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Commentary on Revelation 9 verses 1–12
Upon the sounding of this trumpet, the things to be observed are, 1. A star falling from heaven to the earth. Some think this star represents some eminent bishop in the Christian church, some angel of the church; for, in the same way of speaking by which pastors are called stars, the church is called heaven; but who this is expositors do not agree. Some understand it of Boniface the third bishop of Rome, who assumed the title of universal bishop, by the favour of the emperor Phocas, who, being a usurper and tyrant in the state, allowed Boniface to be so in the church, as the reward of his flattery. 2. To this fallen star was given the key of the bottomless pit. Having now ceased to be a minister of Christ, he becomes the antichrist, the minister of the devil; and by the permission of Christ, who had taken from him the keys of the church, he becomes the devil's turnkey, to let loose the powers of hell against the churches of Christ. 3. Upon the opening of the bottomless pit there arose a great smoke, which darkened the sun and the air. The devils are the powers of darkness; hell is the place of darkness. The devil carries on his designs by blinding the eyes of men, by extinguishing light and knowledge, and promoting ignorance and error. He first deceives men, and then destroys them; wretched souls follow him in the dark, or they durst not follow him. 4. Out of this dark smoke there came a swarm of locusts, one of the plagues of Egypt, the devil's emissaries headed by the antichrist, all the rout and rabble of antichristian orders, to promote superstition, idolatry, error, and cruelty; and these had, by the just permission of God, power to hurt those who had not the mark of God in their foreheads. 5. The hurt they were to do them was not a bodily, but a spiritual hurt. They should not in a military way destroy all by fire and sword; the trees and the grass should be untouched, and those they hurt should not be slain; it should not be a persecution, but a secret poison and infection in their souls, which should rob them of their purity, and afterwards of their peace. Heresy is a poison in the soul, working slowly and secretly, but will be bitterness in the end. 6. They had no power so much as to hurt those who had the seal of God in their foreheads. God's electing, effectual, distinguishing grace will preserve his people from total and final apostasy. 7. The power given to these factors for hell is limited in point of time: five months, a certain season, and but a short season, though how short we cannot tell. Gospel-seasons have their limits, and times of seduction are limited too. 8. Though it would be short, it would be very sharp, insomuch that those who were made to feel the malignity of this poison in their consciences would be weary of their lives, Rev 9:6. A wounded spirit who can bear? 9. These locusts were of a monstrous size and shape, Rev 9:7, Rev 9:8, etc. They were equipped for their work like horses prepared to battle. (1.) They pretended to great authority, and seemed to be assured of victory: They had crowns like gold on their heads; it was not a true, but a counterfeit authority. (2.) They had the show of wisdom and sagacity, the faces of men, though the spirit of devils. (3.) They had all the allurements of seeming beauty, to ensnare and defile the minds of men - hair like women; their way of worship was very gaudy and ornamental. (4.) Though they appeared with the tenderness of women, they had the teeth of lions, were really cruel creatures. (5.) They had the defence and protection of earthly powers - breastplates of iron. (6.) They made a mighty noise in the world; they flew about from one country to another, and the noise of their motion was like that of an army with chariots and horses. (7.) Though at first they soothed and flattered men with a fair appearance, there was a sting in their tails; the cup of their abominations contained that which, though luscious at first, would at length bite like a serpent and sting like an adder. (8.) The king and commander of this hellish squadron is here described, [1.] As an angel; so he was by nature, an angel, once one of the angels of heaven. [2.] The angel of the bottomless pit; an angel still, but a fallen angel, fallen into the bottomless pit, vastly large, and out of which there is no recovery. [3.] In these infernal regions he is a sort of prince and governor, and has the powers of darkness under his rule and command. [4.] His true name is Abaddon, Apollyon - a destroyer, for that is his business, his design, and employment, to which he diligently attends, in which he is very successful, and takes a horrid hellish pleasure; it is about this destroying work that he sends out his emissaries and armies to destroy the souls of men. And now here we have the end of one woe; and where one ends another begins.
In the image of the horses he shows the suddenness of persecution that runs around so that it might oppress the innocent and obstruct [their path] to the celestial kingdom.… We recall that it was written that upon the heads of the twenty-four elders, who were a figure of the church, there were crowns of gold. However, these [locusts] do not present a true figure of the church but one only by way of pretense, and so they are not said to have crowns of true gold but crowns similar to gold.… Likewise, they are not perfect human beings but like human beings.… And by the hair he speaks not only of the effeminacy and laxity of women, but he speaks of those from either sex who are given to wantonness and are stained by every baseness.… [By the teeth like lions’ teeth] they daily devour the church.
