Book of Revelation – Bible Study – Chapter 9

The Book of Revelation Chapter 9”

Introduction: This week we will continue our Bible Study lessons in chapter 9 of the Book of Revelation. Today we will be studying the Fifth Trumpet and the Sixth Trumpet the last remaining Trumpets Judgments of chapter nine. Now this star that fell from Heaven could have been Satan or a special Angel of his that had a key to the bottomless pit and he used this key to open the pit. When he opened this pit a great swarm of locusts came out and was permitted to torture the people for about five months and they could not die.

I) “The Fifth Trumpet Judgment” (The Locusts from the Bottomless Pit) (Revelation 9:1-12)

1) (Read) (Chapter 9:1); 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. (KJV)

 

1) Explanation: (Chapter 9:1); And the fifth Angel sounded, (Now this presents the fifth Judgment, and as stated in the first “woe”. And I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth. Now actually this refers to Satan, as the next phrase proclaims in (Luke 10:18). And to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. (Now Jesus Christ gives this “key” to Satan, although He may use an Angel to hand the key to the Evil One in (Revelation 20:1).

1) Comments: (Chapter 9:1); John said that the fifth Angel sounded his trumpet and the star that fell to the earth was given the key to the bottomless pit. In verse one, the phrase of the “shaft of the abyss” is just another name for the bottomless pit. Now this star could have been Satan or a special Angel of his that had a key to the bottomless pit and he used this key to open the pit. Then a great swarm of locusts came out and was permitted to torture the people for about five months and they could not die. This will be one of the most terrible times of this trumpet judgment for all the unbelievers on earth. This demonic locust invasion was also spoken of in (Joel 2:1-11). Now the prophet Joel described this locust plague as a foreshadowing of the “Day of the Lord” which means God’s coming judgment.  (READ) Joel 2:1-10)

 

2) (Read) (Chapter 9:2);  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. (KJV)

 

2) Explanation: (Chapter 9:2); And he (Satan) 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. (Now this will probably be concentrated in the old Roman Empire territory).

 

2) Comments: (Chapter 9:2); John said that when the bottomless pit was opened that smoke rose like the smoke from a gigantic furnace and the sun and sky was darkened by this smoke. He opened the bottomless pit of the bottomless deep. Some think the “angel means Satan”, and the bottomless pit hell. Some suppose “Mohammed” is meant here; and “Signior Pastorini” professes to believe that “Luther” is intended!

 

3) (Read) (Chapter 9:3); 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. (KJV)

 

3) Explanation: (Chapter 9:3); And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth. (Now these are demon locusts, even as the following verses will prove). And unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power. (Now this refers to the sting in their tails, and the pain this will cause).

3) Comments: (Chapter 9:3); John said that out of the smoke came locust upon the earth and they were given power like the scorpions of the earth. Now the locusts were symbols of destruction because they could destroy the vegetation on earth. But here they were an invasion of demons called to torture the people that would not believe in God. The Locusts here might mean that there will be vast hordes of military troops. Now the description which follows certainly agrees better with the Saracens than with any other people or nation, but may also apply to the Romans. Here John said that the scorpions of the earth have power. Namely, these scorpions were to hurt men by stinging them. Also these scorpions may signify archers; and hence the description has been applied to Cestius Gallus, the Roman general, who had many archers in his army.

4) (Read) (Chapter 9:4); 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.  (KJV)

4) Explanation: (Chapter 9:4); And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree. (Now these locusts normal destroy plant life; but these are not allowed to do so). But only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. Now this refers to the 144,000 Jews who have accepted Jesus Christ as their Savior). (Revelation 7:2-8)

4) Comments: (Chapter 9:4); John tells us here that God said not to harm the grass or any plant or tree on earth. The scorpions could only torture the ones that did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were commanded that they should not hurt the grass nor the common people, the men of middling condition, nor the nobles. However, this appears rather to refer to the prudent counsels of a military chief; and were commanded not to destroy the crops and herbage of which they might have need in their campaigns.

