘A fair miter’ is set upon their heads. They are to be as kings and priests unto God. While Satan was urging his accusations and seeking to destroy this company, holy angels, unseen, were passing to and fro, placing upon them the seal of the living God. These are they that stand upon Mount Zion with the Lamb, having the Father’s name written in their foreheads. They sing the new song before the throne, that song which no man can learn save the hundred and forty and four thousand, which were redeemed from the earth. ‘These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto God and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no guile: for they are without fault before the throne of God’ (Rev. 14:4, 5).”[11]

Isn’t that incredible? To receive a seal from God marks the most amazing transition in redemption’s plans. The remnant will no longer submit to the tempter’s devices. Jesus has not yet come. The time of the great tribulation has not yet begun. Probation is still open – yet, this special group has received a high moral state that will never change! No wonder God is now getting protective of His own – “Stay away from that group, Satan!”

What an incredible time. There’s more to this Trumpet woe.

“And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man” (Revelation 9:5).

The way this verse unfolds, we see that the mission of the locust is to hurt mankind. Their ultimate objective is to kill, which occurs in the next Trumpet. But here it is most interesting to observe that God mandates a period of time when the wicked only are tormented.

Why is this restriction given? Something in the great controversy scheme must be matured before probation closes. Satan and his evil angels would love to kill their own followers. But some issue must develop. Jesus predicted this setting: “And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another” (Matthew 24:10). The torment (basanismos) referred to here has gone through many secular interpretations. Elsewhere in the Bible we have these uses:

1.   Torture by disease (Matthew 3:6)

2.   Torture in giving birth (Revelation 12:2)

3.   Mental torment (II Peter 2:8; Matthew 8:29)

4.   Retribution of God on the wicked (Ezekiel 32:24)

The torture here is mental since its use elsewhere in Revelation is primarily spiritual or psychological (11:10; 14:10-11; 18:7, 10, 15; 20:10). The words translated “weeping” and “mourning” are synonymous. The beings are in anguish. The word used for torment is one of the strongest terms that can be used.

The torment that doesn’t kill is similarly experienced by those who worship the beast and his image and receive his mark: “they have no rest day nor night” (Revelation 14:9-11). Though Satan and his angels are the immediate cause, God is permitting it to occur.

How should the five months be viewed? There are three possibilities:

1.   “Prophetic time” of a day for a year. That would mean this process will last 150 years.

2.   Symbolic for a “round number,” which is often used in the Bible (I Corinthians 14:19; Matthew 17:17-19; Luke 12:6, 52; Judges 18:2, 7, 14, 17)

3.   Literal time

Some expositors note that this is the literal period of a locust life span. This is not entirely correct and reflects one scholar copying another. The five months echoes the period of time the flood covered the earth (Genesis 7:24, 8:3). Having that tie, literal time should be understood here. During the flood Noah and his family were under God’s protection. During the fifth Trumpet, those who are sealed are likewise safeguarded.

God predicted that “in the latter days” Israel would suffer the plagues that befell Egypt because of apostasy (Deuteronomy 28; cf. 32:20, 4:30). That included locust and mental anguish. This woe is on the whole earth, but focuses especially on apostate Christianity – Babylon.

“And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them” (Revelation 9:6).

“And in those days” is a timing statement. It refers back to the five months in the previous verse.

Whatever Satan is doing (we will focus on that in greater detail in the next four verses), the anguish and despair is so intense that death seems to be the sweetest release. Job expressed a similar sentiment: “Wherefore is light given to him that is in misery, and life unto the bitter in soul; Which long for death, but it cometh not; and dig for it more than for hid treasures; Which rejoice exceedingly, and are glad, when they can find the grave?” [Job 3:20-22 (cf. Jeremiah 8:3; I Kings 19:4; Jonah 4:3, 8; Luke 23:27-30)].

But God does not permit that. The wicked “shall not find it” and “death shall flee from them.”

There is such irony here that these individuals have killed the martyrs (6:9-11), but God won’t let them die. Yet a closer look shows these individuals to be survivors of the first four Trumpets, awaiting their doom, either from the Vial Plagues (Revelation 16) or by being in that group who cry for the rocks and mountains to fall on them to escape the face and wrath of the Lamb when he comes (Revelation 6:16-17)! Those two groups represent the final divisions of the wicked. One is subject to Satan’s last gasp of wrath. The other succumbs to the light from Jesus face. The last group is permitted to see Jesus coming. They belong to a special group whom God wants to witness part of that rescue mission of the saints.

The greatest contrast to these demon followers are those saints. Can you imagine their attitude at this time? They “did not love their life even to death” (Revelation 12:11; cf. 1:9, 2:10; 6:9, 20:4). What is the difference? The wicked seek death to escape anguish. The righteous seek eternal life even if it costs earthly death. Those sealed have “the peace of God, which surpasses all understanding” (Philippians 4:7).

