In studying the traditional Jewish viewpoints, we find that in the Talmud, it is stated that there are seven names for Ghenna (what we commonly call Hell). These are: Sheol, Abaddon or Destruction, Corruption, Horrible Pit, Miry Clay, Shadow of Death and the Nether world.
It is also stated that Gehenna has "seven stories", or levels, which are named as: Sheol, Abaddon, Shadow of Death, Nether world, Land of Forgetfulness, Gehinnom, and Silence.
Furthermore, it is said that Gehenna has three entrances: one in the wilderness, one in the sea and one in the Valley of Hinnom in Jerusalem. We find, in the Book of Revelation, that the Beast or Antichrist, who ascends out of the pit, does in fact, appear at those three locations {11:7-8} ; {13:1} ; {17:3}.
Here in verse 11 of the 9th chapter, we find an angel, named Abaddon, as king of the abyss. To correctly identity him and keep this verse in proper context, we have to go back to verse 1, where we find the star (angel), who had been given the key, with which he opens the abyss.
This can be interpreted as, he who opens the pit and frees its captives, is set as king over them, and is received as a sort of Messiah. It's reminiscent of Jesus descending to Paradise, after His death, and leading forth those who had been waiting there for their Messiah {Eph. 4:8-9}.
When we get to chapter 11:7, we find the first mention in the Book of Revelation, of the Beast (Antichrist); and we see him ascending out of the abyss to kill the two witnesses of God which shall come down from heaven. As stated earlier, the abyss is not a place of human captivity. Therefore, we can understand that it is the angel, Abaddon, who is the one spoken of there. He will make war with, and prevail against the two witnesses.
In chapter 22:16, Jesus likened Himself to, "...the bright and morning star...": the star whose presence continues at the dawn of the day, when all others have faded out of sight. So, in bringing forth the great deception, the star (angelic being) which fell from heaven (9:1) will seek to emulate or copy the one who proclaims himself to be "the bright and morning star".
"because they received not the love of the truth that they might be saved.... God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie." (II Thess. 2:10-11).
The traditional or prevailing viewpoint in the Church is that the Antichrist will be a human who is posessed by Satan. Here however, we are seeing something quite different.
In chapter 9, we see Abaddon's fall to the earth, followed by his opening of the abyss. At some point following this, he will be dealt a death blow which will hurl him into the pit which he had opened. Shortly afterwards however, he will ascend out of the pit (Rev.13:1) and make war with, and prevail against, the two witnesses at Jerusalem (11:7). He will then enter the newly built temple, set up an image of himself, and proclaim himself to be God.
It will be said of him, in that day, "Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?" (13:4) In all the world, no one could prevail against the two witnesses, but this one has succeeded. The question however, doesn't go unanswered; for three and a half days later, God will breathe life into the witnesses, causing them to stand upon their feet, and ascend up to heaven. Who can make war with Him? God Almighty can make war with him, and prevail! The deadly wound which sends him into the abyss and his subsequent rise from it will be covered further in chapters 12 and 13.
It may be argued that neither the names Abaddon or Apollyon have the numerical value of "666", as required in Rev. 13:17. This is true. The numerical value of the name Abaddon, in the Greek language, in which the New Testament was originally written is, 862. The value of the name Apollyon is 1,461. However, we must understand here, that the Beast (Antichrist) is the second person of the "Satanic Trinity", which is composed of Satan, the Beast and the False Prophet (Rev. 13).
The satanic trinity seeks to emulate or copy the Holy Trinity in an effort to make itself acceptable to the world. Its motives however, are entirely sinister. The Holy Trinity is one God expressing Himself as three persons. The Satanic Trinity is three persons attempting to express themselves as one god: a sort of mirrored effect.
Naturally speaking, it appears that the moon gives forth light of it's own; however, we know that in reality it is simply reflecting the light of the sun. There is no real light being produced by the moon. There is only the perception that light is coming from it. In fact, without the sun, the moon can only give forth darkness. The perceived light of the moon is inferior in every way to the true light which is produced by the sun. The same is true in the spiritual realm. The true light which comes from God is superior in every way to the false or perceived light which comes forth from Satan.
This is said to make one point. If Satan emulates God the Father, then Abaddon (the Beast) would be emulating the Son of God. Revelation 19:12 tells us that at the Revelation of Jesus Christ, He will have "...a name written that no man knew, but he himself."
Conversely, when the angel Abaddon is revealed from the abyss as the Antichrist, at the mid-point of the tribulation period, he too will have a new name. It will be that name which will have the numerical equivalent of "666", and will be applied to the foreheads of his followers, just as the name of God is applied to the foreheads of the chosen ones of chapter 7.
Try as they may, no one will be able to learn this new name of the Antichrist, until he makes it know at his revelation, midway through the seven years of tribulation.
It might be noted here too that angelic beings have the ability to manifest themselves in human form. There are numerous passages in Scripture which verify this point (i.e. the angels which came to destroy Sodom & Gomorrah; the angels which were at the tomb after the Resurrection of Jesus, and those present with the believers when Jesus ascended up to heaven.). Hebrews 13:2 states that, "...some have entertained angels unawares." This seems to be the case with Abaddon, who will manifest himself this way.
So the stage is now being set for the battle to end all battles: THE CREATOR {John 1:10 ; Rev. 19:13} versus THE DESTROYER {II Thess. 2:3-4 ; Rev. 9:11}. Two contenders for the Throne of Glory: the Son of God, against the son of Satan. It's the fulfillment of Genesis 3:15 : the seed of the woman, versus the seed of the serpent. The outcome is certain. The "bright and morning Star" (22:16), will prevail to out shine the "star fallen from heaven" (9:1). When the latter has faded into oblivion, the former will still be shining bright!
Verses 12
The judgments of God are now about intensify with the coming of the second great woe.
