Revelation 9:9

KJV

And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle.

KJV (with Strong's)

And {G2532} they had {G2192} breastplates {G2382}, as it were {G5613} breastplates {G2382} of iron {G4603}; and {G2532} the sound {G5456} of their {G846} wings {G4420} was as {G5613} the sound {G5456} of chariots {G716} of many {G4183} horses {G2462} running {G5143} to {G1519} battle {G4171}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Their chests were like iron breastplates, and the sound their wings made was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.

Berean Standard Bible

They also had thoraxes like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle.

American Standard Version

And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots, of many horses rushing to war.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Revelation 9:9 continues the chilling description of the locust-like creatures unleashed during the fifth trumpet judgment, focusing on their formidable defensive capabilities and the overwhelming sound of their advance. This verse paints a vivid picture of an unstoppable, terrifying force, emphasizing their invulnerability and the sheer magnitude of their movement, likening them to an ancient military horde thundering into battle.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse is an integral part of John's detailed prophetic vision concerning the fifth trumpet judgment, which begins in [Revelation 9:1](/revelation/9-1 "Revelation 9:1 - The Fifth Trumpet and the Star from Heaven"). Following the opening of the bottomless pit and the release of these unique creatures, the preceding verses ([Revelation 9:7-8](/revelation/9-7-8 "Revelation 9:7-8 - Description of the Locusts")) have already established their bizarre and terrifying appearance, combining features of warhorses, human faces, women's hair, and lion's teeth. Verse 9 specifically elaborates on their military attributes, detailing their protective armor and the overwhelming auditory impact of their movement. The entire passage in [Revelation 9](/revelation/9 "Revelation 9 - The Fifth and Sixth Trumpets") describes a period of intense torment for humanity, specifically targeting those who do not bear the [seal of God on their foreheads](/revelation/7-3 "Revelation 7:3 - The Sealing of God's Servants").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The imagery in Revelation 9:9 draws heavily from ancient military concepts and the common experience of warfare in John's time. "Breastplates of iron" would have immediately conveyed an image of superior, impenetrable armor, as iron was a strong and durable material. The comparison to "chariots of many horses running to battle" evokes the most terrifying and powerful military force known in the ancient world. A cavalry charge or chariot assault was a deafening, earth-shaking event, symbolizing overwhelming power, speed, and an unstoppable advance. This imagery would have resonated deeply with John's original audience, who understood the devastating impact of such armies, making the description of these supernatural locusts even more fearsome and impactful.
* **Key Themes:** Revelation 9:9 contributes significantly to several overarching themes within the book of Revelation and the broader biblical narrative. Firstly, it underscores the theme of **Divine Judgment**, portraying these creatures as instruments of God's precise and severe wrath upon an unrepentant world. Their destructive power, though limited to torment rather than death as stated in [Revelation 9:5](/revelation/9-5 "Revelation 9:5 - The Locusts' Torment"), serves as a stark warning of the consequences of rejecting God. Secondly, the "breastplates of iron" highlight the theme of **Invulnerability and Irresistible Power**, signifying that these divinely commissioned agents are impervious to human resistance. This reinforces God's absolute sovereignty and the futility of opposing His will. Finally, the overwhelming sound and speed conveyed by the "chariots of many horses" emphasize the **Imminence and Scale of God's Wrath**, depicting a judgment that is both rapid and all-encompassing, much like the swiftness with which the [day of the Lord](/1_thessalonians/5-2 "1 Thessalonians 5:2 - The Day of the Lord") will arrive.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **breastplates (Greek, _thōrax'_):** From the Greek _thōrax_, meaning "chest" or "corslet," this word denotes a piece of defensive armor covering the torso. In this context, it emphasizes the protective, military-like nature of the locusts, suggesting invulnerability to attack and highlighting their role as agents of judgment equipped for their specific mission.
* **iron (Greek, _sidḗreos'_):** Derived from _sidēros_ (iron), this adjective specifies the material of the breastplates. Iron, known for its hardness, strength, and durability in the ancient world, symbolizes extreme resilience and resistance. Its use here underscores the impenetrable defense of these creatures, making them impervious to conventional human weaponry and signifying their unstoppable nature.
* **sound (Greek, _phōnḗ'_):** This term, _phōnḗ_, can refer to a voice, noise, or sound. Here, it describes the auditory impact of the locusts' movement. The comparison to chariots highlights a deep, rumbling, and overwhelming noise, indicative of a massive, rapidly advancing force that instills terror and conveys the immense scale and power of their advance.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron":** This clause describes the defensive armor of the locust-like creatures. The repetition of "breastplates" and the use of the simile "as it were" (Greek: _hōs_) emphasize that while they possess a protective covering, it might not be literal iron but something that effectively functions with the same impenetrable strength and resilience. This signifies their divine protection and the futility of human resistance against them, highlighting their role as divinely appointed instruments of judgment.
* **"and the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle":** This vivid auditory description conveys the terrifying impact of the creatures' movement. The comparison to "chariots of many horses running to battle" evokes the overwhelming noise, speed, and destructive power of a large, ancient cavalry charge. It paints a picture of an unstoppable, thundering advance, designed to instill fear and demonstrate the irresistible nature of the judgment being unleashed upon the earth.

