Interpretive Study of Revelation 9-10

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Chapter links: 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, 8, 9, 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 15, 16, 17, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, God.

Revelation Chapter 9

links to sentences in this chapter:

C9-S1 (Verse 1), C9-S2 (Verse 2), C9-S3 (Verse 3), C9-S4 (Verse 4), C9-S5 (Verse 5), C9-S6 (Verse 6), C9-S7 (Verse 7), C9-S8 (Verse 8), C9-S9 (Verse 9), C9-S10 (Verse 10), C9-S11 (Verse 11), C9-S12 (Verse 12), C9-S13 (Verse 13-14), C9-S14 (Verse 15), C9-S15 (Verse 16), C9-S16 (Verse 17), C9-S17 (Verse 18), C9-S18 (Verse 19), C9-S19 (Verse 20-21)'.

Chapter Summary: Two of the last three trumpet judgments.

Our chapter gives us two of the last three trumpet judgments. While the next sentence does not say that the last trumpet is sounded, it must be because of the way that John provides transitions from one type of judgment to another. And, our next chapter tells us that there are seven thunders,. which bring judgments, John is told to not report those judgments.

In our current chapter, we see two types of devils freed which were bound. They are more destructive than regular devils and than the devils released from Hell and reported earlier. The first led an army of devil-scorpions and the second (four) led a vast army of horsemen riding devil-horses. Thus, what we are seeing here is that God is showing men the end result of their desire to worship devils. But, as the last sentence of our chapter says: 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. Men accuse God of being terrible but, as we see here, God only gives them the end result of what they themselves demand.

C9-S1 : the fifth trumpet sounds and our sentence tells us about an angel is seen descending to Earth. We are not told this, directly, but it is consistent with other judgments. This is the fifth judgment for supporting Satan and his beast.
C9-S2 : the results of the angel opening the bottomless pit.
C9-S3 : What came out next.
C9-S4 : the command given to them.
C9-S5 : the job these devil scorpions were to do.
C9-S6 : the reaction of men who are struck by these devil scorpions.
C9-S7 : the shape of the devil locusts.
C9-S8 : their hair length proves that they are devils.
C9-S9 : Further description of these devil scorpions.
C9-S10 : Additional description of these devil scorpions.
C9-S11 : John's final description of these devil scorpions.
C9-S12 : the fifth trumpet judgments is past.
C9-S13 : the sixth judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. The description of what these devils do goes through Revelation 9:19.
C9-S14 : What they did and the time that they had to do it.
C9-S15 : the size of the army commanded by these devils.
C9-S16 : John's description of the beings in this army.
C9-S17 : this army killed the third part of men.
C9-S18 : Further description of these devil-horses.
C9-S19 : In spite of all of the evidence, men still refused to truly repent.

C9-S1 (Verse 1) An angel is seen descending to Earth.

Equivalent Section: What John saw.

And the fifth angel sounded,
and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth:

Equivalent Section: What actually happened.

and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit.

The fifth trumpet sounds. We are not told this, directly, but it is consistent with other judgments. This is the fifth judgment for supporting Satan and his beast.

Back in Revelation 6:8, we were told behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. Now, in most prisons, there are places to hold common criminals and special places to hold the more dangerous. Back in Revelation 6:8, the common devils were released from Hell. Now, in this judgment, God has and angel release several more dangerous devils. God wants sinful men to understand the full extent of the doctrine which they allow.

Many people, including 'Good, Godly, fundamental, KJV only Bpatists' think that because they personally only take a given doctrine so far, that that is all which God will hold them responsible for. But Romans tells us that Adam is responsible for all of the results for bringing sin into the world. People allow a certain doctrine to justify their sin, which they think is 'little'. Then their children or grandchildren take it to an extremeans they claim 'I never allowed that'. However, God still holds them responsible for the results. Therefore, take every doctrine which you personally hold and consider someone taking it to an extreme. Then, ask yourself if you are willing to answer to God for that extreme.

in this judgment, God is loosening these devils to show men the extreme consequences of their sinful doctrines.

We find forms of the word bottomless only in Revelation and only used for the bottomless pit. Webster's 1828 defines the word bottomless as: 'Without a bottom; applied to water, caverns etc, it signified fathomless, whose bottom cannot be found by sounding; as a bottomless abyss or ocean'. The bottomless pit is in the center of the Earth and beings in it are constantly going in a circle and can never find the bottom of it.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Now here we see the 5th angel blow the 5th trumpet, and at this sound a star falls from heaven, but this star is no mere star or meteor or any kind of natural occurrence, for this is a supernatural occurrence for this star is a he, it is a personality, it is an angel or some kind of divine creature sent from heaven. We know this because we read that unto him are given the keys of the bottomless pit. this being is given a specific task and specific authority to do one thing, to open the bottomless pit. Now many have stated various identities for this angelic creature. Some say it is Satan for he too fell from heaven. Some say it is Jesus for it he who has the keys to death and hell. Some say it is a different fallen angel, others think it is the same angel mentioned in ch20, which I tend to agree with. Re 20:1 And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. 2 And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, the reason I say that he is a holy angel is if Satan had the keys wouldn’t he be trying to unlock his followers every chance he got, and if its Jesus, this shows he returns to earth before his return in ch19 which is false, and if it is a fallen angel why would Jesus give his keys to a fallen angel, so that leaves by the process of elimination an angel from heaven. forjust like the other holy angels that have unleashed horrible things upon earth I believe this is another of God's holy angels who has been given the power, the authority, the key from the Lord Jesus to unlock the bottomless pit, which unleashes another divine judgment upon the world.
Now the second question that needs to be addressed is what is the bottomless pit? From what I can gather, this is a reference to a specific area of hell, some sort of inescapable portion that is prisonlike, the Greek word used for such a place is “Tartarus”, and describes the deepest, darkest abyss of hell. the actual meaning of the word bottomless pit is “abyss” and is defined as “depthless, an immeasurable depth”. this is the lowest of the low, the darkest of the dark, in a sense the furthest away one can get from God. this is a special place for super powerful fallen angels to be imprisoned, for we see some angels were bound or chained when they were cast out of heaven. 2Pe 2:4 forif God spared not the angels that sinned, but cast them down to hell {Tartarus}, and delivered them into chains of darkness, to be reserved unto judgment;
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day.
When Jesus confronted the demons of Legion, those demons begged to not be sent to this pit, this abyss. Lu 8:31 And they besought him that he would not command them to go out into the deep. And we know that even though Satan is not in hell now, that he is in the world walking about seeking whom he may devour, and that he will one day be cast into the lake of fire, but for a thousand years during the millennial reign of Christ, Satan will be imprisoned in the bottomless pit, the abyss, Tartarus, until he is freed for a short while.
So here we have an angel from God on a mission, given the key to unlock the deepest most dire and dangerous portion of hell, the bottomless pit, a place of demonic imprisonment, and what happens when he unlocks it?'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S1; Significant Gospel Events; Significant New Testament Events about the word angel. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, a messenger; one employed to communicate news or information or do a job for God'. Please also see the note for Jude 1:7 about the word archangel.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C13S1 about the word sound. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines sound as: 'a. L. sanus. 1. Entire; unbroken; not shaky, split or defective; as sound timber. 2. Undecayed; whole; perfect, or not defective; as sound fruit; a sound apple or melon. 3. Unbroken; not bruised or defective; not lacerated or decayed; as a sound limb. 4. Not carious; not decaying; as a sound tooth. 5. Not broken or decayed; not defective; as a sound ship. 6. Whole; entire; unhurt; unmutilated; as a sound body. 7. Healthy; not diseased; not being in a morbid state; having all the org and complete and in perfect action; as a sound body; sound health; a sound constitution; a sound man; a sound horse. 8. Founded in truth; firm; strong; valid; solid; that cannot be overthrown or refuted; as sound reasoning; a sound argument; a sound objection; sound doctrine; sound principles. 9. Right; correct; well founded; free form error; orthodox. II Tim 1. Let my heart be sound in thy statutes. Ps. 119. 10. Heavy; laid on with force; as sound strokes; a sound beating. 11. Founded in right and law; legal; valid; not defective; that cannot be overthrown; as a sound title to land; sound justice. 12. Fast; profound; undisturbed; as sound sleep. 13. Perfect, as intellect; not broken or defective; not enfeebled by age or accident; not wild or wandering; not deranged; as a sound mind; a sound understanding or reason.
SOUND, adv. Soundly; heartily. So sound he slept that nought might him awake'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C13S9; 2Corinthians 2:17 and Colossians C1S6 about the words see / sight. The functional definition is: 'perception of objects by the eye; view. this word is often used symbolically for spiritual understanding'. Please also see the note for John 6:40-LJC about the phrase see the Son. Please also see the note for Acts 2:25 about the words foresee / foresaw. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men.

Please see the note for Matthew 2:2 about the word star. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'From the account given of this star it is evident that it was one specially sent for the nativity, for it not only appeared to the Magi in the East, but guided them from Jerusalem to Bethlehem, and 'stood over' where the young child was. Faith in the power of God dispels all difficulty as to the star. Mt 2:1-10. there were traditions that God would raise up a deliverer, and the Magi may have heard of the O.T. prophecies as to Messiah; but whether this be so or not, God, who provided the star, sent the Magi to find out the King of the Jews, and instructed them not to return to Herod'. In Revelation, the functional meaning of this word is symbolic and means: 'They represent Godly people, the pastors of the churches and our Lord Jesus Christ. Look at the next sentence to see this symbolism explained'.

Please see the note for 1Timothy 3:6 about the word fall. The functional definition for this word is: 'To drop from a higher place; to descend by the power of gravity alone. Rain falls from the clouds; a man falls from his horse; ripe fruits fall from trees; an ox falls into a pit. I beheld Satan as lightning fall from Heaven. Luke 10. 2. to drop from an erect posture. I fell at his feet to worship him. Rev. 19'. The word fell is the past-tense form of the word fall.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fullness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of Heaven. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase treasure in Heaven. Please also see the Message called Laying up Treasure in Heaven. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase things in Heaven. There are 57 references to this word just in this Bible book. Therefore, this note does not provide links to all of them.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word earth. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) In the sense of soil or ground, the translation of the word adamah'. In Ge 9:20 "husbandman" is literally "man of the ground or earth." Altars were to be built of earth (Ex 20:24). Naaman asked for two mules' burden of earth (2Ki 5:17), under the superstitious notion that Jehovah, like the gods of the heathen, could be acceptably worshipped only on his own soil. (2). As the rendering of 'erets, it means the whole world (Ge 1:2); the land as opposed to the sea (Ge 1:10). Erets also denotes a country (Ge 21:32); a plot of ground (Ge 23:15); the ground on which a man stands (Ge 33:3); the inhabitants of the earth (Ge 6:1; 11:1); all the world except Israel (2Ch 13:9). In the New Testament "the earth" denotes the land of Judea (Mt 23:35); also things carnal in contrast with things heavenly (Joh 3:31; Col 3:1-2)'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 4:7 about the word earthen. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 5:1 about the word earthly. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for Luke 21:10-11 about the word earthquake. Please also see the note for Revelation 10:11-LJC about the phrase kings of the earth. Please also see the note for Matthew 32-33 about the phrase Judge of all the earth.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 5:5 and Philippians 4:15 about the word give. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bestowing; conferring; imparting; granting; delivering'. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:8-11 about the word given. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 9:7 about the word giver. Please also see the notes for 1Corinthians C14S19 and Ephesians C5S2 about the phrase giving of thanks.

Please see the note for Matthew 16:19 about the word key. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'frequently mentioned in Scripture. It is called in Hebrew maphteah, i.e., the opener (Jg 3:25); and in the Greek New Testament kleis, from its use in shutting (Mt 16:19; Lu 11:52; Re 1:18, etc.). Figures of ancient Egyptian keys are frequently found on the monuments, also of Assyrian locks and keys of wood, and of a large size (comp. Isa 22:22).
The word is used figuratively of power or authority or office (Isa 22:22; Re 3:7; 1:8; comp. Re 9:1; 20:1; comp. also Mt 16:19; 18:18). the "key of knowledge" (Lu 11:52; comp. Mt 23:13) is the means of attaining the knowledge regarding the kingdom of God. the "power of the keys" is a phrase in general use to denote the extent of ecclesiastical authority'.

We find forms of the word bottomless Only in Revelation, in: 9:1; 9:2; 9:11; 11:7; 17:8; 20:1; 20:3. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a, Without a bottom; applied to water, caverns etc., it signified fathomless, whose bottom cannot be found by sounding; as a bottomless abyss or ocean.'. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'lit. 'without a bottom,' an abyss. From the passages in the Revelation we learn that the abyss is where the Satanic powers are shut up, not where they will be punished, which is in the lake of fire. the demons cast out by the Lord in Lu 8:31 besought Him that He would not send them into the abyss. In Ro 10:7 it is put in contrast to the heavens. In Re 9:1-11, to a star fallen from heaven the key of the abyss is given, and on its being opened great moral darkness rises, out of which destructive agents proceed: Abaddon (Apollyon) 'the destroyer' is their king. the future Roman empire is represented as a beast rising out of (receiving in its last head power from) the abyss. Re 11:7; 17:8. Satan will be confined in the abyss during the thousand years of the millennium. Re 20:1,3. (The above are all the passages where the Greek word occurs.)'. We have a problem with this definition. 9:2 says: the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. If this word represents the lake of fire, and not Hell, then how does it affect the air on Earth? However, since Hell is a globe, it can not be said to have a bottom.

Please see the note for Luke 14:4-5 about the word pit. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'There are several Hebrew words translated 'pit.' the principal are: 1. sheol, 'the grave, hades, hell.' Nu 16:30,33; Job 17:16. 2. shachath, 'a pit, a pitfall to entrap animals,' place of doom and corruption. Job 33:18,24,28,30; Ps 9:15; 30:9; 35:7; Eze 28:8; etc. 3. bor, beer, 'pit or well dug for water,' but which could be used for a dungeon. Ge 37:20-29; Ps 28:1; 40:2; 88:4,6; Eze 26:20; Zec 9:11; etc'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the fifth. Re 9:12-13; 8:6-8,10,12; 11:14-15 a star. Re 1:20; 8:10; Isa 14:12; Lu 10:18; 2Th 2:3-8; 2Ti 3:1-5 to him. Re 1:18; 20:1 the bottomless. Re 9:2,11; 17:8; 20:10; Lu 8:31; Ro 10:7 (Gr)'.

Home Overview of Revelation Chapter Summary Start of Chapter

C9-S2 (Verse 2) the results of the angel opening the bottomless pit.

First Step: He opened it.

And he opened the bottomless pit;

Second Step: the atmosphere from the pit escaped.

and there arose a smoke out of the pit,
as the smoke of a great furnace;

Third Step: we are told how great that smoke was.

and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit.

The titles in the sentence outline, above, should be clear enough for any reader to understand the parts of this sentence and the message of the whole sentence. Any objection to the true message, of this sentence, can not be because of a lack of understanding but will be due to a refusal to believe what it actually says.

There have been records of certain volcanoes blowing their top and putting smoke and other gasses into the atmosphere which lingered for months. In the 1970s, a mountain on the west cost of the U.S. blew its top and the results affected the air for well over a month. I lived in Michigan at the time and went out every day at sunset, for about a month, and looked at several inches of red glow on all of my limbs. That was due to the refraction, at sunset, caused by what was in the atmosphere from that mountain blowing its top literally thousands of miles away. Reportedly, it had affected the air in all of the world. And, based upon that experience, I can say that this sentence is quite believable if people are willing to believe historical records.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'As if it wasn’t dark enough already, a great smoke spews out of hell to darken the sky even more. John describes it as smoke from a great furnace, almost like an erupting volcano, which in various mythologies some believed the gates of hell were actually located at the base of a volcano. But think of the heat, the blackness and the stench of this smoke belched forth from the pit, how choking and suffocating the black clouds of hell must be, and here it is unleashed into the world. But the acrid smoke with the stench of brimstone is nothing compared to what exits the pit next.'.

Please see the note for John 18:20 about the words open / openly. The functional definition for this word is: 'Unclosed; not shut; as, the gate is open; an open door or window; an open book; open eyes. to unclose; to unbar; to unlock; to remove any fastening or cover and set open; as, to open a door or gate; to open a desk'.

Please see the note for Revelation 9:1 about the word bottomless. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'a, Without a bottom; applied to water, caverns etc., it signified fathomless, whose bottom cannot be found by sounding; as a bottomless abyss or ocean.'. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'lit. 'without a bottom,' an abyss. From the passages in the Revelation we learn that the abyss is where the Satanic powers are shut up, not where they will be punished, which is in the lake of fire. the demons cast out by the Lord in Lu 8:31 besought Him that He would not send them into the abyss. In Ro 10:7 it is put in contrast to the heavens. In Re 9:1-11, to a star fallen from heaven the key of the abyss is given, and on its being opened great moral darkness rises, out of which destructive agents proceed: Abaddon (Apollyon) 'the destroyer' is their king. the future Roman empire is represented as a beast rising out of (receiving in its last head power from) the abyss. Re 11:7; 17:8. Satan will be confined in the abyss during the thousand years of the millennium. Re 20:1,3. (The above are all the passages where the Greek word occurs.)'. We have a problem with this definition. 9:2 says: the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. If this word represents the lake of fire, and not Hell, then how does it affect the air on Earth? However, since Hell is a globe, it can not be said to have a bottom.

Please see the note for Mark 10:1 about the words arise / arose. The functional definition for this word is: 'To ascend, mount up or move to a higher place; as, vapors arise from humid places'.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:20 about the word smoke. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the exhalation, visble vapor or substance that escapes or is expelled in combustion from the substance burning. It is paricularly applied to the volatile matter expelled from vegetable matter, or wood coal, peat, etc. the matter expelled from metallic substances is more generally called fume, fumes. 2. Vapor; water exhalations'.

Please see the note for Matthew 13:41-42 about the word furnace. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Chald. attun, a large furnace with a wide open mouth, at the top of which materials were cast in (Da 3:22-23; comp. Jer 29:22). this furnace would be in constant requisition, for the Babyloni and disposed of their dead by cremation, as did also the Accadi and who invaded Mesopotamia. (2.) Heb kibshan, a smelting furnace (Ge 19:28), also a lime-kiln (Isa 33:12; Am 2:1). (3.) Heb kur, a refining furnace (Pr 17:3; 27:21; Eze 22:18). (4.) Heb alil, a crucible; only used in Ps 12:6. (5.) Heb tannur, oven for baking bread (Ge 15:17; Isa 31:9; Ne 3:11). It was a large pot, narrowing towards the top. When it was heated by a fire made within, the dough was spread over the heated surface, and thus was baked. "A smoking furnace and a burning lamp" (Ge 15:17), the symbol of the presence of the Almighty, passed between the divided pieces of Abraham's sacrifice in ratification of the covenant God made with him. (6.) Gr. kamnos, a furnace, kiln, or oven (Mt 13:42,50; Re 1:15; 9:2).'. Smith's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Various kinds of furnaces are noticed in the Bible, such as a smelting or calcining furnace: Ge 19:28; Ex 9:8,10; 19:18. especially a lime-kiln: Isa 33:12; Am 2:1. a refining furnace: Pr 17:3. Nebuchadnezzar's furnace, a large furnace built like a brick-kiln: Da 3:22-23. with two openings one at the top for putting in the materials, and another below for removing them; the potter's furnace, Ecclus. 27:5; the blacksmith's furnace. Ecclus. 38:28. the Persi and were in the habit of using the furnace as a means of inflicting punishment: Da 3:22-23; Jer 29:22'.

