Revelation 9 - Locusts reference

[Michael37]

8 hours ago, Marathoner said:

Locusts are still just locusts.

Yeah, locusts are just locusts, unless they are from the abyss. Then they have supernaturally enhanced capabilities, and are allowed to do a lot of really mean stuff to the damned, with eventually one third of mankind being killed with fire, smoke, and brimstone.    

Rev 9:3-11  Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth.

• And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.  (4)  
• They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.  (5)  And
• they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man.  (6)  
• In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.  (7)  
• The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle.
• On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.  (8)  
• They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth.  (9)  And
• they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and
• the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle.  (10)  
• They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails.
• Their power was to hurt men five months.  (11)  And
• they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.

Rev 9:16-19  Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.  (17)  

• And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and
• the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone.  (18)  
• By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.  (19)  
• For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.

[The_Truth_Seeker]

7 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Yeah, locusts are just locusts, unless they are from the abyss. Then they have supernaturally enhanced capabilities, and are allowed to do a lot of really mean stuff to the damned, with eventually one third of mankind being killed with fire, smoke, and brimstone.    

Rev 9:3-11  Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth.

• And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.  (4)  
• They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.  (5)  And
• they were not given authority to kill them, but to torment them for five months. Their torment was like the torment of a scorpion when it strikes a man.  (6)  
• In those days men will seek death and will not find it; they will desire to die, and death will flee from them.  (7)  
• The shape of the locusts was like horses prepared for battle.
• On their heads were crowns of something like gold, and their faces were like the faces of men.  (8)  
• They had hair like women's hair, and their teeth were like lions' teeth.  (9)  And
• they had breastplates like breastplates of iron, and
• the sound of their wings was like the sound of chariots with many horses running into battle.  (10)  
• They had tails like scorpions, and there were stings in their tails.
• Their power was to hurt men five months.  (11)  And
• they had as king over them the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in Hebrew is Abaddon, but in Greek he has the name Apollyon.

Rev 9:16-19  Now the number of the army of the horsemen was two hundred million; I heard the number of them.  (17)  

• And thus I saw the horses in the vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red, hyacinth blue, and sulfur yellow; and
• the heads of the horses were like the heads of lions; and out of their mouths came fire, smoke, and brimstone.  (18)  
• By these three plagues a third of mankind was killed—by the fire and the smoke and the brimstone which came out of their mouths.  (19)  
• For their power is in their mouth and in their tails; for their tails are like serpents, having heads; and with them they do harm.

It is obvious from the very description we see, these are not your everyday "locusts".  

Tails like scorpions? This implies whatever these things are, are capable of causing much pain.

The shape of them like horses prepared for battle? Breastplates of iron? This sounds like some sort of body armor? 

The sound of their wings could be a reference to these rotor aircrafts that have these propellers on the wings.  Have a quick search on google for rotor aircraft

Edited March 12, 2022 by The_Truth_Seeker

[Selah7]

Here's what I've come to believe after years of "in-depth" research.  The “locusts” are an army of evil “men,” not “insects.” The Book of Revelation teaches us using symbolism (which, I think, is so that we can form “pictures”in our minds so that we gain understanding).  The “locusts” here are those "who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan (Rev. 2:9).”  The locusts are those who "say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie (Rev. 3:9).”  

Revelation 2:9: I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.  Revelation 3:9: Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Our Lord identified them in John 8:40-45:

40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.  41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.  42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.  43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.  45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

just my understanding, naturally

Edited March 12, 2022 by Selah7

[Selah7]

 

Luke 10:19  Behold, I give unto you power to tread on serpents and scorpions, and over all the power of the enemy: and nothing shall by any means hurt you.  

[Retrobyter]

On 3/11/2022 at 12:19 PM, Marathoner said:

As an aside, if I were still haunting the lecture halls and labs of college, I would scribble a paper about the present distrust of the media among so many. "The media lies to us!", some cry out. "You just can't trust the media these days," a common complaint we hear today.

