Revelation 9

-8 1 3 2 -9 1 0 0 0 0 13 96 -9 2 0 0 2 0 1 RVStyle2 m StyleNameNormal textFontNameArialUnicode Size Standard StyleNameDefaultFontNameTahomaUnicode Size Standard StyleNameJumpFontNameTahomaStylefsUnderlineColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonHoverEffects rvheUnderlineUnicode Jump Size Standard StyleNameHeading - Module name SizeDoubleFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode SizeStandard StyleName"Heading small - Module descriptionFontNameTahomaColorclMaroonUnicode Size Standard StyleNameHeading - LinkFontNameTahomaColorclNavy HoverColorclPurpleUnicode Jump Size StandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsBoldUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsItalicUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptUnicode SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanStylefsUnderlineColorclBlueUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonNextStyleNoUnicode Jump SizeStandardCharsetANSI_CHARSET SizeDoubleFontNameTimes New RomanColorclBlue HoverColorclMaroonSubSuperScriptTypervsssSuperScriptNextStyleNo Unicode Jump Size-9 2 0 0 2 0 2 RVStyle2 �BiDiModervbdLeftToRightTabs StyleNameCentered Alignment rvaCenterTabsStandardTabsStandardSpaceBefore SpaceAfterTabs-9 2 0 0 2 0 4 RVStyle2 -9 0 0 0 0 0 7 6 1 3 8 0 0 9. The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 (9:1 21)) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 8 3 8 0 0 Outline (continued) ) 6. The Fifth Trumpet (9:1 12) ) a. The Abyss and Demonic Forces (9:1 6) ) b. The Locusts (9:7 12) ) 7. The Sixth Trumpet (9:13 21) ) a. A Divine Command (9:13 16) ) b. A Descriptive Vision (9:17 19) ) c. Refusing to Repent (9:20 21) ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 6. The Fifth Trumpet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 9:1 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 1 And the fifth angel blew the trumpet. And I saw a star that had fallen out of the sky to the earth, and it was given the key to the pit of the Abyss. 2 And he opened the pit of the Abyss, and smoke from the pit went up as smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. 3 And out of the smoke came forth locusts on the earth, and power was given to them as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4 And they were told not to harm the grass of the earth, or any plant, or any tree, except people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. 5 And they were given power not to kill them, but to torture them for five months, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6 And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. And they will long to die and death flees from them. ) 7 10 3 8 0 0 7 And the appearance of locusts was like horses prepared for battle, and on their heads were something like crowns of gold. And their faces were like human faces, 8 and they had hair like hair of women, and their teeth were like those of lions. 9 And they had breastplates like the breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of many chariots with horses racing into battle. 10 And they had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to harm people for five months. 11 They had a king over them, the angel of the Abyss; his name in Hebrew was Abaddon, and in Greek Apollyon. ) 12 The first woe has come. Look, still two more come after these things. ) 13 And the sixth angel blew the trumpet. And I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar before God, 14 saying to the sixth angel, the one holding the trumpet, Set free the four angels that are bound at the great river Euphrates. 15 And the four angels were set free, they who were prepared for the hour, day, month, and year to kill a third of the people. 16 And the number of the horsemen was two hundred million. I heard their number. ) 17 And thus in my vision I saw the horses and their riders. They had breastplates that were colored as fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow.

The heads of the horses were like heads of lions, and out of their mouths came forth fire, and smoke and sulfur. 18 As a result of these three plagues a third part of mankind was killed by the fire, smoke, and sulfur that came out of their mouths. 19 For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails, and their tails were like snakes. They had heads and with them they inflict harm. ) 20 And the rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent from the works of their hands or stop worshiping the demons and the idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. These idols are not able to see, hear, and walk. 21 And they repented not from their murders, their witchcraft, their fornication, and their thefts. ) Whereas chapter 8 records the results of four trumpets blown by four angels, this chapter presents only two trumpets blown by the fifth and sixth angels respectively. (Incidentally, the seventh angel blows his trumpet to introduce the final judgment and to describe the worship that the saints render to God [11:15].) Notice the extensive description of the plagues that follow the trumpet calls of the fifth and sixth angels. The portrayal of the plague that occurs after the fifth trumpet is blown takes up two substantial paragraphs totaling eleven verses (vv. 1 11) and concludes with the words, The first woe has come. Look, still two more come after these things (v. 12). And the account of the blowing of the sixth trumpet comprises three lengthy paragraphs (vv. 13 21).

Compared with the first four trumpet sounds, the effect of these next two trumpets depicted in protracted paragraphs indicates inconceivable severity. ) The first four plagues describe calamities unleashed in nature: the earth, sea, rivers, springs of water, and the celestial bodies. The next two plagues describe the demonic forces that are unleashed by Satan, their king, to torment the people (v. 11). This is a description of hell itself in which people seek to die but realize that death is eluding them (v. 6). Their mental and spiritual suffering is without end. ) The sixth plague involves all humanity, of which a third is killed (v. 15). Two hundred million warriors, representing demonic troops, wage war against the people. These forces symbolically depict a vast multitude of fallen angels (v. 16).

They are bent on killing people with fire, smoke, and sulfur. But the sad result is that none of the unbelievers, although they experience agony and destruction, repents from their evil deeds of murder, witchcraft, fornication, and theft (v. 21). ) The two judgments portrayed by the blowing of the fifth and sixth trumpets not only follow each other but are also closely related. Both illustrate the ruinous objective of the demons. In the first instance, they reside in the minds of the unbelievers and cause them mental torture. The second illustration shows the complete control demons have over human beings, who then perform every evil act imaginable. ) I interpret the calamities described in chapters 8 and 9 not only as sequential but even in some aspects as simultaneous. That is, while the fifth and sixth trumpets usher in demonic forces, the calamities of the first four are already taking place.

In other words, the references in both chapters to the death and dying of human beings overlap. The difference is that in addition to facing destructive powers in nature, humanity also encounters demonic powers that seek to destroy the body and ruin the soul.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref1 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn1”

1. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Last, my objective is to explain the content of this chapter not literally but symbolically. I am not looking for a specific time in history or the future in which the fifth and sixth plagues have been or will be fulfilled. Rather, we need to see spiritual forces at work in the world of the unregenerated, wicked men forces which are symbolized by these monsters of the infernal realm. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref2 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn2”
2. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. The Abyss and Demonic Forces) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 9:1 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

1. And the fifth angel blew the trumpet. And I saw a star that had fallen out of the sky to the earth, and it was given the key to the pit of the Abyss.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 First, the effect of the fifth angel blowing his trumpet is that John has a vision of a star. But how do we interpret the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 star) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ? In the first century some stars were given a figurative meaning; wandering planets were thought to have been cast into the Abyss 8 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Enoch) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.13|AUTODETECT|” 21.6; 86.1; 88.1; compare ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.13|AUTODETECT|” Jude 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ). The Old Testament poetically gives personality to stars by having them engage in battle or singing songs 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.5.20|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 5:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.38.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.38.7|AUTODETECT|” Job 38:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref3 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn3”

3. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John writes the past tense in the phrase a star that had fallen and says that he saw this star. He mentions the place where it had fallen, namely, the earth. At one time, then, this star had occupied a place its heaven but is now on the earth. I interpret the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 star) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 symbolically, as is evident from John s description of this luminary. John gives it the characteristics of will and intellect. The star receives a key with which it opens the Abyss these characteristics pertain to a rational being, not to an inanimate object. Hence, many interpreters identity this being as an evil angel, that is, Satan, who is given brief periods in history during which he can open the shaft of the Abyss.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref4 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn4”
4. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ��The tense of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 had fallen) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” indicates that time had elapsed since its occurrence. Jesus says that he saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.18|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And John writes that Satan was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him (12:9). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.15.11|AUTODETECT|” The fifth angel blowing the trumpet presents a parallel to the fifth angel pouring out his bowl on the throne of the beast, whose kingdom was turned into darkness (16:10). Here the pit of the Abyss is the residence of a fallen star, namely, Satan; there his place of residence is the throne of the beast that occupies it in his name. But the king of this kingdom plunged into darkness is Satan himself, who aims to destroy God s kingdom. Note that the angel of the Abyss is called Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek (v. 11). In both languages the word means Destroyer 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.15.11|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 15:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.25|AUTODETECT|” If we identify this star with Satan, the prince of demons cast out of heaven to reside in the Abyss 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.10.25|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 10:25) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.12.24|AUTODETECT|” 12:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.31|AUTODETECT|” , where he is called Beelzebub), we need to understand that God is in complete control. Either Satan or one of his underlings receives the key to the Abyss, not in the sense of permanent possession but of momentary power. God allows the evil spirits temporary freedom to do their destructive deeds that are described in the succeeding verses of this chapter. God assigns the countless fallen angels to the Abyss, where they are awaiting the Judgment Day 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.4|AUTODETECT|”
5. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Pet. 2:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=65.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Jude 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). He decrees the time of opening and closing of this place. He is the sovereign. Thus, I conclude that God holds the key to the Abyss; he gives it at times to the devil to fulfill his divine purposes.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref5 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn5”
6. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

2. And he opened the pit of the Abyss, and smoke from the pit went up as smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Abyss) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.6-45.10.7|AUTODETECT|” in the New Testament refers to the abode of the evil spirits with the exception of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.6-45.10.7|AUTODETECT|” Romans 10:6 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , where Paul uses the concept for the abode of the dead.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref6 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn6”

6. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ��In Revelation, where the word occurs seven times,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref7 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn7”
7. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.31|AUTODETECT|” �� the word uniformly signifies the place where Satan and his followers remain. After the judgment, they are cast into the lake of burning sulfur where they are tormented forever (19:20; 20:10, 14, 15). The demons whom Jesus cast out of the man called Legion beg him not to send them into the Abyss, because it is their prison 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.31|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The Abyss has a shaft that leads to the so-called bottomless pit. Out of this shaft fumes arise like smoke out of a great furnace. The picture John presents is that of thick smoke which obscures the light of day, obstructs breathing, contributes to illness, produces an unbearable stench, and besmirches everything on which it descends. It is as if hell itself breaks loose to mar, pollute, and defile God s creation. This enormous furnace serves to portray hell itself from which clouds of smoke ascend to darken the light of the sun and pollute the air, making breathing nearly impossible. Evil is like a dense cloud that turns the world into darkness and suffocates all those who are breathing its polluted air. But evil itself functions only with divine permission.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref8 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn8”
8. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� It arises, increases, and opposes all that is true, pure, good, and admirable. Evil never succeeds in conquering God s kingdom, because God not only permits but also controls its effect. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

3. And out of the smoke came forth locusts on the earth, and power was given to them as the scorpions of the earth have power. 4. And they were told not to harm the grass of the earth, or any plant, or any tree, except people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.3-2.10.5|AUTODETECT|” The eighth Egyptian plague 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.10.3-2.10.5|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 10:3 5) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ) relates the destructive power of the locusts that devoured everything that was growing in the fields and stripped bare the trees 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Joel 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.1.6-29.1.7|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.1.6-29.1.7|AUTODETECT|” 6 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). So they deprive both people and animals of their food supply. But the locusts in this verse are entirely different: ) 7 5 3 8 0 0 " they come forth out of the infernal smoke that arises from the Abyss; ) " they do not devour the green grass, plants, and trees; ) " they attack people who are not part of God s kingdom; ) " they strike the ungodly with the stings of scorpions. ) Thus, the context itself forces the interpreter to explain the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 locusts) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 not literally but figuratively. These creatures coming forth from hell are demonic in appearance and action. But they can function only when God grants them power to sting like scorpions,��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref9 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn9”

9. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.9.4|AUTODETECT|” �� and they must do what God tells them, namely, to attack those people who lack his seal on their foreheads (compare the parallel in 7:3b). Not Satan but God is in charge, for he grants authority and sets its limits, and at the same time he protects his own people from spiritual harm 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.9.4|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 9:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.9.6|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.9.6|AUTODETECT|”
10. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The sting of a scorpion is extremely painful but not necessarily fatal to humans. Henry Barclay Swete observes: The scorpion takes its place with the snake and other creatures hostile to man, and with them symbolizes the forces of spiritual evil which are active in the world. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref10 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn10”
11. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.8.15|AUTODETECT|” �� In both Old and New Testaments, scorpions and serpents are mentioned together 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.8.15|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 8:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.10.19|AUTODETECT|” Luke 10:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; and Sirach 39:30). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Who are these scorpions? The context of this chapter shows that we should not equate them with human beings but rather with demons. They are released from the Abyss when God gives Satan or a demonic underling permission to open this pit. And they can harm only those people who do not have God s seal on their foreheads. They strike those who love darkness instead of light, who have come to know the truth but reject it, and who willfully serve the evil one. They attack those people whom God has abandoned and given over to their sinful desires 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.24|AUTODETECT|”
12. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.26|AUTODETECT|”
13. 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.28|AUTODETECT|”
14. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

5. And they were given power not to kill them, but to torture them for five months, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. 6. And in those days people will seek death and will not find it. And they will long to die and death flees from them.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.2.4-18.2.6|AUTODETECT|” These demons receive authority to torture human beings but not the power to kill. Once again the text clearly indicates that God is sovereign. We are reminded of God s permitting Satan to strike Job s flesh and bones but requiring him to spare his life. God set limits to Satan s power 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.2.4-18.2.6|AUTODETECT|” Job 2:4 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Not God but Satan is responsible for the evil in this world; yet God uses Satan s wickedness to punish recalcitrant sinners and call them to repentance (v. 21).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref11 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn11”

11. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Torture can be experienced physically or mentally. The centurion implored Jesus to heal his servant who was paralyzed and in terrible suffering 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.6|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.8|AUTODETECT|” ); Peter writes that Lot was tormented in his soul because of the lawless lives of the people in Sodom 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=61.2.8|AUTODETECT|” 2 Pet. 2:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.29|AUTODETECT|” ). Also the demons themselves expressed fear of being tormented by Jesus in anticipation of the appointed time of torture 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.8.29|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 8:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=41.5.7|AUTODETECT|” Mark 5:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.8.28|AUTODETECT|” Luke 8:28) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the Apocalypse, however, the verb and the noun ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 torture) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 refer to divine judgment as a consequence of sin. John compares this acute torment to that of the scorpion s sting. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The demons are given power to afflict human beings for a period of five months. The life span of locusts coincides with the length of the growing season in Israel, from April to September. Here it points to a period of a relatively short duration, for the number five in the context of the decimal system is used as a round number. There is no clear evidence that this number should be given any symbolical meaning in the N[ew] T[estasment]. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref12 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn12”
12. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ��In addition, the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 five months) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 recurs in verse 10 with the same meaning. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.3.21|AUTODETECT|” The agony that people endure when they are stricken by a scorpion is so intense that they long to die but are prevented from doing so. Job speaks of people who long for death that does not come 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.3.21|AUTODETECT|” Job 3:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.8.3|AUTODETECT|” ; see 7:15), and the Lord God speaks of the survivors of the nation Judah who will prefer death to life 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.8.3|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 8:3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Day after day they long for death to end their physical and even mental misery; instead they see that death eludes them. Worse than any wound is to wish to die and yet not be able to do so, is the lament of the Latin writer Cornelius Gallus.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref13 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn13”
13. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 These people are unable to die, not because of their inability to commit suicide but because the demons have been told not to kill them. R. C. H. Lenski perceptively writes, The idea that the unsealed, ungodly, deluded might kill themselves is foreign to the picture. It is a well-known fact that despite all their wishing to be dead, when the most painful curse of their delusion strikes them like scorpion stings, the ungodly never have the courage to commit mass suicide. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref14 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn14”
14. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The demons, lacking the power to kill, continue to vex the body and mind of the sufferers and drive them to utter despair. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.8-47.5.9|AUTODETECT|” By contrast, the followers of Christ have the seal of God on their foreheads and are safe. They have no fear of death, for even though they long to be with the Lord, they make it their goal to please him as long as they are on this earth 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.5.8-47.5.9|AUTODETECT|” 2 Cor. 5:8 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.23-50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=50.1.23-50.1.26|AUTODETECT|” Phil. 1:23 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They are protected by the Lord himself, who has given his angels charge over them. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 9:1 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 1 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 ��������� the perfect active participle of the verb ����� (I fall). The perfect tense shows action that took place in the past with lasting significance for the present, illustrated by the phrase out of the sky to the earth. In addition to the motion of falling, there is also the implied moral fall of the angel. ) ��� ������ the Hebrew text of the Old Testament uses ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 th�m) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.26|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.107.26|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 107:26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), which in the Septuagint appears as ������, which means without depth or bottomless.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref15 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn15”
15. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The adjective ������ (deep) functions as a noun because it lacks the term ���� (region); the prefix � is a privative. Apocryphal literature also mentions the Abyss as the place where Satan and his followers are kept 8 1 -1 9 0 0 1 Enoch) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 18.12 16; 21.7 10; 108.3 6). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 5�� �t ���������� this construction serves as the subject of the verb ����� (it was told [to them that]).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref16 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn16”
16. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� After the conjunction 5�� the future indicative occurs, but in some manuscripts the aorist subjunctive. The writer often uses the future indicative (see v. 5 where 5�� is followed by the future passive ���������������), which varies little from the aorist subjunctive. This causes him to write �P�� (twice) instead of ����, needed for the subjunctive. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ���������� the future tense with two other verbs 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to find) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to long) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) appears three times in verse 6 in a progressive sense: will be seeking, etc. The emphatic negative �P �� means in no way. It is impossible for them to find death. The present tense ������ (flees) is to be preferred to the future tense �������� (will flee). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. The Locusts) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 9:7 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John presents a vivid description of the locusts that must be understood in its entirety. He makes it clear that the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 locusts) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 should not be taken literally but symbolically, for these creatures ) 7 6 3 8 0 0 " have the power and grace of horses ) " appear with the intelligence of human faces ) " show charm with feminine hair but ferocity with lion s teeth ) " come with armored protection ready for battle ) " sting with the tails of scorpions ) In the words of an Arabian proverb: Locusts have the thigh of a camel, legs of an ostrich, wings of an eagle, breast of a lion, and a tail like vipers. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref17 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn17”
17. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Here is a multifaceted symbol depicting demonic creatures seeking to wage war and overpower anyone and anything in their way. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

7. And the appearance of locusts was like horses prepared for battle, and on their heads were something like crowns of gold. And their faces were like human faces, 8. and they had hair like hair of women, and their teeth were like those of lions.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.2-29.2.11|AUTODETECT|” John partially borrows the imagery from the prophecy of Joel, who compares an invasion of locusts to a mighty army that destroys everything in its path. Indeed, this prophet writes that locusts have the appearance of horses, gallop like cavalry, resound with the noise of chariots, charge like warriors, and march straight ahead 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.2-29.2.11|AUTODETECT|” Joel 2:2 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.39.20|AUTODETECT|” ). Elsewhere the horse is compared to a locust 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.39.20|AUTODETECT|” Job 39:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This is the scene of battle that locusts wage on the ground by devouring the plant world and consequently rob the food supply of humans and animals. But John uses the imagery to depict symbolically the spiritual battle that demons wage against the human race. The demons released from the pit of the Abyss and coming forth out of billows of smoke have been given terrifying destructive powers. They are ready for battle and certain of victory; that is, John employs the symbol of horses prepared for battle with something like crowns exhibiting a golden appearance to mark impending triumph. The crown of gold serves as a parody of the golden crown on the head of Jesus the Son of Man (14:14). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The locusts appear with ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 human faces) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” , indicating intelligence, sagacity, and discernment. They are demonic creatures with the mental power of rational beings to inflict untold misery on those people who rebel against their Lord and Maker 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.1.21|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 1:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). They purpose to delude the people who do not serve and worship him. They project demonic evil with a human face that is turned away from and is therefore without God. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John writes the phrases ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hair of women) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 teeth like those of lions) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to express figuratively demonic deception on the one hand and ferocious attack on the other. Female hair is pleasing to the eye; the contrast between its charm and the ferocity of the teeth is striking in its symbolism. The teeth of lions symbolize savagery and cruelty to satisfy a voracious appetite, for Satan and his demonic forces seek to entice human beings and ultimately destroy them. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Once again, John relies for this symbolism on the prophecy of Joel, A nation has invaded my land, powerful and without number; it has the teeth of a lion, the fangs of a lioness (1:6). Yet the demonic creatures in John s apocalyptic vision have not been given authority to kill but to torture unbelievers for a specified duration of five months (vv. 5, 10). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0
8. And they had breastplates like the breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the sound of many chariots with horses racing into battle.10. And they had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to harm people for five months.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.3.17|AUTODETECT|” a. They had breastplates like the breastplates of iron. These plates covered the front of ancient warriors much the same as bulletproof vests cover police officers today. An Aramaic commentary on the prophecy of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=34.3.17|AUTODETECT|” Nahum 3:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 has an expanded reading, Behold, your plates gleam like the locust. These words compare the iron breastplates of the Assyrian warriors, who were known for their inhuman cruelty, to the scaled breastplates of the locusts.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref18 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn18”

18. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The text calls attention to physical warfare, which I interpret as spiritual combat. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The figurative presentation of these demonic beings points to their invincibility. No one on earth can rise up against these evil attacks that are designed to inflict untold harm on the human race. Only those people who have the seal of God on their foreheads are able to withstand the furious attacks of these monsters. Nonetheless, not even the holiest saint on earth can destroy a fallen angel, for as immortal beings they are invulnerable to ultimate destruction and death. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.4|AUTODETECT|” b. The sound of their wings was like the sound of many chariots with horses racing into battle. John borrows his imagery from Joel s prophecy that compares the whirring sound of the wings of locusts in flight to horses that gallop along like cavalry 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=29.2.4|AUTODETECT|” Joel 2:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The thundering hooves of horses and the whirring wheels of chariots in ancient days turned the tide of battle when they outnumbered those of their opponents.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref19 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn19”
19. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Here the innumerable locusts representing demonic forces are sure of their victory. The reference to the sound of battle should be interpreted not literally but symbolically. It depicts an imminent battle that fills human hearts and souls with unspeakable dread and fear. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. And they had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to harm people for five months. The verbal picture is that of horses followed by chariots with whirring wheels to harm hapless opponents. Similarly a scorpion takes hold of its prey and then with its tail administers a poisonous strike. As the chariot is the appendage to the horse so the tail is the appurtenance of the scorpion.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref20 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn20”
20. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In slightly different wording, John repeats what he wrote in verse 5, And they were given power not to kill them, but to torture them for five months, and their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man. The sting of a scorpion usually does not kill a person but causes excruciating pain for a limited period. By repeating the same thought, John stresses the gravity of the attack. He indicates that the torment caused by demonic creatures is temporary. He mentions five months to convey a period of short duration. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

