Revelation 9
BSB1 Then the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth, and it was given the key to the pit of the Abyss. 2 The star opened the pit of the Abyss, and smoke rose out of it like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit. 3 And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of the scorpions of the earth. 4 They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 The locusts were not given power to kill them, but only to torment them for five months, and their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion. 6 In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them. 7 And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men. 8 They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. 9 They also had thoraxes like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. 10 They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months. 11 They were ruled by a king, the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon. 12 The first woe has passed. Behold, two woes are still to follow. 13 Then the sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God 14 saying to the sixth angel with the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates." 15 So the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. 16 And the number of mounted troops was two hundred million; I heard their number. 17 Now the horses and riders in my vision looked like this: The riders had breastplates the colors of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur. 18 A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; indeed, their tails were like snakes, having heads with which to inflict harm. 20 Now the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands. They did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. 21 Furthermore, they did not repent of their murder, sorcery, sexual immorality, and theft.
Study Notes — Revelation 9
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Revelation 9
- Themes from Revelation 9
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Revelation 9
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
The chapter begins with the fifth trumpet, where a star falls from heaven and is given the key to the abyss, releasing a horde of locusts to torment those who do not have the seal of God (Revelation 9:1-12). The sixth trumpet follows, where a third of mankind is killed by a massive army of horsemen (Revelation 9:13-21). The chapter concludes with a statement that despite these judgments, humanity still refuses to repent of their sins (Revelation 9:20-21). The emphasis on God's judgment and humanity's rebellion against God is a central theme of the chapter.
Context for the Chapter
Revelation chapter 9 is part of the larger narrative of the book of Revelation, which describes the end times and God's judgment on a sinful world. The chapter follows the fourth trumpet, where a third of the sun, moon, and stars are struck (Revelation 8:12), and precedes the seventh trumpet, where Christ returns to establish His kingdom (Revelation 11:15-19). The chapter's themes of judgment and salvation are closely tied to the overall message of the book of Revelation.
Heart Application
The chapter serves as a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation, emphasizing the importance of being sealed by God. It also encourages believers to trust in God's sovereignty and to look forward to Christ's return, when God will finally judge sin and establish His kingdom.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Revelation chapter 9 describes God's judgment on a sinful world, where demonic forces are released to torment those who do not have the seal of God. The chapter highlights the importance of being sealed by God and the severity of God's judgment. Despite the judgments, humanity still refuses to repent of their sins, emphasizing the depth of human rebellion against God (Revelation 9:20-21).
Voices from the Church
“The judgments of God are not intended to destroy, but to redeem; they are not meant to condemn, but to save.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The seal of God is a mark that distinguishes believers from unbelievers, and it is a guarantee of their salvation.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- The Fifth Trumpet (9:1-12) — The fifth trumpet releases a horde of locusts to torment those who do not have the seal of God.
- The Description of the Locusts (9:7-12) — The locusts are described as having the appearance of horses, with crowns on their heads and a tail like a scorpion.
- The Sixth Trumpet (9:13-21) — The sixth trumpet releases a massive army of horsemen to kill a third of mankind.
- The Rebellion of Humanity (9:20-21) — Despite the judgments, humanity still refuses to repent of their sins, emphasizing the depth of human rebellion against God.
- Conclusion (9:20-21) — The chapter concludes with a statement that despite the judgments, humanity still refuses to repent of their sins.
Core Doctrines
- The Sovereignty of God
- The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the forces of evil (Revelation 9:1-12).
- The Importance of Salvation
- The chapter emphasizes the importance of being sealed by God, which is a guarantee of salvation (Revelation 9:4).
- The Rebellion of Humanity
- The chapter highlights the depth of human rebellion against God, despite the judgments (Revelation 9:20-21).
- The Return of Christ
- The chapter serves as a reminder of Christ's return, when God will finally judge sin and establish His kingdom (Revelation 11:15-19).
Lessons from Revelation 9
- The Importance of Being Sealed by God — The chapter highlights the importance of being sealed by God, which is a guarantee of salvation (Revelation 9:4).
- The Severity of God's Judgment — The chapter serves as a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation, emphasizing the severity of God's judgment (Revelation 9:6).