#### Literary Devices
Revelation 9:9 is rich in **imagery** and employs powerful **similes** to convey the terrifying nature of the locusts. The description of "breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron," creates a strong visual and tactile image of formidable, unyielding defense, suggesting an invulnerability that is both real in its effect and symbolic in its nature. This is a clear **simile**, comparing the unknown material of their defense to the known strength of iron. Furthermore, the verse uses a powerful auditory **simile**: "the sound of their wings [was] as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle." This comparison evokes the thunderous, overwhelming noise of a massive ancient cavalry charge, effectively conveying the speed, power, and terrifying scale of their advance. This auditory imagery immerses the reader in the apocalyptic scene, amplifying the sense of dread and the irresistible force of divine judgment. The entire description also functions as **symbolism**, where the physical attributes of the creatures represent deeper spiritual realities about the nature of God's wrath and the futility of human resistance against His sovereign will.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Revelation 9:9 powerfully illustrates the awesome and terrifying nature of God's judgment, emphasizing its unstoppable force and the futility of human resistance. The imagery of impenetrable armor and overwhelming sound underscores divine sovereignty over all creation, even over instruments of wrath. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God is just and will hold humanity accountable for its rebellion. For believers, it highlights the profound security found in God's protection, as those sealed by Him are exempt from this specific torment, reinforcing the urgency of spiritual discernment and faithfulness in the face of global upheaval.

* [Joel 2:4-5](/joel/2-4-5 "Joel 2:4-5 - Locust Army Description")
* [Exodus 14:24-25](/exodus/14-24-25 "Exodus 14:24-25 - God's Judgment on Pharaoh's Chariots")
* [Nahum 2:3-4](/nahum/2-3-4 "Nahum 2:3-4 - Description of Chariots in Battle")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Revelation 9:9, while depicting a future apocalyptic event, offers profound spiritual insights for believers today. It underscores the absolute seriousness of God's judgment and the unstoppable nature of His divine will. The imagery of an invincible, thundering force should instill a deep reverence for God's power and justice, prompting a renewed urgency to heed the call to repentance and faith. For those who are sealed by God through faith in Christ, this verse offers a unique perspective: comfort in knowing that God is sovereign over all events, even those that bring torment, and that His protective hand is upon His people ([Psalm 91:7-10](/psalm/91-7-10 "Psalm 91:7-10 - God's Protection")). It challenges us to examine our own lives, ensuring our spiritual armor is in place ([Ephesians 6:10-18](/ephesians/6-10-18 "Ephesians 6:10-18 - The Armor of God")), and to live with a sense of urgency, sharing the hope of salvation before the full weight of God's righteous judgment falls upon an unrepentant world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "breastplates of iron" and "chariots of many horses" impact your understanding of God's power and the seriousness of His judgment?**
* **In what ways does this verse challenge you to consider your own spiritual preparedness and reliance on God's protection?**
* **What is your responsibility, as someone who knows God's truth, in light of the impending judgments described in Revelation?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the "breastplates of iron" for these creatures?**

Answer: The "breastplates of iron" signify the creatures' invulnerability and the impenetrable nature of their defense. In the ancient world, iron was a superior material for armor, symbolizing strength and durability. This detail emphasizes that these locust-like beings are not susceptible to human attacks or resistance, highlighting their role as divinely appointed instruments of judgment against which no earthly power can prevail. It underscores the futility of fighting against God's decreed will.

**Why is the sound of their wings compared to "chariots of many horses running to battle"?**

Answer: This comparison is a powerful auditory simile designed to convey the overwhelming scale, speed, and terrifying impact of the creatures' advance. In ancient warfare, the sound of numerous chariots and horses charging into battle was deafening, earth-shaking, and indicative of an unstoppable, destructive force. By likening the sound of the locusts' wings to this, John communicates the immense, thundering power and rapid, relentless movement of these agents of judgment, instilling fear and emphasizing the irresistible nature of the torment they bring. It paints a picture of a massive, divinely orchestrated military assault that cannot be evaded or withstood.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Revelation 9:9 vividly portrays instruments of divine judgment, its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment lies not in the torment itself, but in the sovereign authority of Christ over all such events and His provision for those who belong to Him. These terrifying creatures, though agents of God's wrath, are ultimately under the control of the [Lamb who was slain](/revelation/5-6 "Revelation 5:6 - The Lamb who was slain"), who holds the keys of death and Hades ([Revelation 1:18](/revelation/1-18 "Revelation 1:18 - Christ holds the keys of death and Hades")). The impenetrable breastplates and overwhelming sound foreshadow the absolute power of Christ, who will one day [tread the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty](/revelation/19-15 "Revelation 19:15 - Christ's Judgment at the Second Coming"). For believers, the imagery of these judgments underscores the urgent call to repentance and faith in Jesus, who offers refuge from the coming wrath ([1 Thessalonians 1:10](/1_thessalonians/1-10 "1 Thessalonians 1:10 - Jesus Delivers from the Wrath to Come")). His sacrifice on the cross provides the ultimate 'breastplate of righteousness' ([Ephesians 6:14](/ephesians/6-14 "Ephesians 6:14 - The Breastplate of Righteousness")), protecting His followers not from earthly torment, but from eternal condemnation, ensuring their security even amidst the most formidable displays of divine judgment.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Joel 2:5

Like the noise of chariots on the tops of mountains shall they leap, like the noise of a flame of fire that devoureth the stubble, as a strong people set in battle array.

Joel 2:8

Neither shall one thrust another; they shall walk every one in his path: and [when] they fall upon the sword, they shall not be wounded.

Nahum 2:4

The chariots shall rage in the streets, they shall justle one against another in the broad ways: they shall seem like torches, they shall run like the lightnings.

Nahum 2:5

He shall recount his worthies: they shall stumble in their walk; they shall make haste to the wall thereof, and the defence shall be prepared.

Job 40:18

His bones [are as] strong pieces of brass; his bones [are] like bars of iron.

Revelation 9:17

And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses [were] as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

Job 39:25

He saith among the trumpets, Ha, ha; and he smelleth the battle afar off, the thunder of the captains, and the shouting.