Revelation 9:10

They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months.

Study Bible

They had tails with stingers like scorpions
The imagery of scorpions is significant in biblical literature, often symbolizing danger and judgment. In the ancient Near East, scorpions were feared for their painful and sometimes deadly sting. This description emphasizes the torment and suffering inflicted by these creatures. The use of "tails with stingers" suggests a method of attack that is both unexpected and difficult to defend against, highlighting the relentless nature of the judgment being described. This imagery connects to the locusts in Joel 1:4, where locusts are also used as instruments of divine judgment.

which had the power to injure people
The power to injure indicates a limited but significant authority granted to these creatures. This power is not to kill but to cause suffering, reflecting a period of intense trial and testing. The limitation on their power suggests divine control over the extent of the judgment, aligning with the theme of God's sovereignty throughout Revelation. This echoes the plagues in Egypt (Exodus 10:12-15), where God used natural phenomena to demonstrate His power and call for repentance.

for five months
The specific time frame of five months is noteworthy, as it corresponds to the typical lifespan of a locust from May to September in the Middle East. This period signifies a complete cycle of torment, yet it is temporary, indicating that the suffering has an end. The number five, often associated with grace in biblical numerology, may suggest that even in judgment, there is an opportunity for repentance and redemption. This time limitation is reminiscent of the restraint shown in other biblical judgments, such as the forty days of rain during the flood (Genesis 7:12) or the seventy years of Babylonian captivity (Jeremiah 25:11).

Persons / Places / Events

1. The Locusts
These are symbolic creatures described in Revelation 9, representing a form of divine judgment. They are not ordinary locusts but are given power to torment those who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

2. The Abyss
The locusts emerge from the Abyss, a place often associated with the abode of demonic forces or the dead. It signifies a realm of chaos and evil.

3. The Five Months
This specific time period during which the locusts have the power to torment is significant. It suggests a limited duration of suffering, indicating God's control over the judgment.

4. The Stingers
The tails with stingers like scorpions symbolize the painful and tormenting nature of the judgment. In the ancient world, scorpion stings were known for their intense pain.

5. The Unsealed
Those who are tormented are specifically those who do not have the seal of God, indicating a distinction between the faithful and the unfaithful.

Teaching Points

Understanding Divine Judgment
The imagery of locusts with scorpion-like stingers highlights the severity and reality of divine judgment. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God.

The Importance of God's Seal
The distinction between those who are sealed by God and those who are not emphasizes the importance of belonging to God. It encourages believers to seek assurance of their faith and relationship with God.

God's Sovereignty Over Time
The specified period of five months for the locusts' torment underscores God's control over time and events. It reassures believers that even in judgment, God’s purposes are precise and measured.

Spiritual Warfare Awareness
The tormenting power of the locusts serves as a metaphor for spiritual attacks. Believers are called to be vigilant and equipped with the armor of God to withstand spiritual warfare.

Bible Study Questions

1. How does the description of the locusts in Revelation 9:10 challenge or expand your understanding of divine judgment?

2. In what ways does the sealing of God's people provide comfort and assurance in the face of trials and tribulations?

3. How can the limited time of the locusts' torment (five months) influence our perspective on enduring suffering and trials in our own lives?

4. What practical steps can you take to ensure that you are spiritually "sealed" and protected in your walk with God?

5. How does the imagery of scorpions and locusts in Revelation 9:10 relate to the concept of spiritual warfare, and how can you apply this understanding in your daily life?

Connections to Other Scriptures

Exodus 10:12-15
The plague of locusts in Egypt serves as a historical parallel, where locusts were used as a form of divine judgment.

Ezekiel 9:4-6
The sealing of the faithful in Ezekiel's vision parallels the sealing of God's servants in Revelation, indicating divine protection amidst judgment.

Joel 2:1-11
The imagery of an invading army of locusts in Joel is echoed in Revelation, symbolizing a powerful and overwhelming force of judgment.

Luke 10:19
Jesus gives His disciples authority over scorpions, symbolizing spiritual authority over demonic forces, contrasting with the tormenting power of the locusts in Revelation.