Revelation 6: The 4 Horseman & the 7 Seals

In the book of Revelation, the Apostle John is granted a divine revelation of the future, a glimpse into the mysteries of God's plan for humanity. Chapter 6 unfolds with the opening of the seals, marking a pivotal moment in this apocalyptic vision. As we explore Revelation 6, the prevailing tone is one of awe, trembling, and the reverent fear of the Lord. Let us delve into the scriptures, embracing this tone, and uncover the profound truths hidden within this chapter.

The First Seal - The Conqueror:

1 I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, “Come!”2 I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.

As the first seal is broken, a white horse appears, symbolizing the arrival of a conqueror. In the presence of this mighty figure, the earthquakes, and the hearts of men tremble.

In the book of Revelation, a captivating vision unfolds with the appearance of a rider on a white horse. While some interpretations may suggest that this rider represents Jesus Christ, a closer examination of the scriptures reveals significant distinctions. Let us delve into the key facts that distinguish this rider as the Antichrist, rather than Jesus, and shed light on the implications of this revelation.

1. The Weapon of Choice: The scripture states, "Its rider held a bow" (Revelation 6:2). Unlike Jesus, who wields a sword symbolizing divine authority and judgment (Revelation 19:15), the rider on the white horse brandishes a bow. This distinction highlights the deceptive nature of the rider, as the bow suggests a more subtle approach to conquest, relying on manipulation and false promises rather than the righteous judgment associated with Jesus.

2. The Crown: The passage further reveals, "He was given a crown" (Revelation 6:2). While Jesus is already depicted as wearing many crowns, signifying His eternal kingship and authority (Revelation 19:12), the crown bestowed upon the rider on the white horse implies a temporary and counterfeit claim to power. It signifies the Antichrist's attempt to deceive the world and usurp authority that rightfully belongs to Christ alone.

3. The Purpose of Conquest: The scripture emphasizes that the rider on the white horse "rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest" (Revelation 6:2). This intent for conquest aligns with the Antichrist's character, described in other biblical passages as a deceiver who seeks to establish a counterfeit kingdom and deceive many (2 Thessalonians 2:9-10). In contrast, Jesus is already the ultimate conqueror, having triumphed over sin and death through His sacrificial death and resurrection.

As believers, it is crucial to discern the truth and guard against deception. The revelation of the rider on the white horse serves as a reminder of the urgency to remain anchored in the unchanging truth of God's Word and to be vigilant in recognizing false teachings and counterfeit claims to power.

The Second Seal - Conflict and Unrest:

3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.

With the opening of the second seal, a scene of turmoil and strife unfolds. The fiery red horse represents the escalation of conflicts and the unleashing of violence upon the earth. It serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the fallen nature of humanity. The fear of the Lord intensifies as we recognize the destructive power unleashed by human actions and the urgent need for redemption and reconciliation.

"It has been said that the blood of the

martyrs was the seed of the early church."

https://www.bibleinfo.com/en/questions/second-seal-of-revelation

The fiery red color of the horse signifies intensity, passion, and the presence of destructive forces. It represents the outbreak of violence, chaos, and conflict that will engulf the world during the end times. The color red often symbolizes bloodshed and war, reflecting the tumultuous events and suffering that will unfold as a result of human rebellion and the influence of evil.

The rider on the fiery red horse is granted the authority to "take peace from the earth." This indicates the removal of harmony, tranquility, and stability, giving way to widespread unrest, strife, and discord. The rider's possession of a great sword symbolizes the instrument of war and aggression, representing the escalation of violence and the loss of human life.

The Third Seal - Scarcity and Judgment:

5 When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages,and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”

As the third seal is broken, a black horse emerges, representing scarcity and economic hardships. The scales in the hand of the rider signify a time of judgment and evaluation. In this scene, the fear of the Lord deepens, as the consequences of human actions manifest in scarcity, inequality, and the struggle for basic sustenance.

