(Chapter 9)

The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. When he opened the Abyss, smoke rose from it like the smoke from a gigantic furnace. The sun and sky were darkened by the smoke from the Abyss. And out of the smoke locusts came down upon the earth and were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. They were not given power to kill them, but only to torture them for five months. And the agony they suffered was like that of the sting of a scorpion when it strikes a man. During those days men will seek death, but will not find it; they will long to die, but death will elude them. The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle. On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold, and their faces resembled human faces. Their hair was like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. They had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the thundering of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails and stings like scorpions, and in their tails they had power to torment people for five months. They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek, Apollyon. The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come. (Rev 9:1 - 12)

These verses which open up chapter nine, were initially hard to interpret and understand. Not because of any failing of the Holy Spirit - but because of all the junk which has filled my poor head over the years . . .

I’ve never read “The Late Great Planet Earth” by Hal Lindsey. But I was born in 1955; so obviously I was alive during the book’s immense popularity. I’ve heard many people comment on it - over the years. So, when I come to chapter nine - I do tend to think of Helicopters, Gunships, etc. I can easily see how a person might interpret these verses in such a manner.

However - the torments being brought forth from the fifth trumpet - are from direct spiritual sources. Not from mankind. A couple of verses do exist in Revelation - which specifically identify judgements being brought forth, or delivered - by man. However, most of the judgements which are mentioned in Revelation - are stated to be almost directly from God. The judgement which opens up chapter nine - is described as being called forth by God; and God desires for it to occur; but God uses spiritual forces to accomplish the judgement.

Now, what if the delivery method of the judgements or torments being spoken of in chapter nine - what if those are Helicopters and military might?

Well, if that is the case - so be it. It doesn’t change the focus of the prophecy; or where this prophecy given to us by Jesus - is headed. Doesn’t change the focus at all, or in any way . . .

But John, who was on the Island of Patmos (a forced labor mining colony); when Jesus asked him to record this prophecy - was not stupid. He had an idea of tools, and what machines were . . . He knew what metal was . . .

In other words - John easily could have stated: “And I saw some large man made tools; which were made of metal, and capable of flight. And people got into them . . .”

But John makes no such or similar statement. Instead, with a prophecy which Jesus states is easily understood - by anyone who has an ear to hear; and is open to understanding by His servants - John makes the following statement: He states these are spiritual beings - doing harm to mankind.

Just before we come to these verses - we have drinking water supplies being destroyed; and the earth’s orbit being changed . . . We go from a 24 hour day to a 16 hour day.

And, right after the five month torment - we go immediately to the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. These are spiritual beings - who disobeyed God a long time ago; and do not harbor good will toward mankind. That’s why they are bound.

The previous judgements were caused by pure spiritual authority and actions. The judgements to follow are caused by pure spiritual authority and actions. It makes sense therefore - to believe that John actually stated what he saw, and that he was not confused by what he saw . . . And that in fact - what he saw - were demonic creatures being released upon the earth.

It might be slightly instructive to also note that when John was confused - he was asked another question!

I saw that the woman was drunk with the blood of the saints, the blood of those who bore testimony to Jesus. When I saw her, I was greatly astonished. Then the angel said to me: “Why are you astonished? I will explain to you . . . (R17:6-7)

Finally, if these are not demonic beings bringing destruction, but are members of a world military force - than their weapons of warfare are extremely selective. For the coming torments do not affect Christians, but only those who have rejected God. And the weapons do not kill. They only cause pain for 5 months. But no death. In fact, people long to die - but death eludes them. During this five month period - it would seem people cannot die . . . Our military are developing non-lethal weapons. Sound disruption waves; and microwave heat disruption weapons. These incapacitate an enemy. And I’m sure they are also developing types of non-lethal weapons - which have not been made public. But I don’t believe they are developing weapons which target a person based on their religious beliefs . . . Any military weapon developed - even a non-lethal type - would not discriminate in its function - based on a persons religious beliefs. In fact - it would not discriminate against any person. It would affect any person within its sphere of influence.

The fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from the sky to the earth. The star was given the key to the shaft of the Abyss. (R9:1)

Have you come here to torture us before the appointed time?” Some distance from them a large herd of pigs was feeding. The demons begged Jesus, “If you drive us out, send us into the herd of pigs.” (Matthew 8:29 - 30)

What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? Swear to God that you won’t torture me!” For Jesus had said to him, “Come out of this man, you evil spirit!” Then Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “My name is Legion,” he replied, “for we are many.” And he begged Jesus again and again not to send them out of the area. (Mark 5:7 - 10)

Jesus asked him, “What is your name?” “Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. And they begged him repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss. (Luke 8:30 - 31)

For if God did not spare angels when they sinned, but sent them to hell, putting them into gloomy dungeons to be held for judgment; (2Peter 2:4)

An abyss a[busso" (G12) (Abyss, the deep place, the underworld, the abode of the dead and demons, “{unfathomable depth}”) exists, where demonic beings are being held. Being held for judgement. The 2^nd Peter scripture just cited - could possibly indicate - being held until they are temporarily released - to provide judgement against mankind. The abyss is not a place where the fallen angels wish to live. They begged Jesus to not send them there. Being in the abyss is a form of Judgement; and Peter states that the abyss is Hell.

John sees a fallen angel or demon. The fall had taken place some time back; and is the same fall referenced in R12 . . . The star is obviously a spiritual entity (Satan) - and not a meteor or asteroid or some other rock or mountain - since the star is a living being, who is given a key. The key to the shaft of the abyss. The fall took place before R9; since Satan was ruling and deceiving (as the anti-Christ) in R8.

When Satan opens the Abyss - smoke pours forth from it like from a gigantic furnace. This smoke darkens the sun and the sky. This appears to be a type of physical smoke - which substantially obscures the daylight. It could be a heavy spiritual cloud - which is allowed to affect the daylight. In any event - out of the abyss, pour forth demonic beings - who only desire to kill and destroy mankind.

However, just like with Satan and Job - they are allowed to go only so far . . . They have three restrictions. Those three restrictions are:

1. Not allowed to harm any type of plant (grass, tree, etc.)

2. Not allowed to touch or harm any person who has the seal of God on their foreheads. (This is the seal of salvation - granted by the Holy Spirit.)

3. Not allowed to kill anyone. Only to torment them for five months.

Angels when they appear before man, have generally terrified them. The power and authority which an angel possesses - have caused great men of God to faint in fear.

I, Daniel, was the only one who saw the vision; the men with me did not see it, but such terror overwhelmed them that they fled and hid themselves. So I was left alone, gazing at this great vision; I had no strength left, my face turned deathly pale and I was helpless. (Daniel 10:7 - 8)

How can I, your servant, talk with you, my lord? My strength is gone and I can hardly breathe. (Daniel 10:17)

Now these are demonic, evil beings - who have great power. Angels who serve God, cause men of God to faint and lose all of their strength. Demonic angles who have turned away from God and serve the destroyer (Satan) - these angels are also terrifying to look at . . . And they do not have your best interests at heart. They HATE you. So, these evil beings which John saw in this prophecy being given to him - these beings had faces, hair and teeth. They were deformed from their time in the abyss and their desire to relish in evil - and so they have tails and stings like scorpions. They are terrifying to gaze upon.

A five month period of torment is mentioned twice, and emphasized. They are allowed to torment for five months. One Hundred and Fifty days. (In Revelation prophecy - one month equals 30 days).

Satan is a deceiver. He deceives and cajoles mankind into worshiping him as God, and into taking the mark of the beast; and into worshiping the image which came to life. (R13) All of which is going on at this point in time. Chapter thirteen gives more details and a different perspective on how all of this came about - but it is occurring here also in Revelation. Same, exact time period.

Satan will use these torments - which he has control over - to encourage individuals to fully believe in him - as God. And so, the great deceiver, while telling people to worship him - is also tormenting them - for five months.

