ESV Global Study Bible :: Footnotes for Revelation 9

Rev. 9:1–12 The star fallen from heaven to earth (v. 1) when the fifth trumpet sounds is Satan. He is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose names mean “Destroyer” (see note on v. 11). This vision shows an increase of demonic activity. This will make rebellious humans more desperate, as God’s patient restraint of evil comes to an end.

Rev. 9:1 star fallen from heaven to earth. Jesus saw Satan fall like lightning (Luke 10:18). John will later see the “dragon,” whom he identifies as Satan, thrown from heaven to earth (Rev. 12:9). The fact that the key to the shaft of the Abyss was given to him shows that Satan can do nothing without God’s permission.

Rev. 9:2–3 Locusts recalls the eighth plague on Egypt (Ex. 10:14–15) and Joel 2:31.

Rev. 9:4–11 These locusts are no threat to earth’s vegetation (grass, green plant, or tree), and they do not look like locusts (vv. 7–9). It seems that these invaders are not literal insects but demonic spirits. Others think they represent military forces. Still others think they are actual locusts whose destructive power is described symbolically.

Rev. 9:11 Abaddon, Apollyon. In Hebrew and Greek, respectively, these words refer to “destruction” and the “one who destroys.” Satan’s demons war against his own human subjects.

Rev. 9:13–21 This is the last limited judgment and warning blast. When the seventh and last trumpet sound, “the mystery of God will be fulfilled” (10:7; compare 1 Cor. 15:52; 1 Thess. 4:16). The opportunity to repent will be past (Rev. 9:20–21).

Rev. 9:13–14 The golden altar before God answers the saints’ prayers (8:4–5). Ancient Israel’s conquerors, Assyria and Babylon, came from the great river Euphrates. In John’s day this river also marked the eastern boundary of Rome’s influence. Beyond it, barbarian powers such as Parthia threatened the empire. This river represents what holds back chaos and violence. The release of the four destructive angels allows unprecedented bloodshed and suffering.

Rev. 9:16–19 twice ten thousand times ten thousand. Two hundred million is an incredibly large army. But it is not as large as the number of those who worship the Lamb (7:9). These mounted troops are demons, though some think they represent an actual human army.

Rev. 9:20–21 did not repent. Those rebelling against God have been tortured by the very demons they worshiped. Yet they take no warning from these final trumpet blasts. idols . . . cannot see or hear or walk. Compare Dan. 5:23; Ps. 115:4–8; Isa. 44:12–20.