What is the meaning of Revelation 9:12? The first woe has passed Revelation 9:12 opens with, “The first woe has passed…”. • This points back to the preceding vision of the fifth trumpet (Revelation 9:1-11), where demonic locusts tormented humanity for five months. • The wording confirms that the event is literal history from heaven’s perspective—completed and irrevocable. • God’s judgments unfold in ordered sequence, just as foretold in Revelation 8:13, where an eagle announced three forthcoming woes tied to the last three trumpets. • We also see God’s restraint: He limits the torment’s duration (Revelation 9:5) and spares those sealed earlier (Revelation 7:3-4), reflecting 2 Peter 3:9, His patience before final wrath. Behold The verse continues, “Behold…” • Scripture often uses “behold” to grab attention and underscore significance (Revelation 1:7; John 1:29). • Here it serves as a divine pause, inviting readers to soberly consider what has already happened and to prepare their hearts for what is imminent. • It heightens urgency, echoing Jesus’ repeated warnings to “stay alert” (Matthew 24:42). Two woes are still to follow “…two woes are still to follow.” • These remaining woes correspond to the sixth trumpet (Revelation 9:13-21) and the seventh trumpet, which unfolds the bowl judgments (Revelation 11:14-15; Revelation 15–16). • Each successive woe intensifies: – Sixth trumpet: a vast demonic cavalry kills a third of mankind, showing escalated severity compared to mere torment (Revelation 9:18). – Seventh trumpet: the final series culminates in Christ’s visible reign and total judgment (Revelation 11:15; Revelation 19:11-16). • The progression underlines two truths: – God’s justice moves forward with precision (Isaiah 28:17). – Persistent human rebellion (Revelation 9:20-21) calls forth escalating consequences, fulfilling Galatians 6:7—“whatever a man sows, he will reap.” summary Revelation 9:12 marks a milestone in the end-time trumpet sequence: the fifth trumpet’s torment is complete, a solemn “behold” alerts us, and two more, even graver woes lie ahead. The verse underscores God’s orderly, literal plan, His mercy in measured judgments, and the urgent call to repentance before the remaining trumpets sound. |
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