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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 9:13–21. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
Here let us consider the preface to this vision, and then the vision itself.
I.The preface to this vision:
A voice was heard from the horns of the golden altar, Rev 9:13, Rev 9:14. Here observe,
1.The power of the church's enemies is restrained till God gives the word to have them turned loose.
2.When nations are ripe for punishment, those instruments of God's anger that were before restrained are let loose upon them, Rev 9:14.
3.The instruments that God makes use of to punish a people may sometimes lie at a great distance from them, so that no danger may be apprehended from them. These four messengers of divine judgment lay bound in the river Euphrates, a great way from the European nations. Here the Turkish power had its rise, which seems to be the story of this vision.
II.The vision itself:
And the four angels that had been bound in the great river Euphrates were now loosed, Rev 9:15, Rev 9:16. And here observe,
1.The time of their military operations and executions is limited to an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year. Prophetic characters of time are hardly to be understood by us; but in general the time is fixed to an hour, when it shall begin and when it shall end; and how far the execution shall prevail, even to a third part of the inhabitants of the earth. God will make the wrath of man praise him, and the remainder of wrath he will restrain.
2.The army that was to execute this great commission is mustered, and the number found to be of horsemen two hundred thousand thousand; but we are left to guess what the infantry must be. In general, it tells us, the armies of the Mahomedan empire should be vastly great; and so it is certain they were.
3.Their formidable equipage and appearance, Rev 9:17. As the horses were fierce, like lions, and eager to rush into the battle, so those who sat upon them were clad in bright and costly armour, with all the ensigns of martial courage, zeal, and resolution.
4.The vast havoc and desolation that they made in the Roman empire, which had now become antichristian: A third part of them were killed; they went as far as their commission suffered them, and they could go no further.
5.Their artillery, by which they made such slaughter, described by fire, smoke, and brimstone, issuing out of the mouths of their horses, and the stings that were in their tails. It is Mr. Mede's opinion that this is a prediction of great guns, those instruments of cruelty which make such destruction: he observes, These were first used by the Turks at the siege of Constantinople, and, being new and strange, were very terrible, and did great execution. However, here seems to be an allusion to what is mentioned in the former vision, that, as antichrist had his forces of a spiritual nature, like scorpions poisoning the minds of men with error and idolatry, so the Turks, who were raised up to punish the antichristian apostasy, had their scorpions and their stings too, to hurt and kill the bodies of those who had been the murderers of so many souls.
6.Observe the impenitency of the antichristian generation under these dreadful judgments (Rev 9:20); the rest of the men who were not killed repented not, they still persisted in those sins for which God was so severely punishing them, which were,
(1.)Their idolatry; they would not cast away their images, though they could do them no good, could not see, nor hear, nor walk.
(2.)Their murders (Rev 9:21), which they had committed upon the saints and servants of Christ. Popery is a bloody religion, and seems resolved to continue such.
(3.)Their sorceries; they have their charms, and magic arts, and rites in exorcism and other things.
(4.)Their fornication; they allow both spiritual and carnal impurity, and promote it in themselves and others.
(5.)Their thefts; they have by unjust means heaped together a vast deal of wealth, to the injury and impoverishing of families, cities, princes, and nations. These are the flagrant crimes of antichrist and his agents; and, though God has revealed his wrath from heaven against them, they are obstinate, hardened, and impenitent, and judicially so, for they must be destroyed.
III.From this sixth trumpet we learn,
1.God can make one enemy of the church to be a scourge and plague to another.
2.He who is the Lord of hosts has vast armies at his command, to serve his own purposes.
3.The most formidable powers have limits set them, which they cannot transgress.
4.When God's judgments are in the earth, he expects the inhabitants thereof should repent of sin, and learn righteousness.
5.Impenitency under divine judgments is an iniquity that will be the ruin of sinners; for where God judges he will overcome.
Historical interpretation
Four Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
Select a marker to jump to its quote. Markers stagger vertically where authors wrote within a few decades of each other.
The rest of humankind, who were spared and did not suffer these things, yet remained unrepentant. They will suffer these same things, since they did not keep themselves from idolatries and murders and fornications and thefts and works of magic. It is clear that the universal wrath comes from such things as these. These various deceits effect a frenzy in those nations that do not acknowledge the truth and that worship idols and the creature rather than the creator. And this is certainly so among those who confess to know God but deny him by their works and who wrap themselves up in the form of piety but deny the power of it.… May it be that we display the purity and authenticity of our faith in Christ by deeds so that we never hear those terrible words, “Truly, truly I say to you, I do not know you.” “Depart from me, you workers of iniquity.” Rather, may we hear this blessed invitation, “Come, you blessed of my Father, inherit the kingdom prepared for you from the foundation of the world.”
