REVELATION 9:13-15. 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, WHO HAD THE TRUMPET 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. Today, we will focus on the second woe in the Book of Revelation, which is the release of the four angels who are bound at the Great River Euphrates. The release of the Four Angels at the Great River Euphrates marks a turning point in the Book of Revelation. The first four trumpets were a warning, a call to repentance, and an invitation to turn to God. But the fifth and sixth trumpets are more severe, and their judgments are directed specifically against those who refuse to repent.
In the first woe, mankind is not killed, but rather tormented by demonic locusts and their leader, Apollyon the destroyer. No one dies during this time. However, during the second woe, a powerful army is unleashed to kill a third of mankind. According to the scripture, when the sixth trumpet sounds four angels who had been bound at the Great River Euphrates are released. These angels were specifically prepared for this significant event. Although we do not know who prepared them, they were bound for this particular hour and for a divine purpose. While it is uncertain whether these angels are considered bad, it is likely that they are evil angels.
I personally believe they are evil angels because no holy angel would be bound. Nevertheless, regardless of their nature, they serve the divine purpose. The reason these angels were bound specifically at the river Euphrates and not any other river is not explicitly stated in the scripture. However, the Euphrates River holds significant symbolism throughout the Bible. It is associated with several significant events and places in Genesis chapter two, verses ten through 14. It is linked to the first sin and the location of the Garden of Eden. Additionally, the Euphrates River holds significance as a landmark of Babylon. Babylon represents human pride, rebellion and idolatry. It was the first great empire that persecuted God's people.
The river also served as a crucial military asset, providing protection to the city of Babylon from invasion. While the exact reason for binding the Angels at the Euphrates is not explicitly explained, these associations highlight the historical and symbolic importance of the river in relation to rebellion, sin and the opposition faced by God's people throughout Biblical history. REVELATION 9:16-19. NOW THE NUMBER OF THE ARMY OF THE HORSEMEN WAS 200 MILLION. I HEARD THE NUMBER OF THEM, AND THUS I SAW THE HORSES IN THE VISION. THOSE WHO SAT ON THEM HAD BREASTPLATES OF FIERY RED HYACINTH, BLUE AND SULPHUR YELLOW. AND THE HEADS OF THE HORSES WERE LIKE THE HEADS OF LIONS. AND OUT OF THEIR MOUTHS CAME FIRE, SMOKE AND BRIMSTONE.
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.
The description of the Horsemen in Revelation chapter nine, verses 16 through 19, is indeed strange and grotesque, presenting a vivid image of horror, destruction and a connection to the demonic realm.
Some have suggested that if these horsemen represent a natural army of men, the peculiar description could be symbolic of modern warfare with its mechanized equipment and advanced weaponry. It is possible that John, in his limited understanding, used these vivid terms to depict the technology of his time.
However, upon careful examination, it becomes clear that the description does not align with conventional war horses or modern military equipment like fighter jets or tanks. The imagery goes beyond what can be attributed to human technology. Therefore, a safer interpretation may be to understand this as a literal army of 200 million, but not composed of human beings from a specific nation. Instead, it signifies a demonic army invading the earth held in bondage by the Lord until the appointed time when God grants them permission to unleash their destructive power. This interpretation aligns with the earlier description of the demonic locusts in the same chapter.
The idea of a demonic army fits within the overall context of revelation and the spiritual warfare depicted throughout the book. It emphasizes the forces of evil being unleashed upon the world during the end times, working in accordance with God's divine plan.
REVELATION 9:20-21. 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 OR THEIR SEXUAL IMMORALITY OR THEIR THEFTS.
It is indeed surprising that despite witnessing the remarkable events described in the Book of Revelation, including the sounding of seven trumpets, catastrophic natural disasters, the torment of demonic locusts and the rise of Apollyon the destroyer, the people on Earth remain unrepentant.