Please see the note for Matthew 5:45 about the word sun. Fausset's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Ge 1:14 translated "let there be luminaries," literally, "light bearers". Genesis only tells what the sun, moon, and stars are in relation to the earth. When the mists were dispelled, and the seas confined within bounds, the heavenly bodies assumed their natural functions, marking days and nights, seasons and years, and God appoints the sun to rule the day and the moon the night. "Let them be for signs," as eclipses, portents of extraordinary events (Mt 2:2; Lu 21:25) and divine judgments (Joe 2:30; Jer 10:2; Mt 24:29), and indicating the four quarters of the heavens (Ps 50:1) and also the changes in the weather; "and for seasons, days, and years." the sun regulated the length of the Israelite year by the recurrence of Pentecost at a fixed agricultural season, namely, when the grain was ripe'. This word is used symbolically for: 'Our Lord Jesus Christ providing: wisdom, understanding, knowledge, guidance and related gifts which are regarded as being intellectual'.

Please see the note for Matthew 6:26 about the word air. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'the atmosphere, as opposed to the higher regions of the sky (1Th 4:17; Re 9:2; 16:17). this word occurs once as the rendering of the Hebrew ruah (Job 41:16); elsewhere it is the rendering of shamaiyim, usually translated "heavens." the expression "to speak into the air" (1Co 14:9) is a proverb denoting to speak in vain, as to "beat the air" (1Co 9:26) denotes to labour in vain'.

Please see the notes for Romans 13:12 and John 8:12 about the word darkness. The functional definition for this word is: 'symbolically represent everything which opposes the light from God. It is a lack of spiritual light and guidance from God and includes the lust of the flesh, the way of the world, the pride of life and the guidance of a devil'. Symbolically, light is used to represent 'the influence of God' while darkness is used to represent 'the influence of all that opposes God'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 3:10 about the word reason. The functional definition for this word is: 'That which is thought or which is alleged in words, as the ground or cause of opinion, conclusion or determination. I have reasons which I may choose not to disclose. You ask me my reasons. I freely give my reasons. the judge assigns good reasons for his opinion, reasons which justify his decision'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'there. Re 9:17; 14:11; Ge 15:17; 19:28; Isa 14:31; Joe 2:30; Ac 2:19 and the sun. Re 8:12; Ex 10:21-23; Joe 2:2,10'.

Home Overview of Revelation Chapter Summary Start of Chapter

C9-S3 (Verse 3) What came out next.

Equivalent Section: What these beings looked like.

And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth:

Equivalent Section: the type of power they were given.

and unto them was given power,
as the scorpions of the earth have power.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence and chapter. This chapter is continuing the report of the trumpet judgments. Both sentences and chapters need to be considered together for contextual reasons. This chapter is continuing the trumpet judgments. Please see the Section on Significant Characters other than God for a summary of all of these judgments. In addition, all of the sentences from the start of the chapter through Revelation 9:11 are speaking about a single judgment and need to be considered together a single unit for contextual considerations.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section describing these devils and the Second Equivalent Section telling us their power. Now, some might argue if that are a true locust, of a type never seen before, and others might argue that they only appeared to be locusts. However, we are not told enough to make that determination and, like other places in this Bible book, those who argue about such things only prove that they are proud and are adding to the word of God. Avoid such arguments.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here we have one of the most frightening things man has ever seen or been witness to. forfrom the bottomless pit comes an innumerable swarm, an army not of mere insects, not of some creepy crawly things of this world, but locusts from the pits of hell. Demons. Fallen angels freed from their imprisonment, released from their torment. Ready and eager to cause hurt and fear and pain and take vengeance upon all in their way. Now normal locusts are a scourge to mankind for when they swarm they gather in the millions and devour every edible piece of vegetation there is, and remember one of the plagues of Egypt were locusts that destroyed crops and grasses and fields. But here these demonic locusts are different. they do not come for sustenance, they do not come to feed, they come for torment.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 3:4 about the word locusts. The functional definition for this word is: 'There are ten Hebrew words used in Scripture to signify locust. In the New Testament locusts are mentioned as forming part of the food of John the Baptist (Mt 3:4; Mr 1:6). By the Mosaic law they were reckoned "clean," so that he could lawfully eat them. the name also occurs in Re 9:3,7, in allusion to this Oriental devastating insect. Locusts belong to the class of Orthoptera, i.e., straight-winged. they are of many species. the ordinary Syrian locust resembles the grasshopper, but is larger and more destructive. "The legs and thighs of these insects are so powerful that they can leap to a height of two hundred times the length of their bodies. When so raised they spread their wings and fly so close together as to appear like one compact moving mass." Locusts are prepared as food in various ways. Sometimes they are pounded, and then mixed with flour and water, and baked into cakes; "sometimes boiled, roasted, or stewed in butter, and then eaten." they were eaten in a preserved state by the ancient Assyrians.'. Our definition claims that these are 'an allusion to this Oriental devastating insect'. That may be true and these may actually be a member of this insect class which has not been seem before. Be careful about accepting the claimed symbolic interpretation of this book.

Please see the note for Romans C13S2 about the word power. The functional definition for this word is: 'The primary sense of the verb is to strain, to exert force. 1. In a philosophical sense, the faculty of doing or performing anything; the faculty of moving or of producing a change in something; ability or strength' Please also see the note for John 5:41 about the phrase power of God. Please also see the notes for Romans C8S40 and Ephesians C6S8 about the phrase spiritual powers.

We find forms of the word scorpion in: Deuteronomy 8:15; 1Kings 12:11; 1Kings 12:14; 2Chronicles 10:11; 2Chronicles 10:14; Ezekiel 2:6; Luke 10:19; Luke 11:12; Revelation 9:3; Revelation 9:5; Revelation 9:10. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'mentioned along with serpents (De 8:15). Used also figuratively to denote wicked persons (Eze 2:6; Lu 10:19); also a particular kind of scourge or whip (1Ki 12:11). Scorpions were a species of spider. they abounded in the Jordan valley.'. In the Bible, they are often motioned as a source of punishment from God.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'locusts. Ex 10:4-15; Jg 7:12; Isa 33:4; Joe 1:4; 2:25; Na 3:15,17 as. Re 9:5,10-11; De 8:15; 1Ki 12:11; Eze 2:6; Lu 10:19'.

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C9-S4 (Verse 4) the command given to them.

First Step: What they were to not do.

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth,
neither any green thing,
neither any tree;

Second Step: Who they were to hurt.

but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

These devils were to hurt only men and only men who were not marked as belonging to God. Again, some believe that these men are the hundred and forty four thousand witnesses and others believed that they are other saved people. People who are saved during the great tribulation, and who are willing to die a martyrs death for God and the word of God will, most likely, also be marked by God as belonging to Him. And, as we have seen in other places, we are not told enough, i n the word of God, to be positive on the distinction. Therefore, this is not something to argue about and we are to allow others to keep their opinion.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'These locusts possess intelligence, they receive commands, and obey, they are told not to hurt the grass, the trees or any green thing, but they are to only hurt those who do not have the seal of God in their forehead. Now who are those that have the seal of God? the 144,000 Re 7:3 Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.4 And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel. the Jewish preachers are protected from these demons, but unfortunately it does not look like their converts are and most definitely not are those that have rejected the Lord Jesus.'.

Please see the note for Romans 7:8 about the word commandment. The functional definition for this word is: 'a mandate; an order or injunction given by authority; charge'. Please note that a commandment is not always written down and often comes through the human person that God has placed in authority over us. Please see the note for Psalms 119:4 for the use of the word commandment within this Psalm and considerations from several other places within the Bible. Please see the note for Romans C7S11 about the word commandment. Please see the Doctrinal Study on the use Ten Commandments for links to where they are dealt with in the word of God. Please use This link to see the 'Ten (10) Commandments' and references to them in the New Testament. Please also see the note for 1John 5:2 about the phrase keep his commandments. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 9:4; 12:17; 14:12; 22:14.

Please see the note for Mark 16:17-18 about the word hurt. The functional definition for this word is: 'to bruise; to give pain by a contusion, pressure, or any violence to the body. We hurt the body by a severe blow, or by tight clothes, and the feet by fetters. Ps.105. 2. to wound; to injure or impair the sound state of the body, as by incision or fracture. 3. to harm; to damage; to injure by occasioning loss. We hurt a man by destroying his property. 4. to injure by diminution; to impair. A man hurts his estate by extravagance. 5. to injure by reducing in quality; to impair the strength, purity or beauty of. Hurt not the wine and the oil--Rev.6. 6. to harm; to injure; to damage, in general. 7. to wound; to injure; to give pain to; as, to hurt the feelings.
HURT, n. A wound; a bruise; anything that gives pain to the body. the pains of sickness and hurts. 1. Harm; mischief; injury. I have slain a man to my wounding, and a young man to my hurt. Gen.4. 2. Injury; loss. Why should damage grow to the hurt of the kings? Ezra.4'.

Please see the note for Matthew 6:30 about the word grass. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Heb hatsir, ripe grass fit for mowing (1Ki 18:5; Job 40:15; Ps 104:14). As the herbage rapidly fades under the scorching sun, it is used as an image of the brevity of human life (Isa 40:6-7; Ps 90:5). In Nu 11:5 this word is rendered "leeks."
(2.) Heb deshe', green grass (Ge 1:11-12; Isa 66:14; De 32:2). "The sickly and forced blades of grass which spring up on the flat plastered roofs of houses in the East are used as an emblem of speedy destruction, because they are small and weak, and because, under the scorching rays of the sun, they soon wither away" (2Ki 19:26; Ps 129:6; Isa 37:27).
The dry stalks of grass were often used as fuel for the oven (Mt 6:30; 13:30; Lu 12:28)'.

Please see the note for Luke 23:31 about the word green. The functional definition for this word is: 'The color of growing plants; a color composed of blue and yellow rays, which, mixed in different proportions, exhibit a variety of shades; as apple green, meadow green, leek green, etc'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:13 about the word tree. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the general name of the largest of the vegetable kind, consisting of a firm woody stem springing from woody roots, and spreading above into branches which terminate in leaves. A tree differs from a shrub principally in size, many species of trees growing to the eighth of fifty or sixty feet, and some species to seventy or eighty, and a few, particularly the pine, to a much greater eighth. Trees are of various kinds; as nuciferous, or nut-bearing trees; bacciferous, or berry-bearing; coniferous, or cone-bearing, etc. Some are forest-trees, and useful for timber or fuel; others are fruit trees, and cultivated in gardens and orchards; others are used chiefly for shade and ornament. 2. Something resembling a tree, consisting of a stem or stalk and branches; as a genealogical tree. 3. In ship-building, pieces of timber are called chess-trees, cross-trees, roof-trees, tressel-trees, etc. 4. In Scripture, a cross. --Jesus, whom they slew and hanged on a tree. Act.10'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S28 about the phrase olive / olive tree.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S5 about the word seal. The functional definition for this word is: ' 'n. L. sigillum. 1. A piece of metal or other hard substance, usually round or oval, on which is ingraved some image or device, and sometimes a legend or inscription. this is used by individuals, corporate bodies and states, for making impressions on wax upon instruments of writing, as an evidence of their authenticity. the king of England has his seal and his privy seal. Seals are sometimes worn in rings'.

Please see the note for Colossians C1S4 about the word head. The functional definition for this word is: 'The part of the body which holds the brain. It is also used, symbolically, for the main source of control'. Please also see the note for Matthew 14:10 about the word beheaded. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 11:3-LJC about the phrase Christ: the head of.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'that they. Re 6:6; 7:3; Job 1:10,12; Ps 76:10; Mt 24:24; 2Ti 3:8-9 hurt. Re 8:7 but. Corrupt and idolatrous Christians; against whom the Saracens chiefly prevailed. exp: Eze 9:6. which. Re 7:3-4; 14:1; Ex 12:23; Job 2:6; Eze 9:4,6; Eph 4:30 General references. exp: Ps 105:33.'.

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C9-S5 (Verse 5) the job these devil scorpions were to do.

Equivalent Section: the limit on their torment.

and to them it was given that they should not kill them,
but that they should be tormented five months:.

Equivalent Section: the type of their torment.

and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion,
when he striketh a man.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us the limit on the torment caused by these devil scorpions. The Second Equivalent Section tells us the type of torment that they inflict. In addition, our next sentence tells us the reaction of men who are stung by these devil scorpions. Forpeople who refuse to believe the warnings about Hell and the lake of fire, death will seem preferable to what they experience with these stings. And with that in mind, consider how foolish it is for men to ignore and scoff at the warnings of the word of God.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here we see power given to this demonic army not to kill but to torment mankind, for as we see back in v3 unto them is given supernatural power, power as the scorpions. And they torment with this power, just like when a scorpion strikes a man and its poison is delivered. But this torment is given a time table, a period of five months of extreme anguish and suffering v10 reads… And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. these demons have a poisonous agonizing sting, one struck with it suffers five months of anguish, wishing for death they are in such pain, but they can do nothing about it.'.

Please see the note for Romans C13S12 about the word kill. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. 1. to deprive of life, animal or vegetable, in any manner or by any means. to kill an animal or a plant, is to put an end to the vital functions, either by destroying or essentially injuring the org and necessary to life, or by causing them to cease from action. An animal may be killed by the sword or by poison, by disease or by suffocation. A strong solution of salt will kill plants. 2. to butcher; to slaughter for food; as, to kill an ox. 3. to quell; to appease; to calm; to still; as, in seamen's language, a shower of rain kills the wind'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:28 about the word torment. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Extreme pain; anguish; the utmost degree of misery, either of body or mind. the more I see pleasure about me, so much I feel torment within me. Lest they also come into this place of torment. Luke 16. Rev.9. 14. 2. that which gives pain, vexation or misery. they brought to him all sick people that were taken with divers diseases and orments. Matt. 4'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 9:5; 11:10; 14:10-11; 18:7; 18:10; 18:15; 20:10.

Please see the note for Revelation 9:2 about the word scorpion. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'mentioned along with serpents (De 8:15). Used also figuratively to denote wicked persons (Eze 2:6; Lu 10:19); also a particular kind of scourge or whip (1Ki 12:11). Scorpions were a species of spider. they abounded in the Jordan valley.'. In the Bible, they are often motioned as a source of punishment from God.

Please see the note for John 18:22 about the words strike / struck. The functional definition for this word is: 'To touch or hit with some force, either with the hand or an instrument; to give a blow to, either with the open hand, the fist, a stick, club or whip, or with a pointed instrument, or with a ball or an arrow discharged. An arrow struck the shield'. The word striketh means: 'an ongoing lifestyle of striking'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'it was. Re 13:5,7; Da 5:18-22; 7:6; Joh 19:11 they should not. that is, should not kill them as a political body, state, or empire; and accordingly, however they desolated the Greek and Latin churches, they could not extirpate them, nor gain possession of the empire. Re 11:7; Job 2:6 they should be. Re 9:10 five. Five prophetical months, each consisting of 30 days, and each day denoting a year, amount to 150 years; and accordingly, from the time that Mohammed began to propagate his imposture A.D. 612, the building of Bagdad, when they ceased from their ravages, A.D. 763, are just 150 years. and their. Re 9:3'. The application of five months, in this note, may or may not be correct.

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C9-S6 (Verse 6) the reaction of men who are struck by these devil scorpions.

First Step: What men will try to do.

And in those days shall men seek death,
and shall not find it;.

Second Step: the results which they will find.

and shall desire to die,
and death shall flee from them.

Our sentence adds to the prior sentence where we were told why this sentence is true. The sting from the devil scorpions will be so painful and so long lasting that those struck will try to commit suicide. Obviously, they believe that what they are feeling is worse than death. In most likely hood, they believed the warnings, from the word of God, Are wrong or are exaggerated. I can't believe that they would believe that they would go to Hell where they will burn and be eaten by worms and their bodies growing back so that they continue to suffer. If they believed that and still preferred it to what they were experiencing from the devil scorpions then their sting must be something beyond imagination. Regardless, anyone who experiences these things does so because they refused to believe the true warnings from God.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'These men will want to die, they cry out for death, but death will escape them, they will not die, will not be able to commit suicide, will not be able to dull the pain. How can this be? Well, the sting of a normal scorpion is not generally fatal (although 25 species of over 1000 types of scorpions can kill a man) but the sting does produce the most intense pain that any creature can inflict on the human body. Also the poison of a scorpion is typically used not just to kill but to paralyze its victim in order for it to consume its victim, much a like a spider’s bite. So what if (and I am speculating here) these demon’s stings in some way incapacitates or paralyzes their victims so they are conscious and aware of what is happening, can feel all pain and sensations, yet can not move or have any control over their bodies, and it may even be accompanied with some sort of psychological or mental torment, hallucinations and such, some sort of nightmare that one can not awake from. One would then feel the demonic sting, the satanic venom coursing thru one’s body, burning and causing agony beyond most people’s endurance, and then to have this foul creature crawling on them, touching them, taunting them, torturing them, yet the victim can not move, can not stop them, and so wishes for death, but for 5 months they are in a catalytic state, feeling only torment, helpless, hopeless and in unbearable agony.
I do not believe that the power of death is removed here, but it’s the sting that causes death to flee from its victims, they can not seek it, can not find it, for they can do nothing to achieve their own death as they have no power to do so, they are in some way incapacitated by the demon’s sting and so helplessly suffer. Some commentators even believe this sting has to do with demonic possession, where a victim is actually possessed by the demon and therefore has no control over themselves, they hurt and orment their own bodies and psyches but are unable to stop themselves, think of the maniac of Gadara who was possessed, who lived among the tombs and constantly cut himself. Either way or however these locust’s stings cause such torment, it is almost beyond endurance, strong and mighty men will weep and beg to die, all because of these demons from the bottomless pit.'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jews reckoned the day from sunset to sunset (Le 23:32). It was originally divided into three parts (Ps 55:17). "The heat of the day" (1Sa 11:11; Ne 7:3) was at our nine o'clock, and "the cool of the day" just before sunset (Ge 3:8). Before the Captivity the Jews divided the night into three watches, (1) from sunset to midnight (La 2:19); (2) from midnight till the cock-crowing (Jg 7:19); and (3) from the cock-crowing till sunrise (Ex 14:24). In the New Testament the division of the Greeks and Romans into four watches was adopted (Mr 13:35). (See Watches.) the division of the day by hours is first mentioned in Da 3:6,15; 4:19; 5:5. this mode of reckoning was borrowed from the Chaldeans. the reckoning of twelve hours was from sunrise to sunset, and accordingly the hours were of variable length (Joh 11:9). The word "day" sometimes signifies an indefinite time (Ge 2:4; Isa 22:5; Heb 3:8, etc.). In Job 3:1 it denotes a birthday, and in Isaiah 2:12; Acts 17:31; 2Timothy 1:18, the great day of final judgment.'. The functional definition, of the phrase last day is: '(end of the) Church Age. However, in the life of the individual, it can be used for the day that he dies'. Please see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. The functional definition is: 'obey immediately'. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:55 about the word daily. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week.