- The Rebellion of Humanity — The chapter highlights the depth of human rebellion against God, despite the judgments (Revelation 9:20-21).
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the forces of evil (Revelation 9:1-12).
- The Return of Christ — The chapter serves as a reminder of Christ's return, when God will finally judge sin and establish His kingdom (Revelation 11:15-19).
Themes from Revelation 9
- God's Judgment — The chapter highlights God's judgment on a sinful world, where demonic forces are released to torment those who do not have the seal of God.
- The Importance of Salvation — The chapter emphasizes the importance of being sealed by God, which is a guarantee of salvation (Revelation 9:4).
- The Rebellion of Humanity — The chapter highlights the depth of human rebellion against God, despite the judgments (Revelation 9:20-21).
- The Sovereignty of God — The chapter highlights God's sovereignty over all things, including the forces of evil (Revelation 9:1-12).
- The Return of Christ — The chapter serves as a reminder of Christ's return, when God will finally judge sin and establish His kingdom (Revelation 11:15-19).
Questions for Meditation
- What is the significance of the seal of God in Revelation chapter 9?
- How does the chapter describe the locusts released by the fifth trumpet?
- What is the result of the sixth trumpet, and how does it relate to the overall narrative of the book of Revelation?
- How does the chapter's emphasis on God's judgment relate to the overall message of the book of Revelation?
- What is the significance of humanity's rebellion against God, despite the judgments?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. The Fifth Trumpet (9:1-12)
| 9:1 | The fifth trumpet releases a star that falls from heaven, which is given the key to the abyss. |
| 9:2 | The star opens the abyss, releasing a horde of locusts to torment those who do not have the seal of God. |
| 9:3 | The locusts are described as having the power to hurt people for five months, but not to kill them. |
| 9:4 | The locusts are instructed not to hurt those who have the seal of God. |
| 9:5 | The locusts are described as having a tail like a scorpion, which they use to hurt people. |
| 9:6 | The people who are hurt by the locusts will seek death but not find it, and will long to die but death will flee from them. |
| 9:7 | The locusts are described as having the appearance of horses, with crowns on their heads. |
| 9:8 | The locusts have hair like women's hair, and teeth like lions' teeth. |
| 9:9 | The locusts have breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings is like the sound of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. |
| 9:10 | The locusts have tails like scorpions, which they use to hurt people. |
| 9:11 | The locusts have a king, which is the angel of the abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek is Apollyon. |
| 9:12 | The first woe has passed, but there are still two more woes to come. |
2. The Sixth Trumpet (9:13-21)
| 9:13 | The sixth trumpet releases a voice from the four horns of the golden altar, which is before God. |
| 9:14 | The voice says to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, 'Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.' |
| 9:15 | The four angels are released, and they kill a third of mankind. |
| 9:16 | The number of the mounted troops is two hundred million. |
| 9:17 | The horses and riders are described as having breastplates of fire, hyacinth, and brimstone. |
| 9:18 | A third of mankind is killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and brimstone, which come out of the mouths of the horses. |
| 9:19 | The power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like snakes, having heads, and they cause injury. |
| 9:20 | The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, so as not to worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. |
| 9:21 | They did not repent of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their immorality, nor of their thefts. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the seal of God in Revelation chapter 9?
The seal of God is a mark that protects those who belong to God from the demonic forces unleashed by the fifth trumpet (Revelation 9:4).
What is the result of the sixth trumpet?
The sixth trumpet releases a massive army of horsemen to kill a third of mankind (Revelation 9:13-21).
How does the chapter's emphasis on God's judgment relate to the overall message of the book of Revelation?
The chapter's emphasis on God's judgment serves as a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation, and highlights the importance of being sealed by God (Revelation 9:4).
