Revelation Chapter 9The First and Second “Woe” Trumpets

Introduction:#

Revelation Chapter 9 records the fifth and sixth trumpet judgments, ominously called the first and second “woes” (Revelation 8:13, 9:12). These woes unleash unprecedented demonic plagues and catastrophic warfare upon the earth during the end-times Tribulation period. In dispensational theology (as taught by Plymouth Brethren and similar authors), Revelation 9 is understood futuristically – it describes real events that will occur after the Church age, once the Church is raptured and God’s judgments begin to fall on a Christ-rejecting world ^{1 2}. Below, we will study verse by verse through Revelation 9, drawing on insights from Plymouth Brethren expositors (e.g. William Kelly, H.A. Ironside, W.R. Newell) and comparing Scripture with Scripture. We’ll examine doctrinal meanings and also consider practical applications for our spiritual life.

The Fifth Trumpet: Demonic Locusts from the Abyss (Revelation 9:1–12)#

Verses 1–2 – A Fallen Star Opens the Abyss:#

“Then the fifth angel sounded: And I saw a star fallen from heaven to the earth. To him was given the key to the bottomless pit (abyss). And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace…” John sees a “star” that had already fallen from heaven (the Greek text implies past tense “fallen” ³). This “star” is not a literal meteor but a personality symbolized by a star ³. Many interpreters take it as a fallen angel or demonic being (since stars can symbolize angels cf. Revelation 1:20; 12:4, and Satan is metaphorically a fallen star in Isaiah 14:12). Plymouth Brethren author H.A. Ironside suggests it represents an apostate spiritual leader – perhaps the head of some false religious system – whom God allows to unleash great deception upon the world ³. In either case, God is sovereign over this being’s activity: the key to the “bottomless pit” (Greek abyssos, a shaft leading to the abyss) is given to him – he has no authority except what God permits ⁴.

When the abyss is opened, a flood of thick, dark smoke billows out, like smoke from a huge furnace, dimming the sun and polluting the air (9:2). This literal smoke could be physical (John simply describes what he sees), but it also carries spiritual significance. Ironside interprets the smoke as a metaphor for a “strong delusion” – a wave of satanic deception that darkens human understanding of God (obscuring the “sun” of truth) ^{5 6}. Indeed, 2 Thessalonians 2:11 says God will send a strong delusion to those who rejected the truth, causing them to believe lies. Here He sends it by allowing this fallen star to open the abyss of hellish error ⁵. The air being darkened is notable, since Satan is called “the prince of the power of the air” (Ephesians 2:2). In other words, the sphere of earthly thought and spiritual atmosphere becomes choked with demonic influence ⁷. This reminds us that false doctrine and occult lies can spread like smoke, blinding people to the light of the gospel.

Verse 3 – Locusts from the Smoke:#

“Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.” From the abyssal smoke emerge an army of “locusts.” These are no ordinary locusts the description will show they are demonic creatures. They are given power like scorpions, meaning they can inflict painful stings. The imagery of locusts would remind John’s readers of the plague of locusts in Egypt (Exodus 10:12–15) which consumed the land. However, these end- time locusts differ significantly: they target people, not vegetation (v.4). Brethren expositors note that literal locusts eat grass and plants, whereas these are specifically forbidden to harm any green thing ^{8 9}. This key detail shows we are dealing with a symbolic representation a demonic plague sent as judgment. William Kelly writes that “the well-known [locust] creature, with most portentous qualities added, becomes the descriptive sign of these marauders from the abyss” ⁹. In other words, John uses the locust imagery to symbolize hordes of demonic agents let loose to devastate humanity spiritually and physically ¹⁰. Some interpreters have attempted to link these locusts to historical events (for example, certain historicist commentators applied the fifth trumpet to the 7th-8th century Arab invasions, seeing the “locusts” as Saracen armies) – even pointing to the locusts’ “hair like women” as a reference to Saracens’ long hair or horse-tail banners ¹¹. But Plymouth Brethren scholars strongly reject such historicist readings as “grotesque and absurd”, insisting Revelation 9 describes future judgments “after the present Church period” ¹¹. We are to understand these locusts as real demonic entities that will be unleashed in the Tribulation, as part of God’s direct judgments, not merely human armies in past history ¹².

