Revelation Part 37
Humanity that has rejected God and followed Satan's influence will experience the consequences of that rebellion in a way that exposes the terrible nature of the spiritual powers they have embraced. God establishes its boundaries, including its duration and its victims.
When the bottomless pit is opened in Revelation 9:2, smoke rises from it like the smoke of a great furnace, darkening the sun and the air. The imagery communicates corruption and judgment pouring out from the spiritual realm and affecting the world below. Revelation 9:3 then describes locust-like creatures emerging from the smoke. These are not ordinary insects. Their description and supernatural abilities point to demonic beings that resemble locusts in appearance but possess the power to torment humanity. The imagery recalls the Old Testament association between locusts, drought, and divine judgment. Joel, for example, uses an overwhelming locust invasion to illustrate the Day of the Lord and calls God's people to repentance. The fifth trumpet takes that imagery into an entirely different realm as spiritual forces are unleashed upon an unrepentant world.
The creatures are described as having power like scorpions. A scorpion's sting produces intense pain, and Revelation uses this familiar image to communicate the severity of the torment. Yet the judgment is carefully limited. The creatures are commanded not to harm the grass, plants, or trees, which were affected by earlier judgments, but only those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads. This directly connects Revelation 9 with the sealing of God's servants in Revelation 7. God's people are distinguished from those who belong to the rebellious world. Satan may be permitted to afflict God's people at various times, but God's own wrath is not directed against those whom He has sealed as His own.
Another important limitation is that the creatures are not permitted to kill people. They are given authority to torment them for five months. The torment is so severe that people will desire death but will not be able to find it. This presents a horrifying picture of judgment. Humanity that has rejected God and followed Satan's influence will experience the consequences of that rebellion in a way that exposes the terrible nature of the spiritual powers they have embraced. The judgment is not random, nor is it unlimited. God establishes its boundaries, including its duration and its victims.
The description of the locusts in Revelation 9:7–10 is full of comparisons. They are "like" horses prepared for battle, their heads appear to have crowns, their faces are like human faces, their hair is like women's hair, and their teeth are like lions' teeth. They have breastplates like iron, and the sound of their wings is like the sound of many chariots rushing into battle. Their tails are like scorpions, with stings that can torment people. Whether every feature should be understood literally or symbolically is difficult to determine. John is describing something that is beyond ordinary human experience, using familiar images to communicate its appearance, power, intelligence, and terrifying nature. The repeated language of "like" and "as" indicates that John is drawing comparisons rather than simply describing ordinary earthly creatures.
These beings are also organized under a ruler. Revelation 9:11 identifies their king as the angel of the abyss, whose Hebrew name is Abaddon and whose Greek name is Apollyon. Both names carry the meaning "destroyer" or "destruction." This reinforces the spiritual character of the fifth trumpet. The creatures are not simply uncontrolled swarms. They operate under intelligent leadership and carry out their destructive purposes. Yet even their king operates within limits established by God. The larger message remains that God is sovereign even over the forces of darkness.
The fifth trumpet therefore represents a dramatic escalation in the Day of the Lord. The first four trumpets brought devastating judgments upon physical creation. The fifth trumpet is the first woe because the suffering is no longer merely environmental or circumstantial. It reaches into the spiritual dimension and exposes the destructive reality of Satan's kingdom. At the same time, Revelation repeatedly reminds God's people that they are known and protected by Him. The seal on their foreheads distinguishes those who belong to God from those who remain under the influence of the destroyer. Even amid judgment, God's authority remains absolute.
UYA Team | uya@ucg.org
United Young Adults (UYA) primarily serves the 18–32-year age group for the United Church of God. There are three main areas of contribution to the lives of young adults: Promoting Spiritual Growth, Developing Meaningful Relationships and Making the Most of Your Talents. The Know Your Sword series is a daily expository message introducing God’s Word from a trusted perspective.
