Revelation 9:1 “The Meaning of the 5th Trumpet of Revelation”

What’s the Meaning Behind the 5th Trumpet of Revelation?

Bible Study Guide

The 5th trumpet of Revelation will bring a whole new meaning to the distress that has come upon the earth and the people that remain up to this point. The apostles, Matthew and Luke, record two separate instances of Jesus giving us a glimpse into the distress that will descend on mankind during this time of Tribulation.

“Immediately after the distress of those days
“‘the sun will be darkened,
and the moon will not give its light;
the stars will fall from the sky,
and the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” (Matthew 24:29)

“There will be signs in the sun, moon and stars. On the earth, nations will be in anguish and perplexity at the roaring and tossing of the sea. 26 People will faint from terror, apprehensive of what is coming on the world, for the heavenly bodies will be shaken.” (Luke 21:25-26)

As we study these passages of Revelation, my mind keeps bringing me to this same thought. If I can’t convince someone to follow Christ, then maybe I can scare them into following Christ.

Perhaps this is the reason why the book of Revelation comes with two blessings. It offers a blessing in the beginning of the book and in its closing passages. This blessing is for all of those who take time to read it, understand it and share it. The time is short.

It only stands to make perfect sense that this seven year time period, ordained by God as the 70th week in the book of Daniel as a final warning to turn creation back to God. Especially when you look at the effort God places into evangelizing throughout the seven years. We’re going to be reminded of this evangelization in just a few passages from here.

What Does The Star Symbolize?

(Verse 1) Immediately upon the sound of the 5th trumpet, John sees a star falling from the sky. Then the star is given the key to the abyss.

The star that John sees stands as a symbol. How do we know this?

First, stars do not demonstrate human characteristics. This star is given a key and we’ll see that he opens the shaft to the abyss with the key. Just as often happens in the book of Revelation, as well as throughout the Bible, the star is a symbol of a literal being.

At this point, it’s important to caution ourselves toward gaining the proper interpretation. If we allow the Bible to interpret itself, there is no room left for personal opinions or additions to God’s word. This is where many fall away from the true literal meaning of scripture.

If the star is a symbol of a literal being, how do we determine who this being is? In this case, the Bible reveals to us who this literal being is.

Second, the star falls from heaven indicating that this is likely a heavenly being. Meaning that it’s not a being of flesh but a spiritual being.

Let’s begin with the name of this celestial body that John sees falling out of the sky. It’s a star. Who does the Old Testament record as the one whose name is after a star?

Listen to Isaiah speak God’s words. Notice carefully the description he uses in this passage.

“How you have fallen from heaven,
morning star, son of the dawn!
You have been cast down to the earth,
you who once laid low the nations! (Isaiah 14:12)

Isaiah is speaking about an angel who was once considered among the greatest of all of God’s angels. Until this angel fell away from God and was cast down to earth. This angel is Lucifer, also known as Satan.

In Luke’s gospel, we read that even Jesus states to His disciples what He sees of Satan.

Jesus replied, “I saw Satan fall like lightning from heaven.” (Luke 10:18)

Satan’s Last Stand

Notice Isaiah states that He was cast to earth after he laid the nations low. This speaks of the future after Satan has lost his ability to spiritually rule over the earth.

We’ll study more confirmation behind Satan as the star from heaven in Revelation 12.

“Then war broke out in heaven. Michael and his angels fought against the dragon, and the dragon and his angels fought back. 8 But he was not strong enough, and they lost their place in heaven. 9 The great dragon was hurled down—that ancient serpent called the devil, or Satan, who leads the whole world astray. He was hurled to the earth, and his angels with him.” (Revelation 12:7-9)

We’ve now used scripture to help us determine that the star is a symbol for Satan. In just a few verses, we’re going to see that Satan is given a title. At this point, in Satan’s career path, he knows his time is running short. His end is near. This means his work in destroying all things that are of God and all the followers of Christ will intensify dramatically.

With the rapture of the church (believers in Christ), this will make Satan’s work even easier. But again, only for a short time.

But, how much worse can it get?

The 5th Trumpet Opens the Abyss

John doesn’t just see a symbol of Satan falling from the sky. Things might’ve gone much better had Satan stopped when he reached the ground. But that’s not part of his plan. Remember, he has very little time and it’s time for him to get busy.

God removes His restraining power over Satan for a short time. John sees Satan with his key going directly to the abyss.

The English word abyss comes from the Greek, abussos. The word “abyss” is found nine times in the Bible. Seven of those times are in the book of Revelation.

Jesus gives us a glimpse of the abyss. Luke records this in his account of Jesus restoring a demon-possessed man.

“When Jesus stepped ashore, he was met by a demon-possessed man from the town. For a long time this man had not worn clothes or lived in a house, but had lived in the tombs. 28 When he saw Jesus, he cried out and fell at his feet, shouting at the top of his voice, “What do you want with me, Jesus, Son of the Most High God? I beg you, don’t torture me!” 29 For Jesus had commanded the impure spirit to come out of the man. Many times it had seized him, and though he was chained hand and foot and kept under guard, he had broken his chains and had been driven by the demon into solitary places.
30 Jesus asked him, “What is your name?”
“Legion,” he replied, because many demons had gone into him. 31 And they begged Jesus repeatedly not to order them to go into the Abyss.” (Luke 8:27-31)

Again, allowing scripture to interpret scripture, we come to learn that the abyss is filled with demonic spirits. Naturally, Satan’s first inclination is to unleash his army of demons. This is to advance Satan’s last stand before his defeat at the hands of Christ. This won’t occur until the end of the Tribulation.

What will happen when Satan unlocks the shaft to the abyss?

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