In the Exodus plagues the gods of Egypt were proven to be false and the God of Israel was shown to be the only true God. That brought psychological anguish. They realized that to worship those gods had been in vain. This opened the door for them to repent of their sins. But it didn’t happen (Exodus 9:27-28, 10:16-17). As with the Egyptians and Pharaoh, so here, their hearts are hardened.

They did release Israel for awhile. That will be analogous to the final persecution of spiritual Israel. It wasn’t long until the Egyptians despaired that God’s people were with them in Egypt. So at the end, Satan goads the wicked to blame their guilt and plight on God’s people. They will then pursue a course to kill them so they won’t have to associate with them in “Egypt” (symbolic for this world).

“And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads [were] as it were crowns like gold, and their faces [were] as the faces of men. And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as [the teeth] of lions. And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power [was] to hurt men five months” (Revelation 9:7-10).

What an awesome part of the Bible! It almost sounds like an ancient Star Wars drama. Can you imagine what John is going through as he writes these verses? This description is how he perceived the locust. How those satanic beings are shown tell us how they fight.

The first picture he paints is that the locust appear like horses prepared for battle. He uses the words “like” or “as” several times because he is unable to describe them in any other way for us to understand. It is fascinating to look at the ancient use of horses in battle. They were large and bred for battle, taught to bite and equipped with sharp hooves. Job seemed to know this.

“Hast thou given the horse strength? hast thou clothed his neck with thunder? Canst thou make him afraid as a grasshopper? the glory of his nostrils [is] terrible. He paweth in the valley, and rejoiceth in [his] strength: he goeth on to meet the armed men. He mocketh at fear, and is not affrighted; neither turneth he back from the sword. The quiver rattleth against him, the glittering spear and the shield. He swalloweth the ground with fierceness and rage: neither believeth he that [it is] the sound of the trumpet. He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting” (Job 39:19-25).

Immediately, John is telling us that war and conquest appear to be the objective of these creatures (they are “prepared for battle”). We can’t help but recall Joel’s description of a swarm of locust-like cavalry, covering the land just before the “day of the Lord” (Joel 2:2-4).

Horses in prophecy, as can be seen in the first four Seals, represent people or created beings, especially those claiming to be God’s. Some are in apostasy but may appear as apologists for Jesus. He warned that in the time of the end that would be an issue (Matthew 24:4-5, 11, 23-24). Satan and his followers would misrepresent our precious Savior.

“For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty” (Revelation 16:14).

Then John turns to the details that describe their fierceness and how they are ready for war. Before we look at this terrible portrayal, let’s remember a beautiful promise made by Solomon: “The horse is prepared against the day of battle: but safety is of the LORD” (Proverbs 21:31).

John starts at the head and works towards the tail. The next thing he notes is what appears as crowns of victory (stephanos), which looked like gold. That is astonishing! Jesus came forth riding a white horse with a crown of victory in the first Seal (Revelation 6:1-2). Here Satan is trying to make the world believe that he holds the key of conquest. This draws on another picture of deception that John sees later, of the harlot holding in her hand a golden cup of evil (which the world drinks) (Revelation 17:4).

The human face tells us that they are intelligent beings. The hair is that of woman. In this context, it suggests that they are capable of being seductive.

Their teeth even looked like they were from a lion. This reveals that those creatures are ferocious and can savagely attack and hold their prey.

“Thus saith the LORD concerning the prophets that make my people err, that bite with their teeth, and cry, Peace; and he that putteth not into their mouths, they even prepare war against him” (Micah 3:5).

“Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour” (I Peter 5:8).

“Notwithstanding the Lord stood with me, and strengthened me; that by me the preaching might be fully known, and that all the Gentiles might hear: and I was delivered out of the mouth of the lion” (II Timothy 4:17).

The breastplate of iron covers their evil heart, protecting it and showing it will never change. They appear in their own eyes as invincible. This reminds us of the harlot once again who arrogantly said: “I sit a queen, and am no widow, and shall see no sorrow” (Revelation 18:7).

John now graphically describes the sound of these wicked angels. He heard their wings as if they were a retinue of chariots going to war. Joel observed exactly the same thing (Joel 2:5). These wings meant that they were mobile and swift. The description suggests that a fierce conflict is underway (Jeremiah 4:13, 47:3; Daniel 11:40).

The final picture revisits the authority and power described in verses 3-5 – “they had tails like scorpions.” Then John reminds us again that that means they can sting and hurt mankind. As noted previously, that power is limited to five months. The tail is related to the teaching of false ideas (Isaiah 9:14-15).

Now we know that behind their deceptive mission is harm and destruction. The word for “sting,” kentra, is used elsewhere to denote a “sting of death” (I Corinthians 15:55) or the scourge of Roman torture. This satanic host is seen in their final act of evil.

