Revelation 9:13-21 is about the emergence of destructive forces in the form of demonic locusts symbolizing the torment that will come upon those who do not repent and turn away from their sinful ways.
13 Then the sixth angel blew his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God,
14 saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, “Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.”
15 So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour, the day, the month, and the year, were released to kill a third of mankind.
16 The number of mounted troops was twice ten thousand times ten thousand; I heard their number.
17 And this is how I saw the horses in my vision and those who rode them: they wore breastplates the color of fire and of sapphire and of sulfur, and the heads of the horses were like lions’ heads, and fire and smoke and sulfur came out of their mouths.
18 By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed, by the fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths.
19 For the power of the horses is in their mouths and in their tails, for their tails are like serpents with heads, and by means of them they wound.
20 The rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands nor give up worshiping demons and idols of gold and silver and bronze and stone and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk,
21 nor did they repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.
Setting the Scene for Revelation 9:13-21
In Revelation chapter 9, the scene is set in the midst of a great and terrifying vision of the end times. The passage describes the sixth angel sounding his trumpet, which unleashes a powerful army of horsemen numbering two hundred million. These horsemen are described as wearing breastplates of fiery red, dark blue, and yellow sulfur, with heads of lions and fire and smoke and sulfur coming out of their mouths. Their mission is to kill a third of mankind with plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur.
As the scene unfolds, the earth is in chaos and turmoil as these demonic horsemen wreak havoc and destruction upon the world. The air is thick with the stench of sulfur and the sounds of war and suffering fill the air. People are running in fear, seeking shelter from the wrath of these supernatural beings. The horsemen move swiftly and mercilessly, carrying out their deadly mission with precision and efficiency.
In the midst of this apocalyptic scene, the names of those present are not specifically mentioned, but it is a moment of intense fear and despair for all who witness the unfolding events. The surroundings are bleak and desolate, with the landscape scarred by the fires of destruction and the cries of the wounded and dying echoing in the distance. It is a moment of reckoning and judgment, as the forces of evil are unleashed upon the world in a terrifying display of power and destruction.
What is Revelation 9:13-21 about?
The sixth trumpet sounds in this verse, unleashing a horrifying scene where a demonic army is permitted to wreak havoc on the earth. This army is responsible for killing a third of mankind as a form of judgment. This event symbolizes the consequences of sin and the wrath of God being poured out on those who have turned away from Him. It serves as a reminder of the severity of ignoring God’s commands and the ultimate consequences of living a life devoid of His guidance and love.
Imagine the terror and devastation that would come with a demonic army marching through the earth, leaving death and destruction in their wake. The imagery painted here is meant to jolt us awake to the reality of spiritual warfare and the very real consequences of rejecting God’s grace and mercy. It poses a question to us – are we living in alignment with God’s will or are we risking facing the consequences of turning away from Him? This verse serves as a stark warning and a call to repentance, urging us to turn back to God before it is too late.
Understanding what Revelation 9:13-21 really means
The Book of Revelation, a prophetic vision given to the Apostle John on the island of Patmos, contains vivid imagery and symbolism about the end times. In Revelation 9:13-21, we encounter the sixth trumpet judgment, where four angels bound at the Euphrates River are released to kill a third of mankind. The phrase “The sixth angel sounded his trumpet” signifies the continuation of God’s judgments upon the earth, unfolding with precise timing as “four angels who had been kept ready for this very hour and day and month and year” are unleashed. This emphasizes God’s sovereignty and the exact execution of His plans, showcasing the severity of His wrath against sin as a third of mankind is destined to perish.
The immense number of “mounted troops” in the passage, symbolizing an overwhelming force, hints at a catastrophic event involving a vast army or a demonic horde. Despite these devastating judgments, many in the passage “did not repent,” highlighting human stubbornness and the hardness of heart in the face of God’s warnings. Drawing parallels, Ezekiel 38-39 and Matthew 24:21-22 provide additional insights into great battles and tribulations, aligning with the catastrophic events foretold in Revelation. In contrast, 2 Peter 3:9 reminds us of God’s patience, desiring all to come to repentance, underscoring the stark contrast with the unrepentant hearts in Revelation 9.
The relevance of this passage to people today is profound. It serves as a stark reminder of spiritual warfare and God’s impending judgment, urging us to live with an eternal perspective. The unrepentant hearts depicted in Revelation 9:13-21 warn us to examine our lives, repent, and turn to God before it is too late. Moreover, the passage underscores God’s sovereignty, reassuring us of His ultimate authority and control over all events. Just as a town ignoring disaster warnings faces consequences, Revelation calls us to heed God’s warning, repent, and be prepared for His return.
In conclusion, Revelation 9:13-21 is a sobering reminder of God’s judgment and the urgency of repentance. It prompts us to live with a heightened awareness of spiritual realities, trust in God’s sovereign plan, and encourage others to turn to Him. Let us reflect on this passage, evaluate our hearts, seek repentance, and strive to walk in alignment with God’s will as we await His return.
How can we resist the temptation of evil?
One way to resist the temptation of evil is by staying alert and being vigilant. We can better prepare ourselves to resist and overcome evil by being aware of its schemes and tactics. Understanding that evil may come in various forms and disguises can help us discern its presence and avoid falling into its traps.
Another way to resist the temptation of evil is by staying grounded in our faith and relying on the guidance of God. We can fortify ourselves against the allure of evil and remain steadfast in our beliefs and values by continuously seeking His wisdom and strength through prayer and meditation. Trusting in God’s protection and leaning on His support can empower us to resist temptations and stay on the path of righteousness.
Furthermore, surrounding ourselves with a community of like-minded believers can provide additional strength and support in resisting evil. We can encourage one another, hold each other accountable, and offer mutual support in times of temptation by fostering relationships with those who share similar values and beliefs. Together, we can stand firm against the forces of evil and uphold one another in our journey towards goodness and righteousness.
Application
Dear friend, let’s heed the wake-up call found in Revelation 9:13-21. The message is clear – the consequences of our actions matter. It’s time to steer away from the destructive path and embrace righteousness. Will you choose to realign your life with God’s plan and embrace His guidance as your compass?
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.