The fifth trumpet signalled the release of locusts from the world of the unbelieving dead and demons. The were not the voracious insects so much feared by rural communities: they obeyed God's instruction not to eat any plant-life. They had the sting of a scorpion but were barred from stinging those who belong to God (Revelation 9:3-4). As the description continues it is clear that the locusts are pictorial images of multitudes of demons. The vision illustrates their character of arrogant falsehood with their imitation crowns, masquerading (2 Corinthians 11:13-15) as human beings to seduce and devour gullible people (1 Peter 5:8).

These demonic pictorial metaphors show several contrasts with God's kingdom. Instead of a breastplate of righteousness (Ephesians 6:14) or faith and love (1 Thessalonians 5:8), they have 'breastplates of unrighteousness' to protect them from any human attack - we have no power to defeat Satan and his demons but they are all powerless in the face of God's authority. They work together like a swarm of locusts and seem to be an unconquerable army like the plague in Egypt (Exodus 10:14). They are only destructive: they delight in tormenting people.

The Lord placed a time limit on these demons' ability to torment the world. The Lord could have pictured an immediate slaughter of all unbelieving people, but He is merciful. He wanted His plagues to lead people to repentance (Romans 2:4), so He gave them time to repent. However, the demons all operate under the command of their master, The Destroyer. They are his evil servants to spoil, and to distress, all who believe themselves safe outside of God's protection. That is the first 'woe'; two more would follow.

The Lord only allows Satan and his demons to trouble people in order that they may realise their huge mistake, turn to Jesus and be saved. Much of the time there is quite enough wickedness in people's hearts to create a hell on earth, but when the Lord allows the demons liberty to torment and devour, He does so in order that people will see how evil, evil is; and turn, repent and be saved. But as time marches on towards the catastrophic end of the world, most hard hearts will harden even more, confirming the justice of God's judgement. Hebrews 3:15 sums up Psalm 95:7-8 … "if you hear His voice do not harden your hearts". A warning for all.