The rider on the black horse holds a pair of scales, which were commonly used in biblical times for measuring and weighing goods. This symbolizes the careful rationing and measuring of food during a time of scarcity and economic instability. The voice heard in the midst of the four living creatures sets the prices for basic food items, indicating their high cost and limited availability

The Fourth Seal - Death and Desolation:

7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”8 I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.

As the fourth seal is broken, a pale horse emerges, ridden by Death himself, accompanied by Hades. The pale color of the horse signifies sickness, decay, and the absence of life. It evokes a sense of desolation and portrays the devastating impact of death and its various agents. The rider's name, Death, emphasizes the inescapable reality and finality of physical death. Hades, often associated with the realm of the dead in Greek mythology, follows closely behind, signifying the destination of the deceased.

The power given to the rider and Hades over a fourth of the earth speaks to the widespread and far-reaching consequences of death and its associated causes. The means by which they bring death include the sword, symbolizing violence and warfare; famine, representing scarcity and hunger; and plague, depicting the outbreak of infectious diseases.

The symbolism of the pale horse points to the ultimate judgment and sovereignty of God. The pale horse serves as a reminder of the importance of preparing for eternity, seeking reconciliation with God, and finding hope in His promises of eternal life.

The Fifth Seal- Martyrdom and the Cry for Justice

9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.10 They called out in a loud voice, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until you judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?”11 Then each of them was given a white robe, and they were told to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow servants, their brothers and sisters, were killed just as they had been.

As the fifth seal is opened, John witnesses a profound sight under the altar: the souls of those who were slain because of their unwavering commitment to the word of God and their faithful testimony. These individuals sacrificed their lives for their beliefs, enduring persecution and martyrdom for the sake of their faith.

With a loud voice, these souls cry out to the Sovereign Lord, expressing their longing for justice and the judgment of those who inhabit the earth. They acknowledge God's holiness and truth, recognizing His authority to bring righteousness and retribution.

In response to their plea, each of these martyred souls is given a white robe, symbolizing purity, victory, and righteousness. This act acknowledges their faithfulness and honors their sacrifice. They are also instructed to wait a little longer, until the full number of their fellow believers, their brothers and sisters in faith, will be killed just as they were.

The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Chaos and Divine Judgmen

12 I watched as he opened the sixth seal. There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth made of goat hair, the whole moon turned blood red,13 and the stars in the sky fell to earth, as figs drop from a fig tree when shaken by a strong wind.14 The heavens receded like a scroll being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.

The imagery of the Sixth Seal depicts a time of great cosmic disturbances, upheaval, and judgment. It signifies a period of divine intervention and the unraveling of the existing world order, paving the way for a new era of spiritual transformation and renewal.

• Great Earthquake: The great earthquake represents a cataclysmic event, signaling a dramatic shift or upheaval in the world order.

• Sun Turning Black: The sun turning black symbolizes darkness, judgment, and the disruption of natural order. It signifies a time of distress and impending doom.

• Moon Turning Blood Red: The blood-red moon represents bloodshed, violence, and divine judgment. It signifies the consequences of human actions and the impending judgment upon the wicked.

• Stars Falling from the Sky: The falling stars represent the collapse of worldly powers and authorities. It signifies the downfall of rulers and the disintegration of established systems.

• Heavens Receding like a Scroll: The receding heavens symbolize the unveiling of hidden truths and the revelation of divine mysteries. It signifies the end of an era and the beginning of a new cosmic order.

• Mountains and Islands Removed: The removal of mountains and islands signifies the upheaval and disintegration of established structures, both physical and metaphorical. It represents the collapse of societal norms and the disruption of stability.

The symbolism and imagery found in the sixth seal, as well as throughout the Book of Revelation, are rich and profound. They provide us with glimpses into the unfolding of divine events and the ultimate fulfillment of God's plan. If you have any further insights, revelations, or thoughts on these symbolisms, we encourage you to share them by leaving a comment or sending an email to Praymethrough@yahoo.com. We value your input and look forward to engaging in a deeper exploration of these profound biblical truths together. Let us delve into the mysteries of God's Word and seek a greater understanding of His plans and purposes.

Amanda Allen

Write & Blogger

www.KingdomRevelations.com

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