Verses 4–6 – Limited Torment on the Ungodly:#

The locusts are divinely restricted in what they can harm. “They were commanded not to harm the grass or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.” Earlier in Revelation 7, God sealed 144,000 servants (from the tribes of Israel) on their foreheads to protect them. Here we see that seal’s purpose those who are marked as God’s are immune to this locust plague ¹³. All others (the unbelieving masses) can be tormented. This shows God’s sovereign care over His own even in wrathful times, much as He protected Israel in Egypt’s plagues (e.g. Israel in Goshen was spared many plagues – see Exodus 8:22–23, 9:4–6) ¹⁴. It also implies the Church is absent; in Brethren theology the Church is raptured before this, and God’s witness on earth in the Tribulation will be a Jewish remnant and those converted through their testimony ^{1 13}.

The locusts are not allowed to kill people, “but to torment them for five months” (v.5). Five months is roughly the typical lifespan of locust swarms (from spring through late summer) and thus likely a literal time period ¹⁴. God mercifully limits the duration of this torment – it will be intense but not endless. The nature of the torment is “like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man”, i.e. agonizing stings causing excruciating pain. W.R. Newell recounts being stung by a scorpion – “the indescribable anguish extended clear to the head” ¹⁵ simply to illustrate how extreme this pain will be. Yet it will not be unto death. Verse 6 somberly notes, “In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.” The torment is so unbearable that people long to die as an escape, but God will prevent death. Perhaps suicide attempts will fail or even the normal relief of death is supernaturally suspended. This is a reversal of the human condition – normally man clings to life, but here many despair of life. We’re reminded of Job 3:21 or Jeremiah 8:3, where in judgment people choose death over life. It underscores how dreadful this woe is that even death is a relief people cannot obtain.

Verses 7–10 The Locusts’ Terrifying Appearance Described:#

John now attempts to describe the indescribable: “The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle. On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men. They had hair like women’s hair, and their teeth were like lions’ teeth. And they had breastplates like breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle. They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails. Their power was to hurt men five months.” This grotesque imagery mixes features of locusts, horses, humans, lions, scorpions, etc. It emphasizes that these are not natural creatures at all, but demonic monsters on a mission of judgment. We should likely take the description as John’s visual experience of real demonic beings, rather than try to rationalize it as military equipment. Newell remarks, “Is not this a horrid host!” – an infernal mix of attributes designed to terrify ¹⁸. Consider each detail:

• “Like horses prepared for battle” – They are warlike, charging swiftly and relentlessly like cavalry. Joel 2:4 similarly says of locusts, “Their appearance is like the appearance of horses.” This suggests speed and strength in their onslaught ¹⁹.
• “On their heads were something like crowns of gold” – This could mean they appear victorious or invincible in their mission. Newell sees the crowns as indicating they are God’s appointed avengers in judgment ¹⁸. Ironside adds that during the delusion, apostasy will seem to be triumphing everywhere, as if wearing the crown ²⁰.
• “Faces like the faces of men” – This implies intelligence or cunning – these demons are rational beings, not mindless insects ²¹. They present a human-like cleverness, making their deception persuasive (perhaps charismatic false teachers empowered by demons, in Ironside’s interpretive view ²²).
• “Hair like women’s hair” – Long hair could symbolize seductive allure ²³. Just as Absalom’s hair entangled him or a woman’s beauty can captivate, these forces use attractive, seductive ideas to entice the unwary. Ironside notes their teachings have a seductive appeal (“attractive fancies”), drawing people in like the outward beauty of hair can charm the eyes ²³.
• “Teeth like lions’ teeth” – Beneath the attractive surface, they are vicious and devouring ²⁴. A lion’s teeth tear prey apart – so these demonic doctrines or forces ultimately tear souls to pieces and destroy lives. What a picture of Satan’s nature (1 Peter 5:8).
• “Breastplates of iron” – They seem invulnerable. Iron breastplates suggest that no matter how people try to resist or fight back, these creatures cannot be killed or stopped by human means. Also it hints their hearts/consciences are hardened (impenetrable to truth) ²⁵. Those propagating the delusion may be beyond reach of reason or compassion – their “iron” resolve is to do evil.
• “The sound of their wings was like many chariots rushing into battle” – The overwhelming noise speaks to their sheer numbers and the panic they induce. Wings beating like war-chariots suggest unstoppable speed and range, striking everywhere. Joel 2:5–6 uses similar terms for locust armies. Spiritually, this could hint at how swiftly false ideologies will spread across the earth in that day, conquering minds in an instant ²⁵.
• “Tails like scorpions, with stings in their tails” – Emphasized again to show their power to hurt and torment. Interestingly, Isaiah 9:15 says, “The prophet who teaches lies, he is the tail.” Kelly and Ironside both note this to connect the “tails” to false prophets or teachers who inflict soul-injury by lies ^{26 27}. Thus the tail may symbolize the poisonous deception these demons spread, leaving spiritual injury even after the initial “strike.”

