We heard last week, through Revelation 9:1, 2, and 11, what lies behind the great evil described in the blowing of the 5th trumpet. We learned about Satan's power but were comforted to know that God is in control.
As we continue to examine the details of the fifth trumpet, we find descriptions in verses 3-5 and 7-10 of satanic powers roaming the earth, seeking to devour people. They are depicted as locusts (verses 3-4), scorpions (verses 5 and 10), and horses (verses 7-9). Why are these three animals chosen? These animals symbolize destruction and terror.
Locusts are a major terror for the people of the Middle East. In spring, their eggs hatch, often in huge numbers—up to millions. When they fully develop, the locusts swarm together like a large cloud. But where the swarm has been, they leave behind a completely ruined landscape. They eat the crops and strip the trees and bushes of bark, leaving them bare. They even break into barns to consume everything inside. The damage lasts for years, leading to crop failures and famine.
Scorpions are very dangerous creatures. Desert dwellers are certainly familiar with them. They are active at night and hide during the day. They move around on eight legs. They have two large pincers with which they grab their prey. Once they have grabbed their prey, they bend their tail forward and strike with a poisonous sting. The venom is usually not fatal to humans, but it causes a lot of pain.
Horses are animals of war. Donkeys were used as beasts of burden, while horses were mainly used for warfare in the ancient Middle East.
In short, these three animals symbolize evil, hardship, and destruction. The satanic powers show their true nature in the descriptions that follow. They are devastating like locusts, tormentors like scorpions, and they take away peace like the horse.
Yet, next time, it will be clearer that their powers are limited. God is sovereign. We read in verse 4, “And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.” Yes, Satan has great power and there is much evil on earth, but that evil will only go as far as God allows. So, we find, again and again, the comfort in the book of Revelation that God is in control. What a comfort it is when we face evil in our lives and we know God!