So... what happens? Those who don't trust the media, trust the media. They don't trust the media but in reality, that's exactly what they do. Hehe. This makes the following meme all the more poignant:
 

Shalom, Marathoner.

Must be a land shark.

[Retrobyter]

On 3/12/2022 at 4:31 AM, The_Truth_Seeker said:

It is obvious from the very description we see, these are not your everyday "locusts".  

Tails like scorpions? This implies whatever these things are, are capable of causing much pain.

The shape of them like horses prepared for battle? Breastplates of iron? This sounds like some sort of body armor? 

The sound of their wings could be a reference to these rotor aircrafts that have these propellers on the wings.  Have a quick search on google for rotor aircraft

Shalom, The_Truth_Seeker.

I'm probably one of the few who see these locusts for what they are. They are indeed locusts of a variety that isn't upon the earth right now. I believe that they were trapped in a pocket of gases under the surface of the earth from the aftermath of the Flood on Noach's time. They've been alive or in suspended animation for all these years until a meteorite cracks open the earth at those key coordinates.

There's little reason to go hyperspiritual on this matter. These will be LITERAL creatures that come out of the smoke when ta frear tees abussou (the pit of-the unsounded-bottom) is opened.

Please follow along:

Revelation 9:1-12 (KJV)

1 And the fifth angel sounded (his alarm), and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth (that's the definition of a "meteorite"): and to him (it) was given the key (coordinates) of the bottomless pit. 2 And he (it) opened the bottomless pit; and there arose a smoke out of the pit, as the smoke of a great furnace; and the sun and the air were darkened by reason of the smoke of the pit. 

3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power (poison; venom), as the scorpions of the earth have power (poison; venom). 4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads. (They are not herbivorous but are carnivorous in food preference.) 5 And to them it was given that they should not kill them, but that they should be tormented five months: and their torment was as the torment of a scorpion, when he striketh a man. (Egyptian scorpions deliver a nerve toxin that paralyzes the victim.) 6 And in those days shall men seek death, and shall not find it; and shall desire to die, and death shall flee from them. (Paralyzed, they won't be able to kill themselves or ask anyone else to do it for them!)

7 And the shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle (armored); and on their heads were as it were crowns like gold (golden antennae like victor's crowns), and their faces were as the faces of men. 8 And they had hair as the hair of women (long and thick), and their teeth were as the teeth of lions (powerful mandibles). 9 And they had breastplates (Greek: thorakas, from which we get our word "thorax"), as it were breastplates of iron (thick, hard chitin); and the sound of their wings was as the sound of chariots of many horses running to battle (a low-pitched buzz). 10 And they had tails like unto scorpions (cephalothoraces), and there were stings in their tails: and their power was to hurt men five months. 

11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon (Abaddown), but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon (Apolluoon). (Neither name means "Destroyer"; they mean "DESTRUCTION!" And, it's talking about the destruction of the species! They won't survive more than 5 months.)

12 One woe is past; and, behold, there come two woes more hereafter.

These creatures will be carnivorous in their nature, but their mouth parts won't be able to get much nourishment. They won't attack vegetation, as the common locusts do; they will try to attack humans who don't bear the Mark of God, but all they can do is cause pain and torture people for 5 months (as if that wasn't enough!) They can bite; they can sting; they can immobilize their victims, but it won't be enough for the species to survive. When the king dies, so will the swarm.

The low sound of their wings suggest that they will be larger than normal, much as the antediluvian dragonfly was larger than its present-day varieties. Therefore, because of their armor plating and their size and strength, they will be much harder to kill than normal insects.

And, that's just the FIRST of three "woes" (Greek: ouai, a cry of grief that's an onomatopoeia that sounds like "why?!")

 

These creatures are NOT the same as those found in Revelation 9:13-21. Those generate a whole other "air-raid siren!"