5) (Read) (Chapter 9:5); 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. (KJV)

 

5) Explanation: (Chapter 9:5); And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months. (Now this will be literal, but yet these creatures will be invisible). And their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. (Now the pain and swelling that these scorpions will cause will be terrible).

 

5) Comments: (Chapter 9:5); John said that these scorpions did not have power to kill the people but only to torment them for five mouths. The agony that the wick people suffered was like the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. That they should be tormented five months by these scorpions and some take these months literally, and apply them to the conduct of the Zealots. Who, from May to September, in the year of the siege, produced dreadful contests among the people; or to the afflictions brought upon the Jews by Cestius Gallus, when he came against the city of Jerusalem? And which he lay one whole summer, or nearly five months. Now others consider the months as being prophetical months, each day being reckoned for a year; therefore this period must amount to one hundred and fifty years, counting thirty days to each month, as was the general custom of the Asiatics. Their torment was as the torment of a scorpion here. The phraseology here is peculiar, and probably refers to the warlike weapon called a scorpion, several of which, or men armed with them, which Cestius Gallus brought with him in his army. Now here Isidore describes this scorpion as a poisoned arrow that was shot from a bow or other instrument, which, when it wounds a man, it deposits the poison with which it is covered in the wound; whence it has the name of scorpion.

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

6) Explanation: (Chapter 9:6); And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Now the pain will be so bad that people will want to die is bad indeed)! Now evidently the pain-killing drugs will not work for them.

But it will be interesting as how the medical doctors will diagnose all of this, to say the least about these scorpion’s stings.

6) Comments: (Chapter 9:6); John said that men will seek death, but they can-   not find death. Now they will long to die and death will not come. This plague will last for five months. This plague will torment men and drive them to suicide, but they will not be able to die. The wicked men would prefer death to the agony of living, but death will not be possible for them. In those days shall men seek death because they are so distress in their sufferings and torment that they shall long for death in any form, or to be rescued from the evils of life here. I seeing that long life is both useless and burdensome. But when we can no longer live comfortably, shall we be permitted to die? O how hard is the condition on which we hold life! For death is not subjected to the will of man. And to die is sweet to the wretched; but wished-for death flees away. Yet when it is not desired, it comes with the hastiest strides.” Now Job expresses the same sentiment, in the most plaintive manner here. “Why is light given to the miserable, and life to the bitter of soul? Now who wait for death, but it is not; and dig for it more than hid treasures. They rejoice for it, and are glad, and exult when they find the grave.”

7) (Read) (Chapter 9:7); 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. (KJV)

7) Explanation: (Chapter 9:7); 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. (Now these are demon spirits, but will be invisible). Now if they could be seen, this is what they would look like. We aren’t told their origin in the Bible. But we know they were not originally created in this manner, but evidently became this way in the revolution instigated by Lucifer against God). (Read) (Isaiah 14:12-20); and (Ezekiel 28:11-19)

7) Comments: (Chapter 9:7); John said these locusts look like horses that are preparing for battle. John said that there was crowns of gold upon their heads and their faces are like men. The shapes of these creatures are absolutely hideous and appear to very feigning creatures. The locusts were like unto horses here. Now this description of the locusts appears to be taken from the whole of this symbolical description of an overwhelming military force agrees very well with the troops of Mohammed. The Arabs are the most expert horsemen in the world and they live so much on horseback that the horse and his rider seem to make but one animal. The Romans were also eminent for their cavalry and horseback riding too. The Crowns like gold are not only alluding to their costly tiaras or turbans.

But to the extent of their conquests and the multitude of powers which they subdued. Their faces were as the faces of men. That is, though locusts symbolically, they are really men.

8) (Read) (Chapter 9:8); And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions. (KJV)

8) Explanation: (Chapter 9:8); And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.(Now they were, originally created by God to perform a particular function of praise and worship, even as the “living creatures,” but they have suffered this fate due to rebellion against God).