Please see the notes for Romans C6S4; 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20 and Colossians C1S4 about the words dead / death / die. The functional definition for this word is: 'Physical death is separation of soul and spirit from body and the second death is eternal separation from God'. Please also see the notes for Revelation 2:11; Revelation 20:6; Revelation 20:14 and Revelation 21:8 about the phrase death, second.

The word found is the past-tense form of the word find. Please see the note for John 1:41 about the word find. The functional definition for this word is: 'Literally, to come to; to meet; hence, to discover by the eye; to gain first sight or knowledge of something lost; to recover either by searching for it or by accident'.

Please see the notes for Romans C10S1; 2Corinthians 5:2-3; Galatians 4:9 and Philippians 1:23-24 about the word desire. The functional definition for this word is: 'To wish for the possession or enjoyment of, with a greater or less degree of earnestness; to covet. It expresses less strength of affection than longing.'.

Please see the note for Luke 8:34 about the words flee / fled. The functional definition for this word is: 'To run with rapidity, as from danger; to attempt to escape; to hasten from danger or expected evil'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'shall men. Re 6:16; 2Sa 1:9; Job 3:20-22; 7:15-16; Isa 2:19; Jer 8:3; Ho 10:8; Joh 4:8-9; Lu 23:30 General references. exp: De 28:67; Lu 23:30.'.

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C9-S7 (Verse 7) the shape of the devil locusts.

Step: they will be as large as the largest horses.

And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle;

Step: they will look like men on a horse.

and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold,
and their faces were as the faces of men.

They will be, effectively, impossible to kill. Remember that they cam out of the bottomless pit. Therefore, things like poison and fire will not affect them. With their size and head protected, normal guns will not kill them. A giant military bomb might kill one. However, since they are devils, even that might only slow them down while they gather their body parts back together. we do not know because no one has ever seen anything similar.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'we have a description of these demonic locusts, and here we must pay close attention to John’s wording, as he uses the phrases “as it were” or “were like” which denotes a similarity but not an exactness, symbolism is rich in these verses.
First John says they have a likeness of horses prepared for battle. I believe this refers to what we talked about when we spoke of the horsemen of the Apocalypse of the 1st thru the 4th seals, where we saw that horses in the Bible are symbolic of war and battle, and that’s what these demons are, they have been freed and are eager, straining and striving to cause much injury to mankind. they delight in the torment they cause, they are ready to go to war, eager to charge into the mass of humankind and cause as much chaos and carnage as they possibly can. this also refers to the form or shape of these beings, whether this speaks of size, 4 legs, or armored strong sweaty warhorses we do not know, but these demonic beings do seem to be a combination of various creatures (horse, scorpion, man, lion, with wings - whether bat, bird or insect we do not know).
Second they have what seems to be a crown of gold on their head. Whether these are actual crowns or horns or if they are symbolic in the demon’s ability to conquer all in their path I am not sure. But we can see that nothing can stand against these demons, John Phillips speaking of the demon’s unstoppable power writes “man has no weapon against them, no medicine, no psychiatry, no incantation, no discovery of science will avail”. this crown they have is a victor’s crown, so these demons have victory over man for 5 months in their torment. they are a powerful conquering host.
Third these locusts have the faces of men. this shows that they possess high intelligence, they can think, can follow commands, and show emotion and expressions, possibly even speak and communicate. they contemplate and conspire, they meditate upon how to torment their victims best, they think of the cruelest acts and most vile and painful ways to cause harm without causing death. these are expert torturers from the pits of hell.
Fourth, they have hair as a woman. A woman’s hair is considered her glory (I Cor 11:6-7), it is beautiful and attractive, and this may be relaying that there is something eerily seductive about these demons, maybe they lure men into traps with their attractiveness before revealing themselves in their true form, remember Satan himself can appear as an angel of light. So perhaps there is something both beautiful and frightening about these demons that mankind finds irresistible. Or maybe this hair has something to do with glory being corrupted and perverted into an unholy terror.
Fifth, they have the teeth as the teeth of lions. How fitting, for they are minions of the lion that walks about seeking whom he may devour. these demons are fierce and strong. Mighty in their torment. Vicious and terrible. Painful and deadly is their bite. Sixth, they have breastplates as it were of iron. Not only are they nigh invulnerable, impervious to attacks, they are also insensitive, uncaring to the pain they cause. they are unmoved by the cries of their prey. their heart is hardened, hard as iron, nothing moves it, nothing touches it, they live to hurt and they delight in it. they are merciless tormentors. Seventh, they have wings that when they flap and flutter sounds like an army of chariots and horses coming to battle. A roaring noise that warns of doom approaching. Like the earthly locusts these demons swarm and fly thru the air, they are swift and can go anywhere. there will be no hiding from them, and none can escape or find refuge from them.
Eighth, as we have already stated, they have tails like scorpions with stings in their tails, most likely filled with poison or neurotoxins all to cause pain and orment to men for a 5 month period.
What horrible, insatiable, wicked creatures these are, that have been freed from the pit and whose only desire is to cause agony and pain. What malice, how vile, the filth and the fear these demons will spread as they swarm across the earth, a cloud of winged demons cloaked in the smoke and ash of hell itself. Yet these demons are not like some mindless swarm, some army of dull-witted bugs, but we see in v11 they have a leader that rules them and commands them, that directs their attacks of torture, and they have the intelligence to obey.'.

Please see the note for Matthew 7:24-25 about the word liken. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'To compare; to represent as resembling or similar. Whosoever heareth these sayings of mine, and doeth them, I will liken him unto a wise man, that built his house on a rock. Matt. 6'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word likeness. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Resemblance in form; similitude. the picture is a good likeness of the original. 2. Resemblance; form; external appearance. Guard against an enemy in the likeness of a friend. 3. One that resembles another; a copy; a counterpart. I took you for your likeness, Chloe. 4. An image, picture or statue, resembling a person or thing. Ex. 20'. Please also see the note for Romans 15:5-6 about the word likeminded. word also see the note for Philippians 2:5-8 about the word likeness. Please also see the note for Mark 4:16-17 about the word likewise.

Please see the note for Revelation 6:2 about the word horse. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The horse was used among the Israelites only for war, either in chariots or for what is now called cavalry; but its use betokened failure in confidence on the Lord: see Ho 14:3. they had been forbidden to multiply horses, De 17:16; and at first they hamstrung the horses, and burnt the chariots of the Canaanites. Jos 11:6,9. David, however, after the defeat of Hadadezer, reserved 100 horses for chariots. 2Sa 8:4. (See a description of the war-horse in Job 39:19-25.) Solomon had 40,000 stalls of horses for his chariots and 12,000 horsemen. 1Ki 4:26.
Symbolically the horse represents careering imperial power, in general providentially controlled. In the early part of Zechariah the prophet had visions of horses of different colours, they are called spirits of the heavens, and as such they acted in the four great Gentile empires described by Daniel. When these are further spoken of, the red horses are not named, for the Chaldean empire had passed away when Zechariah saw the vision. Zec 1:8; 6:1-7.
In the Revelation also there are horses and riders thereon, representing the powers engaged in the providential course of God's dealings. Re 6:1-8; cf. Re 9:7,9,17. In Rev. 19 the Lord Jesus, the Faithful and True, comes forth on a white horse, to make war in righteousness. Re 19:11-21'.

Please see the note for John 19:31 about the words prepare / preparation. The functional definition for this word is: 'To make all things ready; to put things in suitable order; as, prepare for dinner'.

We find forms of the word battle occurring 176 times in 169 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: 1Corinthians 14:8; Revelation 9:7; Revelation 9:9; Revelation 16:14; Revelation 20:8. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. See Beat. Owen supposes the Welsh batel, to be from tel, tight, stretched, compact, and the word primarily to have expressed the drawing of the bow. this is probably an error. the first battles of men were with clubs, or some weapons used in beating, striking. Hence the club of Hercules. And although the moderns use different weapons, still a battle is some mode of beating or striking. 1. A fight, or encounter between enemies, or opposing armies; an engagement. It is usually applied to armies or large bodies of men; but in popular language, the word is applied to an encounter between small bodies, between individuals, or inferior animals. It is also more generally applied to the encounters of land forces than of ships; the encounters of the latter being called engagements. But battle is applicable to any combat of enemies. 2. A body of forces, or division of an army. The main body, as distinct from the van and rear. Togive battle, is to attack an enemy; to join battle, is properly to meet the attack; but perhaps this distinction is not always observed. A pitched battle is one in which the armies are previously drawn up in form, with a regular disposition of the forces. Toturn the battle to the gate, is to fight valiantly, and drive the enemy, who hath entered the city, back to the gate. Is.28.
BAT'TLE, v.i. to join in battle; to contend in fight; sometimes with it; as, to battle it.
BAT'TLE, v.t. to cover with armed force.'. The functional definition for this word is: 'A fight, or encounter between enemies, or opposing armies; an engagement'.

Please see the note for James 1:12 about the word crown. The functional definition for this word is: 'Crowns show that the person wearing them has authority and a special position'. Some saved people will be in Heaven but will not be allowed to return with Christ, to this Earth, for His 1,000 years reign. Anyone with a crown will be returning with Him and ruling under Him.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. The functional definition for this word is: 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word gold. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A precious metal of a bright yellow color, and the most ductile and malleable of all the metals. It is the heaviest metal except platina; and being a very dense, fixed substance, and not liable to be injured by air, it is well fitted to be used as coin, or a representative of commodities in commerce. Its ductility and malleability render it the most suitable metal for gilding. It is often found native in solid masses, as in Hungary and Peru; though generally in combination with silver, copper or iron. 2. Money. forme, the gold of France did not seduce-- 3. Something pleasing or valuable; as a heart of gold. 4. A bright yellow color; as a flower edged with gold. 5. Riches; wealth. Gold of pleasure, a plant of the genus Myagrum. GOLD, a. Made of gold; consisting of gold; as a gold chain'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. The functional definition for this word is: 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the shapes. Joe 2:4-5; Na 3:17 their faces. Da 7:4,8 General references. exp: Joe 2:4; Na 3:17.'.

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C9-S8 (Verse 8) their hair length proves that they are devils.

And they had hair as the hair of women,
and their teeth were as the teeth of lions.

Every place in the word of God, where it talks about hair and sexual appearances, we are told for men to keep short hair and wear the clothing of men and for women to have long hair and the clothing of women. Both are to dress modestly. But, any picture, statue or other similar image which depicts Jesus, or an angel, with long hair comes from doctrines of devils. Thus, God is letting us know that the hair of these devil scorpions shows that they are devils.

In addition to the prior descriptions of these devil scorpions, we are told that heir teeth were as the teeth of lions. They would not have these teeth unless they use them to tear and rend. Thus, in addition to other tortures, there is a high probability that they will leave victims half eaten.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for the prior sentence.

Please see the note for Luke 7:37-38 about the word hair. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Jewish men, except Nazarites, Nu 6:5,9, and cases like that of Absalom, 2Sa 14:26, cut their hair moderately short, 1Co 11:14, and applied fragrant ointments to it, Ex 30:30-33; Ps 23:5; Ec 9:8. In mourning they wholly neglected it, or shaved it close, or plucked it out by handfuls, Jer 7:29. Women prized a fine head of hair, and plaited, perfumed, and decked it in many ways, Isa 3:18,24; 1Co 11:15, so much as to call for apostolic interdictions, 1Ti 2:9; 1Pe 3:9. "Hair like women's" characterized the locusts of antichrist, Re 9:8. Lepers when cleansed, and Levites, on their consecration, shaved the whole body, Le 13; 14:8-9'.

Please see the note for Luke 13:28 about the word teeth. The functional definition for this word is: 'plu. of tooth, which see. In the teeth, directly; in direct opposition; in front. Nor strive with all the tempest in my teeth'.

Please see the note for Revelation 4:7 about the word lion. The functional definition for this word is: 'A literal type of physical animal whose character traits are used symbolically for spiritual beings such as The Lion of the tribe of Judah is Jesus Christ'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'hair. 2Ki 9:30; Isa 3:24; 1Co 11:14-15; 1Ti 2:9; 1Pe 3:3 and their. Ps 57:4; Joe 1:6'.

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C9-S9 (Verse 9) Further description of these devil scorpions.

First Step: their inner parts are protected by their breastplate.

And they had breastplates,
as it were breastplates of iron;.

Second Step: they can fly and the sound of their flight is designed to terrify.

and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

Our sentence has two Steps with the First Step telling us that conventional weapons probably will not even hurt them. But the Second Step is the most terrifying even though it might be overlooked. Supposedly, owls can not be heard when they fly. Most flying creatures are hard to hear when they fly. However, the sound of these creatures is opposite. And, in the days of John, the sound that he describes was probably the most terrifying sound of that day. Thus, they were deliberately given the ability to terrify even before they causes any physical pain.

There is another consideration. Consider the 'fantastic animals' from ancient Egypt and ancient Oriental cultures and medieval artists. Egypt worshipped devils and we can still see their statues of animals which never existed in nature such as griffins. Think of mermaids and the fantasy creatures which are imagined by people who believe that evolution is real and has no limits. They are like a nightmare from 'Evolution' gone wild. All of these are from doctrines of devils and here, in these sentences, we read about devils who have taken on such unnatural shapes. These devils work outside the restrictions which God put on the creation of animals. Remember that devils can do miracles. Therefore, it is possible that these devils altered the shapes of existing animalsto create these shapes. And, God's people are told about them so that God's peoplecan be aware of where such thoughts come from.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 9:7.

We find forms of the word breastplate occurring 31 times in 26 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Ephesians 6:14; 1Thessalonians 5:8; Revelation 9:9; Revelation 9:17. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Armour for the breast. 1. of righteousness (for Christ), Isa 59:17; (for the Christian's conflict in the heavenlies). Eph 6:14. 2. of faith and love (for the wilderness). 1Th 5:8. 3. of iron (steeled conscience). Re 9:9. 4. of fire, jacinth, and brimstone (dire judgements). Re 9:17'.

Torrey's Topical Textbook provides links for the word breastplate as: 'A part of defensive armor: 1Ki 22:34 (marg.). A part of the high priest's dress: Ex 28:4. FOR SOLDIERS: Made of iron: Re 9:9. Bright and shining: Re 9:17. FOR thE HIGH PRIEST: Materials of: Ex 28:15; 39:8. Form and dimensions of: Ex 28:16; 39:9. Made from the offering of the people: Ex 35:9. Had names of the tribes engraved on precious stones: Ex 28:17-21; 39:10,14. Inseparably united to the ephod: Ex 28:22-28; 39:15-21. The Urim and thummim placed in: Ex 28:30; Le 8:8. Worn as a memorial: Ex 28:29; Isa 49:16. ILLUSTRATIVE OF thE: Righteous judgment of Christ: Isa 59:17. Defense of righteousness: Eph 6:14. Defense of faith and love: 1Th 5:8'.

Please see the note for Revelation 2:27 about the word iron. The functional definition for this word is: 'Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Tubal-Cain is the first-mentioned worker in iron (Ge 4:22). the Egyptians wrought it at Sinai before the Exodus. David prepared it in great abundance for the temple (1Ch 22:3; 29:7). the merchants of Dan and Javan brought it to the market of Tyre (Eze 27:19). Various instruments are mentioned as made of iron (De 27:5; 19:5; Jos 17:16,18; 1Sa 17:7; 2Sa 12:31; 2Ki 6:5-6; 1Ch 22:3; Isa 10:34). Figuratively, a yoke of iron (De 28:48) denotes hard service; a rod of iron (Ps 2:9), a stern government; a pillar of iron (Jer 1:18), a strong support; a furnace of iron (De 4:20), severe labour; a bar of iron (Job 40:18), strength; fetters of iron (Ps 107:10), affliction; giving silver for iron (Isa 60:17), prosperity'.

Please see the note for Matthew 23:37 about the word wing. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Used as a symbol of protection. Under 'the shadow of God's wings' is referred to in the Psalms; and the Lord said He would often have gathered Israel as a hen gathereth her chickens under her wings, but they would not. Ps 17:8; 36:7; 57:1; Mt 23:37; etc. Wings were given for rapid motion. the living creatures in Ezek. 1, had each four wings, and those in Isa 6:2 and Rev. 4, had each of them six wings. God's executives are swift messengers'.

Please see the note for Acts 8:28 about the word chariot. The functional definition for this word is: 'a vehicle generally used for warlike purposes. Sometimes, though but rarely, it is spoken of as used for peaceful purposes'.

Please see the note for Revelation 9:7 about the word battle. The functional definition for this word is: 'A fight, or encounter between enemies, or opposing armies; an engagement'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they had. Re 9:17; Job 40:18; 41:23-30; Joe 2:8 and the. Job 39:25; Isa 9:5; Joe 2:5-7; Na 2:4-5'.

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C9-S10 (Verse 10) Additional description of these devil scorpions.

Equivalent Section: their tails described.

And they had tails like unto scorpions,
and there were stings in their tails:.

Equivalent Section: their power explained.

and their power was to hurt men five months.

This sentence finished John's description of these devil scorpions while the next sentence describes their king. Our sentence tells us that, even with all else that they can do, the worst hurt that they will inflict comes from their tail. It will make men try to commit suicide for five months even while preventing death. No matter what else they do, that other pain will not be as intense nor as long.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 9:7.

We find forms of the word tail in: Exodus 4:4; Deuteronomy 28:13; Deuteronomy 28:44; Judges 15:4; Job 40:17; Isaiah 7:4; Isaiah 9:14-15; Isaiah 19:15; Revelation 9:10; Revelation 9:19; Revelation 12:4. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the part of an animal which terminates its body behind. In many quadrupeds, the tail is a shoot or projection covered with hair. In fowls, the tail consists of feathers, or is covered with them, which serve to assist in the direction of their flight. In fishes the tail is formed usually by a gradual sloping of the body, ending in a fin. the tail of a fish may assist the animal in steering, but its principal use is to propel the fish forward. It is the instrument of swimming. 2. the lower part, noting inferiority. The Lord will make thee the head, and not the tail. Deut.28. 3. anything hanging long; a catkin. 4. the hinder part of anything. 5. In anatomy, that tendon of a muscle which is fixed to the movable part. 6. In botany, the tail of a seed, is a downy or feathery appendage to certain seeds, formed of the permanent elongated style. 7. Horse's tail, among the Tartars and Chinese, is an ensign or flag; among the Turks, a standard borne before the grand visier, bashaws and the sangiacs. for this purpose, it is fitted to a half-pike with a gold button, and is called toug. there are bashaws of one, two and three tails. 8. In heraldry, the tail of a hart. 9. In music, the part of a note running upwards or downwards. 10. the extremity or last end; as the tail of a storm. Tail of a comet, a luminous train which extends from the nucleus in a direction opposite to the sun. Toturn tail, is to run away; to flee. Tail of a lock, on a canal, the lower end, or entrance into the lower pond. Tail-piece, of a violin, is a piece of ebony attached to the end of the instrument, to which the strings are fastened.
TAIL, n. In law, an estate in tail is a limited fee; an estate limited to certain heirs, and from which the other heirs are precluded. Estates tail are general or special; general, where lands and tenements are given to one, and to the heirs of his body begotten; special, where the gift is restrained to certain heirs of the doneness body, as to his heirs by a particular woman names. See Entail.
TAIL, v.t. to pull by the tail.'.

