Revelation 8:9

9 and one third of the creatures which were in the sea died, those who had life. One third of the ships were destroyed.

Revelation 8:9 Meaning and Commentary

Revelation 8:9

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 29:4 Ezekiel 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.

Revelation 8:9 In-Context

7 The first sounded, and there followed hail and fire, mixed with blood, and they were thrown on the earth. One third of the earth was burnt up, and one third of the trees were burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.

8 The second angel sounded, and something like a great mountain burning with fire was thrown into the sea. One third of the sea became blood,

9 and one third of the creatures which were in the sea died, those who had life. One third of the ships were destroyed.

10 The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters.

11 The name of the star is called "Wormwood." One third of the waters became wormwood. Many men died from the waters, because they were made bitter.