We have reached the point of the fifth trumpet blast. Last week, we listened to descriptions of these satanic powers roaming the earth (verses 3-5 and 7-10). They are portrayed as locusts (verses 3-4), scorpions (verses 5 and 10), and horses (verses 7-9). Animals that symbolize evil, hardship, and destruction.
In verses 3-5, the focus is on the power given to the locusts. They are granted the ability to do evil, but once again, we see that God is above them! Evil cannot run unchecked; there is one who is above it. However, in the meantime, the power of these evil armies is significant. Verse 3: “And unto them was given power.” What kind of power? “As the scorpions of the earth have power.” In other words, they are permitted to do evil. Verse 4: “And it was commanded them.” What is commanded? That their power is limited. They will not harm nature but only mankind. And only to a certain extent. They may only harm the unbelievers. The satanic powers have no authority over God's children when it comes to the evil of the 5th trumpet. Verse 5: “And to them it was given.” What kind of evil are they allowed to inflict on the unbelievers? They are allowed to torment people for five months with intense suffering, similar to the venom of a scorpion, which causes great torment.
In verses 7-10, it describes what the satanic powers look like. Again, this is clearly imagery. Verse 7. The imagery now shifts from locusts to horses. The satanic powers are like animals, fully prepared for war. They have conquering power because they wear crowns on their heads. They are intelligent and clever like humans. Verse 8. They have long hair; in those days, many warriors, such as the mighty Parthians, had long hair. Their teeth resemble those of lions, making them strong and fierce eaters like lions. Verse 9. They have strong armor on their chests, making them nearly invulnerable. They move as fast as chariots, so swift that it seems as if they are flying. Verse 10. They cause enormous suffering to unbelieving people for five months.
What a vivid picture is painted here of Satan's minions and the evil they inflict on people! We see this clearly in the heart of this passage, verse 6. “And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them.” The unbelievers tormented by these evil powers are utterly hopeless and see no escape. In their deep despair, they want to take their own lives.
Oh, what a solemn picture is sketched before our eyes. If this is only a warning, what must God’s judgment look like? But let us not forget that God’s first priority in the end times is the spread of the gospel through the preached word. What we have just heard makes it all the more urgent for the church to be a witness for Christ, that many may turn to the Lord in repentance and faith.