All these features together paint a portrait of a horrifying demonic assault on humanity’s body and soul. It will be a time of terror, delusion, pain, and despair – literally a foretaste of hell on earth. As Newell says, if we believe God’s record of the past (like the literal plagues in Egypt), we should believe He means what He says here about this coming plague ^{28 29}. God clearly intends us to know these locusts are not mere fantasy; the repetition and detail underline that this judgment is very real.

Verse 11 – The King of the Locusts, Abaddon/Apollyon:#

“And they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.” This is another clue that these locusts are demonic Proverbs 30:27 notes, “the locusts have no king.” But this swarm does have a king, who is explicitly an angel of the abyss. “Abaddon” in Hebrew means “Destruction,” and “Apollyon” in Greek means “Destroyer.” This high-ranking demon is the chief of the abyss possibly the very one who now comes out to lead this torment. Some Bible teachers think Apollyon may be Satan himself taking command of this plague ³⁰. Others, like W.R. Newell, argue this cannot be Satan, since Satan at that time is still roaming free on earth and heaven (not confined to the abyss until later, see Revelation 20:1–3) ³¹. Thus Abaddon could be another powerful fallen angel-essentially a “general” of demonic hordes. Either way, the mission is pure destruction. It’s sobering to realize that behind the false “angel of light” facade that Satan often presents (2 Corinthians 11:14), he is ultimately Apollyon the destroyer. All false religion and occultism, though promising enlightenment, end in destruction. In that coming day, people who embrace the lie will literally find themselves under the tyranny of the destroyer.

Verse 12 – The First Woe Passes:#

“One woe is past. Behold, still two more woes are coming after these things.” This short verse transitions us. The terrible five-month locust woe (fifth trumpet) ends, but the warning is given that two more demonic woes are yet to come. The intensity is increasing. We’ll now move to the sixth trumpet, which brings another wave of judgment – this time resulting in massive death.

The Sixth Trumpet: The Release of the Four Angels and an Infernal Army (Revelation 9:13–21)#

Verses 13–15 – Four Bound Angels at the Euphrates Released:#

“Then the sixth angel sounded: and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel… ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates. So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind.” When the sixth trumpet blows, John hears a voice from the golden altar’s four horns. In the tabernacle/temple, the golden altar of incense was associated with the prayers of God’s people (cf. Rev 8:3–5). Here, its horns (protrusions symbolizing authority or mercy) cry out commanding release of judgment. This likely indicates that the time has come for God to answer the prayers of the saints for vindication (Rev 6:9–10) – the very altar that saw intercession now calls forth justice ³³. The fact that this directive comes from before God’s presence assures us these woes, though demonic in instrument, are divinely ordained responses to human evil.

