Chapter Nine

The fifth trumpet warns of deception and destruction, as recorded in Revelation 9:1-11. The first thing that happens is that a star falls from heaven. To this one is given the key of the bottomless pit. This one is named the "Destroyer" as we learn in verse 11, and there can be little doubt that the reference is to Satan. Since the trumpets announce the things that will be fulfilled by the cups, we will not be surprised to find this event repeated in Revelation 12:9-13.

But when was the devil thrown down? Jesus tells us in Luke l0:18 that He has watched Satan "fall from heaven like lightning" as a result of the teaching of the disciples. The power of Satan is sin, and the power of sin is death. Jesus eliminated the power of Satan and of sin by His coming to earth and giving Himself for us.

Notice the great amount of smoke that arises when the devil opens the pit.

"And even if our gospel is veiled," Paul explains in 2 Corinthians 4:3-4, "it is veiled to those who are perishing, in whose case the god of this world has blinded the minds of the unbelieving, that they might not see the light of the gospel of the glory of Christ, who is the image of God."

Read the account in Revelation 9:1-11 and see that this is a warning of deception and destruction. Satan promises one thing. He ALWAYS delivers something entirely different.

There are no literal meanings to the things described in these verses. Attempts to identify the figures of this chapter with weapons of modern warfare are not faithful to methods of honest biblical interpretation.

Notice three things about what is described in this passage. First of all, verse four tells us that the warning here is directed toward spiritual, and not material, targets. The first four trumpets affected the earth, waters and heavens. Perhaps the spiritual nature of the final trumpets is what causes them to be set apart and identified as great woes.

Notice from the same verse that those who have the seal of God are not hurt.

And don't miss the fact that God is still in control, as demonstrated in verse five. How long is five months? Five is not a common number in prophetic writing, but ten is. Numbers are multiplied by ten to magnify them. If ten is big, perhaps half that number is a limited time.

The sixth trumpet, and the second woe, is announced starting in verse 13. Again, the picture begins at the altar which is before God. Who is giving the orders? Who is calling the plays? Who is in control? What is the purpose of this book?

Four angels had been held back until the faithful could be set apart. Now the angels are released. The number two represents strength. To multiply it by multiples of ten makes it greater.

Again, attempts to identify the figures here with weapons of modern warfare are fruitless...and unscriptural. As we have said, this approach is not honest in light of the symbolic, prophetic nature of the passage. And how would a discussion of atomic bombs and fighter planes accomplish the goal of encouraging and strengthening first-century Christians?

What is the purpose of the trumpets? It is to warn of the coming judgment of God and, hopefully, lead people to repentance. But verses 20 and 21 say that the wicked did not repent. God offered them a chance and they rejected it.

This seems so foolish, but how are we any different? How do we respond when God offers us the truth that will set us free?

Unless otherwise noted, "Scripture taken from the NEW AMERICAN STANDARD BIBLE(R), (C) Copyright The Lockman Foundation 1960, 1962, 1963, 1968, 1971, 1972, 1973, 1975, 1977. Used by permission."