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Revelation 9:1 → Luke 10:18 | The star that falls from heaven in Revelation 9:1 is similar to the vision of the fallen star in Luke 10:18. |
| 2 | Revelation 9:2 → Genesis 19:28 | The smoke from the abyss in Revelation 9:2 is similar to the smoke from the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:28. |
| 3 | Revelation 9:3 → Exodus 10:4-20 | The locusts in Revelation 9:3 are similar to the locusts that devastated Israel in Exodus 10:4-20. |
| 4 | Revelation 9:4 → Ezekiel 9:4 | The seal of God in Revelation 9:4 is similar to the mark on the foreheads of the righteous in Ezekiel 9:4. |
| 5 | Revelation 9:6 → Job 3:21-22 | The desire for death in Revelation 9:6 is similar to Job's desire for death in Job 3:21-22. |
| 6 | Revelation 9:7 → Joel 2:4-5 | The description of the locusts in Revelation 9:7 is similar to the description of the locusts in Joel 2:4-5. |
| 7 | Revelation 9:11 → Abaddon in Job 26:6 | The angel of the abyss in Revelation 9:11 is similar to the angel Abaddon in Job 26:6. |
| 8 | Revelation 9:13 → Isaiah 24:14-16 | The voice from the four horns of the golden altar in Revelation 9:13 is similar to the voice of the Lord in Isaiah 24:14-16. |
| 9 | Revelation 9:14 → Genesis 15:18 | The great river Euphrates in Revelation 9:14 is similar to the river Euphrates in Genesis 15:18. |
| 10 | Revelation 9:20 → Psalm 115:4-8 | The idolatry of mankind in Revelation 9:20 is similar to the idolatry described in Psalm 115:4-8. |
Sermons on Revelation 9
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
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(Revelation - Part 1): John Saw Further in All Directions by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the book of Revelation and the visions that John saw. He describes how John saw various apocalyptic events, such as the sun turning black, th |
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(Revelation - Part 14): Invaders From Other Worlds by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes that when God has had enough of the world, He will take action. The preacher distinguishes between those who pray for God to hold off His ju |
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The Destructive Power of Lust by David Wilkerson | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the pouring out of the vials of God's wrath upon the earth. The fourth angel pours out his vial upon the sun, causing men to be scorched with |
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Sex and the Single Person by John Piper | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of enslavement to worldly desires and emphasizes the need to be free from such bondage. He highlights the prevalence of sexual tempt |
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Kashrut and Famine by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing a vision where a tablecloth comes down from the sky containing various animals and a voice instructs Peter to kill and eat them. T |
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Week of Meetings-04 Gpd's Picture of the Great Tribulation by Dwight Pentecost | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the events described in the book of Revelation, specifically focusing on the seals and vials of God's wrath. He explains that the seals repre |
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(Easter Convention 2008) Quiet Time Tips by Gerhard Du Toit | In this sermon, the speaker shares his personal routine for prayer and devotion. He starts his day by spending the first half hour listening to old hymns, which helps him enter a s |
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Man Made Gods by Chuck Smith | This sermon delves into the book of Revelation, focusing on chapters 8 and 9 which detail the trumpet judgments. It highlights the hardened hearts of those who refuse to repent des |
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(The Word for Today) Isaiah 24:14 - Part 3 by Chuck Smith | The video discusses the breakdown of the family unit in society and the negative impact it has on marriages and children. It introduces Pastor Chuck Smith's Marriage and Family Bib |
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(Revelation) the Sounding of the 5th Trumpet by Willie Mullan | In this sermon, the speaker focuses on the fifth angel sounding the season in the book of Revelation. The sermon begins by discussing the outline of the paragraph, highlighting the |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Revelation 9
In Revelation chapter 9, we see the fulfillment of God's wrath on a sinful world. The fifth trumpet releases a horde of locusts to torment those who do not have the seal of God, while the sixth trumpet releases a massive army of horsemen to kill a third of mankind. Despite these judgments, humanity still refuses to repent of their sins, highlighting the depth of human rebellion against God. This chapter serves as a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation, emphasizing the importance of being sealed by God and the severity of God's judgment. As Matthew Henry notes, 'the Lord's judgments are not to destroy, but to redeem; they are not to condemn, but to save.' Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
The severity of God's judgment
The chapter highlights the severity of God's judgment, where people will seek death but not find it (Revelation 9:6). This serves as a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation.
The importance of being sealed by God
The fact that those who have the seal of God are protected from the demonic forces emphasizes the importance of being in Christ (Revelation 9:4).
The rebellion of humanity against God
Despite the judgments, humanity still refuses to repent of their sins (Revelation 9:20-21), highlighting the depth of human rebellion against God.