The Fifth Trumpet is a significant event described in the Book of Revelation, specifically in Revelation 9:1-12. This trumpet is one of the seven trumpets sounded by angels, each heralding a distinct judgment upon the earth during the end times. The Fifth Trumpet is often referred to as the "first woe," indicating the severity of the events that unfold.

Scriptural Account

In Revelation 9:1-2 , the Apostle John writes, "Then the fifth angel sounded his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth. And it was given the key to the pit of the abyss. The star opened the pit of the abyss, and smoke rose out of it like the smoke of a great furnace, and the sun and the air were darkened by the smoke from the pit."

The "star" mentioned here is commonly interpreted as a fallen angel, possibly Satan himself, who is given authority to open the abyss. The abyss, or bottomless pit, is a place of confinement for demonic beings. The release of smoke from the pit symbolizes the unleashing of spiritual darkness upon the earth.

The Locusts

Following the opening of the abyss, Revelation 9:3-6 describes the emergence of locusts: "And out of the smoke, locusts descended on the earth, and they were given power like that of scorpions of the earth. They were told not to harm the grass of the earth or any plant or tree, but only those who did not have the seal of God on their foreheads. The locusts were not given power to kill them, but only to torment them for five months. And their torment was like the stinging of a scorpion. In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will long to die, but death will escape them."

These locusts are not ordinary insects but are symbolic of demonic forces. Their power to torment, but not kill, those without the seal of God highlights the spiritual nature of this judgment. The five-month period of torment reflects a limited but intense time of suffering.

Description of the Locusts

Revelation 9:7-10 provides a vivid description of these locusts: "The locusts looked like horses prepared for battle, with something like crowns of gold on their heads, and faces like the faces of men. They had hair like that of women, and teeth like those of lions. They also had thoraxes like breastplates of iron, and the sound of their wings was like the roar of many horses and chariots rushing into battle. They had tails with stingers like scorpions, which had the power to injure people for five months."

The imagery used to describe the locusts emphasizes their terrifying and unnatural appearance, combining elements of both human and animal features. This description serves to underscore the demonic origin and purpose of these creatures.

The King of the Locusts

Revelation 9:11 reveals the identity of the leader of these locusts: "They were ruled by a king, the angel of the abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon." Both names mean "Destroyer," indicating the destructive nature of this angelic being. This leader is often associated with Satan or a high-ranking demonic entity.

The First Woe

The passage concludes with Revelation 9:12 : "The first woe has passed. Behold, two woes are still to follow." This statement serves as a warning that the judgments are not yet complete, and more severe trials are to come.

The Fifth Trumpet, with its release of demonic forces and the torment of those without God's seal, serves as a powerful reminder of the spiritual warfare and divine judgment that characterize the end times as depicted in the Book of Revelation.