We find forms of the word sting in: Proverbs 23:32; 1Corinthians 15:55-56; Revelation 9:10. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'in orthography and pronunciation. 1. to pierce with the sharp pointed instrument with which certain animals are furnished, such as bees, wasps, scorpions and the like. Bees will seldom sting persons, unless they are first provoked. 2. to pain acutely; as, the conscience is stung with remorse. Slander stings the brave.
STING, n. 1. A sharp pointed weapon or instrument which certain animals are armed by nature for their defense, and which they thrust from the hinder part of the body to pierce any animal that annoys or provokes them. In most instances, this instrument is a tube, through which a poisonous matter is discharged, which inflames the flesh, and in some instances proves fatal to life. 2. the thrust of a sting into the flesh. the sting of most insects produces acute pain. 3. anything that gives acute pain. thus we speak of the stings of remorse; the stings of reproach. 4. the point in the last verse; as the sting of an epigram. 5. that which gives the principal pain, or constitutes the principal terror. The sting of death is sin. 1 Corinthians 15'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'tails. Re 9:3,5'.

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C9-S11 (Verse 11) John's final description of these devil scorpions.

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.

Notice that our sentence says that this devil is their king. This, and other places in the word of God, tells us that devils have a hierarchy. In addition, their king is called the angel of the bottomless pit. Thus, he was sent there and these other devil scorpions were sent with him because they serve him. Likewise, Satan will be cast into the lake of fire (Revelation 20:10) and all who serve him will also be cast there because they serve him.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Where Solomon wrote in Pr 30:27 the locusts have no king, yet go they forth all of them by bands; these demonic locusts have a king, the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name is Abaddon and Apollyon, both mean Destroyer. Whether this king is Satan himself or one of his subordinates we are not sure, but it seems to me it would be Satan. forit is he who is come to steal and to kill and to destroy. It is he who is the prince and power of the air that these locusts fly thru. It is he who fell and a third of the angels fell with him. And it is at his direction these demons obey, part of his organized hellish army. they torment all the earth for a long period of 5 months, all except those with the seal of God, the 144,000 remain untouched by these filthy beings.'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C1S1 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word name. The functional definition is: 'How a person or thing is identified. In the Bible, the power and authority which is associated with the name is always part of the message where this word is used'. Please see the note for 1Corinthians C1S4 about the phrase the name. That note has links to every place in the New Testament where the phrase in the name. occurs along with links to where similar phrases occur in the New Testament. Please see the note for 1Peter 4:14-LJC about the name of Christ. Please see the note for Luke 13:35 about the phrase name of the Lord. Please also see the Summary and verses documents about the use of this word for the Son of God. Please also see the note for Acts 1:23 about the word surname.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S8; 1Corinthians 14:2 and Philippians 2:9-11 about the word tongue. The functional definition for this word is: 'a human language'. Please also see the note in Acts 2:6 about the word language.

We find Abaddon / Apollyon only in this sentence. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'destruction, the Hebrew name (equivalent to the Greek Apollyon, i.e., destroyer) of "the angel of the bottomless pit" (Re 9:11). It is rendered "destruction" in Job 28:22; 31:12; 26:6; Pr 15:11; 27:20. In the last three of these passages the Revised Version retains the word "Abaddon." We may regard this word as a personification of the idea of destruction, or as sheol, the realm of the dead'. Please see the notes for Romans C14S22 and 1Corinthians C3S17 about the word destroy. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 10:10 about the word destroyer.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'they had. Re 12:9; Joh 12:31; 14:30; 16:11; 2Co 4:4; Eph 2:2; 1Jo 4:4; 5:19 the angel. Re 9:1 Abaddon. that is, a destroyer. Joh 8:44'.

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C9-S12 (Verse 12) the fifth trumpet judgments is past.

First Step: Recognize what is past.

One woe is past;

Second Step: Recognize what is to come.

and,
behold,
there come two woes more hereafter.

The end of the prior chapter linked the last three trumpet judgments to three woes. Thus, this sentence tells us: 'The fifth trumpet judgments is past and the last two trumpet judgments remain'.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'What an awful, horrendous time, natural disaster after natural disaster has fallen and now supernatural disasters begin plaguing mankind. And then we realize that these demonic locusts are only the vanguard of an invading army from hell, for now the 6th trumpet sounds and as severe as this woe is there are two more trumpets of woe to go.'.

Please see the note for Mark 13:17 about the word woe. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'A declaration of 'woe' on man is frequently found in scripture. It is especially pronounced on those who have had privileges and have not answered to them. In the Prophets there are many woes against Israel and Judah, and also against the nations which had to do with Israel. the Lord when on earth pronounced woes upon those who should have been the leaders of His people. the Revelation shows that God's 'woes' will fall with mighty power on those denounced. Re 18:13; etc'.

Please see the note for Colossians C2S3 about the word behold. Webster's 1828 Dictionary defines this word as: 'to fix the eyes upon; to see with attention; to observe with care. Behold the lamb of God which taketh away the sin of the world. John 1. 2. In a less intensive sense, to look upon; to see. When he beheld the serpent of brass, he lived. Num. 21. BEHO'LD, v.i. to look; to direct the eyes to an object. And I beheld, and lo, in the midst of the throne, a lambdas it had been slain. Rev.5. 1. to fix the attention upon an object; to attend; to direct or fix the mind. Behold, I stand at the door and knock. Rev.3.word is much used in this manner for exciting attention, or admiration. It is in the imperative mode, expressing command, or exhortation; and by no means a mere exclamation'. Please also see the note for Colossians 2:18-19 about the word hold. Please also see the note for Luke 24:15 about the word holden.

Please see the note for Revelation 4:1 about the word hereafter. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'In time to come; in some future time'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'woe. Re 9:1-2 exp: Re 8:13; 12:12. two. Re 9:13-21; 8:13; 11:14 General references. exp: Re 11:14.'.

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C9-S13 (Verse 13-14) the sixth judgment for supporting Satan and his beast. The description of what these devils do goes through Revelation 9:19.

And the sixth angel sounded,
and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet,
Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

Once more we see that devils are angels who rebelled against God. And, yet, foolish men believe that they can live their entire life in rebellion t5o God and that God has no choice but to take them into His personal homeans let them destroy Heaven.

I could speculate as to why this voice came from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, but it would only be speculation as is any other voice which tries to say what this symbolism is. I will not speculate but will write that it is symbolically important even if we can not say exactly what the symbolism means.

In addition, we see that there are four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates. Again, why they were bound there is not made clear in the word of God. What is important is what they do, which is explained in the associated sentences of this chapter. And, as we read earlier, this consequence is worse than the results of earlier trumpet judgments.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here John watches as the 6th angel sounds his trumpet and following this blast the apostle hears a voice, a voice from the golden altar before God. Now I believe we have seen who this voice belongs to before, for the last time we saw the golden altar we saw an angel before that altar who was Jesus Christ himself officiating as high priest and dealing with the prayers of the saints (ch8:3-5), so I believe John hears the Lord Jesus giving a command to the 6th angel of the 6th trumpet in v14.
Verse 14
Jesus tells this angel (like he told the previous one) to go and unleash 4 fallen angels that are imprisoned in the Euphrates River. Now we know that when Satan and his angels were cast out of heaven, some of those angels, most likely the more powerful ones, were bound and chained, imprisoned, for we read in 2Pe 2:4 forif 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;
Jude 1:6 And the angels which kept not their first estate, but left their own habitation, he hath reserved in everlasting chains under darkness unto the judgment of the great day. We also know how the demon locusts were freed from their imprisonment in the Abyss, where Satan will one day be imprisoned for 1000 years. So here in the freeing of these four demonic powers from the river, is further proof that some of those evil spirits were locked away, so as not to endanger or hinder mankind.
Now, why these four angels are imprisoned here on earth in the river and not in the bottomless pit we are not told. Maybe there are other places like this across the earth, where evil spirits are bound and locked away, it would put some truth behind some myths and folklore of evil or “haunted” places (there is no such thing as ghosts, so any kid of supernatural phenomena has to be either angelic or demonic activity). Because if you consider the fact that the Euphrates River was part of the cradle of civilization, where the Garden of Eden was located, where man took his first breath and is also where sin originated, where Satan deceived mankind, thus this area is tainted with evil and corruption and it may be partly due to these being’s incarcerated presence. But for whatever reason they are unleashed from their imprisonment to wreak havoc upon the earth.'.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S14 and Galatians C3-S7 about the word hear. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Perceiving by the ear. This word is often used symbolically for hearing the spiritual message of the word of God, as sound. 1. Listening to; attending to; obeying; observing what is commanded. 2. Attending to witnesses or advocates in a judicial trial; trying'. Please pay attention to the word 'obey' within this definition. That is what most people refuse to do when the Bible says that they do not hear. Please also see the note for James 2:5 about the word hearken. Please also see the note for Mark 4:9 about the phrase He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S11 about the word voice. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. L. vox; voco. the sense of the verb is to throw, to drive out sound; and voice is that which is driven out. 1. Sound or audible noise uttered by the mouth, either of human beings or of other animals. We say, the voice of a man is loud or clear; the voice of a woman is soft or musical; the voice of a dog is loud or harsh; the voice of a bird is sweet or melodious. the voice of human beings is articulate; that of beasts, inarticulate. the voices of men are different, and when uttered together, are often dissonant. 2. Any sound made by the breath; as the trumpet's voice. 3. A vote; suffrage; opinion or choice expressed. Originally voice was the oral utterance of choice, but it now signifies any vote however given. Some laws ordain, and some attend the choice of holy senates, and elect by voice. I have no words; my voice is in my sword. 4. Language; words; expression. Let us call on God in the voice of his church. 5. In Scripture, command; precept. Ye would not be obedient to the voice of the Lord your God. Deut. 8. 6. Sound. After the fire, a still small voice. 1Kings 19. Canst thou thunder with a voice like him? Job. 40. the floods have lifted up their voice. Ps. 93. 7. Language; tone; mode of expression. I desire to be present with you now, and to change my voice. Gal. 4. 8. In grammar, a particular mode of inflecting or conjugating verbs; as the active voice; the passive voice.
VOICE, v.t. 1. to rumor; to report. It was voiced that the king purposed to put to death Edward Plantagenet. Little used. 2. to fit for producing the proper sounds; to regulate the tone of; as, to voice the pipes of an organ. 3. to vote'. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven.

Please see the note for Luke 1:67-75 about the word horn. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Of animals were used as drinking vessels, and to hold ointments, perfumes, etc., 1Sa 16:1; 1Ki 1:39. the "horns of the altar" were its four corners and elevation on them, Ex 27:2; 30:2. See ALTAR. the principal defense and ornament of many beasts are in their horns; and hence the horn is often a symbol of strength, honor, and dominion. the Lord exalted the horn of David, and of his people; he breaketh the horn of salvation, and of defiling the horn in the dust, De 33:17; 1Sa 2:1,10; Job 16:15; Ps 75:10; Da 7:20-24; Lu 1:69. there may be an allusion in these passages to a very common part of the female dress in some parts of the East. the married women among the Druses of mount Lebanon still wear on their heads silver horns, as in the accompanying cut; the other head is that of an Abyssinian chief'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C9S22 about the word altar. The functional definition for this word is: 'any structure of earth (Ex 20:24) or unwrought stone (Ex 20:25) on which sacrifices were offered. Also used symbolically for a heart attitude of dedicating a life to the service of God. Used in Heb 13:10 for the sacrifice offered upon it--the sacrifice Christ offered'.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word saith. The functional definition for this word is: 'lifestyle speaking. A saying that never changes when said by God'. Please also see the note for Romans 11:1 about the phrase I say. The functional definition is: 'Uttering in articulate sounds or words; speaking; telling; relating; reciting'. Please also see the note for Revelation 1:8 about the word saith. Please also see the note for Romans C10S28 about the word gainsaying. Please also see the note for Matthew 26:1 about the word sayings (plural). Please also see the notes for Romans C15S15 and 2Corinthians 2:17 about the word speak. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 3:12-14 about the word speech. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and 1Peter 2:1 about the phrase evil speaking. The words speaketh and saith mean that the person 'keeps on keeping on doing the saying'.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C14S8 about the word trumpet. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. A wind instrument of music, used chiefly in war and military exercises. It is very useful also at sea, in speaking with ships. there is a speaking trumpet, and a hearing trumpet. they both consist of long tubular bodies, nearly in the form of a parabolic conoid, with wide mouths. the trumpet's loud clangor Excites us to arms. 2. In the military style, a trumpeter. He wisely desired that a trumpet might be first sent for a pass. 3. One who praises or propagates praise, or is the instrument or propagating it. A great politician was pleased to be the trumpet of his praises.
TRUMP'ET, v.t. to publish by sound of trumpet; also, to proclaim; as, to trumpet good tidings. they did nothing but publish and trumpet all the reproaches they could devise against the Irish'. In the Bible, a trumpet was used to announce an important event that God's people were to pay attention to. For example, it announced the start of war and the start of an important worship service.

Please see the note for Mark 11:4 about the word loose. The functional definition for this word is: 'To untie or unbind; to free from any fastening'.

Please also see the note for Luke 8:29 about the word bound. Please also see the note for Mark 3:27 about the word bind. The functional definition of the word bound is: 'Past-tense of bind. As a participle, made fast by a band, or by chains or fetters; obliged by moral ties; confined; restrained'. The functional definition of the word bind is: 'To tie together, or confine with a cord, or anything that is flexible; to fasten as with a band, fillet or ligature'. Please also see the Word Study on Word Study on abound. It means: 'not bound'.

Please see the note for Revelation 8:10 about the word river. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Heb 'aphik, properly the channel or ravine that holds water (2Sa 22:16), translated "brook," "river," "stream," but not necessarily a perennial stream (Eze 6:3; 31:12; 32:6; 34:13). (2.) Heb nahal, in winter a "torrent," in summer a "wady" or valley (Ge 32:23; De 2:24; 3:16; Isa 30:28; La 2:18; Eze 47:9). These winter torrents sometimes come down with great suddenness and with desolating force. A distinguished traveller thus describes his experience in this matter:, "I was encamped in Wady Feiran, near the base of Jebel Serbal, when a tremendous thunderstorm burst upon us. After little more than an hour's rain, the water rose so rapidly in the previously dry wady that I had to run for my life, and with great difficulty succeeded in saving my tent and goods; my boots, which I had not time to pick up, were washed away. In less than two hours a dry desert wady upwards of 300 yards broad was turned into a foaming torrent from 8 to 10 feet deep, roaring and tearing down and bearing everything upon it, tangled masses of tamarisks, hundreds of beautiful palmtrees, scores of sheep and goats, camels and donkeys, and even men, women, and children, for a whole encampment of Arabs was washed away a few miles above me. the storm commenced at five in the evening; at half-past nine the waters were rapidly subsiding, and it was evident that the flood had spent its force." (Comp. Mt 7:27; Lu 6:49.) (3.) Nahar, a "river" continuous and full, a perennial stream, as the Jordan, the Euphrates (Ge 2:10; 15:18; De 1:7; Ps 66:6; Eze 10:15). (4.) Tel'alah, a conduit, or water-course (1Ki 18:32; 2Ki 18:17; 20:20; Job 38:25; Eze 31:4). (5.) Peleg, properly "waters divided", i.e., streams divided, throughout the land (Ps 1:3); "the rivers [i.e., 'divisions'] of waters" (Job 20:17; 29:6; Pr 5:16). (6.) Ye'or, i.e., "great river", probably from an Egyptian word (Aur), commonly applied to the Nile (Ge 41:1-3), but also to other rivers (Job 28:10; Isa 33:21). (7.) Yubhal, "a river" (Jer 17:8), a full flowing stream. (8.) 'Ubhal, "a river" (Da 8:2).'.

We find the river Euphrates mentioned in: Genesis 2:14; Genesis 15:18; Deuteronomy 1:7; Deuteronomy 11:24; Joshua 1:4; 2Samuel 8:3; 2Kings 23:29; 2Kings 24:7; 1Chronicles 5:9; 1Chronicles 18:3; 2Chronicles 35:20; Jeremiah 13:4-7; Jeremiah 46:2; Jeremiah 46:6; Jeremiah 46:10; Jeremiah 51:63; Revelation 9:14; Revelation 16:12. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This river is first mentioned in connection with the garden of Eden, but cannot be thereby traced. Ge 2:14. It was the N.E. boundary of the land promised to Abraham, as the river of Egypt was the S.W. Ge 15:18. It is called the great river, the river Euphrates, De 1:7, and at times is merely called 'the river.' Ge 31:21. David was able to possess the land to the Euphrates, 2Sa 8:3, which also Solomon maintained. 1Ki 4:24. In one of Jeremiah's typical actions he hid his girdle by the Euphrates then found it spoiled and useless; so should the pride of Judah and Jerusalem be marred (Jer 13:4-11) — a figure of the carrying away to Babylon of those who should have cleaved to the Lord for His praise, as a girdle to the loins of a man. the prophecy against Babylon was written by Jeremiah in a book, and given to Seraiah, who was to read the same when he arrived at Babylon, then tie a stone to the book and cast it into the Euphrates, and. say "Thus shall Babylon sink." Jer 51:59-64. the book was thus placed in the river in which the Babyloni and trusted for safety, but which was the channel of their destruction. Isa 45:1. The Euphrates is mentioned in the Revelation as the place where four angels are or will be bound, who will be loosed at the sixth trumpet, letting loose the Eastern forms of Satanic wickedness hitherto held in check. Re 9:14. Viewing Palestine as the centre of God's dealings with the earth, the Euphrates was the barrier between East and West. the sixth vial will be poured upon the great river Euphrates, that it may be dried up and a way be made for the kings from the East to come unto the great battle of Armageddon. Re 16:12. There are two sources of the river; one in the Armenian mountains, about 40 N, 41 30' E, and the other in the mountain range of Ararat, about 39 30' N, 43 E. When the streams join they run nearly south and then south east for 1000 miles. After being joined by the Tigris it falls into the Persian Gulf. It is generally supposed that the river has not always in all parts run in the same channel; that after overflowing its banks it has not always returned to its former course, though it ran into it again farther south. A glance at a map will show that the possessions of David could have embraced but a very small part of the Euphrates, about Lat. 35 to 36 N. the great Syrian desert of Arabia separated the southern part of the river from Palestine.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'to the. Re 8:2,6 loose. Re 9:15; 16:12 the great. Ge 2:14; 2Sa 8:3; Jer 51:63 exp: Isa 27:13.'.

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C9-S14 (Verse 15) What they did and the time that they had to do it.

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.

The number of days, in this sentence, add up to a symbolically significant number, but I can not even speculate about that symbolic meaning. However, what I believe is more important is why they were set loose. We are told that they slay the third part of men. Now, we can not be sure If this is the third part of men still living or the third part of men who were counted at the start when the 'Rapture' happened. Once more, we see that God has John give us a good idea of the results while denying people what is needed for an exact count. This is so that we can identify false prophets who claim to provide information which God has hid.

