Revelation 9:10 - And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
The descriptions alone tell us that these are not normal locusts. Satan is over them. These are demonic like creatures.
Revelation 9:11 - And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
They had a king over them. If you ever done a study on locusts, you know that locusts do not have a king. They go in groups. Proverbs 30:27 tells us that the locusts do not have a king. But these had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is ABADDON, the destroyer. But in the Greek tongue, his name is APOLLYON, same definition, destroyer.
He is the destroyer, just as Jesus described him in John Chapter 8. He is a murderer. He is a liar. He is the destroyer. These are demonic creatures. 2 Peter 2:4 tells us that there are demons in chains reserved for judgment that are kept down into the heart of the earth. The one usage at that time in 2 Peter 2:4 was TARTARUS. And that's the special pit for demonic forces.
Revelation 9:13 - And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
Remember horns, I had mentioned that from the book of Daniel, horns are a symbol of authority. The four horns is complete authority over the four corners of the earth. It is on the altar of God which is in heaven.
Revelation 9:16 - And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand:
That's a bad English way of using the largest number in the Greek language, and it adds up to two-hundred million.
"What is this small scroll? It is the property deed to the earth. In the first line it says, and I saw another mighty angel"
Check the earlier passage,'Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." The seven thunders are same as seven trumpets which have been announced. There was no need to repeat what the Lamb has broke open.This pinpoints the time to the end of Ch.19. The beast in ch.13 rises from the sea while the false prophet from land ('And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth-Rev.13.1,11). In order to indicate God has reclaimed the earth from them we have this action",and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,"
"another mighty angel come down from heaven" connects with this angel who is ;strng' "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"(Rev.5.2)
The word 'another' especially in Rev.ch.14 is to distinguish from the angel who is to interact with John Rev.1.1. He is a fellow servant, Check out Rev.21.17
The little book refers to the period before secon death in Rev.20
A very vital clue that it is Jesus Christ,"clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:"
rainbow-" there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."
his face: "and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."(1.16)
feet: And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;(1.15)
"cloud: And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." (Rev.14.14)
The Word aspect of the Son and most of action is a visual shot of the complete will of God the Father so the announcement:"Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"(5,2)
The Son is seated on the right hand of the Father.(v.1) and the Lamb slain establishes it as the Will visually revealed and shall never change. "stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth./And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne."(vv.6-7)
The Angel has a scroll in his hand. Rev 10:1-7 If the time is not right, no one can know about it yet. ps. Should you know something "Jesse" I want to know about it too.
If we are to be able to look into Heaven, a door or a window must be opened. There is no one who can claim that it should have a different meaning. You world is completely thrown out by interpretations and opinions. That it is impossible to describe what it says, absolutely fantastic. "Jesse" does an excellent job. Of course we want Jesus to be everywhere here, but since it says the Angel, we should not twist it. I have also heard many sermons that make me sick. That is not good preaching. That should not happen among us. We who are so lucky to have the Word of God. I expected more from you "Bennymkje" and GiGi. Because if you read a little further down in the section, the answer will come. Now we can try and open our Spiritual eyes and try and understand time. Have we not gotten there yet or has the scroll been opened in a world that we do not see? You know John so many angels during this stay and it can quickly go a bit around. But the Word is the Word. So we may have to keep our sincere enlightenment in the Spiritual world to ourselves. In fact, we may have revelations that should not be shared with others until the Lord tells us to. Instead of creating confusion. (I read it as if this is a description of God on the throne). BUT it says Angel. And another thing, if it's Jesus standing there, he wouldn't have mentioned at all that the scroll shouldn't be opened. It should remain closed for a while longer. We may ask for wisdom and the spirit of understanding in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Peace and love. Must God bless us all. Romans 7
I am glad that you commented on the conversation we were having with Jesse. I wish to know from you what it was exactly in what I wrote that causes you to be disappointed with me. I merely asked Jesse to show me Scriptural evidence that identifies the scroll in Rev. 10:2 as the deed to earth. I don't see anything amiss about what I asked Jesse or what I stated about the earth always belonging to God as He is eternally Sovereign and the absolute ruler of all creation. I hope you will respond back to me to tell me how I disappointed you. Maybe we just misunderstand each other.
Hi Gigi God's peace. Now I have started writing down words I reflect on. Because it is really annoying and finding my way back to the thread. Maybe Admin could change something? Thread tags and a search engine, please.
I can't remember it right now. And maybe that's just as well. But if it comes back I will show it to you. I think I read something about the rapture in that connection. I can't find anywhere that exactly supports the rapture. If we are alive when the Lord returns we will be in the great tribulation. We are closest to ourselves and everyone or most believes that Jesus will come in his time they live. And He does that well and then. The frail physical lays down. Love you in Christ.
Thank you Free. I know that I did respond to Richard's question to me about how I think about the rapture. That was a few days ago. Still do not know what it was I wrote that made you to comment that you were disappointed with me. Would like to know so let me know if/when you remember.
I answered Free at a time when I am ready to hit the sack. Mentally and physically, Now it is 4 in the morning and fresh to be able to give coherent answer. Here is the verse:"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
This door is the heart of man. A spiritual space. If one receives Christ he shaall come in. In the next chapter St John is in heave, It tells by faith you let in Christ and it opens an expressway so your paryers reach directly before the throne of grace.
"I will sup with him is on a daily basis. This is what walking by faith means.
"And he with me" There shall be a great supper of God."(Rev.19.17) All the fowls in mid-heaven have their share and we are among a great throng to which Jesus excludes the Jews. "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out."(Lk.13.28)
Jesus promised the over comer a new name, think of it as name setting your place at the banqueting hall in heaven, in the presence of God.