Edited March 15, 2022 by Retrobyter

[choir loft]

On 3/10/2022 at 5:39 AM, The_Truth_Seeker said:

I like to know what others feel with this? As I just been going over it again. Now these"locusts" (or whatever they are) are targeting a specific group of people.

To me these "locusts" are a manufactured product for the time period concerned. Perhaps our time period? 

It just got me thinking, there is reference to something that is comparable to that when a scorpion stings, and it makes me wonder, if these locusts are a manufactured product, could we be looking at something that is targeting a specific group using some kind of "directed energy weapon"? 

 

 

 

MACHINATIONS

People who live in an industrialized culture tend to think of Biblical prophecy as applications of mechanics or computers or technical wizardry of one sort or another.  The quote posted above is one of them.

"Any sufficiently advanced technology is indistinguishable from magic." - Arthur C. Clarke (science fiction novelist)

 While researching my first book I discovered testimony from a group of people who live in a remote area of the South American Andes mountains.  They are not technologically minded and refer to mysterious objects in the sky as "witching lights".  In North America we think of anything we don't understand as a form of machinery.  These objects are thought to be artificial craft from another planet piloted by beings with bulbous heads and lidless eyes.  Personally, I tend to agree to some extent with the South Americans.  The only aliens we need to be concerned about are those without appropriate documentation. (*)

LOCUSTS

The Bible uses animals as illustrations of spiritual activity.  The dove is a gentle bird often associated with beauty and godly grace.  The vulture is associated with death and demonic activity.  While the locust is a kosher insect and can be eaten it's most often associated with crop destruction rather than Hors D'Oeuvres.   (Exodus 10:19)

It's not surprising then that someone would falsely interpret scripture as some sort of DARPA invention.

In the 17th chapter of the gospel of Luke a discussion about the revelation of Christ is recorded.  This too is often misinterpreted by those who pervert God's stated purpose and intent for humanity.

"I tell you, on that night two people will be in one bed: One will be taken and the other left. Two women will be grinding grain together: One will be taken and the other left.”

“Where, Lord?” they asked. 

Jesus answered, “Wherever there is a carcass, there the vultures will gather.”

The last line of the discussion is NEVER considered by those who prefer doctrines of demons.  Those misguided folks believe the people who are "taken" go to heaven to be with Jesus.

THE BIBLE SAYS OTHERWISE.  

In the 37th verse Jesus, who I assume knows what He's talking about, warns us that those who are taken are removed by VULTURES - Biblical symbolism for demons.  In other words, people who are removed are escorted to DEATH rather than a blessed life with Christ.  

Those who remain are the blessed ones NOT the ones who are TAKEN.

Read the Bible and learn anew what God intends for humanity.  It has nothing to do with technology, but with personal salvation....of conviction of the heart.

that's me, hollering from the choir loft...

(*) I hold a pilot's license to operate a flying saucer issued to me by an agency of the US Federal government.  This is a true statement, but one with an obvious caveat.  Ask me about it if you're curious.

Edited March 18, 2022 by choir loft

[Dennis1209]

On 3/12/2022 at 6:00 AM, Selah7 said:

Here's what I've come to believe after years of "in-depth" research.  The “locusts” are an army of evil “men,” not “insects.” The Book of Revelation teaches us using symbolism (which, I think, is so that we can form “pictures”in our minds so that we gain understanding).  The “locusts” here are those "who say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan (Rev. 2:9).”  The locusts are those who "say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie (Rev. 3:9).”  

Revelation 2:9: I know thy works, and tribulation, and poverty, (but thou art rich) and I know the blasphemy of them which say they are Jews, and are not, but are the synagogue of Satan.  Revelation 3:9: Behold, I will make them of the synagogue of Satan, which say they are Jews, and are not, but do lie; behold, I will make them to come and worship before thy feet, and to know that I have loved thee.

Our Lord identified them in John 8:40-45:

40 But now ye seek to kill me, a man that hath told you the truth, which I have heard of God: this did not Abraham.  41 Ye do the deeds of your father. Then said they to him, We be not born of fornication; we have one Father, even God.  42 Jesus said unto them, If God were your Father, ye would love me: for I proceeded forth and came from God; neither came I of myself, but he sent me.  43 Why do ye not understand my speech? even because ye cannot hear my word.  44 Ye are of your father the devil, and the lusts of your father ye will do. He was a murderer from the beginning, and abode not in the truth, because there is no truth in him. When he speaketh a lie, he speaketh of his own: for he is a liar, and the father of it.  45 And because I tell you the truth, ye believe me not.

just my understanding, naturally

Hi Selah7,

I have studied this myself and come to the firm conclusion, I'm still puzzled! 

Why would John go into such descriptive detail of how they look if they were spirits and humans could not see them? I believe the Abyss is the temporary prison of the worst kind of demons.

Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. Bottomless pit = ábyssos

In our Bible what men have been sent to the abyssos? In symbolism, why compare these with the size and demeanor of natural locusts, having a king in many tongues called the Destroyer? 

Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

Does this destroyer seem to be one of Satan's powerful top generals? 

Does it seem if they are visible and physical a man could war against them or shelter himself? Is the pain of these stings external or internal, as in being possessed? Questions, questions?

 

[Retrobyter]

11 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Hi Selah7,

I have studied this myself and come to the firm conclusion, I'm still puzzled! 

Shalom, Dennis1209.

Are you saying, you've come to the firm conclusion that you can't have a firm conclusion? LOL! That's probably a wise conclusion to which to come!

11 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Why would John go into such descriptive detail of how they look if they were spirits and humans could not see them? I believe the Abyss is the temporary prison of the worst kind of demons.

Revelation 9:1 And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star fall from heaven unto the earth: and to him was given the key of the bottomless pit. Bottomless pit = ábyssos

Actually, "abussos" simply means "a-," or "no," "bussos = buthos" or "depth." This is why it is usually called "bottomless," although it might be better understood as "no depth."

It's an UNSOUNDED depth! No one has yet measured its depth! Although it may be very deep, I strongly doubt that it goes all the way to the center of the earth. In spite of the movies, like The Core, no one has actually been there and quite frankly will probably NEVER be able to go there. The pressures would be too great to overcome by any vessel we could build! SciFi's are great though. They give us the ability to wonder, "But what if we could?" It's fun to imagine! And, many things we have imagined in science fiction, we have invented in science fact!

The Greek phrase found in Revelation 9:1 is "ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς ἀβύσσου."

Transliterated, this is "hee kleis tou freatos tees abussou," and it translates word-for-word to "the key of-the pit of-the no-depth," translated in the KJV as "the key of the bottomless pit." So, it's frear (genitive freatos) that means a "pit" or "well" or "cistern" - a "hole" in the ground!

 

11 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

In our Bible what men have been sent to the abyssos? In symbolism, why compare these with the size and demeanor of natural locusts, having a king in many tongues called the Destroyer? 

No person has been sent to the abussos. Actually, with the sound of their wings, these locusts are significantly bigger than natural locusts. And, the king's name mean "DESTRUCTION," not "Destroyer." They are names associated with the end of the species. When the king dies, so does the swarm.

11 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Revelation 9:11 And they had a king over them, which is the angel of the bottomless pit, whose name in the Hebrew tongue is Abaddon, but in the Greek tongue hath his name Apollyon.

Does this destroyer seem to be one of Satan's powerful top generals?

No, again, the name means "destruction":

623 Ἀπολλύων Apolluoon (ap-ol-loo'-ohn). Active participle of  ἀπόλλυμι apollumi; a destroyer (i.e. Satan)
-- Apollyon.

