Do you think it's only symbolic?
I've never studied Revelation and most probably never will.
Too much symbolism for me.
I read chapters 9 and 10 BTW. (just now).
Most of revelation sounds symbolic to me and different persons understand different symbolism,
so I don't dwell on it too much.
I am going to use a word I once despised as a teenager.
Metaphysical:
Greater / beyond the physical.
Two sides. The physical and the related meaning beyond the physical.
A symbol is a physical item related to a higher order thought or action. A wedding ring is not the marriage, but the ring relates to the marriage and the marriage relates to the ring.
You can start with a symbol and try to understand the meaning later. The law of Moses came before the deeper meaning was revealed.
Symbolism is not by itself. Symbolism is related to something. The search is on when a symbol is seen.
Jesus taught the parable ( symbol ) of planting seed
( Parable of Sower). The disciples realize there must be a related truth beyond planting seeds. So they say explain what this planting stuff means.
Mark 4:10 kjv
10. And when he was alone, they that were about him with the twelve asked of him the parable.
King James English. Mississippi drawl what you saying ?
Jesus explains what they do not understand.
The seed is the word of God
The ground is men’s hearts
The seed is the physical. The metaphysical is the word of God.
Meta is a Greek Bible word.
So all that crazy stuff in Revelation? Ask God he helps those who lack knowledge. The messed up disciples asked, and he told them.
I do suggest humbly ask.
And beware. The evil one would love to come as a messenger of light. Adam and Eve got the wrong information.
If symbolism is not your thing…..
But maybe it is going to be (on your level).
eddif