And in all of this - people are not allowed to die. At least the individuals who have been touched by the demonic angels from the abyss. These are not allowed to die, for the next five months. In Revelation - as we approach the end - and Jesus’ ruling over ALL of creation - the spiritual touches more and more of our physical. In various verses throughout the Bible - God states He holds our life in His hands . . . and now the spiritual prevents physical death.

This is what God the LORD says - he who created the heavens and stretched them out, who spread out the earth and all that comes out of it, who gives breath to its people, and life to those who walk on it . . . (Isaiah 42:5)

. . . fear the LORD your God as long as you live by keeping all his decrees and commands that I give you, and so that you may enjoy long life. (Deuteronomy 6:2)

These demonic beings had authority to hurt mankind. They function within that authority. They were wearing crowns of gold.

On their heads they wore something like crowns of gold . . . (R9:7)

In today’s modern world - we have forgotten that the spiritual actually exists. We have forgotten that the spiritual is much more powerful than the physical. What does the common spiritual phrase which we sing in song mean:

But the weapons of our warfare are not carnal. They are not carnal; they are mighty, they are mighty . . .

The weapons we fight with are not the weapons of the world. On the contrary, they have divine power to demolish strongholds. (2Corinthians 10:4)

For the weapons of our warfare are not carnal, but mighty through God to the pulling down of strong holds . . . (2Corinthians 10:4  KJV)

But today - these are just words mouthed in joyful tunes with no meaning or substance or true faith behind them. We no longer believe in demons inhabiting people, or in the spiritual controlling the physical. After all, we have technology, our cars, our heated homes, running water, and electricity! But we lack faith, and the understanding that the spiritual rules the physical. Jesus questioned if He would find faith when He returned . . . Today, with all of our physical needs provided for, and mankind delving deep into the very fundamental nature of atoms - we no longer have true faith; and we do not believe that the spiritual exists. In everything which we do - we look for the ‘real’ reason of why something happened - without considering that the ‘real’ reason - actually exists in the very foundation of the spiritual.

. . . However, when the Son of Man comes, will he find faith on the earth?” (Luke 18:8)

Although they claimed to be wise, they became fools . . . (Romans 1:22)

Men go to great lengths to deny the existence of God. And with our denial of God - we deny the spiritual. We deny that Satan exists and seeks to devour us . . . We deny that we are in a WAR; and we spend thousands and thousands of hours watching television, or going to the movies, or playing video games; or doing gardening - all without developing a pure and true relationship with the sovereign ruler - GOD.

Satan exists. The abyss exists. And sooner than we would like to think - terrible, terrible demonic beings are going to pour forth out of that abyss - and terrorize and torment millions of people - for five long months . . .

“Skin for skin!” Satan replied. “A man will give all he has for his own life. But stretch out your hand and strike his flesh and bones, and he will surely curse you to your face.” The LORD said to Satan, “Very well, then, he is in your hands; but you must spare his life.” So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD and afflicted Job with painful sores from the soles of his feet to the top of his head. (Job 2:4 - 7)

They had as king over them the angel of the Abyss, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon jAbaddwvn, (Abaddon, “{destruction}”) and in Greek, Apollyon jApolluvwn (Apollyon, “{destroyer}”). (R9:11)

The thief comes only to steal and kill and destroy . . . (John 10:10)

*****

The first woe is past; two other woes are yet to come. The sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice coming from the horns of the golden altar that is before God. It said to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.” And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. The number of the mounted troops was two hundred million. I heard their number. The horses and riders I saw in my vision looked like this: Their breastplates were fiery red, dark blue, and yellow as sulfur. The heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions, and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and sulfur. A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur that came out of their mouths. The power of the horses was in their mouths and in their tails; for their tails were like snakes, having heads with which they inflict injury. The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood - idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:12 - 21)

Two more woes or times of tremendous trouble - are still to come. With this trumpet blast - the four angels which we were briefly introduced to in chapter seven are brought back into our vision.

