In appearance the locusts were like horses prepared for battle: on their heads were what looked like crowns of gold; their faces were like human faces, their hair like women's hair, and their teeth like lions' teeth; they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle. They have tails and stings like scorpions, and their power to hurt people for five months is in their tails. They have as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek he is called Apollyon. [Rev 9:7-11 ESV]
In Revelation 9:7-11, the narrative describes the appearance and leadership of the "locusts" released from the Abyss after the sounding of the fifth trumpet. These are not biological insects, but rather a vivid, symbolic representation of a demonic force intended to inflict psychological and spiritual torment.
The Appearance of the Locusts (v. 7-10)
John uses a series of "like" comparisons to describe a sight that is both terrifying and otherworldly. The repetition of "like" (or homoios in Greek) suggests he is struggling to describe spiritual realities using earthly metaphors.
- Horses prepared for battle: This signifies strength, speed, and a disciplined, unstoppable military force.
- Crowns of gold: This indicates a degree of authority or a "mock" sovereignty. They have been given temporary permission to carry out their judgment.
- Human faces with hair like women: The human faces suggest intelligence and rationality, while the long hair may refer to the wild appearance of ancient barbarian tribes.
- Teeth like lions: This symbolizes their ferocity and power to destroy.
- Breastplates of iron: This represents their invulnerability to human counter-attacks.
- The Sound of Chariots: The noise of their approach is designed to inspire dread and panic.
- Stings in their tails: Much like scorpions, their power lies in the "sting"—the ability to inflict a lingering, agonizing torment that lasts five months.
Parallel Imagery: Joel 2 vs. Revelation 9
In Joel, we see a striking "double vision" where a literal plague of locusts in the prophet's own time becomes a prophetic archetype for the final Day of the Lord. John’s vision in Revelation 9 essentially takes Joel’s "locust army" and elevates it to a supernatural, demonic level.
| Feature | Joel 2:1-11 | Revelation 9:7-11 |
|---|---|---|
| Appearance | Like horses and war horses (v. 4) | Like horses prepared for battle (v. 7) |
| Sound | Like the noise of chariots (v. 5) | Like the sound of many chariots (v. 9) |
| Teeth | The teeth of a lion (Joel 1:6) | Teeth like lions' teeth (v. 8) |
| Invincibility | They burst through weapons (v. 8) | Breastplates like iron (v. 9) |
The Identity of Their King (v. 11)
Unlike natural locusts, which Proverbs 30:27 notes have no king, these supernatural entities follow a specific leader.
"They have as king over them the angel of the abyss; his name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in the Greek he has the name Apollyon."
The mention of both languages emphasizes the universal nature of this destruction. Most theologians identify this "king" as either Satan himself or a high-ranking demonic prince.
Theological Context
It is important to note that these beings are restricted. According to the preceding verses (4-5), they are forbidden from harming the earth’s vegetation or anyone who has the seal of God on their foreheads. Their purpose is to bring the unrepentant to a point of realizing their need for God.
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