Revelation 9:11
They were ruled by a king, the angel of the Abyss. His name in Hebrew is Abaddon, and in Greek it is Apollyon.
They were ruled by a king
This phrase indicates a structured hierarchy even among the forces of darkness, suggesting that chaos is not without order. The concept of a "king" implies authority and governance, which in a biblical context, often reflects God's ultimate sovereignty. The presence of a king over these destructive forces serves as a reminder that even evil is under divine control and will ultimately serve God's purposes. The Greek word for "king" is "basileus," which denotes one who holds dominion and power, emphasizing the organized nature of the spiritual realm.

the angel of the Abyss
The "Abyss" is often understood as a deep, bottomless pit or a place of confinement for evil spirits. In biblical literature, it is a realm of chaos and destruction, contrasting with the order and life associated with God's kingdom. The "angel" here is a messenger or a being with a specific role, highlighting the structured nature of spiritual warfare. The Greek term "angelos" means messenger, indicating that this being has a specific purpose or mission, even within the realm of darkness.

His name in Hebrew is Abaddon
"Abaddon" is a Hebrew term that means "destruction" or "place of destruction." It is often associated with Sheol, the realm of the dead, in the Old Testament. This name signifies the destructive power and intent of this being, aligning with the theme of judgment and the ultimate defeat of evil. The use of the Hebrew name connects this figure to the broader biblical narrative of God's judgment against sin and rebellion.

and in Greek it is Apollyon
"Apollyon" is the Greek equivalent of "Abaddon," meaning "destroyer." This name reinforces the destructive nature of this angelic being. The use of both Hebrew and Greek names highlights the universal scope of the message in Revelation, addressing both Jewish and Gentile audiences. It underscores the comprehensive nature of God's plan for redemption and judgment, transcending cultural and linguistic boundaries.

Persons / Places / Events
1. The Angel of the Abyss
This figure is described as a king ruling over the locusts released from the Abyss. The Abyss is often understood as a deep, bottomless pit or a place of confinement for evil spirits.

2. Abaddon
This is the Hebrew name given to the angel, meaning "destruction" or "place of destruction." It is often associated with the realm of the dead or a destructive force.

3. Apollyon
The Greek equivalent of Abaddon, meaning "destroyer." This name emphasizes the destructive nature and role of this angelic figure.

4. The Locusts
These are symbolic creatures released from the Abyss, representing a form of divine judgment and torment upon those who do not have the seal of God.

5. The Abyss
A symbolic place of chaos and confinement for evil, often associated with the underworld or a realm of darkness.
Teaching Points
Understanding Spiritual Realities
Recognize the existence of spiritual forces and realms beyond our physical perception. The Abyss and its inhabitants remind us of the spiritual warfare that exists.

God's Sovereignty Over Evil
Despite the destructive power of Abaddon/Apollyon, God remains sovereign. This should encourage believers to trust in God's ultimate control over all things, including evil.

The Importance of Spiritual Protection
The locusts torment those without God's seal. This emphasizes the necessity of being spiritually prepared and protected through faith in Christ.

The Reality of Judgment
The release of the locusts and their king serves as a reminder of the reality of divine judgment. It calls believers to live righteously and share the gospel with urgency.

Hope in Christ's Victory
While the forces of destruction are real, believers have hope in Christ's ultimate victory over sin and death, as depicted in the broader account of Revelation.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the description of Abaddon/Apollyon in Revelation 9:11 enhance our understanding of spiritual warfare and the forces of evil?

2. In what ways does the concept of the Abyss challenge or affirm your understanding of God's sovereignty over evil?

3. How can believers ensure they are spiritually protected, as suggested by the torment of those without God's seal?

4. What practical steps can you take to live with an awareness of the reality of divine judgment and the urgency of sharing the gospel?

5. How does the ultimate victory of Christ over evil, as seen in Revelation, provide hope and encouragement in your daily life?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Job 26:6 and Proverbs 15:11
These verses mention Sheol and Abaddon, highlighting the omnipresence and omniscience of God even in places of destruction and death.

Revelation 20:1-3
This passage describes the binding of Satan in the Abyss, connecting the concept of the Abyss as a place of confinement for evil.

