The interpretation of the "Sixth Trumpet's army" (Revelation 9) and the "Sixth Bowl's kings" (Revelation 16) as representing two distinct stages – spiritual destruction and geopolitical convergence – is a common theological perspective within certain eschatological frameworks, particularly those that interpret Revelation chronologically and futuristically. While the text itself does not explicitly state these are "two phases" in a sequential manner, the thematic progression in Revelation lends itself to such an interpretation.

According to www.iAsk.Ai - Ask AI:

The Sixth Trumpet, described in Revelation 9:13-21, details the release of four angels bound at the great river Euphrates, who then lead an army of two hundred million horsemen. This army is depicted as having fire, smoke, and brimstone issuing from their mouths, and their tails are like serpents with heads that inflict harm. The primary effect of this judgment is the death of a third of mankind, yet the remaining population does not repent of their idolatry, murders, sorceries, sexual immorality, or thefts.[1] The nature of this army is often debated, with interpretations ranging from literal human armies (e.g., from the East) to demonic forces, or a combination thereof. The emphasis here is on widespread destruction and a lack of repentance, suggesting a profound spiritual hardening and a direct divine judgment that has physical consequences.[2] Some scholars interpret the "demonic or hybrid force" as a spiritual attack that influences human behavior and leads to widespread death, rather than solely a physical invasion.[3]

The Sixth Bowl, found in Revelation 16:12-16, describes the drying up of the great river Euphrates to prepare the way for the kings from the East. Following this, three unclean spirits like frogs emerge from the mouth of the dragon, the beast, and the false prophet. These spirits are described as demonic, performing signs, and they go out to the kings of the whole world to gather them for the battle of the great day of God Almighty, which is identified as Armageddon.[4] This passage clearly points to a geopolitical gathering of nations under demonic influence, leading to a final confrontation. The focus here shifts from the direct destructive impact of the trumpet judgment to the strategic mobilization of earthly powers for a climactic battle.[5] The "geopolitical convergence" is driven by spiritual deception, leading human armies to a specific location for a final war against God.[6]

Therefore, the proposed two-stage interpretation aligns with the narrative flow of Revelation: the Sixth Trumpet depicts a widespread, devastating judgment that has spiritual and physical ramifications, potentially involving demonic activity and leading to mass casualties, while the Sixth Bowl describes the culmination of global political and military forces, orchestrated by demonic powers, for a final confrontation at Armageddon. The Sixth Trumpet focuses on a destructive judgment that impacts a significant portion of humanity, potentially involving spiritual and physical elements, while the Sixth Bowl details the gathering of global armies under demonic influence for the final battle of Armageddon.