9:1 fallen from heaven to the earth Stars are sometimes associated with angels (1:20). This figure may be the angel in v. 11 who is given charge over the abyss. The concept of a fallen star may suggest that the figure is Satan or one of his fallen angels (compare Luke 10:18; Rev 12:9).

key Symbolizes authority (see 1:18 and note).

the abyss Where demons and fallen angels were thought to be kept—the underworld (see 2 Pet 2:4 and note; Jude 6; compare the ancient Jewish work of 1 Enoch 90:22–27).

9:2 smoke went up from the shaft May reflect the notion of the underworld as a place of burning and judgment (e.g., Mark 9:47–48). Smoke could also be figurative, describing the appearance of the locusts hurrying out of the abyss.

9:3 locusts Echoes Exod 10:12–15. The imagery of locusts is used in the ot for invading armies (e.g., Jer 51:27; Nah 3:15).

power was given to them They have been commissioned as agents of judgment and wrath—possibly referring to their ability to inflict pain (see Rev 9:5, 10).

9:4 the grass of the earth The normal food of locusts. This deviation in diet may suggest that the creatures in view here are not actual locusts (see note on v. 3).

the seal of God on their foreheads See 7:2 and note.

9:5 it was granted to them The passive voice indicates that their authority to act comes from someone else (God).

five months The lifespan of locusts, which hatch in the springtime and die near the end of summer.

like the torment of a scorpion Reactions to scorpion stings include deep, severe, widespread pain, swelling, sensations of restricted breathing, and paresthesia, a tingling sensation on the skin.

9:6 in those days Refers to the five-month period of torture and suffering.

people will seek death Repeated in the following clause for emphasis. The pain will be so great that they will prefer death, but the stings will not be fatal (v. 5). Compare Jer 8:3.

9:11 angel of the abyss See Rev 9:1 and note.

Abaddon A Hebrew name for the place of the dead (meaning “destruction”). This place is sometimes mentioned in the Hebrew text in parallel to Sheol (e.g., Job 26:6; Prov 15:11; 27:20).

Apollyon Means “destroyer.” This may indicate a connection to the Greek god Apollo, for whom the locust was often used as a symbol. Domitian—who may have been the emperor at the time Revelation was written—thought of himself as Apollo incarnate. Thus, this may be John’s way of presenting worship of the emperor as evil and demonic.

9:12 The first woe The fifth trumpet.

9:13 one voice Perhaps one of the martyrs under the altar or the angel with the censer (see 6:9–11; 8:3–5). In either case, the sixth trumpet is presented as a response to the prayers of the saints.

9:14 four angels Not the same four angels as those mentioned in 6:2–8 or 7:1. Many angels appear throughout the book, often in the same quantity (four, seven, etc.).

Angels in the Bible Table

Euphrates The easternmost border of the Roman Empire. The Euphrates protected the Romans from their eastern enemy, the Parthians.

9:15 had been prepared They were made and appointed for a specific task at a specific time.

they should kill a third of humanity This portion is in addition to the one-fourth already killed by Death and Hades in 6:8. The effects of the judgments are intensifying.

9:17 I saw the horses The description of the demonic horde recalls the description of the locusts in vv. 7–9.

9:18 By these three plagues The fire, smoke, and sulfur had a plague-like effect, killing the one-third mentioned in v. 15.

9:20 did not repent Despite clear demonstrations of God’s power, prolonged anguish (five months), and otherworldly attacks, they still would not turn to God, give Him glory, and repent of their idolatry.

Repentance

the demons and the gold John equates idol worship to demon worship. Compare 1 Cor 10:20–22.

neither to see Reminiscent of Isa 44:18 (compare Dan 5:23).

9:21 they did not repent The four deeds in this list are associated with pagan religious practices (compare Wisdom of Solomon 12:3–6).