Rev 9:13-16 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 9:13-14: 9:13-14 The four horns of the gold altar (see 8:3 ) are introduced with the sixth trumpet blast. Many excavations have uncovered altars with pointed horns at their four corners (see study note on Exod 27:2). • The voice carries the authority of God in the command to release the four angels . • These angels have been bound , suggesting their evil nature (cp. Rev 20:2 ; 1 Enoch 10; contrast Rev 7:1 ). Their location at the great Euphrates River probably refers to Assyria and Babylon, empires that had devastated the kingdoms of Israel and Judah and thus were symbols of destruction (see 2 Kgs 17:22-24 ; 25:1-11 ).

a9:13-14►

b8:3►

cRev 20:2►

dRev 7:1►

e2 Kgs 17:22-24►

f25:1-11►

g9:15►

h9:16►

‏ Revelation of John 9:13-16

Summary for Rev 9:13-14: 9:13-14 ^a The four horns of the gold altar (see 8:3 ^b) are introduced with the sixth trumpet blast. Many excavations have uncovered altars with pointed horns at their four corners (see study note on Exod 27:2).

• The voice carries the authority of God in the command to release the four angels.

• These angels have been bound, suggesting their evil nature (cp. Rev 20:2 ^c; 1 Enoch 10; contrast Rev 7:1 ^d). Their location at the great Euphrates River probably refers to Assyria and Babylon, empires that had devastated the kingdoms of Israel and Judah and thus were symbols of destruction (see 2 Kgs 17:22-24 ^e; 25:1-11 ^f).
9:15 ^g hour and day and month and year: The fourfold time designation for releasing the four angels confirms that even evil forces must observe God’s timing.
9:16 ^h The relationship of the four angels to their army is not clear.

• 200 million: This figure represents an innumerable multitude. Even at its greatest strength, the ancient Roman army with twenty-one legions numbered only about 126,000 soldiers. It is unproductive to use this number in attempting to identify any specific country with such an overwhelming destructive force.