John hears specifically about four angels bound at the Euphrates River. Being “bound” implies these are fallen angels/demons, since God’s holy angels are not chained. These might be extremely powerful demonic princes that have been restrained until this exact moment. Notably, the Euphrates has deep biblical significance: it was one of Eden’s rivers, the boundary of the land God promised to Israel (Genesis 15:18), and in history it often formed the frontier between the East and West (e.g. the eastern limit of the Roman Empire ³⁴). It’s also the region where ancient Babylon arose the fountainhead of idolatry and false religion (Genesis 11:1–9). One commentator observes that human sin and Satan’s kingdom both began near the Euphrates, and it will also be a focal point in the end-times ³⁵. To this day it’s a dividing line between cultures (Middle East and Far East). So, these four demons have been “prepared for the hour, day, month, and year” – a specific appointment in God’s timetable – when they will be loosed to initiate a deadly catastrophe. God’s precision is seen here: nothing in these judgments is random; the timing is exact to the very hour ³⁶. (The phrase likely means at that very hour of a particular day rather than for a duration of 13 months; it highlights precision, not length ³⁶.)

Upon release, these four demonic angels mobilize a force that kills one-third of humanity. This is a massive escalation from the fifth trumpet, where people were tormented but not killed. Considering that under the earlier fourth seal judgment a quarter of the earth’s population died (Rev 6:8), this additional one-third now brings the cumulative death toll to over half of humanity. For example, if the world population were 8 billion going into the Tribulation, a quarter gone leaves 6 billion; a third of those (another 2 billion) would bring it down to 4 billion remaining. Half of all people dead by mid-Tribulation is staggering. Newell comments that these woes result in “one of every three humans” being slain ³⁷ truly “awful days” of wrath. It calls to mind Jesus’ warning in Matthew 24:22 that “unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved.”

Verse 16 – An Army of Two Hundred Million:#

John adds, “Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.” Out of the released angels comes a colossal army of 200 million mounted troops. This number is so immense that John emphasizes he heard it announced, implying it was not just an estimate – it was divinely revealed. Interpreters have debated: is this a human army (like nations mustering forces) or a demonic horde from the spirit realm? Some suggest it could be a massive gathering of Eastern nations (since the Euphrates is mentioned, one thinks of armies from beyond the Euphrates, possibly alluding to Asia). In fact, Ironside and Kelly see here an invasion of “the great Asiatic hordes” pouring westward into the prophetic sphere of the old Roman Empire ^{34 38}. The description to follow, however, shows these forces are “like” no normal human cavalry, even if humans are involved. William Newell argues we should take the number and description literally as part of the supernatural judgment – not try to reduce it to a historical event or mere symbol ^{39 35}. It could indeed be a demon army 200 million evil spirits manifesting in this plague of horsemen. (To put 200 million in perspective: it exceeds the entire populations of many nations. In John’s day the idea of an army that size would be mind- boggling; even today, fielding 200 million soldiers is beyond any coalition of nations, suggesting a supernatural element.) Whether entirely demonic or a demon-driven human coalition, it’s clear that hell is breaking loose on an unthinkable scale.

Verses 17–19 The Plague of Fire, Smoke, and Brimstone:#

John describes the troops: “And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone (sulfur). By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed-by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.” This lurid description defies any easy natural explanation. The mounted riders have breastplates the color of fire (red), hyacinth (dark blue or purple smoke), and brimstone (sulfur-yellow) – the very colors of hellish fire and smoke ⁴⁰. The horses have heads like lions – ferocious and deadly and they breathe out fire, smoke, and burning sulfur. This is reminiscent of the judgment on Sodom and Gomorrah, when God rained fire and brimstone from heaven (Genesis 19:24–28). In fact, Newell challenges skeptics by asking: If we believe Genesis literally (that Abraham saw literal smoke rising from Sodom’s ruins), why doubt that John sees literal fire and brimstone here? ^{41 42} God has done it before; He can do it again on a larger scale. The result of this infernal onslaught is that one-third of mankind is killed by burning, asphyxiation, and likely ensuing chaos ^{43 2}. It’s essentially a hell-breathing army like a demonic parody of cavalry. The mention of serpentine tails with heads that also injure suggests these horses can attack both forward and rear. If the tail symbolizes false leadership or prophets (Isa. 9:15), it may indicate that deceptive leaders (the “heads” on the tails) are inciting this destruction ²⁷. In any case, the picture is one of total, inescapable destruction – “fire and smoke and sulfur” evoke hell itself unleashed on earth ^{44 40}.

