Albert Barnes Commentary Revelation 9:8

Albert Barnes Commentary

Revelation 9:8

1798–1870
Presbyterian
Albert Barnes
Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes Commentary

Revelation 9:8

1798–1870
Presbyterian
SCRIPTURE

"And they had hair as the hair of women, and their teeth were as [teeth] of lions." — Revelation 9:8 (ASV)

And they had hair as the hair of women. Long hair; not such as men commonly wear, but such as women wear (see Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 11:14).

This struck John as a peculiarity: that, though warriors, they should have an appearance of effeminacy, indicated by allowing their hair to grow long. It is clear from this that John regarded their appearance as unusual and remarkable. Though manifestly designed to represent an army, yet it was not the usual appearance of men who went forth to battle.

Among the Greeks of ancient times, indeed, long hair was not uncommon (see Barnes' Notes on 1 Corinthians 11:14), but this was by no means the usual custom among the ancients. The fact that these warriors had long hair like women was a circumstance that would distinguish them particularly from others. On this comparison of the appearance of the locusts with the hair of women, see the remarks of Niebuhr (in Barnes' Notes on Revelation 9:7).

And their teeth were as the teeth of lions. Strong; fitted to devour. The teeth of the locust are by no means prominent, though they are strong, for they readily cut down and eat up all vegetable substances that come in their way. But it is evident that John means to say that there was much that was unusual and remarkable in the teeth of these locusts. They would be ravenous and fierce, and would spread terror and desolation like the lions of the desert.