After this I saw four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding back the four winds of the earth to prevent any wind from blowing on the land or on the sea or on any tree. . . . in a loud voice to the four angels who had been given power to harm the land and the sea: “Do not harm the land or the sea or the trees until . . . (Rev 7:1 - 3)

These angels are BOUND. They have been BOUND for a long time. They are now allowed to be released. The reason they were bound up - is that they hate mankind. They wish only to harm mankind. So, now a time of tremendous judgement has come upon the earth. God states to release these four angels. Just like the demonic beings which were locked up, and contained in the abyss - these four angels are now released. They desire only to harm and destroy mankind. So that is what they do . . . They KILL one third of all mankind.

And the four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind. (R9:15)

If you stop all wind on the earth - (which is what it was previously stated they would do . . .) the amount of pollution would increase exponentially. Certain areas of the earth would become very hot, and various fires would result. Other areas would have air that became very difficult to breathe, and would stink and be filled with smoke and awful smells, and poisonous gases. The results of no wind movement whatsoever - on the earth - would be catastrophic. Millions of people would die. Just as stated above. The air which we breath would become thick with smoke, fire and sulfur. Exactly as stated above. And all from the result of zero refreshing breezes across the earth.

These four angels are also stated to have troops. They were probably not the only demonic angels bound up; and held from causing massive destruction. So, just as the demonic beings being released from the abyss - with the opening of the abyss - and it was stated that their king was the ‘destroyer’; so too - these four angels are probably ‘king’ or the head of a huge group of demonic beings desiring only one result. The death of mankind. But all of these demonic beings - submit to, and obey Satan - totally and fully.

So, the four angels have troops of demonic angels - who are all going out to create destruction. The word ‘four’ could be indicating four groups of demonic, evil beings. Just as Jesus stated that if He requested - God would at once put more than twelve legions of angels at His disposal.

Do you think I cannot call on my Father, and he will at once put at my disposal more than twelve legions of angels? (Matthew 26:53)

So we have precisely four angels (obeying Satan and his orders) - or four large groupings of angels - constituting troops - all of whom have only one goal, and one desire. The utter destruction of mankind. Now, I believe this is accomplished by the stopping of ALL refreshing wind and breezes. You would still have hot smoke swirling about - creating toxic ‘breezes’; you would still experience the results of massive pollution. In fact - without any basic air movement, and cleansing of our breathable air - the very air itself - would start to run out of oxygen. The air would become extremely toxic . . . and millions would die. The stated number of resultant death - before this plague is called off - is ONE THIRD of all of mankind. Satan will control the weather; and start suffocating people who do not submit to him . . .

Some have speculated that these two hundred million mounted troops - are people or military forces going out to bring about massive destruction and death. Our military weapons generally cause lots of fire, and noxious gases . . .

I will not state emphatically - that these are not people going out into battle - in war machines. Could be. Does it really matter?? The leader of these troops - are four angels submitted to Satan. Spiritual, demonic leaders. Four angels who were bound up - to hold them until it was time for them to release the destruction they desire to see inflicted upon mankind. From what was stated previously with regards to these four angels or four large groups of demonic beings - that they would stop all air movement on the earth - one can easily see that the result of this action - would be massive, massive death. And smoke, fire, and acrid pollution. So, since all of the previous seals have resulted in judgements caused by spiritual forces - I see no real reason to believe this last seal - is any different. But truly - it does not affect the result; and does not affect the flow and layout of this glorious prophecy which we call Revelation - which Jesus Christ Himself gave us - so that we can know and understand - what is going to take place!