Many have not understood the narrative structure of the book of the Revelation. Say Ch.5 for instance. All the dramatic personae are present as playwright first conceives them, their position on the stage entry exist and their lines. Likewise St john sees the complete will of God and it is as real as a theatre piece shall be made into a play soon and there shall be theatregoers to watch it.
Revelation 10:2 - And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
And he had in his hand a little book (a small scroll) open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the earth,
Many of these characteristics and descriptions are descriptions of Christ from Chapter 1. Some have thought, and Jehovah's Witnesses believe, because it says a mighty angel, that Jesus is not God, and that He's just an angel.
But there's some differences here taken with this small scroll. What is this small scroll? It is the property deed to the earth. In the first line it says, and I saw another mighty angel. The word another, and there's two different words for another, another of the same kind, or another of a different kind.
This is another of the same kind, making reference to Revelation 8:3, another mighty angel. There are only two angels in the bible that are called mighty angels. Back in the book of Daniel Chapters 7-12, we have Gabriel, and we have Michael.
Michael is the archangel. He's the head angel and he usually has to do with the business of the nation Israel. And he's constantly at war with Satan concerning the things of Israel. And Gabriel is a messenger. We especially see him at the announcement of the birth of Christ.
This has to be one or the other, either Michael, or Gabriel that has come down from heaven clothed in a cloud and a rainbow about his head. All of this tells us that he comes in the authority of Christ. He had a rainbow around his head, his face as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire, and he had this small book.
Then he takes the position that one would take when you're claiming a title deed to a piece of property. You put one foot outside of the property line, and one foot in the property line with the title deed in your hand. That is the posture, or the position that you stand in when you're taking possession of your property.
Scripture says that the scroll is the property deed to the earth?
I recall reading that the earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it. So, I believe that the earth and all of creation has always belonged to God and no one else. He is the sovereign ruler and owner of all that is.
But, if you can show me Scripturally where it states that the scroll is a property deed, I will reconsider my thoughts on this.
Something else to consider is why John would weep greatly that no one was found worthy to open this scroll. My thoughts are that John knew that if this scroll could not be opened, there would be no complete redemption of the earth, Satan would continue to have dominion, and sin and death would still go on forever.
So, as we both believe, all of creation including the earth belongs to God. He is the owner and He is the only one who can break the seal on the property deed. There will be a time when He comes back to redeem and take back what has belonged to Him all along. The sealed property deed belongs to Him.
So much for keeping it short, sorry! I would like to hear your understanding of this sealed scroll if you get a chance.
AS to this post, my thoughts are that all that God has purposed according to his wise counsel, perfect will, and good pleasure will indeed come to pass exactly as He has ordained.
Hey brother, I hope you don't mind my reply and butting in. In Revelation 10, the angel is holding a little book or scroll that is open. This is not the sealed scroll that God was holding, which only Jesus could open or even look at in Revelation 5.
In Revelation 10, it is similar to Ezekiel 3:1-3; he is told by God to eat this roll or scroll, and it was sweet in his mouth but later it was bitter. God also said to speak unto the house of Israel. It was the words of God/prophecy given to Ezekiel to relay to Israel.
We see the same in Revelation 10; the angel is holding an open book or scroll. The same voice John heard from heaven that told him to seal up what the seven thunders had uttered and not to write them down, told John in verses 8-10 to take the open book or scroll and eat it. It was sweet in his mouth but bitter in his belly.
In verse 11, as Ezekiel was told to speak or prophesy to Israel, John is told he must prophesy again before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. My understanding is that the little open book was the words of God that John would reveal later.
The words of God are sweet to those who embrace them, but as we see, the judgment on those who reject them is bitter.
Brother, of course I don't mind! This being an open forum, anything that's posted is open for anyone to comment. As I have mentioned to you before, I value the things you have to share, whether we differ in understanding or not.
As you mentioned, I do see that this little scroll in Revelation 2:10 was open but in Chapter 5 it speaks of a scroll that was sealed. So, does this mean that the book in Chapter 5 is not the same book we see in Chapter 10? Or, is it possible that the book had been opened, and then given to this messenger (mighty angel) to bring and show to John?
I tend to believe that this could be the same book. In Revelation 5:7, the Lamb came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne. In Verse 9, it tells us that He is worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof. So, do you think there's any possibility at all that this open scroll this mighty angel (Gabriel?) was holding in Chapter 10 was the same scroll opened by the Lamb in Chapter 5?
In Revelation 5:9, we see that the Lamb (Christ) is the redeemer. He has redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation. So, we know that it's not just Jewish but all people. We will be praising Him for being our redeemer, who has purchased the title deed to the earth, and our salvation.
What I find interesting in Chapter 10 is that this angel (messenger) comes in the authority of Christ. He has this small book (opened), and the position he takes in Verse 2 is the same posture or position one would take when claiming a title deed to a piece of property.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. May we all continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
Thanks, brother. I also value what you share, along with others on this site. In Revelation, John is shown many visions that reveal upcoming events. In chapter 5, we see God sitting on the throne, holding a scroll with seven seals. These seals are locks that must be opened to reveal God's plan and judgments. Only one is worthy to hold and break these seals-Jesus, who takes the scroll from God's right hand. God giving the scroll from His right hand can symbolize the authority God has given to Jesus.
Jesus is the only one who holds and opens this scroll. As Jesus opens each seal, part of the scroll is rolled out, revealing prophetic events in God's plan that will happen. Do these events occur immediately after Jesus opens it, or is it just a prophecy of what is to come? We see overlaps in the revelation of these same events in the trumpets and bowls. This is one scroll with seven seals; it is not broken apart when each seal is opened, and it remains in Jesus' hand until all is revealed.
