We are told that its effect will be to spoil the waters of the earth, so much so that the water is undrinkable. If drinking water is not available to a third of the earth’s population, we can visualize in our minds the fear and terror that will result. Humans can only survive a couple of days without water, and the inhabitants of the affected areas will be so desperate as to actually drink the poisoned water, causing the death of thousands, if not millions of people.
The word “Apsinthos” in the Greek text is interpreted in English as being “wormwood,” likely referring to a plant of the genus Artemisia which is very bitter to the taste. A green oil was sometimes extracted which was actually used to kill internal parasites. In the Old Testament the term “wormwood” is associated with bitterness and death. Proverbs 5:3-5 shares, “For the lips of a forbidden woman drip honey, and her speech is ...
