Revelation 9:1-12
The Fifth Trumpet
Continuing with the trumpet warnings I’m confident these verses are describing a demonic war on earth not invisible anymore. Remember how birth pains increase with intensity; Satan now remains the main character from this point and throughout the prophecy.
His beginning is described in Is. 14:12-27 and Job 38:1-7; they’re worthy of your attention. In a nutshell God named him the Day Star, his pride peaked in rebellion, and God cast him out of heaven along with his angel-followers, granting limited authority on earth. Later, at the fall of man, God declared (Gen. 3:15) hostility and hatred between Satan and the ‘woman’ Israel, also her seed or offspring. The Seed of Israel is Messiah, Jesus Christ, and believers, Jew and Gentile, are His offspring: children of God.
Following his example of rebellion against God Satan was able to take a portion of the angels with him (Rev. 12:4): Jesus watched this unfold (Luke 10:17-20). That star or General Satan combined his forces to battle God’s chosen people from the beginning until the end of time; these chapters describe this end.
What captures my attention is that John was allowed to see what Jesus saw, watch as he was given the key or permission from God to release those demons held captive (2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6), and the demonic war begin. Obviously, the abyss or pit of Hades (Luke 8:26-31) was under God’s sovereign control until this point when His permissive will allowed Satan to release his forces (Job 1 & 2) against mankind: Satan vs. Unredeemed Mankind.
The locusts, or demon forces will certainly cause intense pain and suffering but God’s ultimate desire is that many will see the true Satan and repent: Jesus said he comes only to kill, steal, and destroy. Curiously, his name is Destruction in both languages, Hebrew for Jews and Greek for Gentiles: we are seen as one family, the church, in God’s eyes. It’s clear from many scriptures that Satan has position (Matt. 12:24; John 14:30; 2 Cor. 12:7; Eph. 2:2) and uses it to unmercifully torment.
As intriguing as this detailed account is, even warriors and their horses, always keep in mind that believers in Christ are sealed; the demonic war will not affect us. We can rest assured that He, The True One, remains the sovereign King over the entire universe reigning with supreme authority and dominion over Satan and every ruler of any nation.
It was so gracious of God to set the stage for us in the first chapters; reflect back to His faithful character to help plow through these difficult verses. If you’re living in a restricted nation to Christianity how wonderful to read of His eternal love, His protective nature, and His promise of standing as a Nike, overcoming believer in the face of tribulation surrounding you. If not, continue to pray for those who are.
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