So, my understanding of the book in chapter 10 is that it describes another small scroll with the word of God. John is later to prophesy to many, whether that is recorded in Revelation or yet to come. The scroll in chapter 5 mentions that only Jesus is worthy to hold and open it; no other being is even able to touch it.
Thank you for covering what you have covered. We all should be inspired to study; that is a good thing.
Thanks for this excellent response. I am thinking along the same lines. The little scroll John "ate" as the prophecy he would deliver to the church at the appointed time is a good way of interpreting this Scripture.
Revelation is a fantastic book, and the visions John was shown are complex, symbolic, and mind-blowing; my little mind struggles to grasp them. The events covered are not arranged in chronological order, and we can't read from chapter 1 to 22 like other books in the Bible.
For example, Revelation 6, when the sixth seal is opened: a great earthquake, the sun turning black, the moon becoming blood, stars falling from the sky, heaven rolling back like a scroll, and islands and mountains shifting. Then we see the kings of the earth-great men, rich men, captains, mighty men, bond and free-hiding themselves because the day of His wrath has come. Who will be able to stand?
This seems to depict the event of Jesus's second coming. When compared to parts of Matthew 24, it is hard not to see that this is the same event, but this is the sixth seal. So, to understand Revelation, should we consider that the events have overlaps in the seals, trumpets, and bowls? I believe so.
I do agree that Revelation is full of symbolism and imagery, not a chronological account, but one of recapitulation. It tells the events of the consummation of this age in using differing imagery, different viewpoints, (in heaven and on the earth), and is one book that we do not interpret literally in all verses. I think that God has veiled this prophecy in symbolic language and imagery for the church age, but when the time draws near to Christ's return in glory, those alive at that time will be given understanding of the prophecy to know that the time is near for His return.
In the mean time, we are to remain diligent and ready, going about our Father's business and work each day, following Jesus as whole-heartedly as we are able to do, loving God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and worshipping Him in everyday affairs, being thankful and offering our praises to Him often.
In reading all of Rev. Chapter 10 no explanation is given about what is in the scroll. So, I cannot say what was written on it. In verse 6 it speaks of time ending and in vs. 9-11 it says that the scroll was given to John to eat. So, but no mention of it being a deed to the earth or being related to Jeremiah 32 section you mentioned.
As to Satan tempting Jesus with the kingdoms of the earth, I think that Jesus did not give much heed to Satan's statement of ownership of the world, I think Jesus knew that God truly is the owner of all things and Satan is self-deceived.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 Jesus stated that He was given all power and authority over heaven and earth (also Matthew 11:27).
Dt. 10: speaks of all things belonging to God (also Ps. 50:12 and Job 41:11) These verses cause me to think that Rev. 10:2 does not indicate that the scroll was a property deed to the earth. I do think that the scroll was about the end of time and the consummation of all things in Christ. Why John had to eat the scroll is beyond what I can figure out unless it indicates that John was given this prophecy concerning the end of this age and so by eating it, it was an indication that John would write down all that was given in the book of Revelation.
But I don't think we can truly say what the scroll said or why John was to eat it, as Scripture does not say explicitly except what it said about time ending in the same chapter of Rev.
If I'm not mistaken, under Jewish law, and please don't quote me on this because I would have to go search where I had read this, but there were always two separate deeds involved in property ownership. The way it worked was if I sold you some property, there would be an open deed and a sealed deed. The sealed deed would be locked away in a safe place and I as the original property owner would be the only one who could break the seal and take back the property.
Even though you bought the property from me, if at any time I decided to take the property back, you would have to forfeit it back to me by law because I am the original and rightful owner. It doesn't seem fair, but from what I read, that's how it worked. Again, please don't quote me on this. I would have to do some further research as time permits.
Now, with Christ coming and being the only one qualified to break the seal on this scroll which I believe is the property deed to the earth, this is where He takes back full possession of what is rightfully His.
So yes, God is the rightful owner of all of creation. Something else to consider is that when God created the earth, He gave it to man (Adam). But through Adam's sin, he forfeited it over to Satan. When we read the account in Luke 4:5-7 where Satan shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, Satan tells Jesus that he will give all of this to Him if He would just bow down and worship him.
Satan is asking, do you want the authority of all these things and the glory of them, because they are mine? It was given to me and I can give them to whomever I wish. Jesus didn't even respond with a response of you can't do that. The reason being is because Satan was telling the truth.
In re-reading this section of Rev. some thoughts have come t my mind.
With the angel placing his feet on both the land and see, it may indicate God's sovereignty over all creation with no realm of creation outside of His power, rule, and authority. It may depict that what was in the little scroll involves all of creation, not just part as in a specific place or people.
With the angel swearing by the one who created all things, who lives forever, it may be that the angel was indicating that the prophecy of the little scroll directly refers to events that are close in time to the consummation, when the voice of the seventh angel sounds, bringing in to reality the completion of the mystery of God. God's plan for creation was made prior to anything being created and it has spanned the whole era of time and history in both heaven and earth, angels and humans, and with the seventh angel sounding the nearness of the coming of Jesus bringing to completion this eternal plan, it will no longer be a mystery to mankind, but fully revealed.
For believers, it will be sweet and pleasurable as they receive the fullness of their redemption, but to those who do not believe, it will be bitter and agonizing as they will receive God's wrath poured out upon them with the eternalness of His just judgement for their sin and unbelief. For God's redeemed, we will rejoice and glory in His mercy and grace given to us as a free gift that we never deserve. God will eternally receive glory for redeeming the elect and for carrying out His justice upon those who did not believe.
Jesse, I look forward to reading your next posting on the upcoming chapters in Revelation.