Some have attempted to see modern warfare in this imagery for instance, the fire and smoke could be cannons or gunfire, the sulfur like gunpowder, the horses’ tails like serpentine machine guns or missiles, etc. While it’s possible John was struggling to describe future technology, the text seems to deliberately stress a supernatural origin (“bound angels” releasing it) and hellish quality (fire and sulfur are typically associated with demonic judgment, cf. Revelation 14:10, 20:10). Thus, it’s best to see this plague as demonically orchestrated warfare, whether carried out by demonic creatures or by influencing human armies to slaughter each other with horrific weaponry. Ironside believed this “second woe” represents a great world war triggered by widespread devil-worship and lawlessness – nations turning on each other under demonic influence ^{45 46}. In fact, he likened it to World War I as a foreshadowing: Europe’s embrace of godless ideologies (rationalism, Nietzschean philosophy, etc.) led to an unexpected conflagration of violence ^{47 48}. Likewise, in the end, the rejection of God and embrace of Satan (conscious or not) will erupt in a war so deadly that a third of mankind perishes. We might consider this a fulfillment of Jesus’ prediction of “wars and rumors of wars… nation against nation” on an unparalleled scale (Matt. 24:6–7), and perhaps Joel’s prophecy of blood and fire and pillars of smoke (Joel 2:30–31).

Importantly, Newell cautions us to believe Scripture’s clear statements: if God says fire, smoke, and brimstone kill a third of humanity, we must not allegorize it away ^{49 50}. He notes that some liberal theologians doubt a literal lake of fire; doubting the fire here is of the same ilk of unbelief ^{51 52}. The Holy Spirit piled up tangible terms fire, smoke, sulfur to ensure we understand this judgment is real. It is “idle,” he says, to claim this is just “a figure of false doctrine” when Scripture plainly differentiates demonic spirits of deception elsewhere (e.g. Rev 16:13–14) ⁴⁹ In short, Revelation 9 depicts real physical judgments (demonic and military disasters) in the future Tribulation, not merely symbolic spiritual events in history.

Verses 20–21- Hardened Hearts That Refuse to Repent:#

Incredibly, after all this carnage, the chapter concludes: “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries (pharmakeia) or their sexual immorality or their thefts.” This is one of the most sobering statements in Scripture. Even after experiencing a literal hell on earth demonic torment and fiery destruction those who survive are entrenched in their sins, utterly unrepentant. The text lists specific sins, which can be grouped according to the Ten Commandments:

