Revelation 9:7a
Revelation 9, Page 10

Re-evaluation Translation
9:7  The kings of the earth, directed behind-the-scenes by financially-driven great men, promoted warfare, yet they were ultimately under Yehuveh’s control; money-driven, they corrupted judicial power and their appointment of leaders.

Bible, KJV Translation
9:7  And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle; and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold, and their faces were as the faces of men.

Significant Words and Comments:
Commentary on Revelation 9:7 (28 January 2008):   “The shapes” is from homoioma [G3667] and is used only here in Revelation, but is closely related to homoios [G3664], which is translated like all 22 times it appears in Revelation. Homoioma means “that which has been made after the likeness of something, a figure, image, likeness, representation, a resemblance, such as amounts almost to equality or identity.” At the time this fifth angel’s message causes the hearts of men to tremble, “the locusts” [Revelation 9:3] have completely taken the form and identity of “horses,” that is, “they are totally directed by others.”
        What are
“horses prepared unto battle”? Horses is from hippos [G2462, of uncertain affinity], translated horse fifteen times in Revelation [6:2, 4, 5, 8; 9:7, 9, 17; 14:20; 18:13; 19:11, 14, 18, 19, 21].  As discussed in regard to the Years of Returning (Darius) and in Revelation 6:1, horses are astronomical-astrological symbols of the planets, but that interpretation hardly fits this context. Rather, what fits this context is David’s caution: “Be ye not as the horse, or as the mule, which have no understanding: whose mouth must be held in with bit and bridle, lest they come near unto thee.” How amazing a statement regarding the “locusts,” “the kings of the earth.” But how appropriate in this time. Though they hold political and social power, these high leaders do not have any understanding of Yehuveh’s instruction or ways, nor, truly, of any social issues. Ultimately, they are under the direction of men with massive financial accumulations and power. Yehuveh realizes that, although they hold positions of influence in human circles, they are definitely not under their own direction; they are guided by strong external controllers, just as a horse is under its master’s or rider’s direction. “A whip for the horse, a bridle for the ass, and a rod for the fool’s back.” These “locusts” are pathetically not in charge of their own lives and leadership! And it goes without saying, then, that they are not in charge of their nations! Psalms 32:9; 2:2; Proverbs 26:3.
       
Why are the highest national leaders little more than puppets under the manipulation of others? Though written of Israel, the words of Jeremiah apply to these leaders. They are “foolish, they have not known Me; they are sottish children, and they have none understanding: they are wise to do evil, but to do good they have no knowledge.” “They spake not aright: no man repented him of his wickedness, saying, What have I done? every one turned to his course, as the horse rusheth into the battle. Yea, the stork in the heaven knoweth her appointed times; and the turtle and the crane and the swallow observe the time of their coming; but My people know not the judgment of Yehuveh.” Horses without understanding, directed by others! Tragic symbol! Jeremiah 4:22; 8:6-7.
       
Prepared is the same word [G2090] used in Revelation 8:6 of the seven angels preparing themselves to sound these seven trumpets. So totally directed by behind-the-scenes financial “great men,” these “locusts” have been manipulated, bullied, into war for its enormous financial gain. Proverbs 25:6.
       
Battle is polemos [G4171], meaning “a war; a fight; a battle; a dispute, strife, quarrel;” from an unused root pelomai meaning “to bustle.” Warfare has been part of national activity since the days of Nimrod, but the money-driven global economy of our age has elevated it to an art form of financial exploitation. Manipulated as they are by these unseen financial giants, the kings in position at the time of this fifth communication prepare for and promote war with an unprecedented intensity. Study Isaiah 2:4; Micah 4:3.


       
For information on “battle,” “head,” and “faces,” continue . . . .


Gael Bataman
Originally Written:               28 January 2008
Latest Update:                     28 May 2008


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