11. They had a king over them, the angel of the Abyss; his name in Hebrew was Abaddon, and in Greek Apollyon.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.27|AUTODETECT|” The meaning of the text is clear, for locusts have no king, as the writer of ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.30.27|AUTODETECT|” Proverbs 30:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 notes. But demons pay allegiance to Satan, whom Jesus calls prince of this world and whom Paul identifies as ruler of the kingdom of the air. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref21 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn21”

21. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Here the angel is either Satan or a demonic figure who represents the devil. He is called the destroyer in both Hebrew and Greek. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The New Testament assigns many names to Satan: devil, tempter, enemy, adversary, serpent, dragon, deceiver, accuser, evil one, Beelzebub, Belial, Apollyon.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref22 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn22”
22. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The Hebrew name ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Abaddon) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 and the Greek name ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Apollyon) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.26.6|AUTODETECT|” mean the same thing: Destroyer 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.26.6|AUTODETECT|” Job 26:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.28.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.28.22|AUTODETECT|” 28:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.88.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.88.11|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 88:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.15.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=20.15.11|AUTODETECT|” Prov. 15:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.10|AUTODETECT|” ). Satan appointed himself as ruler; here he either functions as king over demons or he has delegated an underling to be called king and destroyer. The evil one rules all those people who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads; they are called children of the devil 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.3.10|AUTODETECT|” 1 John 3:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). This demonic figure called Destroyer is the exact opposite of the one who is called Savior. Why John used both the Hebrew name and the Greek name is difficult in determine. Some scholars say that he wrote the name Apollyon as a variation of the god Apollo, whose symbol was a locust. There maybe a punning dig at claims of Nero and Domitian to be incarnations of Apollo. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref23 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn23”
23. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� However, it is more prudent to assert that John s focus is on the spiritual destroyer, Satan or his minion, than on a veiled reference to an earthly despot, Nero or Domitian. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0

12. The first woe has come. Look, still two more come after these things.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 John states that there are three woes, of which the first two are explained in this chapter. That is, the first woe relates to the locusts that have come to torment the people (vv. 1 11), and the second woe comprises the rest of chapter 9. I interpret 10:1 11:13 as a parenthesis, so that the text of 11:14 marks the conclusion of the second woe, The second woe has come. Then John writes that the third woe is coming soon. ) The three woes succeed one another in increasing intensity: the first woe follows the sounding of the fifth trumpet. It relates the release of demonic forces that are empowered to harm but not to kill for a specified duration. The second woe occurs when the sixth trumpet is blown.

It reports that four angels are released to kill a third of the human race by fire, smoke, and sulfur. The calamities that occur are designed to bring the human race to repentance and faith in God; they call the people to change their sinful ways by turning back to God. These two woes also instruct the saints to observe the signs of the time, for the end is imminent. The third woe introduces God s judgment of the dead (11:15b 19). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 9:7 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.14|AUTODETECT|” a� �������� E����� ����� notice the words that indicate an approximation to the real thing: something like (a�), and similar to (E�����). The demonic forces exhibit imitation crowns, gold, and human faces. In the same way, Paul speaks of masquerades that Satan uses to deceive the people 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.11.14|AUTODETECT|” 2 Cor. 11:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verses 8 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ��v �6��� the imperfect tense at the beginning of both verses is descriptive: they had. The imperfect is here a sort of moving panorama. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref24 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn24” 24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Nonetheless, the next two verses (vv. 10, 11) have the present tense ������. The present tense is used to elicit vividness in the writer s description. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 �P�p� A����� ��������� ��v ������ this is a telescoped sentence that with supplied brackets reads tails like [tails] of scorpions and stings [like stings of scorpions]. ) ��z� �������� the noun with definite article is not contrasted to angels or animals but refers to humanity in general. Throughout the Apocalypse the term conveys a universalistic sense (e.g., 8:11; 9:6, 10, 15, 18, 20).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref25 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn25” 25) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ������� this noun without the definite article is the direct object of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to have) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . Although the translation is they have a king, the lack of the definite article may indicate the absoluteness of this office, namely, king of demons. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 ���p ����� should these words with or without the conjunction ��� form the beginning of verse 13, as is evidenced in a number of minuscule manuscripts? The harder reading places these two words at the end of verse 12 and is adopted, even though John nearly always places them at the beginning of a sentence.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref26 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn26” 26) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 7. The Sixth Trumpet) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 9:13 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The calamities affecting the world and the human race increase in intensity with the sounding of each successive blowing of a trumpet. In this segment, John reveals that a war will take place that has no parallel in the annals of human history. Calls for repentance go unheeded and God s revelation is deliberately rejected, so that a terrifying war ravages mankind as an outcome of divine wrath. The difference between earlier world wars and this one is the magnitude with which hellish forces are unleashed and go unchecked. The powers of darkness rule supreme without any hindrance; they annihilate a third of the world s population. Demons inspire people to destroy fellow human beings with the most horrible weaponry at their disposal.