622  ἀπόλλυμι apollumi (ap-ol'-loo-mee). From ἀπό apo and the base of ὄλεθρος olethros; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
-- destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.

575 ἀπό apo (apo'). A primary particle; "off," i.e. Away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
-- (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.

3639 ὄλεθρος olethros (ol'-eth-ros). From a primary ὄλλυμι ollumi (to destroy; a prolonged form); ruin, i.e. Death, punishment
-- destruction.

In translating from Greek to English, however, an "active participle" of a verb would be rendered a verb with an -ing ending in English. According to Wikipedia,

Quote

The Ancient Greek participle is a non-finite nominal verb form declined for gender, number and case (thus, it is a verbal adjective) and has many functions in Ancient Greek. It can be active, middle or passive and can be used in the present, future, aorist and perfect tense; these tenses normally represent not absolute time but only time relative to the main verb of the sentence.[1][2] In general, as it shows no personal endings, its main use is to express an action or situation that accompanies the action or situation expressed by the main verb.[3]

Thus, this word should be rendered "destroying away from."

-o-

3 Ἀβαδδών Abaddoon (ab-ad-dohn'). Of Hebrew origin (אֲבַדּוֹן 'abaddown); a destroying angel
-- Abaddon.

[Note: the writer of this definition should not have added the word "angel"; it shows his or her bias.]

11 אֲבַדּוֹן 'abaddown (ab-ad-done'). Intensive from אָבַד 'abad; abstract, a perishing; concrete, Hades
-- destruction.

6 אָבַד 'abad (aw-bad'). A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
-- break, destroy(- uction), + not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, X and surely, take, be undone, X utterly, be void of, have no way to flee.

Thus, the word should be said to mean "destruction" or "perishing."

11 hours ago, Dennis1209 said:

Does it seem if they are visible and physical a man could war against them or shelter himself? Is the pain of these stings external or internal, as in being possessed? Questions, questions?

I believe it is an external, physical sting, because the venom of the sting is said to be like that of a scorpion. Also, the sting itself in its tail is said to be like that of a scorpion.

These creatures are physical creatures, not supernatural. They are NEVER said to be angels, even though the definer of the names suggests that they are because of his or her own bias. 

Edited March 20, 2022 by Retrobyter

[Dennis1209]

10 hours ago, Retrobyter said:

Shalom, Dennis1209.

Are you saying, you've come to the firm conclusion that you can't have a firm conclusion? LOL! That's probably a wise conclusion to which to come!

Actually, "abussos" simply means "a-," or "no," "bussos = buthos" or "depth." This is why it is usually called "bottomless," although it might be better understood as "no depth."

It's an UNSOUNDED depth! No one has yet measured its depth! Although it may be very deep, I strongly doubt that it goes all the way to the center of the earth. In spite of the movies, like The Core, no one has actually been there and quite frankly will probably NEVER be able to go there. The pressures would be too great to overcome by any vessel we could build! SciFi's are great though. They give us the ability to wonder, "But what if we could?" It's fun to imagine! And, many things we have imagined in science fiction, we have invented in science fact!

The Greek phrase found in Revelation 9:1 is "ἡ κλεὶς τοῦ φρέατος τῆς ἀβύσσου."

Transliterated, this is "hee kleis tou freatos tees abussou," and it translates word-for-word to "the key of-the pit of-the no-depth," translated in the KJV as "the key of the bottomless pit." So, it's frear (genitive freatos) that means a "pit" or "well" or "cistern" - a "hole" in the ground!

 

No person has been sent to the abussos. Actually, with the sound of their wings, these locusts are significantly bigger than natural locusts. And, the king's name mean "DESTRUCTION," not "Destroyer." They are names associated with the end of the species. When the king dies, so does the swarm.

No, again, the name means "destruction":

623 Ἀπολλύων Apolluoon (ap-ol-loo'-ohn). Active participle of  ἀπόλλυμι apollumi; a destroyer (i.e. Satan)
-- Apollyon.

622  ἀπόλλυμι apollumi (ap-ol'-loo-mee). From ἀπό apo and the base of ὄλεθρος olethros; to destroy fully (reflexively, to perish, or lose), literally or figuratively
-- destroy, die, lose, mar, perish.

575 ἀπό apo (apo'). A primary particle; "off," i.e. Away (from something near), in various senses (of place, time, or relation; literal or figurative)
-- (X here-)after, ago, at, because of, before, by (the space of), for(-th), from, in, (out) of, off, (up-)on(-ce), since, with. In composition (as a prefix) it usually denotes separation, departure, cessation, completion, reversal, etc.

3639 ὄλεθρος olethros (ol'-eth-ros). From a primary ὄλλυμι ollumi (to destroy; a prolonged form); ruin, i.e. Death, punishment
-- destruction.

In translating from Greek to English, however, an "active participle" of a verb would be rendered a verb with an -ing ending in English. According to Wikipedia,

Thus, this word should be rendered "destroying away from."

-o-

3 Ἀβαδδών Abaddoon (ab-ad-dohn'). Of Hebrew origin (אֲבַדּוֹן 'abaddown); a destroying angel
-- Abaddon.

[Note: the writer of this definition should not have added the word "angel"; it shows his or her bias.]

11 אֲבַדּוֹן 'abaddown (ab-ad-done'). Intensive from אָבַד 'abad; abstract, a perishing; concrete, Hades
-- destruction.

6 אָבַד 'abad (aw-bad'). A primitive root; properly, to wander away, i.e. Lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)
-- break, destroy(- uction), + not escape, fail, lose, (cause to, make) perish, spend, X and surely, take, be undone, X utterly, be void of, have no way to flee.

Thus, the word should be said to mean "destruction" or "perishing."

I believe it is an external, physical sting, because the venom of the sting is said to be like that of a scorpion. Also, the sting itself in its tail is said to be like that of a scorpion.

These creatures are physical creatures, not supernatural. They are NEVER said to be angels, even though the definer of the names suggests that they are because of his or her own bias. 

Yes, I have more questions than answers on these locusts. John’s detailed description of them must be symbolic (comparable) and not literal. As in each illustration, John qualifies it with, as it were; was as the; were as; as the. Analogies. 

The Bible was structured so every age could understand the meaning using symbolism. It was and will still be in future generations to compare it with—people, animals, and the natural fit that bill. The prophets and apostles themselves did not understand much of what they witnessed and were inspired to write. They had no concept of technology and the modern age; they were not auto writers but were inspired. 

Destroyer vs. destruction, both nouns, are apples to apples; what does a destroyer do, brings destruction. Either adaptation would be accurate in English, I would surmise. 

Before the final eternal prison of the Lake of Fire, Death and Hell will be cast into the Lake of Fire. My thoughts on Hades (Hell), Gehenna, Tartarus, and the Abyss, are like a jail with different security levels and torments. According to their works and evil deeds, both fallen spiritual creatures and humans will be judged and sentenced. There appears to be a separation of jails where the spiritual and flesh are separated and confined now. 

I interpret those as mentioned above to all be underfoot. I visualize the bottomless pit as far down as possible, where there is no more down, only up in all directions. 
As I previously mentioned, John goes into extraordinary detail, giving us a meticulous description of the locust’s appearance. One can assume they are seen with the naked eye, or is their description symbolic of something else? 

Because they ascend out of the bottomless pit, it leaves only one conclusion. These locusts cannot be physical humanity, fighter jets, drones, or attack helicopters, but spiritual creatures, IMO. 

These people wishing to die from their stings and torment are not allowed to commit suicide. Who and how are these people prevented from carrying out their wish to end their pain and suffering? The Lord is in control and directing how, when and what occurs, divine intervention. 

There are a few interesting theories on why these people cannot end their own lives by free will.