8) Comments: (Chapter 9:8); John describes these fearful creatures with hair like a women’s hair and this creature has teeth like a lion’s teeth. Now their hair was as the hair of women and no razor passes upon their flesh. Their hair was long, and their beards were unshaven. Their teeth were as the teeth of lions and they are ferocious and cruel.

9) (Read) (Chapter 9:9); 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. (KJV)

9) Explanation: (Chapter 9:9); 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. (Now we are given a glimpse here into the spirit world). Now this is the reason that such foolish efforts as humanistic psychology are helpless against such foes. (Now I say again that the only answer is Jesus Christ and the Cross).

9) Comments: (Chapter 9:9); John said they had breastplates of iron and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots going into battle. They seemed to be invulnerable, for no force availed against them. The sound of their wings; were like their hanging weapons and a great military trappings, with the clang of their shields and swords when they make their fierce onsets.

10) (Read) (Chapter 9:10); And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. (KJV)  

 

10) Explanation: (Chapter 9:10); And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.(Now this Judgment is limited to five months, which tells us that Satan can only do what God allows him to do).

 

10) Comments: (Chapter 9:10); John said that they had tails and they sting like a scorpion and these creatures had the power to torment the people for five months. Now there was a king over them and he was a supreme head; and some think he was “Mohammed”; and some others though he was “Vespasian”. Now the angel of the bottomless pit is the chief envoy of Satan. Now “Abaddon” from a bad, and he destroyed. “Apollyon” from απο, intensive, and will destroy. The meaning is the same both in the Hebrew and Greek.

 

11) (Read) (Chapter 9:11); 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. (KJV)

 

11) Explanation: (Chapter 9:11); And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit. (Now this gives us further insight into the spirit world of the darkness). Whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon. (Now this is a powerful fallen Angel, who evidently threw in his lot with Lucifer in the great rebellion against God. Now there are only four Angels that are named in the Scripture and they are: “Gabriel, Michael, Lucifer, and Apollyon,” the first two being Righteous).

 

11) Comments: (Chapter 9:11); John said that they had a king over them and his name was Apollyon. Now the king of these demons Apollyon was Satan’s hellish, “Archangel” and the name Apollyon means the destroyer in Greek.

 

12) (Read) (Chapter 9:12); One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. (KJV)

12) Explanation: (Chapter 9:12); One woe is past; (which refers to the fifth Trumpet Judgment). And, behold, there come two woes more hereafter. (Now the word “behold” calls attention to the fact that the two remaining “woe” will be exceedingly horrific).

 

12) Comments: (Chapter 9:12); John said that the first Woe has passed. But there are two more Woes to come after these things. Now the last three trumpets will be more severe, as announced by the three Woes. These three Woes will be directed toward the inhabiters of the earth which are the unbelievers that are still alive on earth. Now one woe is past and that is, the woe or the desolation by the symbolical scorpions. There are two more woes in the trumpets of the sixth and seventh Angels.

(The Sixth Trumpet Judgment:

 

II) (The Angels from the Euphrates) (The Sixth Trumpet) (Revelation 9:13-21)

13) (Read) (Chapter 9:13); And the sixth Angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, (KJV)

13) Explanation: (Chapter 9:13); And the sixth Angel sounded, which is the second “woe”). Then I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God. (Now this is the “Altar of Incense”; the “voice” is probably that of the same Angel who came and stood at the Altar, and had much Incense. (Revelation 6:9); and (Revelation 8:3)

13) Comments: (Chapter 9:13); John tells us that the sixth Angel sounds his trumpet and this results in the death of a third of the surviving unbelievers on the earth. Now the four horns of the golden altar is another not very obscure indication that the Jewish temple was yet still standing.

