The fifth angel blew his trumpet, and I saw a star that had fallen from heaven to earth. The key to the shaft of the abyss was given to him. Revelation 9:1 HCSB
The Life Application Bible says it is uncertain if the “star” represents Satan, a fallen angel, Christ, or a good angel. Most likely it is a good angel, because the key to the shaft of the bottomless pit is normally held by Christ, and it was temporarily given to another being from heaven. This heavenly being is still under the control of Christ and His authority.
The fifth angel and trumpet represent the fifth judgment of God on those who refuse to believe in Jesus. The judgments started as each of the seven seals of the scroll were broken. (see Revelation 8:7-11:19) With each seal that is broken the judgments became progressively harsh.
The abyss was a bottomless pit. It is the realm of the dead (Romans 10:7); it is where the beast abides (Revelation 11:7); it is the place of demons (Luke 8:31); and in this passage it is the home for the demon locusts.
Challenge: God is a God of love and mercy but He is also the God of justice and judgment. You have the opportunity to accept Christ and receive God’s love and mercy or you can choose to reject Jesus as Lord and suffer God’s judgment. Thank God for His great love and mercy.