Revelation 6

Revelation 6:1

C. The Opening of the Six Seals (Chap. 6) 6:1, 2 When the Lamb opened the first seal, one of the four living creatures cried out Come and see. In response, a rider, possibly the Antichrist, carrying a bow, came forth on a white horse … conquering and bent on con quest. This may represent what is known today as cold war. The bow poses the threat of war, but there is no mention of an arrow. Perhaps there is even the suggestion of missile warfare since the bow is a weapon of distant combat. This rider does not actually cause warfare; it is not until the second seal that peace is taken from the earth. 6:3, 4 The second living creature summoned the second rider to come forth. This one carried a great sword and rode on a horse which was fiery red. A sword is used in hand to hand combat. Thus the second seal contemplates invading armies in fierce person to person warfare. The second rider takes peace from the earth. 6:5, 6 In obedience to the third living creature, a rider holding a set of scales came forth on a black horse. This represents famine, which often follows war. A voice in the middle of the four living creatures announced that wheat and barley were being sold at prohibitive prices. The scales were used to weigh the rationed grain and were thus a symbol of famine. The expression do not harm the oil and the wine is difficult. Some say that these were the food of the poor. If they were staple items, then they must be protected in order to preserve life. It seems more likely, however, that the luxury items of the rich are contemplated here: historically, even in famine the rich can get some luxuries. 6:7, 8 The fourth living creature called forth a pale horse with Death and Hades as its riders. Death is associated with the body and Hades with the spirit and soul. By means of war, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts, a fourth of the earth’s inhabitants are destroyed. We might think that plagues are no longer a threat because of modern antibiotics and wonder drugs. However, the great killer diseases are not conquered but merely dormant. They can spread throughout the world as fast as jet aircraft can carry them. 6:9 Now we are introduced to the first martyrs of the Tribulation Period (Mat_24:9), Jewish believers who go out and preach the gospel of the kingdom and who are slain for their testimony. Their souls are under the altar in heaven. 6:10 They cry out to the sovereign Lord to avenge their blood. As mentioned previously, those who dwell on the earth refers to unbelievers who look upon the earth as their home. 6:11 White robes are given to the martyrs, a symbol of their righteousness. They are told to wait until the final complement of tribulation martyrs is completed. 6:12, 13 The opening of the sixth seal brought tremendous convulsions of nature. A great earthquake shook land and sea, and the starry heavens were thrown into disorder. The sun darkened and the moon turned red like blood. Stars … fell to the earth like ripe figs when the fig tree is shaken violently. 6:14 The sky receded as if it were a sheet of parchment being rolled up. Every mountain and island was displaced by tremendous upheavals. 6:15 Not surprisingly, all classes of society were seized with panic. Recognizing that God was pouring out His wrath, they hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 6:16, 17 They preferred to be crushed by tumbling mountains and rocks than to endure the judgment of God and the wrath of the Lamb. Too late they realized that no rebel is able to stand up against the Lamb’s indignation.