You are probably referring to Jeremiah buying the land (Jer.32.6-12) As for the law, "the land is mine' "The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me."( Lev. 25.23-24)
I am so sorry for not responding sooner as I see that I may have created some problems with what I posted. I will try and keep this short but will explain why I believe this is a property deed. First, we are told in Psalm 24:1 that "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and all they that dwell therein." So yes, the earth and all creation does belong to God. If we purchase a piece of land, we might say "I own some land,' but the fact is that we really don't own it even if we have the title or deed to that land? It still belongs to God, not us.
There are a few reasons why I believe that the scroll in Revelation 10:2 is the property deed to the earth. It does not specifically say so, but it would seem logical. We see this book or scroll also mentioned in Revelation 5:1. Jeremiah Chapter 5 gives us some details, where Jeremiah presents the title or property deed. The instructions on the outside of the scroll would be who would be worthy to redeem the property. It seems as though we have a repeat of the book of Ruth, as we see the redeemer coming to redeem the property.
So here is a property deed, a title deed, apparently from the throne of God as a title deed to the earth. Who has the authority? Who has the right? Who is the redeemer who is qualified to come and take the title deed to the earth, and to break the scroll, and to look in it? Only the person who is qualified can take the scroll and look inside.
He didn't want out, because there's only one other place to go. We have to understand that the people who reject Christ, and we are going to see about the lake of fire soon and how it was created for Satan and his angels, not for people, but people are going there because of they've given their allegiance to Satan and have rejected Christ.
But can you imagine this rich man, he just wants to be comforted from the flame. It's just like people now that reject Christ, they want to be comforted in their misery here, so they use drugs and alcohol, and all kinds of things in order to try to get away from the pain and the emptiness and the misery of life.
But the last thing that the rich man wanted to do was to be in the presence of Christ throughout eternity, and away from the torment. Everybody that goes to heaven will be in the presence of Christ, in the worship of Him, seeing Him in all of His fullness and all the glory of God, the glory that Moses could not look upon, nor can any human being look upon now. But one day we're going to look upon His glory.
And there are people that would rather be in hell. It's not that they want to be tormented. But they do not want to be in the presence of Christ. And that's what heaven's all about. And so, as these stages go through of judgments, you can't help but wonder why doesn't God just do one big sweep and destroy everybody that has rejected Him?
These judgments are judgments, but He's allowing people to experience the judgments so they can see the consequences for their sin and still give them time to repent. And so, He'll increase the judgments. And people will still refuse to repent.
If you remember in Luke Chapter 16, the rich man and Lazarus who was the poor man, and he begged at the rich man's door just to get some crumbs off of his table. Well, Lazarus died, and he was taken to the bosom of Abraham. But when the rich man died, he woke up in Hades, which is called the place of the unseen spirits.
Hades is not hell. There's only one place that's called hell, and we'll see that later on in Revelation. It's called the lake of fire. There are different names for these places of punishment. They're like holding cells if you will. But Hades is the place of unseen spirits.
And in Jesus' day, there was a great gulf fixed between them. One part was in torment, those who had rejected and rebelled against God. And the other part was in the bosom of Abraham, being comforted until the Messiah was to come.
Well, the rich man, he wakes up and he's in torment in the flame. And he sees Lazarus over in Abraham's Bosom. Now put yourself in the rich man's place. Put yourself as being in Hades, in torment, and you see Lazarus and all of his buddies over there with Abraham. And they're just kind of biding their time. They're not in torment. They're being comforted.
Now if you were given one request, what would it be? What would be the first thing that you would want to do? For me, it would be like "Get me out of here." But no, he says call Lazarus, have him dip his finger in some water, and have him come over and touch my tongue because I'm tormented in this flame.
Revelation 9:21 - Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
In Revelation 9:20-21, we see the condition of men upon the earth. You'd think by now there would be people complaining. I mean, just kill me! But death is taken away for five months. They can't die. And they're just being stung all the time, tormented for five months. It's like somebody's trying to play a cruel game or something.
In Verse 21, it says neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries (PHARMAKEION), and that's drug use, nor of their fornication, meaning sexual immorality, nor of their robberies (or thefts). After all of this, they still continued in their lifestyle of serving demons, with no repentance.
What this does is it emphasizes the lengths that God goes through to get people to repent! Even after the Tribulation Period, when the whole thing is over, and Christ comes and rules on the earth for 1,000 years, Satan will be locked up in the pit. And even non-believers will get to enjoy what it's like to live under the rule of Christ for 1,000 years.
But the bible says that after a thousand years, Satan will be released. The Lord will remove His people from the earth for a short time to give those people still left on the earth time to repent. A thousand years with the Lord, Satan will be turned loose again, and they go right back to serving Satan. That is how hard-hearted people are.
Some religious systems teach that even after you die, you still have a chance to make a decision for Christ and to be saved. But that is not true. The bible says that it is appointed for man to die once, and then the judgment.
Revelation 9:10 - And they had tails like unto scorpions, and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months.
The descriptions alone tell us that these are not normal locusts. Satan is over them. These are demonic like creatures.
Revelation 9:11 - And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.
They had a king over them. If you ever done a study on locusts, you know that locusts do not have a king. They go in groups. Proverbs 30:27 tells us that the locusts do not have a king. But these had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is ABADDON, the destroyer. But in the Greek tongue, his name is APOLLYON, same definition, destroyer.
He is the destroyer, just as Jesus described him in John Chapter 8. He is a murderer. He is a liar. He is the destroyer. These are demonic creatures. 2 Peter 2:4 tells us that there are demons in chains reserved for judgment that are kept down into the heart of the earth. The one usage at that time in 2 Peter 2:4 was TARTARUS. And that's the special pit for demonic forces.