• Idolatry and demon-worship (false gods) – Despite knowing by now that the God of the Bible is real and judging them, people cling to their idols. These may be literal idols (statues of gold, etc., as in pagan or occult worship) and implicitly the demons behind those idols ^{53 54}. Demon-worship will be rampant. Even today, occult, New Age, and Satanic practices are on the rise; in that future time, with the restraint of the Holy Spirit removed, humanity will dive headlong into overt devil- worship (compare 1 Corinthians 10:20). The “image of the Beast” set up later (Rev 13:14–15) will literally be an idol the world bows to empowered by Satan. Yet these idols are powerless hunks of metal/stone that “can neither see nor hear nor walk” a deliberate echo of Psalm 115:4–7. Man’s rebellion has made him irrational: seeking help from mute idols while rejecting the living God who proved Himself through these judgments. This is the ultimate fulfillment of Romans 1: “although they knew God, they did not glorify Him as God… but exchanged the glory of the incorruptible God into an image…” (Rom 1:21–23).
• “Murders” – Violence will fill the earth. Lawlessness and disregard for life (likely intensified by the chaotic times) result in widespread killing. Jesus said the end times would be “as the days of Noah” (Luke 17:26) and Genesis 6:11 notes that in Noah’s day “the earth was filled with violence.” Here we see it: murder is so commonplace that even God’s devastating plagues don’t prompt people to rethink their hatred ⁵⁵. Modern society already reels with senseless killings; by then, it will be far worse (perhaps aided by breakdown of order and the reign of Antichrist).
• “Sorceries” – The Greek word here is pharmakeia, which originally refers to potions/drugs used in occult practices ⁵⁶. It implies witchcraft, magical arts, and drug abuse intertwined. Indeed, illicit drugs often alter minds and open people to demonic influence. By the end, humanity will be deeply engaged in occult “enchantments,” drug-fueled spiritual experiences, and all manner of witchcraft. (Interestingly, Revelation 18:23 uses pharmakeia regarding Babylon deceiving the nations by her sorceries.) Today’s burgeoning interest in mind-altering substances and occult spirituality is a prelude. Brethren commentators foresee the last days as possibly “the most drunken and drugged age the world ever saw,” men seeking refuge in substance-induced oblivion amid the misery ^{57 58}. Yet even as God’s judgments fall, they will not repent of these Satanic practices. This confirms that punishment alone doesn’t soften hard hearts ^{2 59}. Only grace can.
• “Sexual immorality (fornication)” – Like Sodom before its fiery end, the world will be in the grip of gross immorality of all kinds. Jesus also likened the end to “the days of Lot” (Luke 17:28–30) – sexual perversion and unrestrained lust. Brethren writers note how in our own time a “wave of lust” has been sweeping the earth, breaking down moral restraints ⁶⁰. By Revelation 9’s point, society has fully normalized every kind of sexual sin (the word porneia covers adultery, fornication, homosexuality, etc.). People will refuse to repent of these, perhaps even cursing God rather than change (cf. Rev 16:11). They are “lovers of pleasure rather than lovers of God” (2 Tim 3:4). It is striking that in Revelation 2:21, Jesus gave the corrupt “Jezebel” space to repent of her fornication, and she did not likewise here the world will not give up its immoral indulgences ⁶¹. This should warn us today: continual indulgence in sexual sin can so harden the heart that even divine judgment won’t jolt a person to repentance.
• “Thefts” – Finally, rampant dishonesty and greed mark society. “Everyone for himself” becomes the rule; covetousness leads to stealing, scamming, oppression of others economically. As chaos reigns, people loot and plunder without remorse. Trust and integrity vanish. Zechariah 5:3–4 prophesied a curse on the land for stealing and lying, and in that chapter a flying scroll and an ephah (basket) symbolically removed wickedness to Shinar (Babylonia). Interestingly, Zechariah 5 links theft and perjury as prevailing sins of the end times, which aligns with Revelation 9: people violate both love of neighbor (murder, theft) and love of God (idolatry, occult) flagrantly ⁶². It is a picture of total moral collapse – yet no repentance.

In summary, Revelation 9 ends by highlighting human depravity. Despite experiencing judgments that unmistakably reveal God’s wrath against sin, people cling to their sins more fiercely. This demonstrates what Romans 2:5 says: “because of your hard and impenitent heart you are storing up wrath for yourself.” These folks have passed the point of no return, much like Pharaoh whose heart was hardened through the plagues. Ironside remarks that this passage disproves any notion that punishment automatically leads to repentance ^{2 59}. Only the grace of God through the gospel brings true repentance (Rom 2:4). Those who reject grace will not be reformed by judgments; often they grow more defiant – as seen here and later in Revelation 16:9,11 where even with sores and scorching heat, men “blasphemed God…and did not repent.” This is a dire warning not to harden our hearts when God convicts us.

Conclusion:#

Revelation 9 is a crucial chapter of apocalyptic prophecy and Christian theology. It reveals the holy severity of God’s judgment against a persistently rebellious world. It vividly portrays the reality of the demonic realm and how God can use even evil agents to accomplish His just purposes. For our personal walk, this chapter warns us of the end result of sin and Satan’s lies – torment and destruction and thus urges us to pursue holiness and truth. At the same time, it comforts us that God knows how to protect His own: just as the sealed believers are shielded, so we who belong to Jesus are secure in Him. Studying Revelation 9 should fill us with a sober fear of the Lord, greater appreciation for our salvation, and compassion for the lost. As terrible as these woes are, remember that for those in Christ, “God did not appoint us to wrath, but to obtain salvation through our Lord Jesus Christ” (1 Thess 5:9). Let this motivate us to live godly lives and share the gospel while we still can. The Judge is coming, and with Him the woes for this world – but also, ultimately, the hope of His kingdom after these judgments. Even in wrath, God’s goal is to purge evil and lead to the glorious reign of Christ. “Even so, come, Lord Jesus!”