Treaties and conventions that have served as barriers are ignored. This is God s judgment on a world that has abandoned him and his Word. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 a. A Divine Command) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 9:13 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 13. And the sixth angel blew the trumpet. And I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar before God, 14. saying to the sixth angel, the one holding the trumpet, Set free the four angels that are bound at the great river Euphrates. ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 a. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Observations.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Foremost, we see the parallel of the sixth angel blowing the trumpet to release four angels at the great river Euphrates and the sixth angel pouring out his bowl on the great river Euphrates (16:12). In addition, as the sixth trumpet reaches the climax of afflictions, so the opening of the sixth seal proved to be climactic (6:12 17). Here is explicit evidence of the parallelism that pervades the entire Apocalypse. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Next, some translations add the number ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 four) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 as a qualifier of horns in the first part of the second sentence: the horns of the golden altar. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref27 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn27” 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The addition of this number may be attributed to the parallel in the expression four angels (v. 14), or a scribe may have accidentally omitted it. Greek manuscripts are equally divided on this matter, so the choice is arbitrary; its inclusion or exclusion does not affect the message of the text.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref28 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn28” 28) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 2 3 8 0 0 Last, the voice that speaks from the golden altar to the sixth angel blowing the trumpet is an answer to the prayers the saints in heaven and on earth have presented to God (6:9 10; 8:3 5). None of the other angels with trumpets receives such a direct communication from the presence of God himself. ) b. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Interpretation.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 And I heard a voice from the horns of the golden altar before God. Even though John mentions God s name, he notes that the sound is coming from the altar, namely, the very presence of God. Thus, he avoids referring to God but reverently says that the voice originates from the golden altar. John used a similar method of indirect identification for Jesus when he called him the voice like a trumpet (1:10). And in 6:6 the voice coming from the midst of the four living creatures appears to be the voice of either the Lamb or God (compare 10:4, 8; 11:12). Swete comments that the voice is that of either the angel with the golden censer or represents the prayers of the saints (8:4 5).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref29 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn29” 29) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� Yet all the prayers of the saints come together before the Lord, who now responds to them with one voice. Is this the voice of an angel or of God? ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.53|AUTODETECT|” Jewish tradition taught that an angel served God as an intermediary in conveying his word. Stephen, Paul, and the writer of Hebrews circumscribe the voice of God that utters the Ten Commandments at Mount Sinai; they state that the Law was given by angels 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=44.7.53|AUTODETECT|” Acts 7:53) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.3.19|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 3:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 2:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref30 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn30” 30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1|AUTODETECT|” �� Nevertheless, the introduction to the Decalogue reads, And God spoke all these words 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.1|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). We surmise that John likewise circumscribes the voice of God by leaving the impression that an angel spoke on God s behalf. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.1-2.30.6|AUTODETECT|” The horns of the altar are not those of the altar outside the tabernacle or temple but of the altar of incense in front of the Most Holy Place. This altar was overlaid with gold 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.30.1-2.30.6|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 30:1 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.37.25-2.37.28|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.37.25-2.37.28|AUTODETECT|” 37:25 28) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.25.9|AUTODETECT|” ). It was constructed according to the heavenly pattern Moses received from God on Mount Sinai 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.25.9|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 25:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.25.40|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.25.40|AUTODETECT|” 40) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.5|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=58.8.5|AUTODETECT|” Heb. 8:5) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the Apocalypse, this altar serves as a place where the saints slain for the word of God plead with their sovereign Lord to avenge their blood (6:9 10). From this altar the smoke of incense mingled with the prayers of the saints rises up to God (8:4), and from this altar commands are given to commence the harvest that ushers in the end of the age (14:18 19). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 c. ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Instruction.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [The voice was] saying to the sixth angel, the one holding the trumpet, Set free the four angels that are bound at the great river Euphrates. The sixth angel receives a command to release four angels. There is no indication that these four angels should be linked to those standing at the four corners of the earth (7:1). Here the angels are bound at the great river Euphrates, but in 7:1 the four angels hold the four winds of the earth. We face the question of whether the angels that are bound are good or evil.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref31 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn31” 31) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� We read that they are to be set loose, so that the plagues God has ordained to punish the godless may take effect. The fact that they ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 are bound) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.6|AUTODETECT|” , which in the Greek is in the perfect tense to denote a lapse of time, signifies evil angels 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=65.1.6|AUTODETECT|” Jude 6) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). When they are released, the plagues that they have held in check are set in motion: the plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that will kill a third part of the human race (v. 18). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the great river Euphrates) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 occurs several times in the Old Testament.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref32 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn32” 32) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.4.21|AUTODETECT|” �� It marked the boundary of the Promised Land that was not realized until the reign of King Solomon 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.4.21|AUTODETECT|” 1 Kings 4:21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In another century, it marked the eastern limit of the Roman empire. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.8-19.72.9|AUTODETECT|” Nevertheless, when the name Euphrates occurs in a chapter filled with symbolism, it is wise to affirm that next to a literal reading there is room for a figurative version. The name marks the boundary between good and evil, between the kingdom of God and that of Satan. The psalmist notes that the messianic kingdom fulfilled in Christ extends from the river Euphrates to the ends of the earth. And the effect of his rule makes the desert tribes to bow before him 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.72.8-19.72.9|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 72:8 9) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Even the nations Assyria and Babylonia, which in the Old Testament era were the enemies of God s people, are subject to Christ. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.7-23.8.8|AUTODETECT|” The text reveals that when the four angels are released at the great river Euphrates, all hell breaks loose in a worldwide war. In Old Testament times, God used this river figuratively to overrun the land of his people with their enemies 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.8.7-23.8.8|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 8:7 8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref33 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn33” 33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.14|AUTODETECT|” �� He now commands the sixth angel to set free the four angels which have been bound and thus rendered unable to stop the march of the gospel 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.14|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.22|AUTODETECT|” ) When the moment comes for their release, evil forces are loosed against a world that has forsaken God and his Word. We can be sure that the forces of the Antichrist are also pitted against the citizens of the kingdom of heaven, even though they bear God s seal and receive his spiritual protection (vv. 4 5). Jesus said that if the days of great distress were not shortened, no one would survive. But for the sake of the elect those days will be shortened 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.24.22|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 24:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 15. And the four angels were set free, they who were prepared for the hour, day, month, and year to kill a third of the people. 16. And the number of the horsemen was two hundred million. I heard their number.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The passive construction of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to set free) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 means that God is the agent who commands the release of these four angels. The number four signifies worldwide impact, as is evident from the destruction that these angels induce: a third part of the world s population perishes. This is a picture of a war that encompasses the entire world as it faces God s judgment. All along God had kept in check the forces of global destruction of humanity, albeit he had sent calamities on a third of the earth, trees, the creatures of the sea, the ships, the waters, and the heavenly bodies (8:7 12). He also increases the intensity of his judgments. Following the opening of the fourth seal, Death and Hades are given authority over ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the fourth part) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 of the earth to kill with a sword, and famine, and disease, and by the wild beasts of the earth (6:8, emphasis added). But now we read that a third part of the earth s population is slain. To be precise, after the plagues that affect a third of creation, God releases a plague on ungodly people. This scourge is so severe that these people long to die but cannot because death slips away from them. Then as a result of the next plague a third of mankind perishes. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 God releases four angels who were ready and equipped with instruments to execute their horrifying task. John even mentions the exact time for which they have been prepared: ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 the hour, day, month, and year) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . This means that God determines the exact moment and extent of the chastisement he metes out on one third of the human race. He sets the very hour of the plague. He also makes it known that this devastation on humanity is not for a fleeting moment but will last for the duration he has decided in his wisdom. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 A global war breaks out in which both the godly and ungodly are involved to the point that one third of the world s inhabitants die. God uses war as an instrument to warn the ungodly to repent, yet countless multitudes refuse to heed God s warning. John writes, And the rest of the people, those who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent (v. 20). He depicts warfare in terms of his day with horsemen, namely, troops of cavalry.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref34 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn34” 34) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� He specifies that their number is two hundred million; and he adds that he heard this number mentioned. In other words, it came to him from an outside source and not necessarily from seeing them (v. 17). John describes the number of angels as myriads of myriads and thousands of thousands (5:11), which amounts to an incalculable number. Similarly, 200 million (200 x 1000 x 1000) is an overwhelmingly large number of troops amassed against humanity. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref35 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn35” 35) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.17|AUTODETECT|” The Old Testament speaks of God s heavenly hosts of angels as numbering tens of thousands and thousands of thousands 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.68.17|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 68:17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.10|AUTODETECT|” ; and see ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.10|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 7:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). In the Old Testament passages, the subject is God s angels, but here it is mounted troops. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 9:13 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 3 3 8 0 0 ���t� ���� the number one is best translated as an indefinite article (see 8:13; 18:21; 19:17), yet the singleness of the voice that speaks in answer to the multiplicity of prayers (8:3) should not be minimized. ) ��� & ��� & ��� with the triple use of the definite article preceding three nouns, John seems to indicate that the voice comes from the very presence of God (8:3 also features the definite article �� three times). ) �� with the dative case, this preposition has a locative meaning, at the great river. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �0� �t� e��� the preposition governs the accusative case of the four successive nouns (e���, !�����, ����, �������). One definite article precedes all four nouns to indicate one group of nouns specifying a moment in time. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 $����� followed by the accusative case �x� ������ denotes that John both heard and understood the significance of the number. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 b. A Descriptive Vision) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 9:17 19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 In the preceding section, John describes what he heard: the sound of a trumpet blown by an angel; a voice coming from the golden altar; the command to release four angels; and the number of the mounted troops. Now he describes in detail what he saw: the color of breastplates; the appearance of the horses; the killing of a third of humanity; and the power of these horses. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 17. And thus in my vision I saw the horses and their riders. They had breastplates that were colored as fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow. The heads of the horses were like heads of lions, and out of their mouths came forth fire, and smoke and sulfur.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.2|AUTODETECT|” Steeped in the Old Testament, John writes, In my vision I saw, employing vocabulary taken from ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.7.2|AUTODETECT|” Daniel 7:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.8.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.8.2|AUTODETECT|” 8:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . He uses this phrase only here in the Apocalypse apparently to stress the contrast between having heard the number of the riders on horses and now seeing them.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref36 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn36” 36) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� He wishes to convey a full account of what he heard and saw, because the multitude of horsemen portended nothing but fear and terror to an unrepentant world. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John writes that they had breastplates that were colored as fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref37 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn37” 37) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The sequence of the Greek text indicates that the description of breastplates qualifies the riders and not the horses, even though in ancient warfare horses at times were also shielded with metal armor in the form of links and plates. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The colors of these breastplates are illustrative: red refers to fire, blue to the hyacinth plant, and yellow to sulfur. The Septuagint mentions the expression ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 hyacinth) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.26.1|AUTODETECT|” in connection with a dye that was used to give a blue color to fine linen and the curtain of the tabernacle 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.26.1|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 26:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.27.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.27.16|AUTODETECT|” 27:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.28.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.28.8|AUTODETECT|” 28:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Swete notes that the expression doubtless meant to describe the blue smoke of a sulfurous flame. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref38 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn38” 38) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The descriptions match the fire, smoke, and sulfur in the next line and are repeated in connection with the three plagues (v. 18). ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 After describing the riders, the author writes about the heads and mouths of the horses: The heads of the horses were like heads of lions, and out of their mouths came forth fire, and smoke and sulfur. Comparing the horses heads to those of lions, John depicts ferocious destructiveness. The description of fire, smoke, and sulfur coming forth from their mouths fits the ancient stories of dragons spewing forth fire. The flow of these three elements is portrayed as one continuous stream of devastation. This picture evokes terror and represents evil stalking the globe with brute force. The horses and their riders are controlled by demonic beings that are bent on causing death and destruction. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 18. As a result of these three plagues a third part of mankind was killed by the fire, smoke, and sulfur that came out of their mouths. 19. For the power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails, and their tails were like snakes. They had heads and with them they inflict harm.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 Here is an interesting poetic layout of verses 17b and 18 in a chiastic arrangement:��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref39 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn39” 39) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) -60 3 2 0 2 0