One would expect that such extraordinary occurrences would lead them to recognize the gravity of their actions and turn to God. Consider the sounding of seven trumpets. Each trumpet brought forth a different judgment or catastrophe upon the earth, serving as a clear sign of divine intervention. These calamities, such as hail mixed with blood, a burning mountain cast into the sea and darkened skies, should have prompted a deep reflection on their sinful ways. But men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil and they refused to repent. Furthermore, the torment caused by the demonic locusts with Apollyon leading their destructive charge should have shaken their hearts and caused them to seek mercy and forgiveness. The very presence of such demonic forces should have served as a wake up call, exposing the darkness of their deeds and the need for repentance.
But men loved darkness rather than light because their deeds were evil and they refused to repent. Yet, despite all these astonishing events and divine judgments, the people stubbornly persist in their sinful ways. It reveals the depth of their spiritual condition and the hardness of their hearts. Even when faced with God's righteous judgment, they remain unyielding, clinging to their sinful lifestyles. In the Book of Revelation, there is a striking depiction of people who would rather seek death than repent. In Revelation chapter six, verse 16, it is written that they recognize the judgment of God unfolding before their eyes. They were aware of the magnitude of his power and authority to the point that they longed for mountains to fall on them, seeking escape from the impending judgment. This portrayal reveals the depth of their hardness of heart and stubborn rebellion. Despite witnessing the undeniable truth of God's existence and his righteous judgment, they chose to resist repentance.
It highlights the tragic reality of individuals who, in the face of God's mercy and call for transformation obstinately cling to their sinful ways, unwilling to turn from their wickedness. It serves as a reminder of the importance of a softened heart and a willingness to humbly submit to God, acknowledging our need for His forgiveness and salvation. This stubbornness demonstrates the fallen state of humanity. It shows how deeply ingrained sin can be blinding individuals to the reality of their need for salvation and preventing them from embracing God's mercy.
It is a tragic reflection of the human tendency to resist divine grace, even in the face of overwhelming evidence. However, it is crucial to remember that God's ultimate desire is for all people to come to repentance and experience His redeeming love. The events unfolding in Revelation serve as warnings and opportunities for individuals to turn away from their sin and embrace God's forgiveness.
Though the people's response may be disheartening, it underscores the importance of persistently sharing the message of salvation and interceding for those who are still lost in their unrepentant ways. In Revelation Chapter nine, verses 20 through 21, we witness a sobering truth. People will be worshipping demons. It is a thought that may seem difficult to grasp. But if we honestly reflect on the state of our world today, we can see glimpses of this reality already unfolding in our present society. It is becoming increasingly common for Satan and his influences to be celebrated and embraced. The deceptions and lies spread by the enemy are subtly creeping into various aspects of our lives, often masked as normal or even progressive ideologies. The values and principles rooted in God's truth are being challenged and replaced with a distorted moral compass. The media, entertainment industry and popular culture often glorify behaviors and beliefs that directly contradict God's teaching.
What was once considered immoral or sinful is now celebrated and applauded. Satan is paraded around, sometimes under the guise of freedom or personal expression, encouraged people to indulge in activities that are contrary to God's design for our lives.
The worship of demons mentioned in Revelation reminds us of the spiritual battle at hand. Satan seeks to deceive and draw people away from God's truth, enticing them to worship anything other than the one true God. This can manifest in various ways, such as idolizing material possessions, fame, power, or even engaging in occult practices that invite demonic influence. As followers of Christ, it is crucial to be vigilant and discerning. We must be aware of the subtle lies and influences of the enemy in our surroundings. Our world may be walking in a direction that embraces and normalizes the worship of demons, but as believers, we are called to stand firm in our faith and to be a light in the midst of darkness. Our task is to live according to God's Word, sharing the truth and love of Christ with those around us. WE MUST NOT CONFORM TO THE PATTERNS OF THIS WORLD, BUT BE TRANSFORMED BY THE RENEWING OF OUR MINDS.ROMANS 12:2
ROMANS Chapter 12, verse two. Through prayer study of Scripture and reliance on the Holy Spirit, we can navigate these challenging times and be a beacon of hope in a world that desperately needs the redeeming grace of Jesus. Let us remember that God's power is greater than any force of darkness. And as we stand firmly in him, we can resist the temptations and deceptions of Satan. In doing so, we can be a testament to his love and truth, shining a light that exposes the emptiness of worshiping anything other than the one true God.
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