Revelation 9:9
they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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It's easy to focus on the terrifying imagery of armored locusts, but the text emphasizes how they move. The "noise of their wings" wasn't just a buzz, but the deafening roar of "many chariots with horses rushing into battle," highlighting not just their appearance, but the overwhelming, militaristic force they represent.
This verse describes terrifying, locust-like creatures unleashed from the abyss. Following the fifth trumpet's blast, these beings are presented as demonic agents, their appearance and sound designed to instill fear and convey immense power. Their impenetrable "breastplates" and the thunderous roar of their wings evoke the image of a relentless, advancing army ready for brutal conflict.
Why does John describe these otherworldly locusts with 'breastplates of iron'? It’s more than just a visual detail; it speaks to their terrifying purpose.
The imagery of 'breastplates like iron' highlights the impenetrable and formidable nature of these locust-like beings. This isn't just about physical protection for them; it signals their role as instruments of judgment.
Divine Armament
The sound of wings isn't a gentle flutter; it's a terrifying roar compared to an army charging into battle. What does this auditory assault signify?
The 'noise of their wings' being like 'chariots with horses rushing into battle' creates a powerful sensory experience of impending doom. It transforms the visual of locusts into the auditory threat of a massive, unstoppable military invasion.
An Overwhelming Onslaught
Understand the original words
thōrax · Greek Noun
A protective piece of armor covering the chest, metaphorically representing spiritual protection (such as faith or righteousness) in Christian warfare.
The imagery of 'breastplates of iron' and the 'noise of chariots' evokes the terrifying power of ancient armies, particularly the well-armored and loud war chariots that symbolized devastating military force to John's readers.
Late 8th Century BC
Assyrian Empire's Height
The powerful Neo-Assyrian Empire, known for its military might and iron weaponry, dominated the ancient Near East. Their armies, including chariots, were a source of terror.
c. 701 BC
Assyrian Invasion of Judah
Sennacherib's Assyrian forces besieged Jerusalem. This event, described in Scripture, would have instilled deep fear and a vivid memory of military power.
c. 605 BC - 586 BC
Babylonian Domination and Exile
The Neo-Babylonian Empire rose to power, conquering Assyria and later Judah, leading to the Babylonian Exile. This era was marked by immense suffering and displacement.
Early 1st Century AD
Roman Empire's Military Dominance
The Roman Empire, with its legions and organized warfare, was the prevailing superpower. Their military might and the sounds of their campaigns were familiar realities.
This passage uses a very similar image of locusts appearing like horses, and their sound like chariots, highlighting the terrifying, overwhelming force associated with these swarms.
Joel 2:5This verse further amplifies the comparison, describing the sound of the locusts as like chariots and horsemen in battle, underscoring the chaotic and destructive nature of the described invasion.
Judges 7:16Here, Gideon uses trumpets and broken jars to create a terrifying noise like a multitude in battle, showing how sound can be used as a powerful weapon to instill fear and confusion in an enemy.
1 Samuel 13:5This verse describes the Philistines' vast army with chariots and horsemen, establishing the historical context of such forces as a symbol of immense military might and terrifying power in ancient warfare.
wesleyRevelation 9:9: "And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle."
9:9 And the noise of their wings was as the noise of chariots of many horses - With their war - chariots, drawn by many horses, they, as it were, flew to and fro.
vincentRevelation 9:9: "And they had breastplates, as it were breastplates of iron; and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle."
BreastplatesThe breast of the locust resembles the plates of a horse's armor.Sound of their wingsOlivier, a French writer, says: "It in difficult to express the effect produced on us by the sight of the whole atmosphere filled on all sides and to a great height by an innumerable quantity of these insects, whose flight was slow…
It's easy to focus on the terrifying imagery of armored locusts, but the text emphasizes how they move. The "noise of their wings" wasn't just a buzz, but the deafening roar of "many chariots with horses rushing into battle," highlighting not just their appearance, but the overwhelming, militaristic force they represent.
This verse describes terrifying, locust-like creatures unleashed from the abyss. Following the fifth trumpet's blast, these beings are presented as demonic agents, their appearance and sound designed to instill fear and convey immense power. Their impenetrable "breastplates" and the thunderous roar of their wings evoke the image of a relentless, advancing army ready for brutal conflict.
This verse describes terrifying, locust-like creatures unleashed from the abyss. Following the fifth trumpet's blast, these beings are presented as demonic agents, their appearance and sound designed to instill fear and convey immense power. Their impenetrable "breastplates" and the thunderous roar of their wings evoke the image of a relentless, advancing army ready for brutal conflict.
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c. 60 - 70 AD— this verse
Jewish-Roman Wars Begin
The escalating tensions and outright conflict between Jewish rebels and the Roman Empire brought intense warfare to the region.
"they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and the noise of their wings was like the noise of many chariots with horses rushing into battle." — It's easy to focus on the terrifying imagery of armored locusts, but the text emphasizes how they move. The "noise of their wings" wasn't just a buzz, but the deafening roar of "many chariots with…