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T.BorderStyle rvtbColorT.BorderVSpacingT.BorderHSpacingT.VisibleBorders.Bottom T.CellPaddingT.CellBorderStyle rvtbColorT.CellVSpacing�T.CellHSpacing�C TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 A) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data VR-8 1 3 2 10 1 3 8 0 0 17b) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 from their mouths) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data /+-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 proceeded) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 C) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data OK-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 fire and smoke and sulfur) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 D) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data TP-8 1 3 2 10 1 3 8 0 0 18a) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 From these three) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data SO-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 plagues a third of humanity) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 3/-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 was killed,) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 C�) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data b^-8 1 3 2 10 1 3 8 0 0 18b) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 from the fire and smoke) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data -8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 ) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data 1–8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 and sulfur) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 B�) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ;7-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 which proceeded) TDc.BestWidthc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data !-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 A�) TDc.BestWidthZc.VisibleBorders.Leftc.VisibleBorders.Rightc.VisibleBorders.Topc.VisibleBorders.Bottomc.VAlign rvcMiddlec.Data ?;-8 1 3 2 7 1 3 8 0 0 from their mouths) 7 1 3 8 0 0 John enumerates the three plagues that destroy a third of the human race (v. 15); they are ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 fire, smoke, and sulfur) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 discharging from the mouths of devilish monsters. These three natural elements are symbols that represent war, desolation, and destruction. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 First, the Old Testament teaches that fire refers to war, for burning a city with fire was a basic principle of ancient total warfare. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref40 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn40” 40) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.40|AUTODETECT|” Next, the fire of warfare includes the smoke that obscures the light of the sun, pollutes the air, and suffocates every being that has breath. In the Old Testament, smoke is a manifestation of God s fierce wrath directed against his enemies 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.40|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 20:40) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.22.9|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.22.9|AUTODETECT|” 2) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=10.22.9|AUTODETECT|” Sam. 22:9) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.18.8|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 18:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.27|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 30:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Last, sulfur, also known as brimstone, in Scripture represents God s punishment of the wicked, as is clearly seen in the destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.19.24|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 19:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref41 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn41” 41) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� When deposits of sulfur begin to burn, toxic gasses are released, especially in volcanic eruptions. A combination of hot lava and burning sulfur results in painful agony and death for all those in its destructive path.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref42 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn42” 42) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The writer relates that the power to kill human beings resides in both the front and the back of the horses, that is, in their mouths and tails (compare v. 10). Their mouths figuratively spew forth fire, smoke, and sulfur, while their tails resemble snakes that bite. John does not say that the riders of these horses kill human beings, but that the horses have that power. The text, then, is highly symbolic, so that we have to think in terms of demonic forces that are given authority to kill God s adversaries. With both heads and tails, these demons inflict untold harm. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 c. Refusing to Repent) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 9:20 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 20. And the rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent from the works of their hands or stop worshiping the demons and the idols made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood. These idols are not able to see, hear, and walk.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 These two verses serve as a brief summary of the catastrophes God has sent, including calamities in both nature and warfare. The word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 plagues) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 in the Greek text conveys the sense of God administering blows. Even though plagues destroy a third of the world s inhabitants, survivors appear to become inured to the repeated calamities. If terms like ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 tidal wave, earthquake, genocide) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , and ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ethnic cleansing) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 become common expressions, the population at large begins to take them in stride and refuses to consider the impact and message they convey. God uses these disasters to call human beings to their senses and does not limit adversities to those resulting from armed conflict. ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 These concluding verses relate not to God s people but rather to unrepentant sinners. This passage, therefore, emphasizes not adversities but recalcitrant unbelievers. In spite of the traumatic loss of life, the rest of humanity refused to repent from the works of their hands. This is not because God had not given them time and reason for repentance. For example, Jesus told the church of Thyatira that he had given the prophetess Jezebel time to repent, but she does not want to repent from her fornication (2:21). Likewise the people on whom God s wrath was poured out cursed God s name and refused to repent (16:9, 10). God employed plagues to cause people to change their ways and convert; instead they repudiated him. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.16|AUTODETECT|” What are the works of their hands that the unbelievers refused to abandon? They are worthless handmade idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.1.16|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 1:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.16.19-24.16.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.16.19-24.16.20|AUTODETECT|” 16:19 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.23|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=27.5.23|AUTODETECT|” Dan. 5:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.5.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=33.5.13|AUTODETECT|” Mic. 5:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” ). Westerners do not typically worship images of the Buddha or other gods, but the idols of material possessions, especially money 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=40.6.24|AUTODETECT|” Matt. 6:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.16.13|AUTODETECT|” Luke 16:13) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ), are omnipresent as visual images of false gods. The psalmists eloquently attest to the impotence of false gods: ) 7 7 3 8 0 0 They have mouths, but cannot speak, ) eyes but they cannot see; ) they have ears, but cannot hear, ) noses, but they cannot smell; ) they have hands, but cannot feel, ) feet, but they cannot walk; ) nor can they utter a sound with their throats. ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.115.5-19.115.7|AUTODETECT|” 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.115.5-19.115.7|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 115:5 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ; see also 135:15 17) ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.16-5.32.17|AUTODETECT|” Paul notes that to worship idols is the equivalent of worshiping demons. Idols embody the concept of worshiping demons that demand unquestionable devotion. The Song of Moses records these words about Israel s relation to God: They made him jealous with their foreign gods and angered him with their detestable idols. They sacrificed to demons, which are not God 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.32.16-5.32.17|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 32:16 17) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.20|AUTODETECT|” a). An idol made of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood is and remains a dead object, but demons persuade people to worship it 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=46.10.20|AUTODETECT|” 1 Cor. 10:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). Hence, presenting homage to an idol is the same as professing allegiance to demons, and demons promote not the well-being of their devotees but their destruction. They induce the idolaters to transgress God s commandments. ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 21. And they repented not from their murders, their witchcraft, their fornication, and their thefts.) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.3-2.20.4|AUTODETECT|” Idolaters daily witnessed death and destruction as reminders that penalties inevitably follow the transgressing of divine commandments. In a direct affront to God, they served idols. They committed murder, witchcraft, adultery, and theft sins perpetrated against society. These sins violate the Decalogue: not to serve other gods and make idols; not to kill; not to commit adultery and fornication; and not to steal 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.3-2.20.4|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 20:3 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.13-2.20.15|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.20.13-2.20.15|AUTODETECT|” 13 15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.10-5.18.12|AUTODETECT|” ). Throughout the Old and New Testaments, idolatry is mentioned repeatedly because it replaces the worship of God. Related to idolatry is the sin of magic spells and witchcraft, which are an abomination to the Lord God 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.18.10-5.18.12|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 18:10 12) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.22.18|AUTODETECT|” ). Indeed, God instructed Moses to put to death those who consulted soothsayers and those who practiced witchcraft 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=2.22.18|AUTODETECT|” Exod. 22:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.6|AUTODETECT|” Lev. 20:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.27|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=3.20.27|AUTODETECT|” 27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.20|AUTODETECT|” ). Paul combines idolatry and witchcraft as works of the flesh 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). And John lists sorcerers, fornicators, murderers, and idolaters among those who are consigned to everlasting doom (21:8; 22:15).��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref43 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn43” 43) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 The people refused to repent and thus at the Judgment Day must take full responsibility for their deeds. Six trumpets, blown as warning signs of impending judgment, are designed to call sinners to repentance, conversion, and a new life. But when hardened sinners ignore the trumpet calls, they will be unable to blame anyone but themselves.