Revelation 9:19 Commentary and Bible Study

It is clear that these are not literal horses both from their number and their unnatural description. Though they are called horses, they have the heads of lions. This shows their ferocity and cruelty. Out of their mouths come three substances always associated with destruction in the Bible. Fire represents God’s anger and was sometimes sent directly against men. It was also used as an instrument of war to destroy enemy cities. The smoke is further evidence of destruction that is already begun. Brimstone was rained down on Sodom and this incident is frequently afterwards used as a figure of divine judgment. The power of the horses is a power to destroy. It is in their mouths and in their tails, which are like serpents ready to bite.But what do these creatures stand for? Are they demons like the locusts? It is not so obvious that this is the case, for nothing is said about their coming from the pit. Are they human beings? Their description seems to make that impossible. The most likely explanation is given by Hendriksen, who says that they symbolise war engines and war tools of every description. These destructive forces are wielded by man against man. He becomes ever more skilled at creating weapons of destruction and all these are included in this figure.