One thing which we see in this report is that God is using these devils to kill off lost men and reduce the number of lost people that our Lord Jesus Christ will have to deal with when He returns to rule this world.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'This verse states the exact plan of God for these four angels. As these four demons where prepared for this specific time. God is always on time, his time table, his calendar, His wristwatch is always exactly accurate. And so when these demons are loosed, when the exact year, month, day and hour arrive for which they have been prepared and which God has anticipated, the Lord Jesus will give the command, and the 6th angel will come and unleash these demons for their prepared purpose. Now, what have these four been preparing and what have they been preparing for?'.

Please see the note for Mark 11:4 about the word loose. The functional definition for this word is: 'To untie or unbind; to free from any fastening'.

Please see the note for John 2:4 about the word hour. The functional definition for this word is: 'a short period of time relative to the perspective'. Thus, a thousand years can be considered to be an 'a short period of time relative to the perspective'. from the perspective of eternity.

Please see the note for Luke 1:7 about the word year. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Heb shanah, meaning "repetition" or "revolution" (Ge 1:14; 5:3). Among the ancient Egyptians the year consisted of twelve months of thirty days each, with five days added to make it a complete revolution of the earth round the sun. the Jews reckoned the year in two ways, (1) according to a sacred calendar, in which the year began about the time of the vernal equinox, with the month Abib; and (2) according to a civil calendar, in which the year began about the time of the autumnal equinox, with the month Nisan. the month Tisri is now the beginning of the Jewish year'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 9:15; 20:2-3; 20:4; 20:5; 20:6; 20:7.

Please see the note for Luke 11:49-51 about the word slay. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.t. pret. slew; pp. slain. the proper sense is to strike, and as beating was an early mode of killing, this word, like smite, came to signify to kill. It seems to be formed on the root of lay; as we say to lay on. 1. to kill; to put to death by a weapon or by violence. We say, he slew a man with a sword, with a stone, or with a club, or with other arms; but we never say, the serif slays a malefactor with a halter, or a man is slain on the gallows or by poison. So the slay retains something of its primitive sense of striking or beating. It is particularly applied to killing in battle, but is properly applied also to the killing of a individual man or beast. 2. to destroy'. Please also see the note for Luke 9:22 about the word slain.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'for. or, at. an hour. Re 9:5,10 for to. Re 9:18; 8:7,9,11-12'.

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C9-S15 (Verse 16) the size of the army commanded by these devils.

Equivalent Section: How many were in this army.

And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand:

Equivalent Section: John reported the number that he was told.

and I heard the number of them.

The number, in our First Equivalent Section is two hundred million. Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the Second Equivalent Section telling us that John did not make this number up on his own. He is reporting the number that God gave him. People who doubt this number are doubting God.

Now, some might claim that the word horsemen is not literal. But, from what I have read, horses are still the fastest way to move an army through mountainous terrain, especially if there are no roads or only poor roads. Think about how the poor men in Afghanistan held off the mechanized armies of Russia and of the U.S. Now, realize that a lot of this world is mountainous.

The prior written, we are not told if these horsemen are actual men or if they are devils. However, I believe that this is the largest army ever recorded in history.

The note from Dr. Jeff Wilson, below, makes it clear that he believes that these horsemen are devils. While I am not sure of that, the horses that they ride might well be. Consider the description of the horses in the next sentence.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'These four demonic entities are the four generals of a massive demonic army. We thought the demonic locusts were bad, but here we have an army of 200 million infernal cavalry, hellish horsemen. these are not mere foot soldiers, these are knights of hell. We truly get a sense here of what Ephesians ch6 warns us about… 11 Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil. 12 forwe 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. So vast is this army that John can’t count it but fortunately he is told the number of them. 200 thousand thousand. 200 million evil spirits, fallen angels, demons mounted upon demonic steeds. A terrifying sight to behold, especially when we realize that during WW II the US only had 12 million men enlisted. John attempts to describe them.'.

The number given in our sentence is more than one hundred million. Please see the note for Matthew 10:30 about the word number. The functional definition for this word is: 'Used to count things. Also used symbolically in the Bible'. The note from the Morrish Bible Dictionary is extensive and includes 'Numbers are used as Symbols'. Be very careful about the use of this information. Much doctrinal error and division has been caused in God's church by preachers claiming that the symbolical meaning of numbers provided the single interpretation of the word of God and that the symbolic meaning actually corrected the word of God. All symbolic meanings provide the many applications, must be understood within the context where they are found, and can vary from one application to another. Be careful to not use these symbols beyond their God-given purpose.

Please see the note for Luke 21:20 about the words army / armies. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'The Israelites marched out of Egypt in military order (Ex 13:18, "harnessed;" marg., "five in a rank"). Each tribe formed a battalion, with its own banner and leader (Nu 2:2; 10:14). In war the army was divided into thousands and hundreds under their several captains (Nu 31:14), and also into families (Nu 2:34; 2Ch 25:5; 26:12). From the time of their entering the land of Canaan to the time of the kings, the Israelites made little progress in military affairs, although often engaged in warfare. the kings introduced the custom of maintaining a bodyguard (the Gibborim; i.e., "heroes"), and thus the nucleus of a standing army was formed. Saul had an army of 3,000 select warriors (1Sa 13:2; 14:52; 24:2). David also had a band of soldiers around him (1Sa 23:13; 25:13). to this band he afterwards added the Cherethites and the Pelethites (2Sa 15:18; 20:7). At first the army consisted only of infantry (1Sa 4:10; 15:4), as the use of horses was prohibited (De 17:16); but chariots and horses were afterwards added (2Sa 8:4; 1Ki 10:26,28-29; 9:19). In 1Ki 9:22 there is given a list of the various gradations of rank held by those who composed the army. the equipment and maintenance of the army were at the public expense (2Sa 17:28-29; 1Ki 4:27; 10:16-17; Jg 20:10). At the Exodus the number of males above twenty years capable of bearing arms was 600,000 (Ex 12:37). In David's time it mounted to the number of 1,300,000 (2Sa 24:9)'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the number. Ps 68:17; Da 7:10 horsemen. Eze 23:6; 38:4; Da 11:40 I heard. Re 7:4'.

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C9-S16 (Verse 17) John's description of the beings in this army.

Equivalent Section: their armor.

And thus I saw the horses in the vision,
and them that sat on them,
having breastplates of fire,
and of jacinth,
and brimstone:.

Equivalent Section: the description of the horses.

First Step: What their heads were like.

and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions;

Second Step: What they did with their mouth.

and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

Please note that the second next sentence adds a description of the tails of these horses, which make them even more frightful.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section describing their armor and the Second Equivalent Section describing the horses. In our First Equivalent Section we read about the breastplates which are worn by the horses and the horsemen. The commentators are not in agreement as to what jacinth is but most, indirectly, call it a colored diamond. So, whatever it is, it will protect while the brimstone, apparently, lets them burn their opponents. With that written, we can see that we are speculating, to some extent, about their armor. However, whatever to exact details are, no one wants to meet them. Most who do die horribly.

In our Second Equivalent Section, we read the description of these horses and they look like a nightmare from 'Evolution' gone wild. Please realize that it does not describe the horsemen. Therefore, they can be human or they can be devils but we are not told. Therefore, we should not take a doctrinal stand on what the horsemen are.

Now, some believe that the fire and smoke and brimstone come from the riders as well as from the horses. However, the structure of our sentence limits these things to coming from the horses. In addition, Revelation 9:19 tells us: For their power is in their mouth, and in their tails. The riders do not have tails. Therefore, the description in these sentences matches the horses and not the riders. However, consider what type of character a man would have to have, if the riders are men, to agree to ride one of these devil horses to murder people like they are described as doing. And, while we can not be sure, based upon what the word of God says, there is a lot of reasons to believe that the riders are also devils. And even if they are not literal devils, they definitely must have the character of devils to be a rider of this type of devil-horse.

However, we are told about the horses. And, as I wrote earlier, the 'fantastic animals' from ancient Egypt and ancient Oriental cultures and medieval artists may very well come from devils who work outside the restrictions which God put on the creation of animals. Remember that devils can do miracles. Therefore, it is possible that these four released devils altered existing horses to create these horses. And, regardless of how they were created and regardless if they are devils or created animals or altered animals, they are real nightmares that no one wants to meet.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Notice John specifically says he sees the riders as well as what they ride. He calls them horses but the description he gives does not describe any natural horse (and again we need to remember the symbolism of what the horse stands for in the Bible, coming warfare and battle). John says these horses have heads like lions, not exactly a lion but like one, similar to, strong, fierce, ferocious, with a maw filled with razor sharp teeth meant to bite and rip and kill. And instead of a roar coming from these lion-like mouths, we see fire and smoke and brimstone issue forth from these steeds. We’ve all heard of fire breathing dragons, but what about fire breathing horses or lions, these demonic steeds spew forth the very fires and smoke of hell upon the victims they ride down as they charge into battle. But it is not only the end with the head that one must be wary of, look at v19 for further description of these steeds.'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:22 about the word vision. The functional definition for this word is: 'The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'By means of visions God often vouchsafed to make known His will. When Samuel was a child, before the word of Jehovah was revealed to him, for a time 'there was no open vision.' 1Sa 3:1,15. With the prophets they were frequently employed: more than twenty times we read of them in Daniel. In the future when the Spirit will be poured out, Israel's sons and daughters will prophesy; the old men will dream dreams, and the young men will see visions. Joe 2:28; Ac 2:17. the book of Revelation is a series of visions. Re 1:2'.

Please see the note for Revelation 9:9 about the word breastplate. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'Armour for the breast. 1. of righteousness (for Christ), Isa 59:17; (for the Christian's conflict in the heavenlies). Eph 6:14. 2. of faith and love (for the wilderness). 1Th 5:8. 3. of iron (steeled conscience). Re 9:9. 4. of fire, jacinth, and brimstone (dire judgments). Re 9:17'.

Please see the note for James 3:6 about the word fire. The functional definition for this word is: 'In the Bible, it is mainly used symbolically for the presence and judgment of God'. Please also see the note for Romans C12S18 about the phrase coals of fire. Please also see the note for Revelation 19:20 about the phrase lake of fire.

Please see the note for Luke 17:28-29 about the word brimstone. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'an inflammable mineral substance found in quantities on the shores of the Dead Sea. the cities of the plain were destroyed by a rain of fire and brimstone (Ge 19:24-25). In Isa 34:9 allusion is made to the destruction of these cities. this word figuratively denotes destruction or punishment (Job 18:15; Isa 30:33; 34:9; Ps 11:6; Eze 38:22). It is used to express the idea of excruciating torment in Re 14:10; 19:20; 20:10'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 9:17; 9:18; 14:10; 19:20; 20:10; 21:8.

Please see the note for 1Peter 2:4-5 about the word stone. The functional definition for this word is: 'he same composition as a rock or a pebble but with a size between them'. Please also see the note for Luke 17:28-29 about the word brimstone. Please also see the note for Ephesians 2:20 about the phrase corner stone. Please also see the note for Luke 17:2 about the word millstone. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the phrase precious stones. Please see the Minor Titles of the Son of God in the Significant Gospel Events Study for the title of stone.

Please see the note for 1Peter 1:7 about the word precious. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Of great price; costly; as a precious stone. 2. Of great value or worth; very valuable. She is more precious than rubies. Prov.3. 3. Highly valued; much esteemed. the word of the Lord was precious in those days; there was no open vision. 1 Sam.3. 4. Worthless; in irony and contempt. Precious metals, gold and silver, so called on account of their value'.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:20 about the word smoke. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the exhalation, visible vapor or substance that escapes or is expelled in combustion from the substance burning. It is paricularly applied to the volatile matter expelled from vegetable matter, or wood coal, peat, etc. the matter expelled from metallic substances is more generally called fume,fumes. 2. Vapor; water exhalations'.

Please see the note for Luke 1:64 about the word mouth. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'Is sometimes used in Scripture for speaker, Ex 4:16; Jer 15:19. God spoke with Moses "mouth to mouth," Nu 12.8, that is, condescendingly and clearly. the law was to be "in the mouth" of the Hebrews, Ex 13:9, often rehearsed and talked of. "The rod of his mouth," Isa 11:4, and the sharp sword, Re 1:16, denote the power of Christ's word to convict, control, and judge; compare Isa 49:2; Heb 4:12. the Hebrew word for mouth is often translated "command," Ge 45:21; Job 39:27; Ec 8:2; and the unclean spirits out of the mouth of the dragon, Re 16:14, are the ready executors of his commands'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'having. this appears to point out the scarlet, blue and yellow colours, for which the Turks have always been remarkable. the "four angels bound in the Euphrates" denote their four sultanies bordering on that river, where they were confined till after the period of the Crusades. the time for which they were prepared, "an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year," computing a year for each day, amounts to 391 years, 15 days; and from their first conquest over the Christians, A.D. 1281, to the taking of Cameniec from the Poles, A.D. 1672, which was the last conquest by which their dominion was extended, is exactly that period. Re 9:9 jacinth. Re 21:20 brimstone. Re 9:18; 14:10; 19:20; 21:8; Ge 19:24; Ps 11:6; Isa 30:33; Eze 33:22 as the. 1Ch 12:8; Isa 5:28-29'. Be careful of this note. God often does the same thing more than once. People reading this note might think that this prophecy has already been fulfilled. However, it will not be truly fulfilled until during the great tribulation.

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C9-S17 (Verse 18) this army killed the third part of men.

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.

As mentioned before, we can not be sure if the third part of men was a third of men living at the time or if it was a third of men living when the great tribulation started. However, either number id a lot of deaths. If we use number of the world population today, that is over 2.5 billion people. And, as bad as it would be to meet these devil-horses and their riders, consider the devils who created them. Think about the character of a devil who would create these creatures, or alter existing creatures to match this description, strictly to murder anyone whom that met. Consider the hatred in those devils. Now consider that men would rather serve devils who hate like that instead of a God who loves them and literally became a physical man and suffered and died to redeem them.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The phrase “By these three” is referring to the previous verse where we saw the demonic steeds breathing three things: fire, smoke and brimstone. It is by these three things that a third of men upon the earth are killed. A third of what is left of the world’s population will be obliterated By this massive army of hell that has been prepared for this very purpose. Where the locusts were released to cause torment and specifically told not to kill, these demons have direct orders to slay. Such a judgment is far worse than any natural disaster, quake, starvation or disease, for these creatures are wickedness incarnate, vulgar and cruel, evil to the core and who will hunt down and wage war upon humanity. this seems almost unbelievable, so fantastical or mythical, yet if we are to take the Bible literally and we do, and there is no sense of symbolism being used here, we accept it as truth whether we fully understand it or not. Now I will say in order to be very clear that this does not describe the battle of Armageddon, despite the use of the similar number of 200 million, as no mention of the kings of the east or Armageddon are made, and we still have the vial judgments to go before that time arrives. But despite the terror of these beings who are bent on man’s destruction, this is not what I find to be the scariest in these verses, for look at the reaction to this 6th trumpet of woe.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the third. Re 9:15,17'.

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C9-S18 (Verse 19) Further description of these devil-horses.

Equivalent Section: Why these devil-horses are so destructive.

For their power is in their mouth,
and in their tails:.

Equivalent Section: Even their tails kill.

for their tails were like unto serpents,
and had heads,
and with them they do hurt.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Section which tell us how they kill men. The First Equivalent Section tells us that both, their mouth and their tail are used to kill. Some might think that their mouth is more deadly than their tail, but our sentence says otherwise.

The description of how they kill with their mouth was given in the second prior sentence. The Second Equivalent Section, of our current sentence, tells us how they kill with their tail. (Once more we see the need to consider context in order to get the full message from God.)

Now, notice that our Second Equivalent Section says that they use their tails to hurt, not kill. Given the character of the devils described in this chapter, I can very well believe that these devil-horses would ride through striking people with their tails. And, after watching them suffer for awhile, then coming back to kill them with the fire and smoke and brimstone which comes out of their mouths. However, that is speculation on my part and not a true Bible doctrine.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Not only is power in the demonic steed’s lion-like mouth, but they are also dangerous from the rear, for their tails are not limp horsehair, they are long and muscular tails, like a serpent, and apparently these tails are dangerous, and my guess is, they are similar to a crocodile’s tail, that can slap and strike and club somebody, knock them to the ground capable of even breaking bones, for John says these tails have heads, which makes me think of some of the pictures of dinosaurs I’ve seen, where one would have a tail but at the end of the tail would be a large mass of bone which would be swung around to fight and defend themselves. But whether this steed’s tail with a head has eyes and teeth, we are not told, maybe this demonic horse-thing can bite you from either end. We are not sure, but we do know these creatures are dangerous, not natural and are evil and eager for battle. this is a big creature whatever it is for it has to be big enough to carry a rider and breathe killing fire. And we haven’t even got to the ones riding upon the mount, which if we go by what we know of knights mounted on horses, the rider is usually much more dangerous than the mount, but here even the steeds are dangerous and terrifying.
Now John also gives us a description of the rider back in v17 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. these riders are blazing, what with breastplates of multi-colored fire, for they have the color of a jacinth, which colors range from a reddish-blue to a deep purple to yellow. these riders burn with a colorful flameans have the stench of brimstone upon them and they guide their steeds towards their victims which ride down and destroy their prey without mercy. Fallen angels of burning light. that’s all the description we have of the riders, and thats scary enough, for what would man do to any of these things to defend himself? Bullets won’t hurt them, fire and explosions cause flame so would most likely not kill it. How would one stand against so many, how would one overcome such nightmares come to life? Many will have to think upon this because we see in v18 the purpose of this infernal army led by the four demons of the Euphrates.'.

Please see the note for Revelation 9:10 about the word tail. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'n. 1. the part of an animal which terminates its body behind. In many quadrupeds, the tail is a shoot or projection covered with hair. In fowls, the tail consists of feathers, or is covered with them, which serve to assist in the direction of their flight. In fishes the tail is formed usually by a gradual sloping of the body, ending in a fin. the tail of a fish may assist the animal in steering, but its principal use is to propel the fish forward. It is the instrument of swimming. 2. the lower part,noting inferiority. The Lord will make thee the head, and not the tail. Deut.28. 3. anything hanging long; a catkin. 4. the hinder part of anything. 5. In anatomy, that tendon of a muscle which is fixed to the movable part. 6. In botany, the tail of a seed, is a downy or feathery appendage to certain seeds, formed of the permanent elongated style. 7. Horse's tail, among the Tartars and Chinese, is an ensign or flag; among the Turks, a standard borne before the grand visier, bashaws and the sangiacs. for this purpose, it is fitted to a half-pike with a gold button, and is called toug. there are bashaws of one, two and three tails. 8. In heraldry, the tail of a hart. 9. In music, the part of a note running upwards or downwards. 10. the extremity or last end; as the tail of a storm. Tail of a comet, a luminous train which extends from the nucleus in a direction opposite to the sun. Toturn tail, is to run away; to flee. Tail of a lock, on a canal, the lower end, or entrance into the lower pond. Tail-piece, of a violin, is a piece of ebony attached to the end of the instrument, to which the strings are fastened.
TAIL, n. In law, an estate in tail is a limited fee; an estate limited to certain heirs, and from which the other heirs are precluded. Estates tail are general or special; general, where lands and tenements are given to one, and to the heirs of his body begotten; special, where the gift is restrained to certain heirs of the donee;s body, as to his heirs by a particular woman names. See Entail.
TAIL, v.t. to pull by the tail.'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 11:3 about the word serpent. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: ''frequently noticed in Scripture. More than forty species are found in Syria and Arabia. the poisonous character of the serpent is alluded to in Jacob's blessing on Dan (Ge 49:17). (See Adder.)
This word is used symbolically of a deadly, subtle, malicious enemy (Lu 10:19).
The serpent is first mentioned in connection with the history of the temptation and fall of our first parents (Ge 3). It has been well remarked regarding this temptation: "A real serpent was the agent of the temptation, as is plain from what is said of the natural characteristic of the serpent in the first verse of the chapter (Ge 3:1), and from the curse pronounced upon the animal itself. But that Satan was the actual tempter, and that he used the serpent merely as his instrument, is evident (1) from the nature of the transaction; for although the serpent may be the most subtle of all the beasts of the field, yet he has not the high intellectual faculties which the tempter here displayed. (2.) In the New Testament it is both directly asserted and in various forms assumed that Satan seduced our first parents into sin (Joh 8:44; Ro 16:20; 2Co 11:3,14; Re 12:9; 20:2)." Hodge's System. theol., ii. 127'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 9:19; 12:9; 12:14; 12:15; 20:2.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'in their tails. Re 9:10; Isa 9:15; Eph 4:14'.