By the locusts prepared as horses for war he means those who originate evil teachings. For just as locusts which destroy by their mouth, so also these persons tear asunder by their preaching. It is as we read, “fierce wolves not sparing the flock.” Moreover, they are like horses running around aimlessly and so destroy in such a war many whom they lead astray.… And if false doctrine is indicated by the mouth, by the hair of women he aptly describes their effeminate morals and their souls that are open to seduction. And so the apostle says, “These are those who make their way into households and capture weak women, burdened with sins and swayed by various impulses.” By these images he suggests both leaders and those whom they have led astray, so that he shows them to be not only deceitful in their faith but also hateful in their morals. The historical record shows that some of both sexes exhibit [these characteristics]. For women gave their support to many heretics, such as Priscilla and Maximilla to Montanus and Lucilla to Donatus.… It is natural for the teeth of lions not only to mangle but also to give off a natural stench. And since [the heretics] run around like horses to acquire for themselves fleeting fame as preachers, their opinion is rightly regarded as a stench. For in a good sense the apostle said, “We are the good aroma of Christ.” This bad odor, therefore, is derived from their evil doctrine and is by comparison like the odor of a lion’s mouth.
Some have interpreted these words and those which come afterward to indicate that the locusts are angels who administer the divine punishment and who are metaphorically described through each of the various images. These images would then describe either their fearsomeness and the panic they arouse, or their swiftness, or the destruction that comes upon those worthy of condemnation in Gehenna. However, I think that the image of these locusts depicts rather evil demons who are prepared for war against us and who wear upon their heads crowns as of gold in expectation of victory against us. Whenever we submit to these demons and win an evil victory through pleasure, we believe ourselves also to be crowned with such crowns. That their hair is like that of women reveals their love of luxury and their arousal to fornication. The teeth like those of a lion signifies their murderous and poisonous character.
And the shapes of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle. That is, like the last persecutors. For in the last battle, which he will describe in the following angel, he says that horses fight. Or simply as horses are driven into battle not by their own reason, but by the impulse of their rider, so evil teachers, driven by a demonic spirit, attack the Church.
And their faces were like the faces of men, etc. In their human face, a simulation of reason; in the hair of women, flowing and effeminate habits; in the teeth of lions, which both tear apart and often bring a natural stench, the ferocity of the mind and the fame of bad doctrine; and in iron breastplates, hardened hearts against the truth, he notes. Those who have a form of godliness but deny its power (2 Tim. III), come in sheep's clothing, but inwardly they are ravenous wolves (Matt. VII).
And on their heads were crowns like gold. The twenty-four elders, who are the Church, have golden crowns. But these, pretending to be like gold, falsely imagine foolish triumphs of victory.
And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle: and on their heads were, as it were, crowns like gold. It is right for the heretics to be represented by horses because of their rapidity in running about. They are prepared unto battle against those about whom it is said in Habakkuk, Thou sentest into the sea thy horses, stirring many waters. [Hab. 3:15. acc. to LXX] However, since, by God's favor, they do not win, they are not said to have crowns, but as it were crowns, as if it were said, “They were neither crowns nor of gold, but some kind of invention of falsehood.” And their faces were as the faces of men. And they had women's hair. The faces of the locusts being like human faces mean pretense of reason. As for women's hair, it is the effeminate manners of the heretics. Alternatively, by faces of men, we may understand males; and by women's hair, the sex itself; for heretics have also had women's support. And their teeth were as of lions. The teeth of lions usually bring a natural shame; by them is indicated the stench of the heretics.
After this, the divine evangelist vividly and fearfully describes to us the nature of the worms. In each of the descriptions concerning them, one would marvel at the precision of the account; for he did not say that they had the "teeth of lions", the "tails of scorpions", or the "faces of men", but rather, in each case, he presented a figurative and parabolic representation of what was situated there, not the literal reality. Therefore, either their terrifying and astonishing nature is indicated through these images, or he truly sketched their form.