Revelation 9:13 - And the sixth angel sounded, and I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God,
Remember horns, I had mentioned that from the book of Daniel, horns are a symbol of authority. The four horns is complete authority over the four corners of the earth. It is on the altar of God which is in heaven.
Revelation 9:16 - And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.
And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand:
That's a bad English way of using the largest number in the Greek language, and it adds up to two-hundred million.
"What is this small scroll? It is the property deed to the earth. In the first line it says, and I saw another mighty angel"
Check the earlier passage,'Seal up those things which the seven thunders uttered, and write them not." The seven thunders are same as seven trumpets which have been announced. There was no need to repeat what the Lamb has broke open.This pinpoints the time to the end of Ch.19. The beast in ch.13 rises from the sea while the false prophet from land ('And I beheld another beast coming up out of the earth-Rev.13.1,11). In order to indicate God has reclaimed the earth from them we have this action",and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,"
"another mighty angel come down from heaven" connects with this angel who is ;strng' "And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"(Rev.5.2)
The word 'another' especially in Rev.ch.14 is to distinguish from the angel who is to interact with John Rev.1.1. He is a fellow servant, Check out Rev.21.17
The little book refers to the period before secon death in Rev.20
A very vital clue that it is Jesus Christ,"clothed with a cloud: and a rainbow was upon his head, and his face was as it were the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire:"
rainbow-" there was a rainbow round about the throne, in sight like unto an emerald."
his face: "and his countenance was as the sun shineth in his strength."(1.16)
feet: And his feet like unto fine brass, as if they burned in a furnace;(1.15)
"cloud: And I looked, and behold a white cloud, and upon the cloud one sat like unto the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle." (Rev.14.14)
The Word aspect of the Son and most of action is a visual shot of the complete will of God the Father so the announcement:"Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?"(5,2)
The Son is seated on the right hand of the Father.(v.1) and the Lamb slain establishes it as the Will visually revealed and shall never change. "stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth./And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne."(vv.6-7)
If we are to be able to look into Heaven, a door or a window must be opened. There is no one who can claim that it should have a different meaning. You world is completely thrown out by interpretations and opinions. That it is impossible to describe what it says, absolutely fantastic. "Jesse" does an excellent job. Of course we want Jesus to be everywhere here, but since it says the Angel, we should not twist it. I have also heard many sermons that make me sick. That is not good preaching. That should not happen among us. We who are so lucky to have the Word of God. I expected more from you "Bennymkje" and GiGi. Because if you read a little further down in the section, the answer will come. Now we can try and open our Spiritual eyes and try and understand time. Have we not gotten there yet or has the scroll been opened in a world that we do not see? You know John so many angels during this stay and it can quickly go a bit around. But the Word is the Word. So we may have to keep our sincere enlightenment in the Spiritual world to ourselves. In fact, we may have revelations that should not be shared with others until the Lord tells us to. Instead of creating confusion. (I read it as if this is a description of God on the throne). BUT it says Angel. And another thing, if it's Jesus standing there, he wouldn't have mentioned at all that the scroll shouldn't be opened. It should remain closed for a while longer. We may ask for wisdom and the spirit of understanding in the holy name of Jesus Christ. Peace and love. Must God bless us all. Romans 7
I am glad that you commented on the conversation we were having with Jesse. I wish to know from you what it was exactly in what I wrote that causes you to be disappointed with me. I merely asked Jesse to show me Scriptural evidence that identifies the scroll in Rev. 10:2 as the deed to earth. I don't see anything amiss about what I asked Jesse or what I stated about the earth always belonging to God as He is eternally Sovereign and the absolute ruler of all creation. I hope you will respond back to me to tell me how I disappointed you. Maybe we just misunderstand each other.
I can't remember it right now. And maybe that's just as well. But if it comes back I will show it to you. I think I read something about the rapture in that connection. I can't find anywhere that exactly supports the rapture. If we are alive when the Lord returns we will be in the great tribulation. We are closest to ourselves and everyone or most believes that Jesus will come in his time they live. And He does that well and then. The frail physical lays down. Love you in Christ.
Rev.3.20
I answered Free at a time when I am ready to hit the sack. Mentally and physically, Now it is 4 in the morning and fresh to be able to give coherent answer. Here is the verse:"Behold, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will sup with him, and he with me."
This door is the heart of man. A spiritual space. If one receives Christ he shaall come in. In the next chapter St John is in heave, It tells by faith you let in Christ and it opens an expressway so your paryers reach directly before the throne of grace.
"I will sup with him is on a daily basis. This is what walking by faith means.
"And he with me" There shall be a great supper of God."(Rev.19.17) All the fowls in mid-heaven have their share and we are among a great throng to which Jesus excludes the Jews. "There shall be weeping and gnashing of teeth, when ye shall see Abraham, and Isaac, and Jacob, and all the prophets, in the kingdom of God, and you yourselves thrust out."(Lk.13.28)
Jesus promised the over comer a new name, think of it as name setting your place at the banqueting hall in heaven, in the presence of God.
Many have not understood the narrative structure of the book of the Revelation. Say Ch.5 for instance. All the dramatic personae are present as playwright first conceives them, their position on the stage entry exist and their lines. Likewise St john sees the complete will of God and it is as real as a theatre piece shall be made into a play soon and there shall be theatregoers to watch it.
Pardon I got your name wrong in the earlier comment. My mind is willing but typos keep swarming in, and my eye is the problem.
