What does Revelation 9:7 mean?
In this verse the apostle John begins his description of the demonic locusts that Satan released from the bottomless pit (Revelation 9:1–6). John compares them to horses equipped for warfare; the relationship to war is more noteworthy than the relationship to horses, since a typical locust's head vaguely resembles that of a horse, naturally. These beings are also said to have faces like those of people.These creatures have something on their heads that looks like a crown or crowns. This might be a colored band with a shiny golden hue, hair or bristles, or a literal article of clothing.
The scene pictures the locusts as powerful invaders. Joel chapters 1 and 2 provide a similar description of locusts prophesied to invade Israel in the day of the Lord. Also, Joel refers to the locusts' attack with the image of an invasion by a ferocious army from the north (Joel 2:20). Many interpreters believe Ezekiel 38:1–16 describes this invading army as Russia and her allies. Daniel 11:40–45 also predicts an invasion into Israel by a powerful northern aggressor. If these are identical, the demonic locusts will control this northern army, and direct it across the Euphrates to invade Israel (Revelation 9:14–16).
It seems God will use this invasion to chastise the world, and Israel in particular, for its idolatrous worship of the Head of the Revived Roman Empire (Revelation 13:13–15). We know He brought the Babylonian army into Judah in 586 BC because of her idolatry (2 Kings 22:16–17; 2 Chronicles 36:11–17).