“He is a transgressor of the moral law, and employs every device that he can master to blind men to its true character. We are warned that in the last days he will work with signs and lying wonders. And he will continue these wonders until the close of probation, that he may point to them as evidence that he is an angel of light and not of darkness.”[12]

“And they had a king over them, [which is] the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue [is] Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath [his] name Apollyon” (Revelation 9:11).

Ever since the “star” was given a key to the abyss, we have assumed that it was Satan, the leader of all its host. Now it is declared that their king is that angel of the bottomless pit.

The resemblance of the locust as an advancing army demanded a mighty leader. He is an angel and has two names – Abaddon (Hebrew) and Apollyon (Greek). The use of bilingual characters is found only in John’s writing in the New Testament (John 1:38, 42; 4:25; 6:1; 9:7; 11:16; 19:13, 17; 3:14; 12:9). How fitting are those names!

•     Abbaddon – destroyer

•     Apollyon – “I destroy”

“For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places” (Ephesians 6:12).

In Revelation 12:3-9 Satan is pictured as the dragon who attempted to kill the Christ child. In Revelation 12:7-9 he is called the “ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan” (NIV) in the context of the rebellious leader of angels in heaven. Every description of Satan is evil. They are not pretty names but define his character and purpose.

How do Satan and his angels operate?

“And evil angels in human form will appear to men, and present before them such glowing representations of what they will be able to do if they will only heed their suggestions, that often they change their penitence for defiance. I call upon those who would have eternal life to break every yoke. The enlightening of the understanding must become a part of the experience. Sin has darkened the reasoning powers, and hell is triumphing. O, will not men cease to trust in human beings? Can not they discern the excellency of the perfect rule of righteousness that God has given?”[13]

This king is “over them” and torments his followers as was seen in verses 5 and 10. This “is a characteristic of satanic methodology. An example is found in 1 Sam. 28:7-25 when king Saul, as a last resort, went to visit the witch of Endor and to inquire of an evil spirit. ‘The demon’s message to Saul … was not meant to reform him, but to goad him to despair and ruin…. All through his course of rebellion Saul had been flattered and deceived by Satan…. But now, in his extremity, he turned upon him, presenting the enormity of his sin and the hopelessness of pardon, that he might goad him to desperation.’ (PP 680).”[14]

The spirit to hurt and destroy is the nature of those “powers” and “rulers of darkness.” Fascinating are Paul’s words that they operate in the realm of “spiritual wickedness in high places.” This all prepares the world for Satan’s last deception: “And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light.” (II Corinthians 11:14).

“Little by little he has prepared the way for his masterpiece of deception in the development of spiritualism…. Except those who are kept by the power of God, through faith in His word, the whole world will be swept into the ranks of this delusion. The people are fast being lulled to a fatal security, to be awakened only by the outpouring of the wrath of God.”[15]

It is foretold in the Scripture that “in the latter times some shall depart from the faith, giving heed to seducing spirits, and doctrines of devils” (I Timothy 4:1). Paul, in his second letter to the Thessalonians, points to the special working of Satan in spiritualism as an event to take place immediately before the second advent of Christ. Speaking of Christ’s second coming, he declares that it is “Even him whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders” (II Thessalonians 2:9).

 Satan, the king named the destroyer, with his evil host, appearing like bizarre locust, is contrasted with Jesus, the King of kings, named Faithful and True and the Word of God, accompanied by the armies of heaven, on white horses, clothed with fine linen, white and clean – the righteousness of God (Revelation 19:11-16).

“One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter” (Revelation 9:12).

At first, one might wonder why this verse is even included in the Bible. It seems to offer so little. But here is a unique bit of information John shares with us. The Seven Trumpets are sequential because they are numbered. Lest there is any question, the woes are sequential as well, as shown in this verse.

Is it possible that Satan could try to mix up the order of things at the last minute? Everything Satan does is tempered by God’s will. In the Garden of Eden he had limited access to man at one tree. In the trials of Job perimeters were placed around the devastation permitted. There are similar ground rules that God places on the demonic world at the end. Events follow a procession and come in a sequence, including the “woes.”

“The prophecies which the great I AM has given in His word, uniting link after link in the chain of events, from eternity in the past to eternity in the future, tell us where we are today in the procession of the ages, and what may be expected in the time to

come. All that prophecy has foretold as coming to pass, until the present time, has been traced on the pages of history, and we may be assured that all which is yet to come will be fulfilled in its order.”[16]

No matter what those giant forces for evil try or man devises, God overrules all to accomplish His purpose.[17] It is important to have this knowledge and hope. It is equally significant to know how Satan and his angels deal with their people during this Trumpet. While appearing as the world’s benefactor and healer of disease, they will be bringing ruin and desolation. The first four Trumpets have the world in dismay for its safety. “And then the great deceiver will persuade men that those who serve God are causing these evils.”[18] Without hesitation he brings woe to his own. In the end, he tries to injure his competitor, Jesus Christ, by bringing a death penalty on God’s people. But he fails.

What’s next in the devil’s last scheme? The second woe – which is Armageddon.

 References: