2. Fallen angels by the river released - The 6th trumpet. 9:13-21 I. An invasion of the demonic world, these aliens has been working undercover, but now they are beginning their final conquering. II. In verses 1-12 we have the demonic airborne army, In verses 13-21 we have the demonic ground troops. III. There are two ways to interpret this section: A. The army is a real human army. B. The army is a spiritual demonic army. IV. Why does God allow this demonic invasion of the earth? A. They refused Divine invasion and are now left with a Devilish invasion. B. They refused a blessed Heavenly invasion and are now cursed with a Hellish invasion. V.13 a) Heard a voice from before the altar - From before the golden altar of incense a voice speaks to the 6th angel V.14 b) Hostages released - I. Since these 4 angels are bound they are fallen angels. II. The River Euphrates is a river that begins in the Armenian mountains and ends in the Persian Gulf, it has a course of about 1,700 miles. III. The 4 angels here are not the 4 angels of 7:1-3, because these in 9:14 are connected to a river while the others to the whole earth. IV. Why were they bound at this location at the River of Euphrates? A. Sin began in the Garden of Eden, which perhaps where located by the region of the River of Euphrates. Gen.2:10-14 B. The first murder was perhaps committed there. Gen.4:1-15 C. The tower of Babel was perhaps erected here. Gen.11:1-9 D. Babylon was founded at this region; idolatry and witchcraft were nurtured and raised up at Babylon. V.15 c) Humans killed - I. These angels are released at the precise day and hour. II. The demonic horde kills 33% of mankind. III. The world’ s population is reduced by now with a minimum of 58 percent. A. First the Church is raptured and the population is reduced perhaps by billions B. 25% of mankind was killed by the 4th seal. 6:7-8 C. Many are killed by the 3-5th seal. 6:12-16 D. Innumerable saints are killed in the great tribulation. 7:9, 14 E. Then the demonic horde kills 33% of mankind. V.16 d) Horrific Horde of Horseman - It’ s a 200 million great demonic army. V.17 e) Horses of Heat - I. The demonic creatures had fiery red, dark blue and bright yellow breastplates. II. The horses that this demonic horde rides has 2 characteristics: A. Heads like lions. B. Mouths that breath fire, smoke and brimstone. III. The army is not a natural but demonic army for natural horses: A. Do not breath fire, smoke and brimstone B. Do not have heads of lions, C. Do not have serpents’ tails with mouths on it. 9:19 IV. Good angels have horses and why not fallen angels! 2.Kings 2:11; 6:13-17 V.18 f) Hurting Humans three ways - Their Plagues A third of mankind is killed by the fire, smoke and brimstone. V.19 g) Harming by their tails and mouths - Their Power I. Like the airborne demonic horde 9:3, 5, 10 this ground troop demons has power in their tails. II. The airborne demonic horde had tails like scorpions, the ground troop demons has tails like serpents. III. The tails has mouths by which they harm man. V.20-21h) Hardened Hearts - I. The rest of mankind do not repent even after experiencing attack by these demonic creatures. II. Mankind do not repent from: A. Worship of idols. (demonic reverence). Deu.4:28; 32:17; Psalms 106:37; 115:5-7; 135:15-17; Isaiah 44:12-20; Dan.5:23; 1.Cor.10:20 B. Murderous actions (demonic character). C. Sorcery (demonic devotion). Sorcery (Gr. pharmakia) from which comes the English word "pharmacy" - The use of drugs. Ex.22:18; Lev.20:27; Deu.18:10-12; 1.Sam.28:7; Acts 8:9; 13:8; 19:13-15 D. Sexual immorality (demonic perversion). E. Thefts (demonic lawlessness).