John Gill Commentary Revelation 8:9

"and there died the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, [even] they that had life; and the third part of the ships was destroyed." — Revelation 8:9 (ASV)

And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea ,
&c.] The fishes; by whom men are meant, the inhabitants of the Roman empire; see (Ezekiel 29:4Ezekiel 29:5) , where by fish the Targum understands mighty princes and governors:

and had life, died ;
were put to death by these savage and barbarous people, who killed all they met with, men, women, and children, young and old, rich and poor, high and low:

and the third part of the ships were destroyed ;
by which may be designed either the cities and towns within such a part of the Roman jurisdiction, which were burnt or plundered by them; or their goods and effects, which they pillaged, and carried off the wealth and riches of the people, even all their substance, as Austin ^F16 and Jerom ^F17 , who lived in those times, affirm.

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FOOTNOTES:

• F16: De Civitate Dei, l. 1. c. 10. vid. L. Vivem in ib.
• F17: Ad Eustochium.