The Book of Revelation in the Bible contains prophecies about the end times. In chapters 8-9, the apostle John describes three specific woes that will come upon the earth during this future period of tribulation:
The First Woe: Locusts from the Abyss
The first woe is described in Revelation 9:1-12. An angel blows a trumpet and a star falls from heaven to earth. This star is given the key to the bottomless pit, also called the Abyss. When the pit is opened, smoke arises followed by locusts that are given power to torment people for five months. These are not ordinary locusts, but described as having human faces with lion’s teeth, wearing crowns of gold, and having wings that produce a deafening sound. Their tails sting like scorpions. They are ruled by Apollyon, whose name means “destroyer” in Greek.
This vivid and frightening scene depicts a horde of demons that will be unleashed from the Abyss during the end times tribulation period. The imagery of locusts symbolizes their destructive power, but their human faces indicate cunning and intelligence. Though they cannot kill people, their painful stings cause agony and despair. The five month duration may be symbolic of a limited period in which God allows demonic powers to afflict mankind before Christ returns.
The Second Woe: A Demonic Army
The second woe is foretold in Revelation 9:13-21. A voice from the altar commands the sixth angel to release four demons that are bound in the Euphrates river. These four angels will lead a huge army of 200 million mounted troops whose horses have lion’s heads and breath out fire, smoke and sulfur. This fearsome cavalry kills one third of mankind through their deadly plagues of fire, smoke and sulfur.
This is a prophetic vision of an enormous demon-inspired army that God will allow to bring judgment during the end times. The four angels bound in the Euphrates indicate that area may be the origin point for this army. The enormous number of 200 million mounted troops and their bizarre appearance portray a force empowered by demonic forces. Their mission is to kill billions of people across the earth through catastrophic means.
The Third Woe: Seven Thundering Voices
The third woe is announced in Revelation 11:14-19. After the second woe passes, the seventh angel blows his trumpet, and loud voices in heaven declare that the kingdom of the world has become the kingdom of Christ. 24 elders worship God and give thanks that He has taken His great power and begun to reign.
This third woe seems to describe the climax of God’s wrath, when the present world system collapses and Christ establishes His millennial kingdom on earth. It is the culmination of the endtime events, ushering in the visible reign of Jesus on earth. The seventh trumpet signals the unleashing of the full fury of God’s judgment upon the wicked and the deliverance of the righteous. The power of evil is finally defeated as God executes His justice and establishes His sovereign rule over creation.
In summary, the three woes depict an intensification of suffering and the outpouring of God’s wrath during the end times tribulation period. This includes demonic torment, catastrophic war, and the final day of judgment. The three woes provide a sobering warning of the unimaginable horror that will occur as this evil age comes crashing down under the weight of unchecked wickedness. But they also assure that God is sovereign, His kingdom will triumph, and the faithful will be rewarded.
The Book of Revelation provides some of the most vivid prophetic visions in Scripture. For Christians, the three woes soberly depict the necessity of clinging to faith in Christ’s return when the world descends into chaos. Ultimately, God is still in control, establishing justice against evil and ushering in His righteous and glorious kingdom.
The three woes serve as a dramatic reminder that humanity cannot continue long on its current path of rejecting God. All the accumulated wickedness of mankind will reap consequences of divine wrath. But God mercifully warns beforehand, so that people have a chance to repent. Though the hour is late, Christ still calls people to put their faith in Him before it is too late. The three woes depict the urgency of turning to God, as the final chapters of human history will be filled with horror and calamity.
Studying Bible prophecy stirs the believer to righteous living, earnest prayer, deep repentance, and bold evangelism. With eyes fixed on eternity, one gains perspective to forsake sin, cling to Christ, and redeem the time while there is still breath. The three woes assure that God will make all things right in the end. Justice will be served, evil will be condemned, and the faithful will be rewarded with an eternity of joy and peace in God’s presence.
As the final hours of this age wind down, the three woes of Revelation encourage everyone to choose wisely. The great day of the Lord is fast approaching when all that is hidden will be revealed. God calls every person to align with truth, repent of evil, turn to Christ, and find redemption before that great and terrible day. Faithfulness to God’s Kingdom and His righteousness is the only sure refuge from the coming storm.
The three woes cry out, “Fallen, fallen is Babylon the great! For her sins have piled up to heaven, and God has remembered her crimes.” Judgment for sin is inescapable. The hour is urgent. Do not be caught unprepared when the books are opened and the rewards are given. Give heed, repent, believe, and live for the Kingdom!
Though challenges mount and perils intensify, the three woes assure believers that God is doing a great work. As the birth pangs for the coming Kingdom increase, take heart that your deliverance is drawing near. Lift up your heads, stand tall in the fire, keep speaking truth, keep sharing the Gospel. What we know from Revelation is that God wins, evil is condemned, and those counted worthy will receive the crown of righteousness on that glorious day!
Maranatha! Come quickly Lord Jesus! The world groans in eager longing for your return and the resurrection of the righteous. As the three woes of Revelation play out across the end time stage, grant us persevering faith to be living testimonies of your grace until the last curtain falls. Even so, come Lord Jesus! Your people await the dawning of eternal day!