14) (Read) (Chapter 9:14); Saying to the sixth Angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four Angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. (KJV)

14) Explanation: (Chapter 9:14); Saying to the sixth Angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four Angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. (Now these are evil Angels, hence previously “bound.” The river “Euphrates” signals the area). (Now this is where it all began, and it is where it will all end, and it is being prepared even now).

14) Comments: (Chapter 9:14); John said that the four bound Angels are released and they are the fallen Angels or demons who have been temporarily bound by God. These Angels command an angelic host of about 200 million demons who go forth as horsemen to inflict death upon a third of the people on earth. Now these creatures come from the bottomless pit and are clearly not human. By this time there is at least one half of the earth’s population died in just a few years. Now even after all of these happenings the people would not repent of their deeds and wicked ways.

15) (Read) (Chapter 9:15); And the four Angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. (KJV) 

15) Explanation: (Chapter 9:15); And the four Angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men. (Now these four Angels are not to be confused with the four Angels of (Revelation 7:1). Those are Righteous Angels, while these four Angels are evil. Now they are executors of God’s wrath. (Now once again, this Judgment will be mostly confined to the old Roman Empire territory).

15) Comments: (Chapter 9:15); John said that these four Angels have been kept and prepared for this very hour and day.

They are let loose for the purpose of killing a third of the population of the world. Now for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year we have in this place a year resolved into its component parts. Twenty-four hours constitute a day, seven days make a week, four weeks make a month, and twelve months make a year. Probably no more is meant than that these four angels were at all times prepared and permitted to inflict evil on the people against whom they had received their commission. There are some who understand these divisions of time as prophetical periods, and to these I must refer, not professing to discuss such uncertainties.

16) (Read) (Chapter 9:16); And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousands: (KJV)

 

16) Explanation: (Chapter 9:16); And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousands. Which is about “200 million”. And I heard the number of them. (Now this is not symbolic of a human army, but rather demon spirits, which as well, will be invisible).

 

16) Comments: (Chapter 9:16); John said he heard the number of the horsemen which is 200,000,000 million riding on horses. Now this army of 200,000,000 million was not by a normal size in any standards but this mighty army would occupy a territory of “one mile wide and eighty-seven miles long.” The description of these demons, were unlike the first invasion and they seem to be mounted upon some type of hellish horses. Now the horse’s heads looked much like lions with smoke, fire, and flaming sulphur billowing from their mouths and the riders wore a fiery-red breastplates.

 

17) (Read) (Chapter 9:17); And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. (KJV)

 

17) Explanation: (Chapter 9:17); And thus I saw the horses in the vision, (demon horses) and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions. And out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone. (All of this presents demon spirits riding demon horses).

 

17) Comments: (Chapter 9:17); John gives a description of these fearful creatures and they must be so terrify to mankind that many will die of fright; however, it is assumed that they have no power over the believers living in that period of time. Now the breastplates were of fire-jacinth, and brimstone which is the color of red, blue, and yellow; and the first is the color of fire. The second is of jacinth, and the third is of sulphur.  

And the heads of the horses are as an allegorical description of a great ordnance. The cannons, on the mouths of each horses’ heads were formed, or the mouth of the cannon cast in that form were fire, smoke, and brimstone, which is a good allegorical representation of gunpowder. The Ottomans made great use of heavy artillery in their wars with the Greeks of the lower empire.

 

18) (Read) (Chapter 9:18); By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. (KJV)

 

18) Explanation: (Chapter 9:18); By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths. (Now it is quite possibly, over three hundred million people will die as a result of this particular plague. Now whatever they think to be the cause, the actual cause will be what is described here).

 

18) Comments: (Chapter 9:18); John said that the smoke, fire, and the brimstone are three separate plagues, which together they kill a third of mankind. This mighty invasion would last for thirteen months and one third of humanity was killed though fire, smoke, and brimstone. There was one fourth of mankind that had already been slain by the “fourth seal” in (Revelation 6:8). Now this would be approximately one billion people and now one third is killed and this means that another billion will die. Now this invasion is just the opposite of the “fifth Trumpet Judgment” during which no man was able to die.

