Vs. 1 – See D&C 77:13 for when these things will happen
The star – See Isaiah 14 or 2 Nephi 24: 12-15 and Luke 10:18
The JST makes it clear that the key was given to an angel and not to Lucifer. Satan's power is limited.
“Another example is the image of keys. Anciently, locks were hand-carved from wood or hand-forged from metal, and they were large, bulky, and expensive. Locks were therefore used to protect only very valuable treasure of stores. Because the common people rarely owned anything valuable enough to lock up, keys usually were held only by the wealthy and powerful-or entrusted by them to stewards. Keys were typically worn around the neck on a chain, so if people saw a man on a street wearing a key, they could rightly assume that he was a man of power and authority. In this manner, keys came to be a symbol, not only of control over something, but of invested power and authority. (Gerald N. Lund, Ensign, Dec. 1987, p. 50.)
Vs. 2 – The smoke is a representation of temptations. This smoke is not the same smoke as the smoke of the incense. This is “mist of darkness” smoke. In a house fire, the smoke gets into everything. This smoke influences every aspect of society. Mormon 8:31,36, 38.
Vs. 3 – The locusts are a symbol for wicked men and armies with power to torment man.
See Joel 1 & 2, especially 1:4-7; 2:11-12; 2:21, 25, 23, 28, 32. Also Ex. 10:4
Scorpions torment if you allow yourself to get close to them.
Vs. 4 – The destructive force is limited. It doesn't hurt those who are growing (green). The seal is significant!
Vs. 5 – Five months is the life cycle of a grasshopper. It may also be a reference to the 5th angel. (Ridges) Here a symbol for a short and limited time. I Cor. 10:13. These temptations and trials can awaken us and prompt us to "come to ourselves." A scorpion torments, but doesn't kill
Vs. 6 – Mormon 2:13-15
Vs. 7 – shapes of the locusts “John seems to be describing soldiers that are trained and equipped to fight on land, sea, or in the air, with their various types of uniforms and protective gear, including helmets, body armor, and protective masks; their war vehicles, including aircraft, helicopters, tanks, and dozens of other military machines; and their weaponry and artillery of many types and kinds, each designed to harm, maim, or kill humans. He may be describing that which belongs to military units of our era, or he may be seeing that which belongs to our own future.” (Parry, p. 118)
This is the only place in revelation where the word for crown “stephanos” is used for Satan. Note that it is a fake crown. Satan does have victories, but it is always temporary. The reference to as the faces of men, I believe is referring to wicked, worldly men.
Vs. 8 – is the hair referred to here a reminder of Samson? Lions are noted for their strength. See Joel 1:6
Vs. 9 - John strives to describe the sound of modern warfare.
Vs. 10 - Note that the 5 months refers to temporary power. This war is going to end.
Vs. 11 – The king is Lucifer. “John gives a Hebrew name followed with the Greek equivalent, as was his custom (John 1:38-Rabbi-Master, 42-Cephas-stone; 4:25-Messias-Christ; 9:7-Siloam-sent; 11:16-Thomas-Didymus), perhaps so that his audience will understand his words. The angel is named Abaddon, meaning “destruction or ruin; he is also called Apollyon meaning destruction or destroyer. (Parry p. 120) Moses 5:24 gives another name for Satan. It is 'Perdition" which mean utter loss or destruction. See also 2 Thessalonians 2:3. (Ridges)
Vs. 12 – Woe One is 9:1-11; Woe Two appears to be 9:13-21; 10 and 11:1-13; Woe Three is unclear but possibly chapters 12 or 16 or the burning at the 2nd coming or chapter 11:14 through the rest of the book. There is not unanimity as to which events coincide with the 3 woes. I hope it doesn't matter very much.
Vs. 13 – “As the sixth trumpet sounds, John hears a voice coming from the horns of the altar in heaven. The horns are a symbol of God’s power that people obtain through faithful worship, especially through sacrifice. These horns have special significance in two ways. First, on the Day of Atonement the high priest sprinkled them with the blood of the offering to bring reconciliation between God and Israel Euphrates . That the voice comes from the horns of the altar suggests that in some way the second woe is connected with or a result of the prayers of the Saints, for the voice that commands the infliction comes from the very place, the altar, on which their prayers were offered. (Draper p. 107)
Vs. 14 – Note the JST making it clear that the angels are from hell.
Vs. 15 – The Jerusalem Bible says, “These four angels had been put there ready for this hour of this day of this month of this year. They are evil angels.
Vs. 16-18 This army of evil is twice the size of the angels in 5:11 gathered around the throne. The destruction is significant but limited as indicated by the fraction 1/3.
Vs. 19- Their power is in their mouth. Like Nehor, Sherem, Korihor and the media today. The tail may be a reference to the scorpions and to military strength, as in vs. 5.
Vs. 20 – The attempt to entice the world to repent in not successful.
Vs. 21 – “to the list John adds sorcery. The Greek word he uses is pharmakeia, from which the word pharmacy is derived. Pharmakeia indicates the use of drugs, elixirs, and contraceptive potions associated with the occult. When freely accepted, these narcotics addict, desensitize, and deceive the nations, resulting in blindness and the inability to change. The use of drugs, simple and potent, is the same means by which the Mother of Abominations is able to deceive the nations.
See SWK’s talk, “The False God’s We Worship”. He identifies these Gods we worship as Materialism and Military Might. See also SMWilcox’s book, p. 130-131.