And the rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues, etc. Because he had described false Christians and heretics, now, to encompass the entire body of the devil, he also mentions the error of the Gentiles, to whom it benefits nothing not to be killed by these plagues, as it is evident they will continue in their Gentile malice even then. For in that persecution the Gentiles will not be compelled to consent to the aforementioned but will die in their own unbelief.
The power of the horses is in their mouths, and in their tails. By the mouth is represented the knowledge of teachers, and by the tail, which should be placed behind, temporal power. So their power is in their mouths and tails because their way of preaching is to persuade people of wrong things; but as they are sustained by temporal powers, they are exalted through the things that are behind. For their tails are like to serpents, and have heads: and with them they hurt. Here, inversely, wicked teachers are represented by the tails, and secular power by the heads. It is fitting to say that bad preachers are like serpents, because it is with the voice of the one whose hiss Eve was allured by that they advise bad things. Since it is with the support of powerful people that they violently bring many people to do forbidden things, it is right to say that they have heads, which, according to another translation, are called dragons' heads. Then, in order to show that the Gentiles also belong to this body, he said after that, And the rest of the men, who are not, and did not do penance from the works of their hands, that they should not adore devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and wood, which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk: and did not do penance from their murders, nor from their fornication, nor from their thefts, as if he were saying, “People of this kind also seem to belong to the aforementioned number.” Whereas throughout the other prophecies we find a great many things that correspond to our Mediator symbolized by earthly things and few by heavenly things, in this prophecy John has quite often represented his coming by an angel. To what end, if not to show that this prophecy is richer than others? Whence it is now said:
The prophet, striking the spiritual harp, recounted to us concerning those punished in Hades, saying to God: "that there is no one in death who remembers you; and in Hades, who will confess to you," (Ps. 6:6) depriving them both of joy according to God and repentance? For through the remembrance of God there is spiritual joy, for the same one writes that elsewhere he "remembered God and was glad," (Ps. 76:4) but through not confessing repentance— for confession is the declaration of those who have sinned, arising from remorse and turning back through shame that comes near to the soul.
For in truth, God has appointed for us two lives, the present and the future. In the present life, He has given us the ability and authority to govern ourselves according to reason; but in the future life, there will be recompense for what has been lived, and neither the present life is subject to judgment, unless perhaps someone is profitably reminded and urged to repentance, nor the future life is a state so that we might be reformed from a misused life to a better one. Since these things are so, how then has it been said concerning those punished there?
"And the rest of the people, who were not killed by these plagues, neither repented from the works of their hands". It does not say that those who did not repent in that life, but that those still living, and not from obedience and seeing the things that were then to come, repented from these and those unlawful deeds. By this said "plague", they do not die the intellectual death, calling punishment death, as they co-exist eternally with the wicked, unless they are punished by another, indeed worse, which, though attempting to say it, he wisely kept silent. May it happen that all of us become free; by the grace and generosity of our Lord Jesus Christ, with whom to the Father be glory with the Holy Spirit forever. Amen.
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Summary
Revelation 9:20 delivers a somber and striking indictment of humanity's hardened heart in the face of cataclysmic divine judgment. Following the devastating sixth trumpet plague, which annihilated a third of mankind, the surviving population shockingly refused to repent of their idolatrous practices. This verse vividly portrays their stubborn rebellion against God, highlighting their continued devotion to lifeless idols made of various materials and, by extension, to the demonic forces behind them, despite overwhelming evidence of their impotence and God's sovereign power.
Context
Literary Context
Revelation 9:20 serves as a climactic and sobering conclusion to the judgments unleashed by the sixth trumpet (Revelation 9:13-21). Prior to this verse, the preceding verses describe a terrifying army of 200 million demonic horsemen, released from the Euphrates, who kill a third of humanity through fire, smoke, and brimstone emanating from their mouths and tails (Revelation 9:16-19). The immediate literary flow emphasizes the sheer scale and horror of these divine judgments. Yet, despite witnessing such unprecedented devastation and the direct intervention of God's wrath, the narrative pivots to reveal the unyielding spiritual defiance of the survivors, setting the stage for further judgments and the eventual return of Christ. This verse underscores that even the most severe suffering does not automatically lead to repentance.
