Earlier (Revelation 1:20), we were informed that the seven stars were the angels of the seven churches. The star here has fallen (ASV) and we believe this to be Satan. (Luke 10:18; Isaiah 14:12-14; Ezekiel 28:1-19) Isaiah's prophecy is first concerning the king of Babylon, and Ezekiel's concerns the... [ Continue Reading ]
When the pit was opened, it belched forth the blue-black smoke of an industrial furnace. This represents the light (truth) darkening influence of sin and the delusion which comes with it. (2 Corinthians 4:3-4; Ephesians 2:1-3)... [ Continue Reading ]
Since they do not eat grass or other green plants, we know these locusts should be taken figuratively. Out of the smoke of sin and delusion comes lies and false doctrine. Scorpions have a very painful, but rarely fatal sting. Christians are not hurt by lies and false doctrine because they have the t... [ Continue Reading ]
Their victims suffer mental and spiritual pain because of the sting, but, though they desire it, they do not die. The word for torment is used of Lot and by the demon who possessed the man in the land of the Gadarenes. (2 Peter 2:8; Mark 5:7; Luke 8:28) Again, we can see that God is in control becau... [ Continue Reading ]
Though lies and false doctrines do not actually war against us, their shape, breastplate and the sound of their wings should warn us war is not far behind. Their victory crowns were not lasting, since they are only "like gold." The appearance of their faces, hair and teeth lets us know these are men... [ Continue Reading ]
This has to be a description of the fallen star of verse 1 and can be none other than Satan. In both Hebrew and Greek, his name is destruction or destroyer. (John 8:44)... [ Continue Reading ]
The first woe ends with the sins of the wicked turning on them and placing them in a tortured state.... [ Continue Reading ]
In Revelation 6:9-10, the martyrs cried out from under the altar and, in 8:3-4, the prayers of the saints were offered upon the gold altar. The voice now coming from the horns of the golden altar lets us know both sets of prayers have been heard. It is said that Solomon's empire extended to the Euph... [ Continue Reading ]
God controls events and precisely sets the time for his workings.... [ Continue Reading ]
This army of 200,000,000, which must describe a complete number, would surely terrorize anyone. Its destructive work includes the killing of one-third of mankind and should serve as a powerful reminder, or warning, to turn to God.... [ Continue Reading ]
Like Pharaoh of old, these wicked people do not know when to yield to the Almighty. The one-third of mankind killed clearly did not include Christians since this description of those remaining lets us know they were idol worshipers. (Romans 1:18-28) The word demon goes with idols because they were f... [ Continue Reading ]