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The likeness of the locusts is that of horses [Joel 2:4] prepared for battle.1 On their heads were crowns of gold.
| 1 | The likeness of the locusts is that of horses prepared for battle: An ancient martial animal. The subject is very much like “war.” The description which follows has various interpretations and many are the fantasies which develop. Each of the individual symbolic elements may be given a Biblical interpretation by searching these key words and drawing conclusions: horses, crowns, faces, hair, women, lion, teeth, breastplates, iron, wings, chariots, scorpion, etc. On war or battle compare Joel 1:6; 2:4, 5. |
Dear Friends of the Nazarene,
We choose Revelation 9:7 as the theme verse of chapter nine – Locusts and Horses. It is more likely that chapter nine ought to begin with Revelation 8:13 – a better choice for the for there is a break with the announcement of the last three trumpets, each called a “woe.” Trumpet 5 reveals harm that will not affect the 144,000 sealed Saints. [1-4] A star falls from heaven and opens the Abyss to release darkening smoke and then locusts. At this time on earth there are only two classes of people – the sealed and those not sealed. Five months of torment afflicts humankind. [5, 6] The locusts are described and their king revealed as Apollyon. [7-11]
Two more woes are to follow. [12] Trumpet 6 is blown and the four angels holding back the four winds are released. [13-15] They will kill one-third of humanity on a precise date. The horses that bring plagues are then described. [16-19] Humankind does not repent of its unrighteousness, idolatry and false religion.
Abba our Father bless those “sealed” at God’s appointed time.
[23 September 2002]
