9:20 The rest of mankind who were not killed by these plagues still did not repent of the work of their hands; they did not stop worshiping demons, and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols that cannot see or hear or walk.
The REST of MANKIND who were not killed by these plagues
With over 2 billion people dying after the fourth seal is broken and the sixth trumpet is blown, how will the remaining bury all the dead? Not only will this be a major health concern but the loss of this consumer power will reek havoc on the world's economies.
still DID NOT REPENT of the work of their HANDS;
It is very interesting that the convincing done by MOUTH by the demons in verse 18 is translated into real action in this verse. So convincing is the New Age fatalism, 'In me, I trust' or 'I can find my own God inside me, because I made myself the moralistic judge of my activities' that THE REST of MANKIND DO NOT REPENT.
Under the seals, the people left recognized that they had suffered the judgment of God (Revelation 6:16-17). Here, there is not even recognition of God's judgment. They are so into SELF and IDOL WORSHIP as we shall see!
they did not STOP WORSHIPING demons,
This is especially abominal to God. Demons are created beings (by God) who have fallen (Romans 1:24-25). Don't worship the created; SERVE the CREATOR!
Note what the Bible says
Satan worship and demon reverence is ever growing. At this time, it is so prevalent, that it is the norm to do so. How else will the AntiChrist be worshipped in such complete subjection, and taking the "666" is accepted as a requirement by governments or coerced by 'strongmen'?
and idols of gold, silver, bronze, stone and wood—idols
Paul in Athens argues the difference between God and the idols listed above in Acts 17:22-29-31. Check out this list again:
| IDOL | USE |
|---|---|
| Gold | rule or authority |
| Silver | medium of exchange (30 pieces of silver) |
| Bronze | transportation (Revelation 1:15) |
| Stone | strength or foundation (Matthew 16:18 and Mark 12:10-11) |
| Wood | consumed sacrifices or human endeavors (1 Corinthians 3:10-12-15) |
Even though all these things are either a poor imitation or outright fake, these people still believed these idols had some powers. This partially fulfills the prophesy in Zephaniah 1:14-18.
that cannot see or hear or walk.
Note this list leaves out speaking because idols do speak later in Revelation 13:15 as the image of the beast. However, speaking and additional attributes are given to idols in Psalm 115:1-8.
| Attribute | References |
|---|---|
| See | Jeremiah 5:18-21-31; Ezekiel 12:8-16 |
| Hear | Jeremiah+5:18-21-31; Revelation 2:7; 2:11; 2:17; 2:29; 3:6; 3:13; and 3:22 |
| Walk | Romans 6:4; 2 Corinthians 5:5-10; Ephesians 4:1-6; Colossians 1:9-10-14; 1 John 1:5-7-10; 1 John 2:4-6-11. |
Idols know better than to move when they are in darkness!