Revelation 9:7

And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men.

Study Bible

And the locusts looked like horses prepared for battle
This imagery draws from Joel 2:4, where locusts are also compared to horses. The description suggests a readiness and strength for warfare, indicating a formidable and organized force. In ancient warfare, horses were symbols of power and speed, often used in chariots and cavalry. The locusts' appearance as horses emphasizes their destructive potential and the terror they bring. This vision may symbolize a spiritual or demonic army unleashed upon the earth, reflecting the chaos and judgment during the end times.

with something like crowns of gold on their heads
The crowns suggest authority and victory, as crowns were often worn by rulers and victors in ancient times. The gold indicates a semblance of divine or kingly power, though it is only "something like" crowns, implying a deceptive or counterfeit nature. This could represent the false authority or deceptive power of the forces of evil during the tribulation period, as they attempt to mimic divine authority.

and their faces were like the faces of men
This human-like feature suggests intelligence and cunning, distinguishing these locusts from ordinary insects. The human face may symbolize the deceptive and persuasive nature of these forces, capable of reasoning and manipulation. It reflects the idea that the spiritual battle involves not just brute force but also psychological and intellectual warfare. This anthropomorphic description aligns with the biblical theme of spiritual entities possessing human-like characteristics, as seen in Genesis 6:2 and Daniel 10:13, where spiritual beings interact with the human realm.

Persons / Places / Events

1. Locusts
Symbolic creatures in the vision of John, representing a form of divine judgment. They are not literal insects but are described with features that suggest a more fearsome and powerful entity.

2. Horses Prepared for Battle
This imagery suggests readiness, strength, and an impending conflict. Horses in biblical times were often associated with war and power.

3. Crowns of Gold
The crowns symbolize authority and victory. The gold indicates something precious and possibly divine or royal in nature.

4. Faces of Men
This human-like feature suggests intelligence, cunning, or perhaps a deceptive appearance, as they are not fully human.

5. John the Apostle
The author of Revelation, who received this vision while exiled on the island of Patmos.

Teaching Points

Symbolism of Judgment
The locusts represent a divine judgment that is both terrifying and purposeful. Believers are reminded of the seriousness of God's judgment and the call to repentance.

Spiritual Warfare
The description of the locusts as horses prepared for battle highlights the reality of spiritual warfare. Christians are called to be vigilant and prepared, wearing the full armor of God.

Authority and Deception
The crowns of gold and faces of men suggest a deceptive authority. Believers must discern true authority from false, relying on the truth of Scripture.

Hope in Christ
Despite the terrifying imagery, Revelation ultimately points to the victory of Christ. Believers can find hope and assurance in the sovereignty of God over all creation.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the imagery of locusts in Revelation 9:7 compare to the locusts described in the book of Joel, and what can we learn about God's judgment from these passages?

2. In what ways does the description of the locusts as "horses prepared for battle" encourage us to be prepared for spiritual warfare in our daily lives?

3. What might the "crowns of gold" symbolize in the context of spiritual authority, and how can we discern true authority in our spiritual leaders today?

4. How does the human-like appearance of the locusts challenge us to be aware of deception in the spiritual realm, and what steps can we take to guard against it?

5. Considering the broader context of Revelation, how does this passage encourage us to find hope in the ultimate victory of Christ despite the trials and judgments described?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Joel 2
The imagery of locusts as a form of judgment is also found in the book of Joel, where locusts are used to describe an invading army.

Exodus 10
The plague of locusts in Egypt serves as a historical precedent for locusts as instruments of divine judgment.

Ephesians 6:12
The description of the locusts can be connected to the spiritual warfare described by Paul, emphasizing the battle against spiritual forces.

Daniel 7
The use of symbolic imagery to describe kingdoms and powers is similar to the visions in Daniel, where beasts represent empires.