The Second Woe is a significant event described in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 9:13-21. It is part of a series of three woes that are announced by an eagle flying in mid-heaven, as recorded in Revelation 8:13. These woes are divine judgments that occur during the end times, as revealed to the Apostle John in his apocalyptic vision.

Biblical Context

The Second Woe is associated with the sounding of the sixth trumpet, one of the seven trumpets that herald various judgments upon the earth. Revelation 9:13-14 states: "Then the sixth angel sounded his trumpet, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar before God saying to the sixth angel with the trumpet, 'Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.'"

The Four Angels and the Army

The release of the four angels bound at the Euphrates River is a pivotal moment in the Second Woe. These angels are prepared for a specific time to unleash destruction upon a third of mankind. Revelation 9:15 notes, "So the four angels who had been prepared for this hour and day and month and year were released to kill a third of mankind."

Following their release, a massive army is described, numbering two hundred million horsemen. This formidable force is depicted with vivid imagery, as seen in Revelation 9:17 : "And this is how I saw the horses in my vision: The riders had breastplates the color of fire, sapphire, and sulfur. The heads of the horses were like the heads of lions, and out of their mouths proceeded fire, smoke, and sulfur."

The Plagues

The Second Woe brings about three plagues—fire, smoke, and sulfur—that emanate from the mouths of the horses. These plagues are responsible for the death of a third of mankind, as described in Revelation 9:18 : "A third of mankind was killed by the three plagues of fire, smoke, and sulfur that proceeded from their mouths."

Spiritual Implications

Despite the catastrophic events and the loss of life, the remaining population does not repent of their sins. Revelation 9:20-21 highlights the spiritual condition of humanity: "The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the works of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone, and wood, which cannot see or hear or walk. Nor did they repent of their murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, and thefts."

Theological Significance

The Second Woe serves as a stark reminder of the severity of God's judgment and the hardness of the human heart. It underscores the theme of divine justice and the call to repentance that permeates the Book of Revelation. The refusal of mankind to turn from their wicked ways, even in the face of overwhelming judgment, illustrates the depth of human depravity and the necessity of divine intervention for true transformation.

Prophetic Interpretation

From a prophetic standpoint, the Second Woe is often interpreted as a future event that will occur during the Great Tribulation, a period of intense suffering and divine wrath preceding the return of Jesus Christ. The imagery of the Second Woe, with its supernatural elements and vast army, has been the subject of various interpretations, ranging from literal to symbolic, within conservative Christian eschatology.

In summary, the Second Woe is a profound and sobering element of the apocalyptic narrative in Revelation, emphasizing the reality of God's impending judgment and the urgent need for repentance and faith in Jesus Christ.