Revelation 9:3
And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
REVELATION 9:3
In this apocalyptic vision, John describes a plague of locusts emerging from the smoke, endowed with power like scorpions. The imagery blends familiar elements (locusts, scorpions) with the extraordinary: “power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.” The first trumpet judgments in Revelation 8 warned of ecological and cosmic disturbances; here, the fifth trumpet (often linked to torment rather than mere destruction) intensifies the threat. Locusts in Scripture can symbolize judgment and a stripping away of safety, but these aren’t ordinary insects: they resemble fearsome beings trained for warfare, with unusual features that evoke aggression and unnatural power. The setting “out of the smoke” recalls the heavenly/angelic realm executing divine judgment, as smoke commonly accompanies God’s presence or a veil between realms thinning to reveal what lies beneath. The emphasis is not random chaos but controlled, purposeful torment. The command given to these locusts—power to hurt only those without God’s seal—signals discernment between the faithful and the unfaithful, and a testing of allegiance under pressure.
The passage foregrounds judgment as selective and purposeful. The locusts’ power to torment—not kill—mirrors a divine merciful restraint amid severity, inviting contrition rather than indiscriminate destruction. The lapidary distinction between those with and without the seal of God marks a covenantal boundary: trust in God’s sovereignty in the face of terrifying upheaval. The imagery also reverses expectations: rather than defeating humanity outright, the figures force people to confront mortality, dependence, and the fragility of security apart from God. Theologically, Revelation presents judgment that exposes the idols and false securities people lean on—wealth, status, power—while inviting repentance. The beasts’ strange appearance (horse-like bodies, crowns of gold, human faces) underscores the perversion of creation under judgment: beauty and power misused to cause torment.
This verse invites self-reflection about where we find our “security.” Do we rest in God’s seal—the mark of faith, obedience, and trust in Christ—or do we rely on credentials, success, or control? The torment motif can translate into everyday reminders: the fragility of health, financial safety nets, or career security. When things hurt, do we turn inward in fear or outward to God in prayer? Practical takeaway: cultivate spiritual “seal” markers—regular Scripture engagement, worship, confession, and community accountability—that anchor you when life’s smoke and trials rise. Recognize that God’s judgments can be both corrective and protective, reshaping our priorities from comfort to faithfulness. In interpersonal terms, extend grace under pressure, not judgment; seek to distinguish people from systems rather than demonizing opponents. The goal is to emerge with a firmer allegiance to God, rather than a stronger grip on temporary security.
Cross-References: Exodus 10:22-23; Joel 2:4-5; Amos 4:9; Revelation 9:4; Revelation 7:3