Home Overview of Revelation Chapter Summary Start of Chapter

C9-S19 (Verse 20-21) In spite of all of the evidence, men still refused to truly repent.

Equivalent Section: What lost men choose to worship.

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:.

Equivalent Section: the limits of what lost men choose to worship.

which neither can see,
nor hear,
nor walk:.

Equivalent Section: the results of what lost men choose to worship.

Neither repented they of their murders,
nor of their sorceries,
nor of their fornication,
nor of their thefts.

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence and chapter. This chapter is continuing the report of the trumpet judgments. Both sentences and chapters need to be considered together for contextual reasons. This chapter is continuing the trumpet judgments. Please see the Section on Significant Characters other than God for a summary of all of these judgments. Our next chapter also starts with the word And It adds the next set of judgments which follow the sounding of the seventh trumpet.

Our sentence has three Equivalent Sections and the titles, in the sentence outline above, tell us what each section says. The message of each Equivalent Section is pretty clear and should not require more explanation, especially if the reader knows what else the word of God says about idol worship. But, the third Equivalent Section tells us what people might not realize from other Bible passages.

Our third Equivalent Section tells us why people persist in worshipping idols. People want to do murders, (and) sorceries, (and) fornication, (and) thefts with no consequences to themselves. Since idols can neither can see, nor hear, nor walk, and they believe that their idols represent spiritual beings, including God, they become convinced that spiritual beings do not really exist or, even if they do, the spiritual beings can neither can see, nor hear, nor walk. Thus, they use idol worship to convince themselves that they can do murders, (and) sorceries, (and) fornication, (and) thefts with no consequences to themselves.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Despite all the death, the carnage, the torment, the bloodshed, the horrors of hell unleashed, those that have survived such catastrophe do NOT repent. Here we see judgment does not necessarily lead to repentance, punishment does not always lead to drawing one closer, instead it can have the opposite effect, of pushing one away. And these men were pushed as far away as they could get. Instead of turning to Christ and being rescued, they actually bow down and worship some of these demons, remember we said something about the locusts having a seductive quality about them, well here man worships Satan, the antichrist and many of his hellish minions. See how backwards man’s thinking is? But not only do they worship devils, they worship idols made by their own hands, gods they created instead of the God that created them. they repent not of their false worship, their idolatry, their murdering, their stealing, their drug abuses, their sexual immoralities, their thieving, their sin. Despite the world falling apart, hope dwindling to nothing, men in their pride, iniquity and absolute hatred for God and the abhorrent idea of submission to Him, in their refusal to hear the truth, in their blinded and deafened state, they choose eternal death instead of eternal life, they repent not.'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:12-13 about the word rest. The functional definition for this word is: 'Cessation of motion or action of any kind, and applicable to any body or being; as rest from labor; rest from mental exertion; rest of body or mind. Also ceasing the action of separation'. in this sentence, it is actually used for 'remainder'. That is, when the movement of removing things ceases, what remains, and is still at rest, is the concept used here.

Please see the note for Mark 3:10 about the word plague. The functional definition for this word is: 'a "stroke" of affliction, or disease. Sent as a divine chastisement (Nu 11:33; 14:37; 16:46-49; 2Sa 24:21). Painful afflictions or diseases, (Le 13:3,5,30; 1Ki 8:37), or severe calamity (Mr 5:29; Lu 7:21), or the judgment of God, so called (Ex 9:14)'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 9:20; 11:6; 15:1; 15:6; 15:8; 16:9; 16:21; 18:4; 18:8; 21:9; 22:18.

Please see the note for Romans C11S32 about the word repentance. The functional definition for this word is: 'A turning away from the attitudes and actions of sin and turning towards God and accepting His attitudes and actions about sin'.

Please see the notes for Romans C9S8; 1Corinthians C3S13; 2Corinthians 4:8-12; Galatians C2-S10 and Philippians 1:1 about the word works. The functional definition for this word is: ' In a general sense, to move, or to move one way and the other; to perform'. Please also see the note for Romans C11S10 about the phrase works are seen of men. Please also see the note for Psalms 119:23 about the phrase according to works. Please also see the note for Philippians 3:2 about the phrase evil workers. Please also see the note for Hebrews 4:12 about the phrase evil heart. Please also see the notes for Romans 8:1-LJC; Galatians C5-S6 and Revelation 19:2-LJC about the phrase judged by works. Please also see the note for Romans C3S27 about the phrase law of works. Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 6:1 about the word workers. Please also see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word workman.

Please see the notes for 1Corinthians C12S12 and Colossians C2S7 about the word hand. The functional definition for this word is: 'In man, the extremity of the arm, consisting of the palm and fingers, connected with the arm at the wrist; the part with which we hold and use any instrument. Often used symbolically for ability'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. Please also see the note for 1Peter 5:6-7 about the phrase hand of God. Please also see the note for Mark 16:19 about the phrase right hand of God. Please also see the note for Luke 1:38 about the word handmaid. Please also see the note for 1John 1:1-3 about the word handle. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:1-2 about the phrase at hand. This phrase is defined as: 'it will happen very soon'. Please also see the note for Matthew 18:28 about the phrase laid hands. The functional definition for this word is: 'To physically grab with the intention of doing great harm which, usually, ends in death'.

Please see the note for 12:9 about the word devil. That note has an extensive definition from Fausset's Bible Dictionary. Please note that there are no daemons' within the Bible. That word is doctrinal error deliberately taught by devil-motivated men to cause God's children to ignore or think less about the true danger that true devils are. Please also see the Word Study on Spirit for links to every place in the Bible where we find 'Other Spirits', which are devils. Please see the note for 2Corinthians 2:10-11 about Satan. Please also see the section called Jesus and Devils, in the Study called Significant Gospel Events, for links to every place where Jesus dealt with devils and separates the references according to how He dealt with them.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C8S1 about the word idol. The functional definition for this word is: 'The word idol signifies literally a representation or figure. It is always employed in Scripture in a bad sense, for representations of heathen deities of what nature soever. God forbids all sorts of idols, or figures and representations of creatures, formed or set up with intention of paying superstitious worship to them, Ex 20:3-4; 34:13; De 4:16-19; 7:25-26. He also forbids all attempts to represent him by any visible form, Ex 32:4-5; De 4:15; Ne 9:18'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C5S8 about the word idolater. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S20 about the word idolatry.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word silver. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A metal of a white color and lively brilliancy. It has neither taste nor smell; its specific gravity is 10.552, according to Bergman, but according to Kirwan it is less. A cubic foot weighs about 660 lbs. Its ductility is little inferior to that of gold. It is harder and more elastic that tin of iron. It is found native in thin plates or leaves, or in fine threads, or it is found mineralized by various substances. Great quantities of the metal are furnished by the mines of South America, and it is found in small quantities in Norway, Germany, Spain, the United State, etc. 2. Money; coin made of silver. 3. anything of soft splendor. Pallas-piteous of her plaintive cries, In slumber clos'd her silver-streamaining eyes. SIL'VER, a. 1. Made of silver; as a silver cup. 2. White like silver; as silver hair. Others on silver lakes and rivers bath'd their downy breast. 3. White, or pale; of a pale luster; as the silver moon. 4. Soft; as a silver voice or sound'.

Please see the note for Matthew 10:9-10 about the word brass. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'which is an alloy of copper and zinc, was not known till the thirteenth century. What is designated By this word in Scripture is properly copper (De 8:9). It was used for fetters (Jg 16:21; 2Ki 25:7), for pieces of armour (1Sa 17:5-6), for musical instruments (1Ch 15:19; 1Co 13:1), and for money (Mt 10:9). It is a symbol of insensibility and obstinacy in sin (Isa 48:4; Jer 6:28; Eze 22:18), and of strength (Ps 107:16; Mic 4:13). the Macedonian empire is described as a kingdom of brass (Da 2:39). the "mountains of brass" Zechariah (Zec 6:1) speaks of have been supposed to represent the immutable decrees of God. the serpent of brass was made by Moses at the command of God (Nu 21:4-9), and elevated on a pole, so that it might be seen by all the people when wounded by the bite of the serpents that were sent to them as a punishment for their murmurings against God and against Moses. It was afterwards carried by the Jews into Canaan, and preserved by them till the time of Hezekiah, who caused it to be at length destroyed because it began to be viewed by the people with superstitious reverence (2Ki 18:4). (See Nehushtan.) the brazen serpent is alluded to by our Lord in Joh 3:14-15'. Copper was known at that time (Ezra 8:27. However, if we ignore that error, the rest of the description is very helpful in understanding the symbols.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C3S13 about the word wood. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'n. 1. A large and thick collection of trees; a forest. Light thickens, and the crow makes wing to the rooky wood. 2. the substance of trees; the hard substance which composes the body of a tree and its branches, and which is covered by the bark. 3. Trees cut or sawed for the fire. Wood is yet the principal fuel in the United States. 4. An idol. Habakkuk 2. WOOD, v.i. to supply or get supplies of wood'.

Please see the notes for Romans C8S1 and Ephesians C4S1 about the word walk. The functional definition for this word is: 'taking small repeated steps. this word is used symbolically for the small things which we do regularly in our life without thinking about those things'. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith. The word walketh means: 'ongoing lifestyle walking'.

Please see the notes for John 8:44; Romans C1S16; Galatians C5S20 about the word murder. The functional definition for this word is: 'The act of unlawfully killing a human being with premeditated malice, by a person of sound mind. to constitute murder in law, the person killing another must be of sound mind or in possession of his reason, and the act must be done with malice pretense, aforethought or premeditated; but malice may be implied, as well as express'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 9:21; 21:8; 22:15.

Please see the note for Acts 8:9 about the word sorcery. The functional definition for this word is: 'Magic; enchantment; witchcraft; divination be the assistance of evil spirits, or the power of commanding evil spirits. Adder's wisdom I have learn'd to fence my ears against the sorceries'. Please also see the note for Acts 13:6 about the word sorcerer.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians C5S1; Galatians C5S20 and Ephesians C5S2 about the word fornication. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'the incontinence or lewdness of unmarried persons, male or female; also, the criminal conversation of a married man with an unmarried woman. 2. Adultery. Matt. 5. 3. Incest. 1Cor. 5. 4. Idolatry; a forsaking of the true God, and worshipping of idols. 2Chron. 21. Rev. 19'. Note: religions, and even doctionaries, define adultery as a form of fornication. Adultery is a spiritual sin and a violation of a covenant oath. all sexual sins are a form of fornication. However, fornication involves more than just sexual sins. The true Biblical definition of fornication is: 'the violation of a spiritual covenant relationship.'. Where adultery is a spiritual sin fornication is a physical sin.

Please see the note for 1Peter 4:15 about the word thief. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'robber, bandit.' Used by the Lord in reference to those who bought and sold in the temple. Mt 21:13; Mr 11:17; Lu 19:46. In the parable of the Good Samaritan the traveller fell among robbers. Lu 10:30,36. When the Lord was arrested He asked if they had come out as against a robber. Mt 26:55; Mr 14:48; Lu 22:52. the two malefactors crucified with the Lord were also men of this character. Mt 27:38,44; Mr 15:27. the same Greek word is translated 'robber' in the A.V. in Joh 10:1,8; John 18: 40; 2Co 11:26. 2. 'thief.' those who break through and steal secretly. Mt 6:19-20. this is the word employed in the expression "as a thief in the night," to which the unexpected coming of the Lord to the world is compared. 1Th 5:2,4; 2Pe 3:10; Re 3:3; etc. It is applied to Judas. Joh 12:6. the word 'thief' in the A.V. is always this word except in the passages quoted under No. 1'. Please also see the note for Matthew 15:19-20 about the word theft.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'And the. that is, those of the Latin and Greek churches, who escaped destruction, still persisted in their idolatrous worship of demons, etc. yet. Re 9:21; 2:21-22; 16:8; De 31:29; 2Ch 28:22; Jer 5:3; 8:4-6; Mt 21:32; 2Co 12:21 exp: Am 4:6,11; Hag 2:17. worship. Le 17:7; De 32:17; 2Ki 22:17; 2Ch 34:25; Ps 106:37; Isa 2:8; Jer 25:6; 44:8; Ac 7:41; 19:26; 1Co 10:20-21; 1Ti 4:1 and idols. Ps 115:4-8; 135:15-18; Isa 40:19-20; 41:7; 42:17-18; 44:9-20; 46:5-7; Jer 10:3-5,8-9,14-15; 15:19-20; 51:17; Da 5:23; Hab 2:18-20; Ac 17:29; Ro 1:21-23 General references. exp: Ex 10:27; 20:4.
their murders. Re 11:7-9; 13:7,15; 16:6; 18:24; Da 7:21-25; 11:33 their sorceries. Re 13:13; 18:23; 21:8; 22:15; Isa 47:9,12; 57:3; Mal 3:5 nor of their fornication. Re 14:8; 17:2,5; 18:3; 19:2; Mt 15:19; 2Co 12:21'. Again, be careful of this note because it can lead to doctrinal error. The first part might make people believe this is limited to the people mentioned in the note, but there is no such limit within our context. In addition, it tries to switch the doctrinally wrong word of 'demon' for the true Biblical word of devil.

Home Overview of Revelation Chapter Summary Start of Chapter

Revelation Chapter 10

links to sentences in this chapter:

C10-S1 (Verse 1-3), C10-S2 (Verse 4), C10-S3 (Verse 5-7), C10-S4 (Verse 8), C10-S5 (Verse 9), C10-S6 (Verse 9), C10-S7 (Verse 10), C10-S8 (Verse 11)'.

Sentence 10 Summary: the seven thunders judgments.

C10-S1 : the start of the seven thunder judgments.
C10-S2 : John was forbidden from writing these future events.
C10-S3 : the end of the time for the mystery of God.
C10-S4 : John is commanded to take the little book.
C10-S5 : John did as he was commanded by God.
C10-S6 : the angel told John what to do with the book.
C10-S7 : John obeyed the command from the angel.
C10-S8 : John is told that his job is not yet done.

These seven thunders judgments are part of the sizth trumpet and part of the second woe. However, John is told to not write about them. Many people claim that this book is not about many revelations. But is not. Revelation 10:4 says: And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. Thus, there are future events which were not revealed in this book even though John saw them. This Bible book is about a single revelation that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. If a future event did hot reveal His Lordship, then John was told to not write it down. Therefore, all future events which are revealed in this book are revealed for the purpose of letting men know that our Lord Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

C10-S1 (Verse 1-3) the start of the seven thunder judgments.

Equivalent Section: What John saw next.

And I saw another mighty angel come down from heaven,
clothed with a cloud:

Equivalent Section: the appearance of the angel.

and a rainbow was upon his head,
and his face was as it were the sun,
and his feet as pillars of fire:.

Equivalent Section: What he held.

And he had in his hand a little book open:

Equivalent Section: What he did.

and he set his right foot upon the sea,
and his left foot on the earth,
And cried with a loud voice,
as when a lion roareth:.

Equivalent Section: the results of his cry.

and when he had cried,
seven thunders uttered their voices.

The seventh trumpet is delayed from sounding while God deals with the seven thunder judgments. We are told about them but John is told to not report the results of them

Our sentence starts with the word And, which adds it to the prior sentence and chapter. This chapter is reporting the thunder judgments, which are part of the trumpet judgments. Both sentences and chapters need to be considered together for contextual reasons. This chapter is continuing the trumpet judgments. Please see the Section on Significant Characters other than God for a summary of all of these judgments.

Many people claim that this book is not about many revelations. But is not. Revelation 10:4 says: And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices, I was about to write: and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me, Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not. Thus, there are future events which were not revealed in this book even though John saw them. This Bible book is about a single revelation that Jesus Christ is Lord of all. If a future event did hot reveal His Lordship, then John was told to not write it down. Therefore, all future events which are revealed in this book are revealed for the purpose of letting men know that our Lord Jesus Christ is Lord of all.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes, below that 'this is most likely the Lord Jesus once more', and I agree. He gives several reasons and I will add more from a different perspective. Our last Equivalent Section tells us: and when he had cried, seven thunders uttered their voices. As seen in the Word Studies below thunders are used, symbolically, for 'the power of God, and emblems of his presence, and the voice of the Lord'. Only God the Father and our Lord Jesus Christ are identified with this symbolism in the word of God.

Next, our third Equivalent Section, we read that he had in his hand a little book open. Where we saw the little book earlier, it was the title deed to the Earth and only our Lord Jesus Christ could open it. In addition, all of the seven seals were broken, which means it is open, just like our Equivalent Section describes.

Next, our Fourth Equivalent Section, we read that he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth, which is, symbolically, claiming ownership of land and sea, especially since he holds the title deed to the Earth in his hand.

Next, our Fourth Equivalent Section tells us that he cried with a loud voice, as when a lion roareth. We already saw that our Lord Jesus Christ was identified as the Lion of the tribe of Juda (Revelation 5:5) when he took the title deed from the hand of God the Father. And, this cry as when a lion roareth is the cry of a victor. Here, our Lord Jesus Christ is declaring His victory over Satan and all of his devils and all of his armies.