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref44 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn44” 44) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The six trumpet sounds are preludes to the seventh, which records the song of the twenty-four elders representing the countless saints: ) 7 6 3 8 0 0 And the time has come to judge the dead ) and to reward your servants the prophets, ) and the saints and those who fear your name, ) the small and the great, ) and to destroy those who are destroying the ) earth. (11:18) ) 6 1 3 8 0 0 Greek Words, Phrases, and Constructions in 9:20 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 5�� �� these particles introduce the idea of conceived result. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref45 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn45” 45) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� That is, if the people had repented, the result would have been a renouncing of the worship of demons and idols. The future �������������� takes the place of the subjunctive, which is common in the Apocalypse. ) 8 1 3 8 0 0 Verse 21) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) 7 1 3 8 0 0 �������� magic potion, charm. ��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref46 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn46” 46) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.20|AUTODETECT|” �� The fact that this noun occurs only here suggests that it is the original reading. Copyists would be more inclined to change it to the noun ��������� 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=48.5.20|AUTODETECT|” Gal. 5:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ) than to let it stand.��) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftnref47 9 1 -1 9 0 “#_ftn47” 47) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 �� The derivative ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 pharmacy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is a link to the concept of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 drugs that induce magic spells) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn1 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref1” 1 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 S. Greijdanus, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 De Openbaring des Heeren aan Johannes) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , KNT (Amsterdam: Van Bottenburg, 1925), p. 194. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn2 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref2” 2 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Homer Hailey, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation: An Introduction and Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), p. 225. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn3 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref3” 3 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See Robert H. Mounce, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , rev. ed., NICNT (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998), p. 185. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn4 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref4” 4 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Herman Hoeksema, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Behold, He Cometh! An Exposition of the Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Reformed Free Publishing Association, 1969), p. 312; Henry Barclay Swete, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1911; reprint, Grand Rapids: Kregel, 1977), p. 114; Henry Alford, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 James-Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , vol. 4, part 2 of ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Alford s Greek Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1875; reprint, Grand Rapids: Guardian, 1976), pp. 639 40; William Hendriksen, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1982), p. 120; Hailey, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 225. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn5 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref5” 5 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Some scholars interpret the star to be a good angel in harmony with 10:1; 18:1; and 20:1. But Gregory K. Beale 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation: A Commentary on the Greek Text) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NIGTC [Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1998], p. 492) aptly observes that no scholar has adduced one example where a fallen star metaphor is applied to a good angel. See also Otto B�cher, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 EDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:4; and consult Hans Bietenhard, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:205; Joachim Jeremias, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 TDNT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:9 10. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn6 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref6” 6 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.12-5.30.13|AUTODETECT|” By quoting ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.30.12-5.30.13|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 30:12 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.6-45.10.7|AUTODETECT|” , Paul contrasts heaven and its counterpart: Who will ascend into heavens? & Who will descend into the deep? 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=45.10.6-45.10.7|AUTODETECT|” Rom. 10:6 7) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 ). The ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 deep) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is another word for Hades. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn7 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.1|AUTODETECT|” 7 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.1|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 9:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.2|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.2|AUTODETECT|” 2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.11|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.11|AUTODETECT|” 11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.11.7|AUTODETECT|” 11:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.17.8|AUTODETECT|” 17:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.1|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.1|AUTODETECT|” 20:1) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.3|AUTODETECT|” 3) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn8 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref8” 8 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 James L. Resseguie, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation Unsealed: A Narrative Critical Approach to John s Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , BIS 32 (Leiden: Brill, 1998), p. 89. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn9 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref9” 9 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 The Greek verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 edoth) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (was given) occurs numerous times in Revelation (e.g., 6:2, 4 [twice], 8, 11; 7:2; 8:3; 9:3, 5). The passive voice generally implies divine agency. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn10 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref10” 10 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Swete, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 116; Philip Edgcumbe Hughes, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of the Revelation: A Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Leicester: Inter-Varsity; Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1990), p. 109. David E. Aune 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , WBC 52B [Nashville: Nelson, 1998], p. 527) adds that scorpions, in this case demonic locusts, are able to intimidate and terrorize their victims. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn11 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref11” 11 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hendriksen, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 More Than Conquerors) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 120. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn12 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref12” 12 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Colin J. Hemer, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:689 90. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn13 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref13” 13 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 With thanks to William Barclay, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1960), 2:62. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn14 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref14” 14 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R. C. H. Lenski, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Interpretation of St. John s Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Columbus: Wartburg, 1943), p. 292. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn15 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref15” 15 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Thayer, p. 2. Also see Robert L. Thomas, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22: An Exegetical Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Chicago: Moody, 1995), p. 28. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn16 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref16” 16 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 A. T. Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammar of the Greek New Testament in the Light of Historical Research) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Nashville: Broadman, 1934), p. 992. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn17 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref17” 17 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 R. H. Charles, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Critical and Exegetical Commentary on the Revelation of St. John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , ICC (Edinburgh: Clark, 1920), 1:244. Mounce 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 189) presents a variation of this proverb: The locust has the head like a horse, a breast like a lion, feel like a camel, body like a serpent, and antennae like the hair of a maiden. See also Isbon T. Beckwith, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Apocalypse of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (1919; reprint, Grand Rapids: Baker, 1979), p. 562; G. R. Beasley-Murray, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Book of Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , NCB (London Oliphants, 1974), p. 162. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn18 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref18” 18 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert P. Gordon, Loricate Locusts in the Targum to Nahum iii 17 and Revelation ix 9, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Vetus Testamentum) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 33 (1983): 338 39. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn19 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref19” 19 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Luther Poellot, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation: The Last Book in the Bible) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (St. Louis: Concordia, 1962), p. 127. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn20 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref20” 20 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Alford 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 643) bases this observation on the genitives in verse 9, which literally reads, a sound ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 of) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 chariots ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 of) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 many horses (i.e., the chariots are viewed as extensions of the horses). ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn21 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” 21 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=49.2.2|AUTODETECT|” Eph. 2:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” ; see also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.12.31|AUTODETECT|” John 12:31) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.30|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.14.30|AUTODETECT|” 14:30) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.11|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=43.16.11|AUTODETECT|” 16:11) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” 2) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=47.4.4|AUTODETECT|” Cor. 4:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.4|AUTODETECT|”

1. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.4.4|AUTODETECT|” John 4:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=62.5.19|AUTODETECT|” 5:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn22 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref22” 22 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Compare Daniel P. Fuller, Satan, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ISBE) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 4:342; Hughes, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 111 Swete 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 120) observes, It is unnecessary to enquire whether by Abaddon, the Destroyer, the Seer means Death or Satan. And see Thomas, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 38. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn23 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref23” 23 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 John P. M. Sweet, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , WPC (Philadelphia: Westminster, 1979), p. 170; refer also to Aune, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 535; Beasley-Murray, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 162; Wilfrid J. Harrington, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , SP 16 (Collegeville, Minn.: Liturgical Press, 1993), p. 110. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn24 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref24” 24 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 883. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn25 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref25” 25 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Richard Bauckham, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 The Climax of Prophecy) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Edinburgh: Clark, 1993), p. 311. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn26 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref26” 26 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 For a detailed discussion see Bruce M. Metzger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Textual Commentary on the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2d ed. (Stuttgart: Deutsche Bibelgesellschaft, 1994), pp. 669 70. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn27 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref27” 27 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 NCV, NEB, NIV, REB, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Peterson) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . See also the commentaries of Thomas, Lenski, Harrington, Beckwith. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn28 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref28” 28 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Metzger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Textual Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 670. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn29 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref29” 29 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Swete, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 120. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn30 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref30” 30 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 SB, 3:554 56; Greijdanus 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Openbaring) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 205) writes that the speaker is of the masculine gender as the participle ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 legonta) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 shows and therefore refers to God. But the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 angelos) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 is also of the masculine gender. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn31 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref31” 31 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Alford 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 645) comments that the question of good or bad angels does not enter in any way into consideration. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn32 9 1 3 8 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.18|AUTODETECT|” 32 ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.15.18|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 15:18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.1.7|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 1:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=6.1.4|AUTODETECT|” Josh. 1:4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.14|AUTODETECT|” . See also ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=1.2.14|AUTODETECT|” Gen. 2:14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.24|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.11.24|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 11:24) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.12|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.16.12|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 16:12) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn33 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref33” 33 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 George Eldon Ladd, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Commentary on the Revelation of John) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Eerdmans, 1972), p. 136; compare Lenski, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 302, who does not call the Euphrates a geographical river or place but the fountain of world dominance. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn34 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref34” 34 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 380. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn35 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref35” 35 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Resseguie, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation Unsealed) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 61. Bauer (p. 199) interprets it as an indefinite number of incalculable immensity. Ladd 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 137) observes, It is difficult to believe that a literal number is intended. But in their respective commentaries, Thomas (p. 46) pleads for an exact number, and Walvoord (p. 166) notes that the literal interpretation is not impossible. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn36 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref36” 36 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Charles 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 1:252) calls the last clause in verse 16 and the first clause in verse 17 a confused gloss. However, Greek manuscripts lend no support to this assertion. Beckwith 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Apocalypse) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , pp. 567 68) calls the addition of the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 I saw) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 superfluous. But Aramaic idiom demands the verb ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 to see) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , in, for instance, I lifted up my eyes and saw. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn37 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref37” 37 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 See the NKJV, NJB, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Cassirer) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . MLB, RSV, and NRSV use the word ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 sapphire) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 to describe the blue tint. Likewise M. Robert Mulholland Jr., ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation: Holy Living in an Unholy World) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Zondervan, Frances Asbury Press, 1990), p. 198. And William Barclay 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Letters to the Seven Churches) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 [London: SCM, 1957], 2:65) calls it smoky blue. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn38 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref38” 38 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Swete, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 123. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn39 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref39” 39 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 With thanks to Aune, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 6 16) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 540. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn40 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref40” 40 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Harold Van Broekhoven Jr., ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 ISBE) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.1.8|AUTODETECT|” 2:305. Consult ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.1.8|AUTODETECT|” Judg. 1:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.9.49|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.9.49|AUTODETECT|” 9:49) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.18.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.18.27|AUTODETECT|” 18:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.48|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=7.20.48|AUTODETECT|” 20:48) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.30.1-9.30.4|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=9.30.1-9.30.4|AUTODETECT|”
2. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=9.30.1-9.30.4|AUTODETECT|” Sam 30:1 4) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.9.16|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=11.9.16|AUTODETECT|”
3. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=11.9.16|AUTODETECT|” Kings 9:16) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.36.19|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=14.36.19|AUTODETECT|”
4. 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=14.36.19|AUTODETECT|” Chron. 36:19) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.17.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.17.27|AUTODETECT|” Jer. 17:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.21.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.21.10|AUTODETECT|” 21:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.7|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.22.7|AUTODETECT|” 22:7) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.32.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.32.29|AUTODETECT|” 32:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.43.12-24.43.13|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.43.12-24.43.13|AUTODETECT|” 43:12 13) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.49.27|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=24.49.27|AUTODETECT|” 49:27) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.1.4-30.1.14|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.1.4-30.1.14|AUTODETECT|” Amos 1:4 14) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.2.2|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.2.2|AUTODETECT|” 2:2) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=30.2.5|AUTODETECT|” , ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.*?id=30.2.5|AUTODETECT|”
5. 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn41 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref41” 41 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.23|AUTODETECT|” See ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=5.29.23|AUTODETECT|” Deut. 29:23) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.18.15|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=18.18.15|AUTODETECT|” Job 18:15) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.11.6|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=19.11.6|AUTODETECT|” Ps. 11:6) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.33|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=23.30.33|AUTODETECT|” Isa. 30:33) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.38.22|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=26.38.22|AUTODETECT|” Ezek. 38:22) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.29|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=42.17.29|AUTODETECT|” Luke 17:29) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.17-66.9.18|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.9.17-66.9.18|AUTODETECT|” Rev. 9:17 18) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.14.10|AUTODETECT|” 14:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.20|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.19.20|AUTODETECT|” 19:20) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.20.10|AUTODETECT|” 20:10) 7 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.8|AUTODETECT|” ; ) 12 1 -1 9 0 “tw://bible.?id=66.21.8|AUTODETECT|” 21:8) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 . ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn42 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref42” 42 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Hoeksema 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Behold, He Cometh!) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 pp. 328 30) interprets fire, smoke, and sulfur as symbols of war, famine, and pestilence respectively. He links fire to the second horseman representing war; smoke to the third horseman; and sulfur to the fourth horseman (6:3 8). However, from Scripture it is difficult to prove that smoke represents famine. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn43 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref43” 43 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Consult Thomas, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation 8 22) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 54. See also J. Stafford Wright 8 1 -1 9 0 0 NIDNTT) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , 2:558), who comments that there has always been a magical tradition of herbs gathered and prepared for spells, and also for encouraging the presence of spirits at magical ceremonies. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn44 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref44” 44 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Beale 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Revelation) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 518) states that God s warning to the remaining unbelievers is not to accomplish actual repentance among the majority, since they did not have it in them, so to speak, to repent. Instead God demonstrates his sovereignty and his justice. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn45 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref45” 45 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Robert Hanna, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 A Grammatical Aid to the Greek New Testament) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 (Grand Rapids: Baker, 1983), p. 449; Robertson, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Grammar) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 998. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn46 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref46” 46 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Bauer, p. 854. ) -2 1 0 0 0 0 0 0 _ftn47 9 1 3 8 0 “#_ftnref47” 47 ) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 Metzger, ) 8 1 -1 9 0 0 Textual Commentary) 7 1 -1 9 0 0 , p. 670.)