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Here is contained the history of all those things which concern the general description of the Antichrist.

Verse 1. "A star fallen from heaven". He understands either Mahomet or Antichrist. Each of the two certainly lapsed from Christ's doctrine, and fell from heaven ["from heaven, unto earth" -- speed of falling is understood] "and there was given unto him the key", that is, that he might have power over the abyss.

Verse 2. "And there went up a smoke", that is, he introduced the grossest errors and the saddest state of all into the Christian world.

Verse 3. "And out of the smoke of the pit came forth locusts": Saracens, Arabs, Turks, supporting the errors of Mahomet, and the Tartars under Ottoman rule.

Verse 4. "That they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing", that is, those Christians retaining the saving doctrine of Christ. "Those who have not the seal of God", that is, the followers of Antichrist.

Verse 5. "That they should torment", doubtless by leading into slavery, and by assigning them to the galleys. "Five months": For even the locusts are accustomed to last within the five hotter months. Napeirus understands '150 years'. "As the torment of a scorpion", that is, it increases daily and turns out more cruel.

Verse 6. "Men shall seek death". It seems to have been said about those who have been sent away to the ships or galleys. They will choose to die rather than live (Jer. 8:3).

Verse 7. "As it were crowns like unto gold": on account of outstanding victory and domination. "And their faces were as men's faces". Being invited into Europe by the Emperor, they showed themselves as human.

Verse 8. "Their teeth were as the teeth of lions", because they laid waste everything.

Verse 9. "And the sound of their wings" -- on account of the speed and onrush of their victory.

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Verse 10. "And stings were in their tails". In a recess they cherish poison, so that they may instil in men the virus of Mahomet's doctrine.

Verse 11. "They have over them as king. . . ." Turk and Mahomet from the interpretation signifies 'Destroyer'.

Verse 14. "Loose the four angels". For God was restraining them. He means Arabs, Turks, Saracens, Tartars, under the Ottoman Empire, AD 1296. 41