And, I could provide more from the first two Equivalent Sections, but Dr. Jeff Wilson has provided much in his note, below, and I do not want to detract from what he wrote.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'What a very descriptive verse, so descriptive we really can’t deny that this is most likely the Lord Jesus once more. John describes him as a mighty angel, much like the angel that administered as the high-priest dealing with the prayers of the saints before the heavenly altar in ch8, who we concluded was also Jesus. In fact Jesus appeared many times in the Old Testament as the Angel of the Lord (Ex 3:2, Jud 2:4, 6:11-12, 21-22, II Sam 24:16). And now here in this vision John sees this mighty angel whom we believe is the Lord Jesus, clothed with a cloud; and God and divine manifestations are frequently identified with clouds. God led Israel by day with a cloud (Ex 13:21), there were dark clouds on Mt Sinai when God gave Israel the Law (Ex 19:9), the Tabernacle was covered by a cloud (Ex 40:34), God set his promise of the rainbow in a cloud (Gen 9:13-16), a cloud received Jesus when he ascended to heaven (Acts 1:8-11) and his return will be similar, with clouds (Rev 1:7). Clouds are called the dust of his feet (Nah 1:3) and are called his chariot in Ps 104:3. these clouds denote divine glory, so who else could this be but the Lord Jesus?
Not only is he clothed with a cloud he also has a rainbow upon his head, he is crowned with multicolored light, a glorious symbol of God's promise and God's mercy, and the Lord Jesus is the king of promise and mercy, for it is thru him we are granted the mercy of God and are partakers of His promises. We also remember the emerald rainbow around the throne earlier in Revelation, and so we know this angel has the divine authority of God Himself.
Next we see his face is as the sun which takes us back to John’s description of Jesus in ch1:16…and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength. As well as the description of his feet in 1:15 And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace; this angel is surrounded by the light and glory of God and comes to bring final divine judgment upon the earth. Here in John’s vision once more the Lord Jesus is seen in his glorified state, and here in this vision he comes down to the earth which we will see in a moment is him symbolically laying claim to the earth (we know this is symbolic for this is not Jesus’ actual return, that is in ch19). But what does John see Christ bring with him?
What book is this? None other than the now fully opened 7 sealed book that was in the right of God, the title deed to the earth, the book that the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the root of David, was worthy to take and prevailed to open. Christ Jesus was the only one found worthy to open such a book, so this is further evidence that this mighty angel is the Lord Jesus. And contained within this book are all the plagues and judgments of God to be poured out upon the earth, as well as the assurance of mankind’s and the earth’s redemption from the curse of sin. And since the Lord Jesus has possession of this book he now places one foot upon the earth and the other upon the sea as if to stand and claim what is rightfully his, to claim his right to rule and reign the world. He is ready to take what is his. God has put all things under the feet of Jesus, the world has now become his footstool. And as he stands and lays claim to the earth he cries with a loud voice…
The Lord Jesus, just as his title proclaims, roars as a lion. A long, loud resounding roar. A roar of triumph, a roar of victory, a roar of conquest. It is almost as if he cries “This is mine, I have paid the price, all things now formally belong to me.” 1Co 10:26 forthe earth is the Lord's,… De 10:14 Behold, the heaven and the heaven of heavens is the LORD'S thy God, the earth also, with all that therein is…. Ps 24:1 the earth is the LORD'S, and the fulness thereof; the world, and they that dwell therein.… Here is the cry of a king ready to take full control. And after this roar from the Lord Jesus, it is echoed by seven thunders that utter their voices. But here, oddly enough in the book of Revelation, the book of unveiling, John is about to write down what these seven voices utter, but is told not to do so.'.

Please also see the note for 2Corinthians 10:3-6 about the word might. . The functional definition for this word is: 'having great bodily strength or physical power; very strong or vigorous; as a mighty arm'. Please see the note for Revelation 4:8-LJC about the word Almighty.

Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word heaven. Easton's Bible Dictionary this word as: '(1.) Definitions. the phrase "heaven and earth" is used to indicate the whole universe (Ge 1:1; Jer 23:24; Ac 17:24). According to the Jewish notion there were three heavens, (a) the firmament, as "fowls of the heaven" (Ge 2:19; 7:3,23; Ps 8:8, etc.), "the eagles of heaven" (La 4:19), etc. (b) the starry heavens (De 17:3; Jer 8:2; Mt 24:29). (c) "The heaven of heavens," or "the third heaven" (De 10:14; 1Ki 8:27; Ps 115:16; 148:4; 2Co 12:2). (2.) Meaning of words in the original, (a) the usual Hebrew word for "heavens" is shamayim, a plural form meaning "heights," "elevations" (Ge 1:1; 2:1). (b) the Hebrew word marom is also used (Ps 68:18; 93:4; 102:19, etc.) as equivalent to shamayim, "high places," "heights." (c) Heb galgal, literally a "wheel," is rendered "heaven" in Ps 77:18 (R.V., "whirlwind"). (d) Heb shahak, rendered "sky" (De 33:26; Job 37:18; Ps 18:11), plural "clouds" (Job 35:5; 36:28; Ps 68:34, marg. "heavens"), means probably the firmament. (e) Heb rakia is closely connected with (d), and is rendered "firmamentum" in the Vulgate, whence our "firmament" (Ge 1:6; De 33:26, etc.), regarded as a solid expanse. (3.) Metaphorical meaning of term. Isa 14:13-14; "doors of heaven" (Ps 78:23); heaven "shut" (1Ki 8:35); "opened" (Eze 1:1). (See 1Ch 21:16.) (4.) Spiritual meaning. the place of the everlasting blessedness of the righteous; the abode of departed spirits. (a) Christ calls it his "Father's house" (Joh 14:2). (b) It is called "paradise" (Lu 23:43; 2Co 12:4; Re 2:7). (c) "The heavenly Jerusalem" (Ga 4:1; 6:18; Heb 12:22; Re 3:12). (d) the "kingdom of heaven" (Mt 25:1; Jas 2:5). (e) the "eternal kingdom" (2Pe 1:11). (f) the "eternal inheritance" (1Pe 1:4; Heb 9:15). (g) the "better country" (Heb 11:14,16). (h) the blessed are said to "sit down with Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob," and to be "in Abraham's bosom" (Lu 16:22; Mt 8:11); to "reign with Christ" (2Ti 2:12). In heaven the blessedness of the righteous consists in the possession of "life everlasting," "an eternal weight of glory" (2Co 4:17), an exemption from all sufferings for ever, a deliverance from all evils (2Co 5:1-2) and from the society of the wicked (2Ti 4:18), bliss without termination, the "fulness of joy" for ever (Lu 20:36; 2Co 4:16,18; 1Pe 1:4; 5:10; 1Jo 3:2). the believer's heaven is not only a state of everlasting blessedness, but also a "place", a place "prepared" for them (Joh 14:2)'. Please also see the note for Matthew 3:2 about the phrase kingdom of Heaven. Please also see the note for Hebrews 12:2-LJC about the phrase treasure in Heaven. Please also see the Message called Laying up Treasure in Heaven. Please also see the note for Luke 3:21-22 about the phrase voice from heaven Please also see the note for Revelation 20:9 about the phrase fire from heaven. Please also see the note for 1Peter 1:2-LJC about the phrase things in Heaven. There are 57 references to this word just in this Bible book. Therefore, this note does not provide links to all of them.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 5:2-3 about the word clothed. The functional definition for this word is: 'Covered with garments; dressed; invested; furnished with clothing'.

Please see the note for Luke 9:34 about the word cloud. The functional definition for this word is: '"A covering," because clouds cover the sky. The word is used as a symbol of the Divine presence'.

We find forms of the word rainbow only in: Revelation 4:3 and 10:1. However, the word bow is also used for it. Please see the note for Philippians 2:9-11 about the word bow. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines the word rainbow as: 'The 'bow set in the clouds' was given by God to Noah as a token that He would not again destroy the world by a flood. Ge 9:13-16. that the rainbow, as is now known, is caused by the refraction of light on drops of rain, need not cause any difficulty. the rainbow may have appeared to Noah before, but it was not appointed by God as a token until after the flood. the word translated 'set' (nathan) is sometimes translated 'appoint,' as in Jos 20:2. Others judge it to be more probable that the rainbow had not been seen prior to the flood, the state of the atmosphere being different from what it became after the deluge.
The rainbow is mentioned in Re 4:3; 10:1, as a symbol that, notwithstanding all the sin of man, God has been faithful to His promise respecting the earth. the beautiful bow in the cloud should ever call to mind His abiding faithfulness.'.

Please see the note for 2Corinthians 4:6 about the word face. The functional definition for this word is: 'The power, position, authority and presence of the being that is presented to us'.

The word feet is the plural form of the word foot. Please see the note for Matthew 4:5 about the word foot. The functional definition for this word is: 'The Orientals used to wash the feet of strangers who came off a journey, because they commonly walked with their legs bare, and their feet defended only by sandals, Ge 24:32; 43:24. So Abraham washed the feet of the three angels, Ge 18:4. this office was usually performed by servants and slaves; and hence Abigail answers David, who sought her in marriage, that she should think it an honor to wash the feet of the king's servants, 1Sa 25:41'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 1:13 about the word footstool. Please also see the note for Luke 1:76 about the word feet.

Please see the note for Revelation 3:12 about the word pillar. The Morrish Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'There are several Hebrew words translated 'pillar': the principal are 1. matstsebah, from 'to set, put, place;' and hence anything that is set up. It is used for the stone that Jacob had had for a pillow, which he set up, and on which he poured oil and made his vow. Also for the heap of stones he raised when Laban and he parted. Ge 28:18,22; 31:13,45-52; 35:14,20; Ex 24:4; Isa 19:19. From De 12:3 it would appear that pillars of some sort were also connected with idolatry. these may resemble the cairns often found in what were idolatrous lands. Absalom raised up for himself a pillar to keep his name in remembrance because he had no son. 2Sa 18:18. 2. the word ammud occurs many times for the pillars of the tabernacle and the temple. It is also used for the pillar of cloud and the pillar of fire; also symbolically for the pillars of the heavens and the pillars of the earth. Ex 13:21; 27:10-17; 1Ki 7:2-42; Job 9:6; 26:11; Ps 75:3; Eze 40:49; 42:6. In the N.T. the word is στύλος, 'a pillar or column.' James, Cephas and John seemed to be 'pillars' in the church at Jerusalem — those to whom matters were referred, as they were afterwards to Paul. Ga 2:9. the church of God is "the pillar and ground of the truth" — the witness that maintains the truth on earth. 1Ti 3:15. the word occurs also in Re 3:12; 10:1'.

Please see the note for Luke 3:4 about the word book. The functional definition for this word is: 'A general name of every literary composition which is printed; but appropriately, a printed composition bound; a volume. the name is given also to any number of written sheets when bound or sewed together, and to a volume of blank paper, intended for any species of writing, as for memorandums, for accounts, or receipts. 1. A particular part of a literary composition; a division of a subject in the same volume. 2. A volume or collection of sheets in which accounts are kept; a register of debts and credits, receipts and expenditures.'. Please also see the note for Galatians 3:10 about the phrase book of the law. Please also see the note for Revelation 13:8-LJC about the phrase book of the life.

Please see the note for John 6:16-17 about the word sea. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A large bason, cistern or laver which Solomon made in the temple, so large as to contain more than six thousand gallons. this was called the brazen sea, and used to hold water for the priests to wash themselves. 1 Kings 7. 2 Chron. 4 2. A large body of water, nearly inclosed by land, as the Baltic or the Mediterranean; as the sea of Azof. Seas are properly branches of the ocean, and upon the same level. Large bodies of water inland, and situated above the level of the ocean, are lakes. the appellation of sea, given to the Caspian lake, is an exception, and not very correct. So the lake of Galilee is called a sea, from the Greek. 3. the ocean; as, to go to sea. the fleet is at sea, or on the high seas. 4. A wave; a billow; a surge. the vessel shipped a sea. 5. the swell of the ocean in a tempest, or the direction of the waves; as, we head the sea. 6. Proverbially, a large quantity of liquor; as a sea of blood. 7. A rough or agitated place or element. In a troubled sea of passion tost. Milton'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 11:29 about the phrase Red Sea. Please also see the note for John 21:1 about the phrase sea of Tiberias.

The word cried is the past-tense form of the word cry. Please see the note for Mark 1:3 about the word cry. The functional definition for this word is: 'Loud notorious exclamation as a crying sin or warning'.

We find forms of the word roar occurring 48 times in 43 verses of the Bible and, in the New Testament, in: Luke 21:25; 1Peter 5:8; Revelation 10:3. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'v.i. 1. to cry with a full, loud, continued sound; to bellow, as a beast; as a roaring bull; a roaring lion. 2. to cry aloud, as in distress. The suff'ring chief roar'd out for anguish. 3. to cry aloud; to bawl; as a child. 4. to cause a loud continued sound. We say, the sea or the wind roars; a company roar in acclamation. 5. to make a loud noise. The brazen throat of war had ceas'd to roar.
ROAR, n. 1. A full loud sound of some continuance; the cry of a beast; as the roar of a lion or bull. 2. the loud cry of a child or person in distress. 3. Clamor; outcry of joy or mirth; as a roar of laughter. he set the company in a roar. 4. the loud continued sound of the sea in a storm, or the howling of a tempest. 5. Any loud sound of some continuance; as the roar of cannon'.

Please see the note for John 12:29 about the word thunder. The American Tract Society Dictionary defines this word as: 'And lightning are significant manifestations of the power of God, and emblems of his presence, Ex 19:16; 1Sa 2:10; 12:17; Ps 18:13. thunder is poetically called "the voice of the Lord" in the sublime description of a thunder-storm in Ps 29:11; "The voice of the Lord is upon the waters; the God of glory thundereth; the Lord is upon many waters. the voice of the Lord is powerful; the voice of the Lord is full of majesty. the voice of the Lord breaketh the cedars; Yea, the Lord breaketh the cedars of Lebanon," etc. See also Job 37:1-5; 40:9; Jer 10:13. In illustration of Ps 29:9, Moffat, while describing the thunder-storms of South Africa, say that the antelopes flee in consternation; and that he has observed the Bechuanas starting off early on the morning following such a storm in quest of young antelopes prematurely born. In Ps 78:48, "hot thunderbolts" means lightning'.

Please see the note for Matthew 15:34 about the word seven. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'This number occurs frequently in Scripture, and in such connections as lead to the supposition that it has some typical meaning. On the seventh day God rested, and hallowed it (Ge 2:2-3). the division of time into weeks of seven days each accounts for many instances of the occurrence of this number. this number has been called the symbol of perfection, and also the symbol of rest. "Jacob's seven years' service to Laban; Pharaoh's seven fat oxen and seven lean ones; the seven branches of the golden candlestick; the seven trumpets and the seven priests who sounded them; the seven days' siege of Jericho; the seven churches, seven spirits, seven stars, seven seals, seven vials, and many others, sufficiently prove the importance of this sacred number" (see Le 25:4; 1Sa 2:5; Ps 12:6; 79:12; Pr 26:16; Isa 4:1; Mt 18:21-22; Lu 17:4). the feast of Passover (Ex 12:15-16), the feast of Weeks (De 16:9), of Tabernacles (De 13:15), and the Jubilee (Le 25:8), were all ordered by seven. Seven is the number of sacrifice (2Ch 29:21; Job 42:8), of purification and consecration (Le 27:34,34; 8:11,33; 14:9,51), of forgiveness (Mt 18:21-22; Lu 17:4), of reward (De 28:7; 1Sa 2:5), and of punishment (Le 26:21,24,28; De 28:25). It is used for any round number in such passages as Job 5:19; Pr 26:16,25; Isa 4:1; Mt 12:45. It is used also to mean "abundantly" (Ge 4:15,24; Le 26:24; Ps 79:12'. Please also see the note for Luke 10:1 about the word seventy.

Please see the note for Matthew 13:34-35 about the word utter. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'speak; to pronounce; to express; as, to utter words; to utter sounds. 2. to disclose; to discover; to divulge; to publish. He never utters a syllable of what I suppose to be intended as a secret. 3. to sell; to vend; as, to utter wares. this is obsolete, unless in the law style. 4. to put or send into circulation; to put off, as currency, or cause to pass in commerce; as, to utter coin or notes. A man utters a false note, who gives it in payment, knowing it to be false'. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians 1:4-8 about the word utterance.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'another. Re 10:5-6; 5:2; 7:1-2; 8:2-5,13; 9:13-14; 14:14-15 clothed. Re 1:7; Ex 16:10; Le 16:2; Ps 97:2; 104:3; Isa 19:1; La 3:44; Da 7:13; Lu 21:27 a rainbow. Re 4:3; Ge 9:11-17; Isa 54:9; Eze 1:28 his face. Re 1:16; Da 10:6; Mt 17:2; Ac 26:13 pillars. Re 1:15; Song 5:15 General references. exp: Ge 9:13; Eze 1:13.
a little. Re 10:10; 5:1-5; 6:1,3; Eze 2:9-10 he set. Re 10:5,8; Ps 2:8; 65:5; Pr 8:15-16; Isa 59:19; Mt 28:18; Eph 1:20-22; Php 2:10-11
loud. Pr 19:12; Isa 5:29; 31:4; 42:13; Jer 25:30; Joe 3:16; Am 1:2; 3:8 seven. Re 8:5; 14:2; 15:1,7'.

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C10-S2 (Verse 4) John was forbidden from writing these future events.

Equivalent Section: John was going to write what he heard.

And when the seven thunders had uttered their voices,
I was about to write:.

Equivalent Section: John was forbidden.

and I heard a voice from heaven saying unto me,
Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered,
and write them not.

This is a very important sentence doctrinally. People claim that this book is titled 'Revelations (plural)' and that it is all about revealing future events. But here we read that john was told to not reveal what the seven thunders had uttered (with) their voices. Therefore, it is not about revealing all future events. The entire book is a single revelation that Jesus Christ is Lord of lords and King of kings. And, future events which do not support that purpose are not revealed in this book.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Some things we as the church are just not supposed to know, it is a mystery what these voices said, some have speculated but that’s all it is, speculation, but I think if God wanted us to know what was said He would have told us so its better to leave heaven’s mysteries as they are, unknown. So John is told to seal those utterances up and so we skip over the seven thunders and John now sees Jesus take a vow.'.

Please see the note for Romans 4:23-25 about the word written. The functional definition for this word is: 'a retained record which can be used for judgment in a court of law'. Please also see the notes for Romans C15S13; 2Corinthians 1:13-14; Galatians C3-S12; John 20:31-LJC about the word write Please also see the notes for Luke 6:3-4; the Study called Prove; Ephesians C1S3 and Romans C3S15 about the phrase it is written.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'I was. Re 1:11; 2-3; Isa 8:1; Hab 2:2-3 Seal up. De 29:29; Isa 8:16; 29:11; Da 8:26; 12:4,9'.

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C10-S3 (Verse 5-7) the end of the time for the mystery of God.

Equivalent Section: .

And the angel which I saw stand upon the sea and upon the earth lifted up his hand to heaven,
And sware by him that liveth for ever and ever,
who created heaven,
and the things that therein are,
and the earth,
and the things that therein are,
and the sea,
and the things which are therein,
that there should be time no longer:.

Equivalent Section: What time ended.

But in the days of the voice of the seventh angel,
when he shall begin to sound,
the mystery of God should be finished,
as he hath declared to his servants the prophets.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections with the First Equivalent Section telling us the witnesses that the angel (our Lord Jesus Christ) called to witness His oath. The Second Equivalent Section tells us His oath.

The First Equivalent Section calls on God and beings in heaven and things existing on Earth as witnesses. The Second Equivalent Section starts with the word but. The word but always provides a contrast between what precedes it and what follows it. The prior Equivalent Section told us what currently exists while what follows the word but tells us what will no longer exist. That is, the mystery of God...as he hath declared to his servants the prophets, will cease to exist. God will reveal everything.

