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The two hundred million mentioned in Revelation 9:16 passage is part of the apocalyptic visions in the Book of Revelation. It describes a formidable and vast army. Understanding who these two hundred million are involves examining the context of Revelation and the symbolism used.
Context of Revelation 9
To understand Revelation 9:16, it is crucial to examine the broader context of the chapter. Revelation 9 describes the sounding of the fifth and sixth trumpets, which are part of a series of judgments unleashed upon the earth.
Revelation 9:13-16 (NKJV): “Then the sixth angel sounded: And I heard a voice from the four horns of the golden altar which is before God, saying to the sixth angel who had the trumpet, ‘Release the four angels who are bound at the great river Euphrates.’ So the four angels, who had been prepared for the hour and day and month and year, were released to kill a third of mankind. Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.”
Symbolism in Revelation
The Book of Revelation is rich with symbolism, and interpreting its visions requires careful consideration of this symbolism. The two hundred million horsemen mentioned in Revelation 9:16 are part of a highly symbolic narrative involving angelic beings, plagues, and judgments.
The River Euphrates
The mention of the Euphrates River is significant. In biblical history, the Euphrates was often associated with boundaries of the Promised Land and the site of ancient empires that opposed Israel.
Some believe that, to the Israelites, the Euphrates constituted the northern boundary of the land which ideally they were to occupy (Deuteronomy 1:7, 8) and which, at the height of their power, they dominated, at least to some extent (1 Kings 4:21). Beyond the Euphrates were the heathen nations of the north who repeatedly came down and engulfed Israel (Jeremiah 1:14). According to this interpretation, the Euphrates here indicates a boundary beyond which God holds the forces that accomplish His judgment under the sixth trumpet.
The Number Two Hundred Million
The specific number, two hundred million, is vast and almost beyond comprehension. It emphasizes the overwhelming and formidable nature of this army. Numbers in Revelation often have symbolic meanings, and such a large number could symbolize an innumerable and unstoppable force.
Symbolic Interpretation
This army is symbolic rather than literal. This interpretation considers the symbolic nature of Revelation, suggesting that the number represents an overwhelming and destructive force of evil or demonic influence.
Revelation 9:17-19 (NKJV): “And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone. By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths. For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.”
The description of the horsemen and their horses is highly symbolic, involving images of fire, smoke, brimstone, and serpent-like tails. Such imagery suggests a supernatural or demonic nature rather than a conventional military force.
Spiritual and Theological Implications
Regardless of the specific interpretation, the passage conveys several important spiritual and theological messages.
1. Divine Judgment
The release of the two hundred million horsemen is an act of divine judgment. It signifies God’s control over history and His ability to unleash judgment upon a sinful world.
Revelation 9:20-21 (NKJV): “But the rest of mankind, who were not killed by these plagues, did not repent of the works of their hands, that they should not worship demons, and idols of gold, silver, brass, stone, and wood, which can neither see nor hear nor walk. And they did not repent of their murders or their sorceries or their sexual immorality or their thefts.”
This passage highlights the purpose of the judgments: to lead humanity to repentance. Despite the severity of the plagues, many still refuse to repent, emphasizing the hardness of human hearts.
2. The Battle Between Good and Evil
Seen in the light of the great war between Christ and Satan, the deadly forces represent the labors of Satan to cause chaos and destruction in the world. In symbolic vision, John saw four angels busy in the task of holding back the plans of the destroyer.
Today, God’s angels surround the world. They are keeping the armies of Satan till the sealing of God’s people shall be accomplished. For the devil has come down like a roaring lion, knowing that his time is short and he is seeking whom he may devour (1 Peter 5:8). But when the work of sealing is completed, then God will say to the angels, don’t restrict Satan in his efforts to destroy. Let him pour his evil upon the children of disobedience; for the cup of their iniquity is full (Revelation 18:6).
When the four angels finally let go, all the elements of trouble will be let loose. The whole world will be engulfed in devastation more horrible than that which came upon Jerusalem by the Romans in 70 A.D.
But God’s people who have not broken His law, had kept the faith of Jesus (Revelation 14:12), and have not received the mark of the beast (Revelation 14: 9), will be protected from all harm (Revelation 3:21). And the overcomers will share in the glory and power of Christ and the Father. They will be “heirs of God and joint heirs with Christ” (Romans 8:17).
Conclusion
The two hundred million horsemen of Revelation 9:16 are a part of the apocalyptic vision given to John. They represent an overwhelming force of judgment and the serious consequences of sin. The passage emphasizes the need for repentance and the reality of spiritual warfare, urging believers to remain faithful and vigilant. The symbolism of Revelation challenges readers to seek deeper understanding and to recognize the ultimate authority and sovereignty of God in all things.
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In His service,
BibleAsk Team