GBU
The gate you speak of, is in Rev.3.20 Read it quietly and pray God to guide you. The same door opens at the other end,"After this I looked,"(Rev.4.1)
Revelation 10:2 - And he had in his hand a little book open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot on the earth,
And he had in his hand a little book (a small scroll) open: and he set his right foot upon the sea, and his left foot upon the earth,
Many of these characteristics and descriptions are descriptions of Christ from Chapter 1. Some have thought, and Jehovah's Witnesses believe, because it says a mighty angel, that Jesus is not God, and that He's just an angel.
But there's some differences here taken with this small scroll. What is this small scroll? It is the property deed to the earth. In the first line it says, and I saw another mighty angel. The word another, and there's two different words for another, another of the same kind, or another of a different kind.
This is another of the same kind, making reference to Revelation 8:3, another mighty angel. There are only two angels in the bible that are called mighty angels. Back in the book of Daniel Chapters 7-12, we have Gabriel, and we have Michael.
Michael is the archangel. He's the head angel and he usually has to do with the business of the nation Israel. And he's constantly at war with Satan concerning the things of Israel. And Gabriel is a messenger. We especially see him at the announcement of the birth of Christ.
This has to be one or the other, either Michael, or Gabriel that has come down from heaven clothed in a cloud and a rainbow about his head. All of this tells us that he comes in the authority of Christ. He had a rainbow around his head, his face as the sun, and his feet as pillars of fire, and he had this small book.
Then he takes the position that one would take when you're claiming a title deed to a piece of property. You put one foot outside of the property line, and one foot in the property line with the title deed in your hand. That is the posture, or the position that you stand in when you're taking possession of your property.
Scripture says that the scroll is the property deed to the earth?
I recall reading that the earth is the LORD'S and all that is in it. So, I believe that the earth and all of creation has always belonged to God and no one else. He is the sovereign ruler and owner of all that is.
But, if you can show me Scripturally where it states that the scroll is a property deed, I will reconsider my thoughts on this.
Something else to consider is why John would weep greatly that no one was found worthy to open this scroll. My thoughts are that John knew that if this scroll could not be opened, there would be no complete redemption of the earth, Satan would continue to have dominion, and sin and death would still go on forever.
So, as we both believe, all of creation including the earth belongs to God. He is the owner and He is the only one who can break the seal on the property deed. There will be a time when He comes back to redeem and take back what has belonged to Him all along. The sealed property deed belongs to Him.
So much for keeping it short, sorry! I would like to hear your understanding of this sealed scroll if you get a chance.
Blessings!
AS to this post, my thoughts are that all that God has purposed according to his wise counsel, perfect will, and good pleasure will indeed come to pass exactly as He has ordained.
Hey brother, I hope you don't mind my reply and butting in. In Revelation 10, the angel is holding a little book or scroll that is open. This is not the sealed scroll that God was holding, which only Jesus could open or even look at in Revelation 5.
In Revelation 10, it is similar to Ezekiel 3:1-3; he is told by God to eat this roll or scroll, and it was sweet in his mouth but later it was bitter. God also said to speak unto the house of Israel. It was the words of God/prophecy given to Ezekiel to relay to Israel.
We see the same in Revelation 10; the angel is holding an open book or scroll. The same voice John heard from heaven that told him to seal up what the seven thunders had uttered and not to write them down, told John in verses 8-10 to take the open book or scroll and eat it. It was sweet in his mouth but bitter in his belly.
In verse 11, as Ezekiel was told to speak or prophesy to Israel, John is told he must prophesy again before many peoples, nations, tongues, and kings. My understanding is that the little open book was the words of God that John would reveal later.
The words of God are sweet to those who embrace them, but as we see, the judgment on those who reject them is bitter.
God bless,
RLW
Brother, of course I don't mind! This being an open forum, anything that's posted is open for anyone to comment. As I have mentioned to you before, I value the things you have to share, whether we differ in understanding or not.
As you mentioned, I do see that this little scroll in Revelation 2:10 was open but in Chapter 5 it speaks of a scroll that was sealed. So, does this mean that the book in Chapter 5 is not the same book we see in Chapter 10? Or, is it possible that the book had been opened, and then given to this messenger (mighty angel) to bring and show to John?
I tend to believe that this could be the same book. In Revelation 5:7, the Lamb came and took the book out of the right hand of Him that sat on the throne. In Verse 9, it tells us that He is worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof. So, do you think there's any possibility at all that this open scroll this mighty angel (Gabriel?) was holding in Chapter 10 was the same scroll opened by the Lamb in Chapter 5?
In Revelation 5:9, we see that the Lamb (Christ) is the redeemer. He has redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every tribe, and tongue, and people, and nation. So, we know that it's not just Jewish but all people. We will be praising Him for being our redeemer, who has purchased the title deed to the earth, and our salvation.
What I find interesting in Chapter 10 is that this angel (messenger) comes in the authority of Christ. He has this small book (opened), and the position he takes in Verse 2 is the same posture or position one would take when claiming a title deed to a piece of property.
Again, thank you for sharing your thoughts on this. May we all continue to grow in the grace and knowledge of our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ.
God Bless!!!
Thanks, brother. I also value what you share, along with others on this site. In Revelation, John is shown many visions that reveal upcoming events. In chapter 5, we see God sitting on the throne, holding a scroll with seven seals. These seals are locks that must be opened to reveal God's plan and judgments. Only one is worthy to hold and break these seals-Jesus, who takes the scroll from God's right hand. God giving the scroll from His right hand can symbolize the authority God has given to Jesus.
Jesus is the only one who holds and opens this scroll. As Jesus opens each seal, part of the scroll is rolled out, revealing prophetic events in God's plan that will happen. Do these events occur immediately after Jesus opens it, or is it just a prophecy of what is to come? We see overlaps in the revelation of these same events in the trumpets and bowls. This is one scroll with seven seals; it is not broken apart when each seal is opened, and it remains in Jesus' hand until all is revealed.