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SUMMARY
Revelation 9:7 offers a chilling and highly symbolic description of the demonic "locusts" unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment. Far from ordinary insects, these entities are portrayed with a terrifying hybrid appearance: resembling warhorses, adorned with what appear to be golden crowns, and possessing human-like faces. This vivid imagery underscores their destructive power, their delegated authority, and their malevolent intelligence, signaling a new and intense phase of divine judgment upon the unrepentant world.
CONTEXT
EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
Key Word Analysis
Verse Breakdown
Literary Devices
Revelation 9:7 is rich in Symbolism and Zoomorphism. The entire description of the locusts is symbolic, using familiar imagery (locusts, horses, crowns, human faces) to represent spiritual realities that defy literal description. The Zoomorphism is evident in attributing animalistic features (locusts, horses) to what are clearly supernatural, possibly demonic, entities. The passage heavily employs Simile, using "like unto" and "as it were" repeatedly to draw comparisons: "shapes... like unto horses," "crowns like gold," "faces... as the faces of men." This consistent use of simile emphasizes that John is describing a vision, a resemblance, rather than a literal, biological creature. The overall effect is one of Apocalyptic Imagery, designed to evoke awe, fear, and a sense of impending divine judgment, communicating spiritual truths through vivid, often grotesque, and composite pictures. The juxtaposition of human and animal features creates a creature that is both familiar and utterly alien, enhancing its terrifying nature.
THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:7 vividly portrays the nature of evil unleashed during divine judgment, emphasizing that even demonic forces are subject to God's ultimate control. The hybrid imagery of these locusts—part horse, part human, part crowned—symbolizes their destructive power, their malevolent intelligence, and their delegated, yet limited, authority. This passage underscores the reality of spiritual warfare and the existence of powerful, intelligent evil entities that can be deployed by God for His purposes of judgment. It highlights that while humanity may face overwhelming spiritual opposition, the scope and duration of such forces are always circumscribed by divine sovereignty, offering a profound theological truth about God's absolute dominion over all creation, visible and invisible.
REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:7, while describing terrifying future events, offers profound insights for believers today. It serves as a stark reminder of the reality of spiritual evil and the forces that oppose God's kingdom. The vivid, composite imagery of the locusts—their power, their deceptive appearance, their limited authority—should awaken us to the cunning and destructive nature of spiritual adversaries. Yet, crucially, this passage also reassures us of God's absolute sovereignty. Even the most fearsome manifestations of evil operate strictly within the boundaries set by God's divine will. This understanding should not lead to despair but to a deeper trust in God's protective power for those who are sealed by Him. It calls us to spiritual vigilance, to discern the true nature of the battle we are in, and to rely on the one who holds ultimate authority over all things, visible and invisible. Our response to such passages should be one of humble reverence for God's justice and unwavering confidence in His protective care for His faithful.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
Are the locusts in Revelation 9:7 literal insects, or are they symbolic?
Answer: The description of the locusts in Revelation 9:7 and the surrounding verses strongly indicates that they are not literal, natural insects. Their supernatural origin (from the bottomless pit), their unique purpose (to torment only those without God's seal, not to eat vegetation), their king (Abaddon/Apollyon), and their hybrid appearance (like warhorses, with human faces and golden crowns) all point to them being symbolic representations of demonic entities or spiritual forces unleashed during a specific period of divine judgment. John's apocalyptic vision uses vivid, often composite, imagery to convey spiritual realities and the nature of the judgments.
CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:7 describes terrifying agents of judgment, it ultimately points to the ultimate triumph and sovereignty of Jesus Christ. The "crowns like gold" on the heads of these demonic locusts are a mere semblance of authority, a temporary, delegated power. They stand in stark contrast to the true and eternal authority of Christ, who wears "many crowns" (Revelation 19:12) as the King of Kings and Lord of Lords (Revelation 19:16). The destructive power of these creatures, though terrifying, is limited and ultimately subject to the will of God, who has given all authority to His Son (Matthew 28:18). Furthermore, the distinction between those who are tormented and those who bear the "seal of God" (Revelation 9:4) foreshadows the ultimate protection and salvation found only in Christ. He is the one who delivers His people from the power of darkness (Colossians 1:13) and ensures their eternal security, even amidst the greatest tribulations. Thus, these terrifying images serve to magnify the absolute power, sovereign control, and saving grace of Jesus Christ, who alone is worthy to open the seals and execute ultimate justice and salvation (Revelation 5:5).