“ ‘But I know where you stay and when you come and go and how you rage against me. Because you rage against me and your insolence has reached my ears, I will put my hook in your nose and my bit in your mouth, and I will make you return by the way you came.’ (2Kings 19:27 - 28)

The LORD spoke to Manasseh and his people, but they paid no attention. So the LORD brought against them the army commanders of the king of Assyria, who took Manasseh prisoner, put a hook in his nose, bound him with bronze shackles and took him to Babylon. (2Chronicles 33:10 - 11)

God is completely capable of using mankind’s armies - to carry out His judgements against us. God is also fully capable of using solely spiritual forces - either Godly or demonic - to carry out His judgements against us. God is fully capable of carrying out His judgements against mankind - by Himself alone! So, it is our disbelief in the spiritual which causes us to ‘look’ for what is really going on . . . And generally when we look for what is really going on - we miss the truth. Especially with the Revelation prophecy - which has been declared to be OPEN to understanding.

The truth is - this 2^nd woe is MASSIVE death! It is caused by spiritual forces. Whether those forces are all 100% evil spiritual beings - or they are leading military forces - it doesn’t change the result or the focus of the prophecy. Because of the introduction of these angels in Chapter seven; and the subsequent true results if all refreshing air movement and breezes were stopped - and because Revelation is a fairly direct prophecy when one takes the time to read it over and over; and to allow oneself to become familiar with the flow; and where God repeats the prophecy - and states the exact same events from a different spiritual perspective - for those reasons - I believe and understand these to be entirely spiritual forces bent on the destruction of mankind. But as you can see - it doesn’t really matter. One third of mankind will be killed. The spiritual focus provides more emphasis on God, and the judgements which He is in fact bringing upon the earth - because of man’s direct lack of repentance.

The rest of mankind that were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood - idols that cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, their magic arts, their sexual immorality or their thefts. (Revelation 9:20 - 21)

Here in the US; we state: “We don’t worship idols.” But we do . . . How many hours did you spend in prayer and communion with God yesterday? How many hours did you spend watching television? The internet? Video Games? Gardening? Your iPod? Or hundreds of other stuff? God is not an almighty bug smasher; who does not wish for you to enjoy life, and celebrate His creation! But - in the US; we have more idols than most of the rest of the world! We even worship the Bible - substituting searching out God’s word in scriptures - and regaling ourselves with the truths of what great men of God accomplished hundreds of years ago - rather than us learning to HEAR GOD; and than DO what God says . . . and accomplish great things of God for ourselves and for Him! Scripture is static. What are we doing for God today! He is the same yesterday, today, and forever. But you believe that He only wanted Peter and Paul to work for Him; and not you . . . and that today it is impossible to Hear Him! Well, it is virtually impossible to Hear Him - as long as we keep immersing ourselves in our own pleasures, lusts, and filth such as television! Do you know that there is NOTHING - absolutely NOTHING ‘good’ on television? If you are not saved - I suppose coming across a Christian broadcast - might help you repent and turn to God. But just because God has allowed a tenuous escape ladder in the midst of absolute depravity - is really not an excuse to justify spending hundreds of hours immersed in that depravity. And just because this wicked time stealer; & relationship destroyer - gives a tiniest bit of hope to individuals who are crippled and have no way to leave the home - does not justify the wickedness which is television.

If we were to get rid of our televisions - we might actually be ministering to the crippled. And since we then could have a deeper, and more pure, and intimate relationship with God - they might not be crippled anymore . . . what an absolute WASTE television is . . . and a deceiver! And numerous other ‘things’ which we waste our time and pleasures on!

“No servant can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.” (Luke 16:13)

No good tree bears bad fruit, nor does a bad tree bear good fruit. Each tree is recognized by its own fruit. . . . (Luke 6:43 - 44)

*Chapter 8*   *Chapter 10*

"Questions??? Give a shout!"

All Greek/Hebrew definitions (unless otherwise noted) are taken from
The NIV Exhaustive Concordance by Edward W. Goodrick & John R. Kohlenberger III © 1990 by The Zondervan Corporation. ISBN 0-310-436970-7

All scripture quotations, unless otherwise indicated, are taken from the Holy Bible, International Version®, NIV84®. Copyright ©1973, 1978, 1984, 2011 by Biblica, Inc.™
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Copyright 2011 - Revelation Disclosed Updated 10/14/11

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