19) (Read) (Chapter 9:19); For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. (KJV)

19) Explanation: (Chapter 9:19); For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails: for their tails were like unto serpents, and had heads, and with them they do hurt. (Now once again, we are given a glimpse into the spirit world). Now this is the reason that Paul said 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). Now that is why all efforts to oppose such are fruitless, other than Jesus Christ and the Cross).  

19) Comments: (Chapter 9:19); John said that the demons of the fifth trumpet do not kill, but these demon riders do kill. Their power to kill is in their mouth, from which comes the fire, smoke, and brimstone. Their tails have heads like serpents, with the power to hurt the people. Their power is in their mouth and from these the destructive balls are projected; and in their tails, the breech where the charge of gunpowder is lodged.

Their tails were like unto serpents, and also had heads. Now if cannons are intended, the description, though allegorical, is plain enough; for brass ordnance especially are frequently thus ornamented, both at their muzzles and at their breech.

20) (Read) (Chapter 9:20); And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues yet repented not of the works of their hands, that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: (KJV)

20) Explanation: (Chapter 9:20); And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues. (Now once again, this is probably confined to the Middle East area). But yet they repented not of the works of their hands. (Now it is obvious here that men do not repent easily). But they were not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood: which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk. (All worship of God must be based strictly on the Sacrifice of Jesus Christ and the name of Christ, otherwise it is a “WORK OF MAN’S HANDS,” which God can never accept). (Ephesians 2:13-18)

20) Comments: (Chapter 9:20); John said that the rest of mankind were not killed by the plagues and they still would not repent of their works of their hands, and they should not worship demons and idols. They the people repented not and the commission that these horsemen had was against the idolaters and though multitudes of them were destroyed. Now they continued their senseless attachment to these dumb idols. And there will be a heavier judgments that might be expected upon them. These things are supposed to refer to the desolation brought upon the Greek Church by the Ottomans, who entirely ruined that Church and the Greek empire. The Church which was then remaining was the Latin or western Church, which was not at all corrected by the judgments which fell upon the eastern Church, but continued its senseless adoration of angels, saints, relics, until the present day. Now if, therefore, God’s wrath be kindled against such, this Church has much to fear.

21) (Read) (Chapter 9:21); Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. (KJV)

 

21) Explanation: (Chapter 9:21); Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts. (Now the Holy Spirit again is emphasizes the fact that they will not repent). Now repentance by the world must be in the realm of the sin of man creating another god. In the Church, Repentance must be in the realm of the sin of the creation of another Sacrifice.

 

21) Comments: (Chapter 9:21); John said that they did not repent of their sins. Even after all of these catastrophic of judgments that were designed to make men turn to God. There was a majority that still rebelled against God. The sins that was rampant in that day will still keep men from accepting Christ. 1) They still worshiped demons and idols. 2) There was still murders, 3) There were Sorceries, 4) There was sexual immorality of all kinds, 5) There was theft and robbery.

This conclusion of chapter nine and marks the halfway point of the Tribulation period. “The Great Tribulation” follows next.  Now as we come to the end of this chapter nine in the book of Revelations, I would like to ask you a question about the condition of “your soul”. If you were to die before this day comes to an end. “Where would your Soul spend eternity at? Now this is probably the most important question in your life. Would you like to ask Jesus to save
you now? If so just keep on reading and the next few verses will tell you how to be saved.

Now all you have to do is just sincerely pray a simple prayer like this one here. “Please God, I confess to you my sins and need Jesus in my life right now. I will turn away from my sins and place my Faith in your Son Jesus as my Lord and Savior. Amen.”

Note: I pray that this Bible Study lesson about chapter five will help you in your studies and help you understand Gods’ word in the Bible. Please feel free to pass them on to other people if they have helped you.

Your, Brother in Christ

Frank Rose