The last phrase to consider is: in the days of the voice of the seventh angel, when he shall begin to sound. This is reported to happen in Revelation 11:15. That is when the true meaning of all prophecy will be revealed by God. There are still future events which must occur. But, everyone will know them.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'The Lord Jesus raises his hand and swears an oath. Now when Jesus was on earth he said in Mt 5:34 But I say unto you, Swear not at all; neither by heaven; for it is God's throne: 35 Nor by the earth; for it is his footstool: But here is one who is worthy to sit upon that throne and who has the right and authority to make the earth his footstool. Jesus here swears or vows that events will now be hastened to their full and final end, there will be time no longer, there will no longer be a delay, the Lord has postponed the last days long enough, the end is nigh. Remember God down thru time has delayed his judgments, has been longsuffering, so that lost sinners could repent, He gave them time and second chance after second chance, calling to them, convicting them, dealing with them to repent, but now that delay is at an end. things are going to move very quickly from here on out. Also remember the martyred tribulation saints cried unto God how long would it be for them to be avenged and God told them to be patient, they would have to wait (6:10-11), well that wait is now over.
When the 7th angel sounds the 7th trumpet the end will be ushered in, the vial judgments will be poured out upon the earth, and the mystery of God, the age-old problem of sin and evil in the world will be finally dealt with. the time of allowing Satan to have his way is at an end, as Preacher Jerry Honeycutt writes “its time for Satan to be ousted and Christ to be enthroned”, just as God has told his servants and the prophets of old. that day once prophesied is about to come to fruition.
Then after seeing such a divine display John hears a voice once more, the same voice that told him not to write about the seven thunders. this voice gives another command, and I believe this voice is the Father speaking from his throne, and He tells John to go and take the book that the Lord Jesus holds, so John does as he is told and goes and asks Jesus to give him the little book, and Jesus tells him to take the book and eat it.'.

The word stood is the past-tense form of the word stand. Please see the notes for Romans C14S5 and 1Corinthians C15S1 about the word stand. The functional definition for this word is: 'to be upon the feet, as an animal; not to sit, kneel or lie'. Please also see the note for Philippians 1:18 about the word notwithstanding. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C14S2 about the word understand. Please also see the note for Galatians C5S1 about the phrase stand fast.

Please see the note for Matthew 12:11 about the word lift. The functional definition for this word is: 'To raise; to elevate; as, to lift the foot or the hand; to lift the head'.

Please see the note for James 5:12 about the words swear / sware. The functional definition for this word is: 'To affirm or utter a solemn declaration, with an appeal to God for the truth of what is affirmed. Ye shall not swear by my name falsely. Lev.19'.

Please see the notes for 2Corinthians 2:15; Philippians 1:19-20; Life in 1John about the word life. The functional definition is: 'Life is that by which a created being enjoys the place in which the Creator has set it'. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the notes for Hebrews 1:8-LJC; Philippians 1:27-LJC about the phrase life everlasting. Please note that eternal life is different from everlasting life in that while eternal life is 'Without beginning or end of existence', everlasting life 'has a beginning but is without end of existence'. Please see the note for John 5:24 about the phrase everlasting life. Please also see the note for Life in 1John about the phrase eternal life. Please also see the note for Romans C10S15 about the phrase belief changes life. Please also see the note for 1Corinthians C6S16 about the phrase kingdom of God rejected by lifestyle sins. Please also see the note for Matthew 9:10 about the word sinners. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S11; Galatians C2-S14 and Philippians 1:21 about the word live. The word livest means everlasting or eternal life. Please also see the note for Colossians C3S4 about the phrase Christ lives through us. Please also see the note for Ephesians C1S2 about the phrase just shall live by faith. Please also see the note for Romans C11S6 about the phrase just shall live by his faith. Please also see the note for Romans C9S28 about the phrase live / walk by faith.

The phrase ever and ever has the same application as the word everlasting except that it seems to never end as opposed to actually never ending. Please see the note for Luke 16:9 about the word everlasting. The functional definition for this word is: 'ever and lasting. Lasting or enduring for ever; eternal; existing or continuing without end; immortal'. Please see the note for 1:6 for links to where this phrase and this word are used in this Bible book.

Please see the note for Colossians 1:9-17 about the word create. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'Formed from nothing; caused to exist; produced; generated; invested with a new character; formed into new combinations, with a peculiar shape, constitution and properties; renewed'. Please also see the note for Revelation 4:11-LJC about the phrase God created us. Please also see the note for Romans 1:20-21 about the word creation. Please also see the note for 1Peter 4:19 about the word Creator. Please also see the note for Colossians 1:9-17 about the word creature.

Please see the note for Revelation 1:3 about the word time. The functional definition for this word is: 'the fourth dimension of this physical reality'. Please also see the note for Hebrews 3:13 about the word today. Please also see the note for Galatians C4-S17 about the word birthday. Please also see the note for Luke 1:5 about the word day. Please also see the notes for Philippians 1:6-LJC and 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of. Please also see the note for 1Thessalonians 5:2 about the phrase day of the Lord. Please also see the note for John 20:1 about the phrase first day of the week. Please also see the note for Mark 2:28-LJC about the phrase Good Friday. Please also see the notes for Romans C3S31 and 1Corinthians 9:21-LJC about the phrase kinds of laws that apply to us tday.

Please see the note for John 1:1 about the word beginning. The functional definition for this word is: 'First entering upon; commencing; giving rise or original; taking rise or origin'.

Please see the note for Romans C11S29 about the word mystery. The functional definition for this word is: 'Something that was hid by God until He decided to reveal it'.

Please see the note for Matthew 19:1 about the word finish. Webster's 1828 defines this word as: 'Completed; ended; done; perfected. 2. a. Complete; perfect; polished to the highest degree of excellence; as a finished poem; a finished education'. Forms of this word are used, in this book, in: 10:7; 11:7; 20:5.

Please see the note for 1Corinthians 1:11 about the word declare. The functional definition for this word is: 'to make clear'.

Please see the notes for Luke 1:76; Romans C16S33; Romans C12S5 and Jude about the word prophet. In addition, false prophets are covered in the Study called False things according to the Bible. The most popular religious definition for this word is: 'someone who foretells the future'. However, that definition tends to limit the thinking of people to only those statements when, actually, the majority of their message was doctrinal. Please also see the note for John 1:45 about the phrase law and the prophets. Please also see the links for Prophecies and Prophecies Fulfilled in the Gospel Significant Events Study and the New Testament Significant Events Study.

Please see the notes for Romans C16S21 and 2Timothy C1-S2 about the word serve. The functional definition for this word is: 'To work for; to bestow the labor of body and mind in the employment of another'. Please also see the note for Philippians 2:17 about the word service. Please also see the notes for Romans C14S4; 1Corinthians C7S27 and Ephesians C6S4 about the word servant. The functional definition is: 'To command another to help or to cry for help, hence to pray (Ge 4:26)'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'stand. Re 10:2 lifted. exp: Ps 106:26; Eze 20:23. General references. exp: De 32:40.
General references. Ge 14:22; 22:15-16; Ex 6:8; De 32:40; Eze 20:5,15,23,28,42; 36:7; 47:14; Da 12:7; Heb 6:13 exp: Ge 1:9. by him. Re 1:18; 4:9; Jer 10:10 who. Re 4:11; 14:7; Ge 1-2; Ex 20:11; Ne 9:6; Ps 95:3-6; 146:5; 148:1-7; Jer 10:11-13; Ac 14:15; 17:23; Ro 1:20 exp: Re 4:9; 15:7. That there. Rather, "the time should not be yet," chronos G5550 ouk G3756 esti G2076 eti G2089, that is, the time of those glorious things with which "the mystery of God should be finished." Re 16:17; Da 12:7
in the. Re 11:15-18 the mystery. Ro 11:25; 16:25; Eph 3:3-9 as he. Lu 24:44-47; Ac 3:21'.

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C10-S4 (Verse 8) John is commanded to take the little book.

And the voice which I heard from heaven spake unto me again,
and said,
Go and take the little book which is open in the hand of the angel which standeth upon the sea and upon the earth.

Once more, God in Heaven is commanding John to do something. in this chapter, John is used as the representative of all humanity. The remainder of our chapter tells us the results of this command.

In his note, below, Dr. Jeff Wilson claims that this little book is the word of God. Others might claim that it is the title deed to the Earth, which Lord Jesus Christ took and opened as he broke all seven seals. When John id told to Take it (the little book), and eat it up, the results were: it shall make thy belly bitter, but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. And, Dr. Jeff Wilson makes a good argument for the word of God doing that to men. However, when we consider this world and how God created it, and how men have corrupted it due to sin and following the doctrines of devils, and then when we consider the promise of a restored Earth, then the title deed for the Earth can cause a similar reaction. However, we only know about the corruption of sin and the corruption of this Earth and the promise of a restored Earth through the word of God. Therefore, the title deed to the Earth can not cause the reported reaction without the word of God.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Here we see John not only sees the book, knows of the book and its contents, but now God asks him to consume the book, to make it part of himself, to receive it. the meaning behind this is John is take in, to read, to study, to mentally consume the contents of the book, to gain wisdom and knowledge. this is very similar to what was commanded of the prophet Ezekiel in Ezekiel ch3, he too was told to eat a book. Eze 3:1Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, eat that thou findest; eat this roll, and go speak unto the house of Israel.2 So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll.3 And he said unto me, Son of man, cause thy belly to eat, and fill thy bowels with this roll that I give thee. then did I eat it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness….10 Moreover he said unto me, Son of man, all my words that I shall speak unto thee receive in thine heart, and hear with thine ears….14 So the spirit lifted me up, and took me away, and I went in bitterness, in the heat of my spirit; but the hand of the LORD was strong upon me.
And what we learn from both these experiences is that only as we feed and digest on the Word of God, as we consume it and meditate upon it, we are nourished and built up in it. We study to show ourselves approved. We are built up in the faith, transformed to the right spiritual condition by reading and hearing the word of God and are now able to take what we have learned to go and help and instruct others. the prophet Jeremiah writes in Jer 15:16 thy words were found, and I did eat them; and thy word was unto me the joy and rejoicing of mine heart: for I am called by thy name, O LORD God of hosts. We know the Word is likened as meat and milk, honey and bread in the Scriptures, all for spiritual nourishment. And here John takes the book, the word, and makes it his own, he takes it in. And what he learns of God in that little book is sweet to the taste, (taste and see that the Lord is good), 1Pe 2:3 If so be ye have tasted that the Lord is gracious. It is sweet to John for he sees that the coming of the Lord is at hand, he tastes of the promises and assurances and goodness of God, the sweetness of salvation and everlasting life, of the coming reign of the King. Knowing more about Jesus is sweet to his soul!
But as always with the word of God, there is also a bitterness when one takes it in, for it shows one how and who they really are, an unworthy sinner; they are told of God's impending judgment and wrath upon such sin, one sees the warnings against sin and its consequences. Revealed is the battle of flesh and spirit, the struggle to be separate, the temptations that must be overcome, the adversary that one must stand against. John sees what will still have to happen upon this world before the Lord Jesus sits upon his throne in victory. John sees that things are going to get much worse before they get much better. In the Word there is both life and death, good and evil, redemption and judgment, it is both sweet and bitter to man. And then Jesus gives John further instruction about what he has taken in, what he has learned.'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'the voice. Re 10:4-5; Isa 30:21'.

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C10-S5 (Verse 9) John did as he was commanded by God.

And I went unto the angel,
and said unto him,
Give me the little book.

This sentence is added to the prior and the next sentence is added to this one. All of 10:8 through 10:10 need to be considered together as a single unit.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 10:8.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Take. Job 23:12; Jer 15:16; Eze 2:8; 3:1-3,14; Col 3:6'.

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C10-S6 (Verse 9) the angel told John what to do with the book.

First Step: What John was commanded to do.

And he said unto me,
Take it,
and eat it up;.

Second Step: the results from doing the First Step.

and it shall make thy belly bitter,
but it shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey.

This sentence is added to the prior and the next sentence is added to this one. All of 10:8 through 10:10 need to be considered together as a single unit.

In John 6:48-58, we have the lesson on: I am that bread of life. In Matthew 26:26-30; Mark 14:22-46; Luke 22:17-20 and 1Corinthians 11:23-34, we read about the Lord's Supper. In all of these, we are told that obedience to our Lord Jesus Christ is to change how we act in our flesh within this physical reality. And, that requirement to change from fulfilling to lusts of the flesh and following the way of the world shall make thy belly bitter. That is why many saved people refuse to obey. However, the results of a God-caused changed life shall be in thy mouth sweet as honey. This is especially true when saved people get to heaven and receive their rewards. However, the save people who refuse to obey the First Step, and receive the God-caused changed life, will not receive the Second Step. In particular, they will not receive the rewards in Heaven and will not have the (symbolic) sweet mouth.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 10:8.

Please see the notes for Romans C14S2; 1Corinthians C11S37 and Hebrews 13:10 about the word eat. The functional definition for this word is: 'Besides the common use of this word, it is employed symbolically for to 'consume, destroy:' they "eat up my people as they eat bread." Ps 14:4; cf. Pr 30:14; Hab 3:14; 2Ti 2:17. Also for receiving, digesting, and delighting in God's words'.

Please see the note for Philippians 3:18-19 about the word belly. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: 'the seat of the carnal affections (Tit 1:12; Php 3:19; Ro 16:18). the word is used symbolically for the heart (Pr 18:8; 20:27; 22:18, marg.). the "belly of hell" signifies the grave or underworld (Jon 2:2)'.

Please see the note for Matthew 26:75 about the words bitter / bitterly. The functional definition for this word is: 'Bitterness is symbolical of affliction, misery, and servitude (Ex 1:14; Ru 1:20; Jer 9:15)'. Please also see the notes for Ephesians C4S15 and Colossians C3S14 about the word bitterness.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word sweet. The functional definition for this word is: ' Something pleasing or grateful to the mind; as the sweets of domestic life'.

Please see the note for Luke 24:42 about the word honey. Easton's Bible Dictionary defines this word as: '(1.) Heb ya'ar, occurs only 1Sa 14:25,27,29; Song 5:1, where it denotes the honey of bees. Properly the word signifies a forest or copse, and refers to honey found in woods. (2.) Nopheth, honey that drops (Ps 19:10; Pr 5:3; Song 4:11). (3.) Debash denotes bee-honey (Jg 14:8); but also frequently a vegetable honey distilled from trees (Ge 43:11; Eze 27:17). In these passages it may probably mean "dibs," or syrup of grapes, i.e., the juice of ripe grapes boiled down to one-third of its bulk. (4.) Tsuph, the cells of the honey-comb full of honey (Pr 16:24; Ps 19:10). (5.) "Wild honey" (Mt 3:4) may have been the vegetable honey distilled from trees, but rather was honey stored by bees in rocks or in trees (De 32:13; Ps 81:16; 1Sa 14:25-29). Canaan was a "land flowing with milk and honey" (Ex 3:8). Milk and honey were among the chief dainties in the earlier ages, as they are now among the Bedawin; and butter and honey are also mentioned among articles of food (Isa 7:15). the ancients used honey instead of sugar (Ps 119:103; Pr 24:13); but when taken in great quantities it caused nausea, a fact referred to in Pr 25:16-17 to inculcate moderation in pleasures. Honey and milk also are put for sweet discourse (Song 4:11)'. Please also see the note for Luke 24:42 about the word honeycomb.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'Take. Job 23:12; Jer 15:16; Eze 2:8; 3:1-3,14; Col 3:6'.

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C10-S7 (Verse 10) John obeyed the command from the angel.

Equivalent Section: Parts of sentence below are steps.

First Step: John did as he was commanded.

And I took the little book out of the angel's hand,
and ate it up;.

Second Step: John received part of the promised results.

and it was in my mouth sweet as honey:.

Equivalent Section: John received the rest of the promised results.

and as soon as I had eaten it,
my belly was bitter.

This sentence is added to the prior and the next sentence is added to this one. All of 10:8 through 10:10 need to be considered together as a single unit.

Our sentence has two Equivalent Sections which tell us that John obeyed the command and received the promised results. But, the order in which John received these results appears to be backward from the promised results. However, our current sentence is telling us the immediate results and the promise is for the long term results. People get saved and immediately try to tell their friends and family with the results discouraging them from witnessing further. Preachers and people find a wonderful spiritual truth in the word of God, and try telling others, with the response from others, even from saved people, is discouraging because Bible truths must be spiritually discerned. So, saved people experience the same immediate results and John received. But, based upon the promises of God (Promises in the New Testament), their long term results will match the promise.

Dr. Jeff Wilson wrote about this sentence in the note for Revelation 10:8.

The word ate is the past-tense form of the word eat. Please see the notes for Romans C14S2; 1Corinthians C11S37 and Hebrews 13:10 about the word eat. The functional definition for this word is: 'Besides the common use of this word, it is employed symbolically for to 'consume, destroy:' they "eat up my people as they eat bread." Ps 14:4; cf. Pr 30:14; Hab 3:14; 2Ti 2:17. Also for receiving, digesting, and delighting in God's words'.

Please see the note for Philippians 4:18 about the word sweet. The functional definition for this word is: ' Something pleasing or grateful to the mind; as the sweets of domestic life'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: 'sweet. Ps 19:10; 104:34; 119:103; Pr 16:24; Eze 3:3 my belly. Eze 2:10; 3:14 (margin)'.

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C10-S8 (Verse 11) John is told that his job is not yet done.

And he said unto me,
Thou must prophesy again before many peoples,
and nations,
and ongues,
and kings .

This is the end of this chapter and Revelation is returning to the main message of this book. Here we are told that John has more to prophesy to people in the Earth. As explained in the note for this sentence, within the Lord Jesus Christ Study, the phrase: kings of the earth is used in Revelation in: 1:5; 6:15; 16:14; 17:2, 18; 18:3, 9; 19:19; 21:24; and since 9:11 told us of a devil king, the kings in this verse probably includes the kings of the earth and the devil king.

Dr. Jeff Wilson writes about this sentence: 'Jesus now tells John he must prophecy again, to prophecy even more, that he will speak more concerning what will befall the peoples and nations and ongues and kings in the last days. there is more to come.'.

Please see the note for Romans 1:5 about the word nation. Webster's 1828 dictionary defines this word as: 'A body of people inhabiting the same country, or united under the same sovereign or government; as the English nation; the French nation. It often happens that many nations are subject to one government; in which case, the word nation usually denotes a body of people speaking the same language, or a body that has formerly been under a distinct government, but has been conquered, or incorporated with a larger nation. thus, the empire of Russia comprehends many nations, as did formerly the Roman and Persian empires. Nation, as its etymology imports, originally denoted a family or race of men descended from a common progenitor, like tribe, but by emigration, conquest and intermixture of men of different families, this distinction is in most countries lost'.

The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge provides Bible references for this sentence as: ''.

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Interpretive Study of Revelation 9-10

The Revelation of Jesus Christ

Revelation Chapter 9

links to sentences in this chapter:

Chapter Summary: Two of the last three trumpet judgments.

Revelation Chapter 10

links to sentences in this chapter:

Sentence 10 Summary: the seven thunders judgments.

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