So, my understanding of the book in chapter 10 is that it describes another small scroll with the word of God. John is later to prophesy to many, whether that is recorded in Revelation or yet to come. The scroll in chapter 5 mentions that only Jesus is worthy to hold and open it; no other being is even able to touch it.
Thank you for covering what you have covered. We all should be inspired to study; that is a good thing.
God bless,
RLW
Thanks for this excellent response. I am thinking along the same lines. The little scroll John "ate" as the prophecy he would deliver to the church at the appointed time is a good way of interpreting this Scripture.
Revelation is a fantastic book, and the visions John was shown are complex, symbolic, and mind-blowing; my little mind struggles to grasp them. The events covered are not arranged in chronological order, and we can't read from chapter 1 to 22 like other books in the Bible.
For example, Revelation 6, when the sixth seal is opened: a great earthquake, the sun turning black, the moon becoming blood, stars falling from the sky, heaven rolling back like a scroll, and islands and mountains shifting. Then we see the kings of the earth-great men, rich men, captains, mighty men, bond and free-hiding themselves because the day of His wrath has come. Who will be able to stand?
This seems to depict the event of Jesus's second coming. When compared to parts of Matthew 24, it is hard not to see that this is the same event, but this is the sixth seal. So, to understand Revelation, should we consider that the events have overlaps in the seals, trumpets, and bowls? I believe so.
I will leave it there.
God bless,
RLW
I do agree that Revelation is full of symbolism and imagery, not a chronological account, but one of recapitulation. It tells the events of the consummation of this age in using differing imagery, different viewpoints, (in heaven and on the earth), and is one book that we do not interpret literally in all verses. I think that God has veiled this prophecy in symbolic language and imagery for the church age, but when the time draws near to Christ's return in glory, those alive at that time will be given understanding of the prophecy to know that the time is near for His return.
In the mean time, we are to remain diligent and ready, going about our Father's business and work each day, following Jesus as whole-heartedly as we are able to do, loving God with our whole heart, mind, soul, and strength, and worshipping Him in everyday affairs, being thankful and offering our praises to Him often.
In reading all of Rev. Chapter 10 no explanation is given about what is in the scroll. So, I cannot say what was written on it. In verse 6 it speaks of time ending and in vs. 9-11 it says that the scroll was given to John to eat. So, but no mention of it being a deed to the earth or being related to Jeremiah 32 section you mentioned.
As to Satan tempting Jesus with the kingdoms of the earth, I think that Jesus did not give much heed to Satan's statement of ownership of the world, I think Jesus knew that God truly is the owner of all things and Satan is self-deceived.
Jesus said in Matthew 28:18 Jesus stated that He was given all power and authority over heaven and earth (also Matthew 11:27).
Dt. 10: speaks of all things belonging to God (also Ps. 50:12 and Job 41:11) These verses cause me to think that Rev. 10:2 does not indicate that the scroll was a property deed to the earth. I do think that the scroll was about the end of time and the consummation of all things in Christ. Why John had to eat the scroll is beyond what I can figure out unless it indicates that John was given this prophecy concerning the end of this age and so by eating it, it was an indication that John would write down all that was given in the book of Revelation.
But I don't think we can truly say what the scroll said or why John was to eat it, as Scripture does not say explicitly except what it said about time ending in the same chapter of Rev.
If I'm not mistaken, under Jewish law, and please don't quote me on this because I would have to go search where I had read this, but there were always two separate deeds involved in property ownership. The way it worked was if I sold you some property, there would be an open deed and a sealed deed. The sealed deed would be locked away in a safe place and I as the original property owner would be the only one who could break the seal and take back the property.
Even though you bought the property from me, if at any time I decided to take the property back, you would have to forfeit it back to me by law because I am the original and rightful owner. It doesn't seem fair, but from what I read, that's how it worked. Again, please don't quote me on this. I would have to do some further research as time permits.
Now, with Christ coming and being the only one qualified to break the seal on this scroll which I believe is the property deed to the earth, this is where He takes back full possession of what is rightfully His.
So yes, God is the rightful owner of all of creation. Something else to consider is that when God created the earth, He gave it to man (Adam). But through Adam's sin, he forfeited it over to Satan. When we read the account in Luke 4:5-7 where Satan shows Jesus all the kingdoms of the world, Satan tells Jesus that he will give all of this to Him if He would just bow down and worship him.
Satan is asking, do you want the authority of all these things and the glory of them, because they are mine? It was given to me and I can give them to whomever I wish. Jesus didn't even respond with a response of you can't do that. The reason being is because Satan was telling the truth.
One more short post, I promise!
In re-reading this section of Rev. some thoughts have come t my mind.
With the angel placing his feet on both the land and see, it may indicate God's sovereignty over all creation with no realm of creation outside of His power, rule, and authority. It may depict that what was in the little scroll involves all of creation, not just part as in a specific place or people.
With the angel swearing by the one who created all things, who lives forever, it may be that the angel was indicating that the prophecy of the little scroll directly refers to events that are close in time to the consummation, when the voice of the seventh angel sounds, bringing in to reality the completion of the mystery of God. God's plan for creation was made prior to anything being created and it has spanned the whole era of time and history in both heaven and earth, angels and humans, and with the seventh angel sounding the nearness of the coming of Jesus bringing to completion this eternal plan, it will no longer be a mystery to mankind, but fully revealed.
For believers, it will be sweet and pleasurable as they receive the fullness of their redemption, but to those who do not believe, it will be bitter and agonizing as they will receive God's wrath poured out upon them with the eternalness of His just judgement for their sin and unbelief. For God's redeemed, we will rejoice and glory in His mercy and grace given to us as a free gift that we never deserve. God will eternally receive glory for redeeming the elect and for carrying out His justice upon those who did not believe.