Historical & Cultural Context
The mention of "idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood" directly reflects the prevalent idolatrous practices of the Greco-Roman world in which John wrote Revelation. Paganism was deeply entrenched, with numerous gods and goddesses worshipped through physical images crafted from various materials. Temples, altars, and household shrines were common, housing these idols. The worship of these deities often involved rituals, sacrifices, and a lifestyle contrary to the monotheistic worship of the God of Israel. John's audience would have been intimately familiar with such practices, making the condemnation of idolatry in this verse a direct challenge to the surrounding culture and a call for believers to remain separate from such defilement. The impotence of these idols, unable to "see, nor hear, nor walk," directly echoes Old Testament polemics against pagan gods, demonstrating a consistent biblical critique across dispensations.
Key Themes
This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Foremost is the theme of human unrepentance and rebellion, demonstrating humanity's profound spiritual blindness and hardened hearts even when confronted with undeniable divine judgment. It highlights that suffering, by itself, does not guarantee a turning to God (Luke 16:31). Another crucial theme is the nature and futility of idolatry. The passage clarifies that idolatry is not merely the worship of inanimate objects but is often linked to the worship of "devils," revealing the spiritual malevolence behind false gods (1 Corinthians 10:20). Finally, the verse reinforces the sovereignty and righteousness of God's judgment, illustrating that His wrath is a just response to persistent sin and rebellion, and that His ultimate goal is to bring about repentance and salvation for those who will turn to Him (2 Peter 3:9).
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This word signifies a profound change of mind, a moral reconsideration that leads to a turning away from sin and towards God. In this context, it highlights the tragic absence of such a transformation, indicating a deliberate and stubborn refusal to acknowledge sin and seek divine forgiveness, despite the severe consequences of their actions.
This term refers to demonic beings or evil spirits, often understood as lesser malevolent spiritual entities distinct from Satan himself. The verse reveals that the worship of idols is not merely devotion to inanimate objects but is, at its core, an allegiance to these malevolent spiritual forces that stand in opposition to God.
An image or representation used for worship, often implying a heathen god. The detailed list of materials—gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood—emphasizes the man-made, material nature of these objects, underscoring their inherent powerlessness and the folly of worshipping them.
Verse Breakdown
"And the rest of the men which were not killed by these plagues"
This clause sets the stage, identifying the survivors of the preceding devastating judgments. It emphasizes that a significant portion of humanity has already perished, yet a remnant remains, having directly experienced or witnessed God's severe wrath.
"yet repented not of the works of their hands,"
This is the core indictment. Despite the overwhelming evidence of divine power and the catastrophic consequences of their sin, these survivors demonstrate an astonishing lack of compunction or change of heart. "Works of their hands" specifically refers to their actions, particularly their idolatrous practices, which are products of human will and rebellion.
"that they should not worship devils, and idols of gold, and silver, and brass, and stone, and of wood:"
This section details the specific sins from which they refused to repent: the worship of demonic entities and man-made images. The comprehensive list of materials underscores the pervasive and varied nature of their idolatry, encompassing all forms of material wealth and natural resources fashioned into objects of false worship.
"which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk:"
This final phrase is a powerful and ancient biblical critique of idols. It highlights their utter impotence and lifelessness, contrasting sharply with the living, all-seeing, all-hearing, and all-powerful God. This serves as a stark commentary on the foolishness of worshipping that which is inferior and incapable of providing salvation or help.