John 10:10
Jesus contrasts His purpose with that of the thief, who comes to steal, kill, and destroy, paralleling the destructive nature of Apollyon.
Abuse of the Best ThingsA. J. Morris.Revelation 9:1-12
Moral Evil in the UniverseD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 9:1-12
The Evil Effects of Degeneracy: the Fallen StarR. Green.Revelation 9:1-12
The Extremity of AnguishD. Thomas, D. D.Revelation 9:1-12
The Fallen StarsCaleb D. Bradlee.Revelation 9:1-12
The Fictions of SinW. L. Watkinson.Revelation 9:1-12
The Tail of a HabitC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 9:1-12
Why Should God Permit This Star to FallCaleb D. Bradlee.Revelation 9:1-12
Woes to ComeC. H. Spurgeon.Revelation 9:1-12
The Triumph of Evil Through UnfaithfulnessR. Green Revelation 9:7-11
People
Abaddon, Apollyon, John
Places
Euphrates River, Patmos
Topics
Abaddon, Abad'don, Abyss, Angel, Apollyon, Apol'lyon, Bottomless, Deep, Greek, Hebrew, Language, Locusts, Messenger, Pit, Tongue
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Revelation 9:11

     4116   angels, opposed to God
     4121   Satan, enemy of God
     5374   languages
     9520   Abyss, the

Revelation 9:1-16

     4113   angels, agents of judgment

Library
Another Part of My Smoke' which You Frequently Laugh at is My Pretence
31. Another part of my smoke' which you frequently laugh at is my pretence, as you say, to know what I do not know, and the parade I make of great teachers to deceive the common and ignorant people. You, of course, are a man not of smoke but of flame, or rather of lightning; you fulminate when you speak; you cannot contain the flames which have been conceived within your mouth, and like Barchochebas, the leader of the revolt of the Jews, who used to hold in his mouth a lighted straw and blow it out
Various—Life and Works of Rufinus with Jerome's Apology Against Rufinus.

The Comforts Belonging to Mourners
Having already presented to your view the dark side of the text, I shall now show you the light side, They shall be comforted'. Where observe: 1 Mourning goes before comfort as the lancing of a wound precedes the cure. The Antinomian talks of comfort, but cries down mourning for sin. He is like a foolish patient who, having a pill prescribed him, licks the sugar but throws away the pill. The libertine is all for joy and comfort. He licks the sugar but throws away the bitter pill of repentance. If
Thomas Watson—The Beatitudes: An Exposition of Matthew 5:1-12

Jesus Heals Two Gergesene Demoniacs.
(Gergesa, Now Called Khersa.) ^A Matt. VIII. 28-34; IX. 1; ^B Mark V. 1-21; ^C Luke VIII. 26-40. ^b 1 And they came to the other side of the sea [They left in the "even," an elastic expression. If they left in the middle of the afternoon and were driven forward by the storm, they would have reached the far shore several hours before dark], ^c 26 And they arrived at the country of the Gerasenes, which is over against Galilee. ^a 28 And when he was come into the country of the Gadarenes. ^c 27 And
J. W. McGarvey—The Four-Fold Gospel

Thyatira
In the Epistle to Thyatira we have the reference to another and more intensified form of idolatry as developed and established in the days of Ahab, king of Israel; another who, like Balaam, "made Israel to sin" (1 Kings xvi. 30). Ahab was the first king who officially introduced and organised he most abominable form of heathen idolatry that the human mind ever conceived (1 Kings xvi. 33). See Revised Version, where the special significance of this abomination is conveyed and contained in the word
E.W. Bullinger—Commentary on Revelation

Triumph Over Death and the Grave
O death, where is thy sting? O grave, where is thy victory? The sting of death is sin: and the strength of sin is the law. But thanks be to God, who gives us the victory through our Lord Jesus Christ. T he Christian soldier may with the greatest propriety, be said to war a good warfare (I Timothy 1:18) . He is engaged in a good cause. He fights under the eye of the Captain of his salvation. Though he be weak in himself, and though his enemies are many and mighty, he may do that which in other soldiers
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

The Eternity of God
The next attribute is, God is eternal.' Psa 90:0. From everlasting to everlasting thou art God.' The schoolmen distinguish between aevun et aeternum, to explain the notion of eternity. There is a threefold being. I. Such as had a beginning; and shall have an end; as all sensitive creatures, the beasts, fowls, fishes, which at death are destroyed and return to dust; their being ends with their life. 2. Such as had a beginning, but shall have no end, as angels and the souls of men, which are eternal
Thomas Watson—A Body of Divinity

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