Revelation 9

Summary

 

Revelation 9 portrays the unleashing of the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments. The fifth trumpet introduces locusts with unique and terrifying characteristics, while the sixth trumpet brings forth a massive army causing extensive harm and destruction. Despite the severity of these judgments, the narrative emphasizes the lack of repentance among those who experience them, setting the stage for the unfolding of God's plan for judgment and redemption in the subsequent chapters.

 

1. The Fifth Trumpet - The Locusts from the Abyss (Revelation 9:1-12): The fifth angel sounds his trumpet, and a star falls from heaven to the earth. This star, possibly symbolizing a fallen angel, is given the key to the bottomless pit. Upon opening it, smoke rises, and locusts emerge. These locusts are not ordinary; they have the power to torment people for five months but not to kill them. The description of these locusts is vivid and includes references to horses, crowns, human faces, women's hair, lion's teeth, and the sound of chariots.
2. The Sixth Trumpet - The Four Angels and the Army (Revelation 9:13-21): The sixth angel sounds his trumpet, and four angels bound at the Euphrates River are released. These angels lead an immense army of 200 million horsemen, causing widespread death and destruction. The description of the horses includes fire, smoke, and brimstone. Despite the devastation, people do not repent of their idolatry, murders, sorceries, fornication, or thefts.

 

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