Demons Described

There are close parallels between the descriptions of the demonic locust swarm (9:7–10) and of the demonic cavalry (9:17–19). Both are clearly demonic and engaged upon torment and destruction, with the infliction of suffering emanating from their tails. In their appearance, both horse and rider have breastplates. The breastplates, are fiery red in color, and a dusky blue color as of sulphurous smoke and a sulphur like yellow. It is not clearly apparent that the breastplates had these three colors intertwined, or whether some were red, some blue, and some yellow. These colors correspond to the fire, smoke, and sulfur of 9:17b–18 and describe the terrifying nature of this demonic cavalry. Their whole purpose is fire and destruction.

The teeth of the locusts are like lions’ teeth, and the heads of the horses resembled the heads of lions. Verse 9:19 shows their power is in their mouths as well as their tails, and it is the mouth of the lion that allows it to tear apart its prey. The majestic and terrible view of a lion is a natural image for this incredible army, since it was a most vicious beast known to the ancient people of the Mesopotamia. The head here seems to combine their teeth (9:8), their roar (10:3), and their mouth (13:2) to produce terror, which is emphasized.

From their mouths comes fire and smoke and sulfur (aka brimstone). These correspond to the three earlier mentioned colors in these verses showing that these demonic monsters are truly from the pits of hell. Sodom and Gomorrah were destroyed by burning sulfur that was rained down by God, and the result was dense smoke ..like smoke from a furnace” (Genesis 19:28).

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