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And the fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from heaven
which had fallen to the earth; and the key of the bottomless
pit was given to him. (NASB) Rev. 9:1
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Earlier in Revelation the term “stars” was used to refer to angels
(Rev. 1:20). In Job 38:7 the word “stars” has also been used to
refer to angels. So this star is also symbolic of an angel. Here we are told that
the a star a) falls from heaven, and b) the key to the bottomless pit or abyss
was given to “him.” Notice that the star is an intelligent being since
the star is called “him” and is able to open the bottomless pit. Also
note that the star did not have the key originally. He did not own the key. It
was given to him for the purpose of allowing him to open the abyss.
The fact that we are told the star falls from heaven strongly suggests that the
star in Rev. 9:1 is symbolic of Satan. Isaiah 14:12-15, Ezekiel 28:12-16, and Luke
10:18 reveal that as a result of Satan’s original sin he was “thrust
down to Sheol.” Satan was originally an extremely beautiful cherubim who
apparently covered God with his wings (Ezek. 28:14). At some point after his creation,
he wanted to rule over God (Isa. 14:13). That is, Satan wanted to become a god.
As a result, God could not allow Satan to live in heaven. He had to live on the
earth.
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How you have fallen from heaven, O star of the morning,
son of the dawn! You have been cut down to the earth,
You who have weakened the nations! (NASB) Isa. 14:2
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In Rev. 9:1,
the phrase “had fallen” is the English translation of
the perfect participle form of the Greek verb PIPTO. PIPTO means “to fall” and
since the word is a perfect participle, we should understand that the star “had
already fallen and remained fallen.” That is, the star fell and remained
fallen. This is a stronger indication that the star is Satan. He was thrown out
of heaven and is no longer allowed to live in heaven. He may visit, but he cannot
live there.
The book of Job tells us that Satan still has access to heaven (Job 1:6-7; 2:1-2),
but he can only visit. Later in our study of Revelation, we will read that on some
future day Satan will no longer be able to visit God in heaven (Rev. 12:7-10).
The result of that event appears to be described here in this verse - “a
star from heaven which had fallen to the earth.” At this same time God will
allow him to inflict men and women with unusual severe suffering and pain.
When this happens, Satan will know that the end
is near. But in the end, Satan will be imprisoned and suffer torment forever.
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Nevertheless you will be thrust down to Sheol, To the
recesses of the pit. (NASB) Isa. 14:15
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That day is coming and it is described in Revelation 20:10.
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