Jesse, I look forward to reading your next posting on the upcoming chapters in Revelation.
You are probably referring to Jeremiah buying the land (Jer.32.6-12) As for the law, "the land is mine' "The land shall not be sold for ever: for the land is mine; for ye are strangers and sojourners with me."( Lev. 25.23-24)
I am so sorry for not responding sooner as I see that I may have created some problems with what I posted. I will try and keep this short but will explain why I believe this is a property deed. First, we are told in Psalm 24:1 that "The earth is the Lord's and the fullness thereof and all they that dwell therein." So yes, the earth and all creation does belong to God. If we purchase a piece of land, we might say "I own some land,' but the fact is that we really don't own it even if we have the title or deed to that land? It still belongs to God, not us.
There are a few reasons why I believe that the scroll in Revelation 10:2 is the property deed to the earth. It does not specifically say so, but it would seem logical. We see this book or scroll also mentioned in Revelation 5:1. Jeremiah Chapter 5 gives us some details, where Jeremiah presents the title or property deed. The instructions on the outside of the scroll would be who would be worthy to redeem the property. It seems as though we have a repeat of the book of Ruth, as we see the redeemer coming to redeem the property.
So here is a property deed, a title deed, apparently from the throne of God as a title deed to the earth. Who has the authority? Who has the right? Who is the redeemer who is qualified to come and take the title deed to the earth, and to break the scroll, and to look in it? Only the person who is qualified can take the scroll and look inside.
Out of space, will send more
Correction:
Jeremiah Chapter 32, not Chapter 5.
I believe understanding the book of Ruth is vital to understand this section of scripture.
Blessings!
A property deed is the way I have it also.
Will revisit later.
God bless.
Revelation 9:21 Continued
He didn't want out, because there's only one other place to go. We have to understand that the people who reject Christ, and we are going to see about the lake of fire soon and how it was created for Satan and his angels, not for people, but people are going there because of they've given their allegiance to Satan and have rejected Christ.
But can you imagine this rich man, he just wants to be comforted from the flame. It's just like people now that reject Christ, they want to be comforted in their misery here, so they use drugs and alcohol, and all kinds of things in order to try to get away from the pain and the emptiness and the misery of life.
But the last thing that the rich man wanted to do was to be in the presence of Christ throughout eternity, and away from the torment. Everybody that goes to heaven will be in the presence of Christ, in the worship of Him, seeing Him in all of His fullness and all the glory of God, the glory that Moses could not look upon, nor can any human being look upon now. But one day we're going to look upon His glory.
And there are people that would rather be in hell. It's not that they want to be tormented. But they do not want to be in the presence of Christ. And that's what heaven's all about. And so, as these stages go through of judgments, you can't help but wonder why doesn't God just do one big sweep and destroy everybody that has rejected Him?
These judgments are judgments, but He's allowing people to experience the judgments so they can see the consequences for their sin and still give them time to repent. And so, He'll increase the judgments. And people will still refuse to repent.
Revelation 9:21 Continued
If you remember in Luke Chapter 16, the rich man and Lazarus who was the poor man, and he begged at the rich man's door just to get some crumbs off of his table. Well, Lazarus died, and he was taken to the bosom of Abraham. But when the rich man died, he woke up in Hades, which is called the place of the unseen spirits.
Hades is not hell. There's only one place that's called hell, and we'll see that later on in Revelation. It's called the lake of fire. There are different names for these places of punishment. They're like holding cells if you will. But Hades is the place of unseen spirits.
And in Jesus' day, there was a great gulf fixed between them. One part was in torment, those who had rejected and rebelled against God. And the other part was in the bosom of Abraham, being comforted until the Messiah was to come.
Well, the rich man, he wakes up and he's in torment in the flame. And he sees Lazarus over in Abraham's Bosom. Now put yourself in the rich man's place. Put yourself as being in Hades, in torment, and you see Lazarus and all of his buddies over there with Abraham. And they're just kind of biding their time. They're not in torment. They're being comforted.
Now if you were given one request, what would it be? What would be the first thing that you would want to do? For me, it would be like "Get me out of here." But no, he says call Lazarus, have him dip his finger in some water, and have him come over and touch my tongue because I'm tormented in this flame.
Revelation 9:21 - Neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries, nor of their fornication, nor of their thefts.
In Revelation 9:20-21, we see the condition of men upon the earth. You'd think by now there would be people complaining. I mean, just kill me! But death is taken away for five months. They can't die. And they're just being stung all the time, tormented for five months. It's like somebody's trying to play a cruel game or something.
In Verse 21, it says neither repented they of their murders, nor of their sorceries (PHARMAKEION), and that's drug use, nor of their fornication, meaning sexual immorality, nor of their robberies (or thefts). After all of this, they still continued in their lifestyle of serving demons, with no repentance.
What this does is it emphasizes the lengths that God goes through to get people to repent! Even after the Tribulation Period, when the whole thing is over, and Christ comes and rules on the earth for 1,000 years, Satan will be locked up in the pit. And even non-believers will get to enjoy what it's like to live under the rule of Christ for 1,000 years.
But the bible says that after a thousand years, Satan will be released. The Lord will remove His people from the earth for a short time to give those people still left on the earth time to repent. A thousand years with the Lord, Satan will be turned loose again, and they go right back to serving Satan. That is how hard-hearted people are.
Some religious systems teach that even after you die, you still have a chance to make a decision for Christ and to be saved. But that is not true. The bible says that it is appointed for man to die once, and then the judgment.
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