Revelation 9:4

And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

And {G2532} it was commanded {G4483} them {G846} that {G3363} they should {G91} not {G3363} hurt {G91} the grass {G5528} of the earth {G1093}, neither {G3761} any {G3956} green thing {G5515}, neither {G3761} any {G3956} tree {G1186}; but {G1508} only {G3441} those men {G444} which {G3748} have {G2192} not {G3756} the seal {G4973} of God {G2316} in {G1909} their {G846} foreheads {G3359}.

They were instructed not to harm the grass on the earth, any green plant or any tree, but only the people who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

And it was said unto them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree, but only such men as have not the seal of God on their foreheads.

Commentary

Context

Revelation 9:4 describes a crucial limitation placed upon the destructive "locusts" unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment. These are not ordinary insects but demonic entities, as seen in the preceding verses, possessing unusual powers and a specific, targeted mission. The command here highlights God's sovereign control over even the forces of judgment. Unlike natural locusts that devastate vegetation, these supernatural beings are explicitly forbidden from harming the earth's natural elements.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Control Over Judgment: Even amidst severe judgment, God's sovereignty is paramount. The destructive power of the demonic locusts is precisely limited and directed by divine command. This underscores that no evil force operates outside of God's ultimate permission and boundaries.
  • Targeted Wrath: The judgment is not indiscriminate but highly specific. The "grass of the earth," "any green thing," and "any tree" are spared, emphasizing that this plague is against humanity, not the natural world. This points to a moral and spiritual basis for the judgment.
  • The Seal of God as Protection: The verse introduces the critical concept of the "seal of God." Those who possess this mark are divinely protected from the torment inflicted by these locusts. This seal signifies divine ownership, preservation, and allegiance, providing a stark contrast to those who do not have it. This protective mark is also mentioned earlier in Revelation 7:3, where God's servants are sealed before the great tribulation begins.

Linguistic Insights

The term "seal" (Greek: sphragis - ฯƒฯ†ฯฮฑฮณฮฏฯ‚) implies a mark of ownership, authenticity, and security. In ancient times, a seal could be used to authenticate documents, secure property, or signify a person's identity or authority. Here, the "seal of God" in the forehead represents a divine inscription, indicating that these individuals belong to God and are under His protection. It contrasts sharply with the later description of the mark of the beast, which signifies allegiance to an opposing power.

Practical Application

Revelation 9:4 offers a profound spiritual lesson: in times of judgment and tribulation, God provides a clear distinction between those who belong to Him and those who do not. For believers, this verse offers assurance of divine protection and care, even when the world faces immense suffering. The "seal of God" can be understood as a spiritual reality for those who have placed their faith in Jesus Christ, signifying the indwelling of the Holy Spirit and God's promise of eternal salvation. It highlights the eternal consequences of one's allegiance: to God or apart from Him. This verse encourages believers to live in light of their divine identity and serves as a warning to those who reject God's offer of salvation, emphasizing the seriousness of being found without His protective mark.

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Cross-References

  • Revelation 7:2 (10 votes)

    And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea,

  • Revelation 7:4 (10 votes)

    And I heard the number of them which were sealed: [and there were] sealed an hundred [and] forty [and] four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

  • Ezekiel 9:4 (10 votes)

    And the LORD said unto him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark upon the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the midst thereof.

  • Revelation 14:1 (8 votes)

    ยถ And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty [and] four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

  • Revelation 8:7 (7 votes)

    ยถ The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

  • Revelation 6:6 (7 votes)

    And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

  • Ezekiel 9:6 (7 votes)

    Slay utterly old [and] young, both maids, and little children, and women: but come not near any man upon whom [is] the mark; and begin at my sanctuary. Then they began at the ancient men which [were] before the house.