Literary Devices
Revelation 9:20 employs several powerful literary devices to convey its message. Irony is prominent, as the survivors, having witnessed unimaginable destruction from divine judgment, paradoxically remain unrepentant, clinging to the very sins that provoked God's wrath. This highlights the profound spiritual blindness and hardness of the human heart. The verse also uses Parallelism and Repetition in the phrase "which neither can see, nor hear, nor walk," echoing Old Testament condemnations of idols (e.g., Psalm 115:4-7 or Isaiah 44:9-20), thereby connecting the end-time judgments to a consistent biblical critique of false worship. Furthermore, the detailed Catalogue or List of materials (gold, silver, brass, stone, wood) used for idols emphasizes the pervasive and comprehensive nature of their idolatry, covering all forms of man-made objects. Finally, the "plagues" themselves function as Symbolism for divine judgment, while the "idols" symbolize humanity's persistent rebellion and misplaced worship.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 9:20 profoundly illustrates the depth of human depravity and the stubborn resistance to God's truth, even in the face of overwhelming evidence of His power and judgment. It underscores a crucial theological principle: suffering, by itself, does not inherently lead to repentance. True repentance is a work of the Holy Spirit, requiring a change of heart and mind, not merely a response to fear. The verse also highlights the enduring biblical condemnation of idolatry, revealing that behind the worship of created things often lies the sinister influence of demonic forces. This passage serves as a stark reminder that humanity's greatest problem is not merely external circumstances but an internal rebellion against the Creator, manifesting in the worship of anything other than the one true God.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 9:20 offers a sobering mirror for self-examination and a powerful call to genuine repentance. It challenges us to consider whether our hearts are truly turned towards God, or if we, like the unrepentant survivors, are clinging to "works of our hands"—anything we create, pursue, or value more than our relationship with the living God. While physical idols of gold or wood may be less common in some modern contexts, the principle of idolatry remains profoundly relevant. Anything that takes God's rightful place in our affections, trust, or devotion—be it career, money, relationships, social media, self-image, or even religious traditions devoid of true spiritual life—can become a modern idol. This verse urges us to proactively examine our lives, confess any misplaced allegiances, and actively turn back to the Lord, recognizing His supreme worth and authority. It also reminds us of the profound spiritual blindness that can grip individuals and societies, prompting us to pray earnestly for those who remain unrepentant and to share the gospel with compassion and urgency, knowing that only God's grace can break through such hardened hearts.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Why did the survivors not repent despite such devastating plagues?
Revelation 9:20 reveals the profound depth of human rebellion and spiritual hardening. The text indicates that even extreme suffering and undeniable divine judgment do not automatically lead to repentance. This unrepentance stems from a hardened heart, a deliberate refusal to acknowledge God's sovereignty and their own sin. It demonstrates that true repentance is not merely a response to fear or pain, but a spiritual transformation, a change of mind and heart enabled by God's grace, which these individuals evidently resisted. This stubbornness highlights the human capacity for self-deception and the power of sin to blind individuals to truth, even when confronted with overwhelming evidence (John 3:19).
What does it mean to "worship devils" in this context?
The phrase "worship devils" (Greek: daimónion) indicates that the idolatry described was not merely the worship of inanimate objects, but an allegiance to the malevolent spiritual forces that often stand behind false gods and idols. The Bible consistently teaches that pagan worship, while seemingly directed at statues or mythological figures, is ultimately a form of demonic worship (1 Corinthians 10:20). These "devils" are evil spirits or demons who seek to usurp the worship due to God alone, leading humanity into spiritual bondage and deception.
How does the description of idols being unable to "see, nor hear, nor walk" relate to other biblical passages?
This description is a direct echo of numerous Old Testament passages that mock the impotence and futility of idols in contrast to the living God. For example, Psalm 115:4-7 states, "Their idols are silver and gold, the work of men's hands. They have mouths, but they speak not: eyes have they, but they see not: They have ears, but they hear not: noses have they, but they smell not: They have hands, but they handle not: feet have they, but they walk not: neither speak they through their throat." Similar critiques are found in Isaiah 44:9-20 and Jeremiah 10:3-5. These passages collectively emphasize that idols are man-made, lifeless objects, utterly incapable of helping, hearing, or saving, standing in stark contrast to the omniscient, omnipresent, and omnipotent God.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 9:20, with its stark portrayal of unrepentant humanity clinging to idols and demonic worship, finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The very reason for humanity's unrepentance and idolatry is sin, a rebellion against God that separates mankind from its Creator. Christ, however, came precisely to address this fundamental problem. He is the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world (John 1:29), offering the only true path to repentance and reconciliation with God. While the plagues of Revelation demonstrate God's righteous judgment against sin, Christ's atoning sacrifice on the cross represents God's ultimate act of mercy, providing a way out of the judgment that humanity justly deserves. He bore the wrath that unrepentant idolaters would face, offering forgiveness to all who turn to Him in faith (Romans 5:8). Furthermore, Christ is the true and living God, in stark contrast to the lifeless idols mentioned in the verse. He is the one who truly sees, hears, and walks among His people, not a creation of human hands but the eternal Son of God (Colossians 1:15-17). His resurrection from the dead decisively proves His power over all spiritual forces, including the "devils" that humanity worshipped (Ephesians 1:20-21). Therefore, Revelation 9:20, while depicting humanity's tragic refusal to repent, implicitly magnifies the indispensable grace and redemptive power found only in Jesus Christ, who alone can break the chains of idolatry and lead hearts to true worship.