1 Now I watched when the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures say with a voice like thunder, “Come!”
2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.
3 When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”
4 And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.
5 When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand.
6 And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!”
7 When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”
8 And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth.
9 When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.
10 They cried out with a loud voice, “O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?”
11 Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
12 When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood,
13 and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale.
14 The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.
15 Then the kings of the earth and the great ones and the generals and the rich and the powerful, and everyone, slave and free, hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains,
16 calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,
17 for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?”
The True Meaning of Revelation 6
The Book of Revelation, the final book of the Bible, was written by the apostle John during his exile on the island of Patmos. John, one of the original twelve disciples, had a unique perspective on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ. John in this chapter describes a series of apocalyptic visions that foretell the events leading up to the end of the world and the second coming of Christ.
The opening of the seven seals by the Lamb of God, Jesus Christ, sets in motion a series of cataclysmic events that will shake the very foundations of the earth. These visions, while unsettling, serve as a warning to the faithful to remain steadfast in their faith and to prepare for the coming tribulations. The imagery of the four horsemen of the apocalypse, representing conquest, war, famine, and death, echoes the prophecies of Jesus in Matthew 24, where he foretells the signs of the end times. As we delve into this chapter, we must remember the words declared by the prophet Amos, “Surely the Sovereign Lord does nothing without revealing his plan to his servants the prophets” (Amos 3:7). The visions of Revelation are not meant to instill fear, but to inspire hope and a renewed commitment to the Kingdom of God. Approach this passage with open hearts and minds, seeking to understand the deeper meaning behind these apocalyptic events.
Revelation 6:1-2
The verses in Revelation 6:1-2 describe the Lamb opening the first of the seven seals. The Lamb here is a representation of Jesus Christ, the only one worthy to open the seals according to Revelation 5:5-7. The opening of the seals initiates a series of events that lead to the judgment and unfolding of end-time prophecies. The first horseman is described as riding a white horse, holding a bow, and given a crown. The white horse and the rider are often interpreted as symbols of conquest, possibly representing the Antichrist or false peace.
This passage in Revelation 6 draws parallels with prophecies found in the Old Testament, particularly in the book of Daniel and Matthew 24. The imagery of beasts and kingdoms rising to power in Daniel indicates a time of tribulation. Similarly, in Matthew 24, Jesus speaks about false messiahs and the signs of the end times, warning His disciples about deception and chaos that will precede His return.
The opening of the seals signifies the beginning of God’s judgment on the world and the unfolding of His plan for the end times. It serves as a reminder of the sovereignty and power of God over all creation, and the fulfillment of His ultimate purpose. This passage reminds believers to stay vigilant, discern the signs of the times, and be prepared for the return of Christ, as indicated in Matthew 24:42-44. It also emphasizes the importance of staying faithful to God amidst trials and tribulations, trusting in His ultimate victory and redemption. Revelation 6:1-2 marks the beginning of a series of events that will unfold as the seals are opened, leading to the final judgment and the ultimate victory of Christ. It serves as a powerful reminder of the certainty of God’s promises and the importance of staying faithful to Him in the midst of trials and chaos.
Revelation 6:3-4
A fiery red horse comes forth in Revelation 6:3-4, describing the opening of the second seal. Let’s break down these verses and explore their significance in the context of the book of Revelation.
Starting with the third verse, it reads: “When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living being say, ‘Come!’” The Lamb here refers to Jesus Christ, who is the central figure in the book of Revelation. The four living beings are described earlier in Revelation 4:6-8 as majestic creatures surrounding the throne of God, representing different aspects of creation. The second living being in this context calls for the opening of the second seal, setting the stage for the events that follow.
Moving on to the fourth verse, it states: “Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere.” Here we see the introduction of the fiery red horse and its rider, who is given a sword and the power to take peace from the earth, resulting in widespread warfare and bloodshed. This imagery of war and conflict is a recurring theme in the book of Revelation, symbolizing the chaos and destruction that will occur before the ultimate triumph of good over evil.
The color red often symbolizes war, bloodshed, and violence in the Bible. The rider of the red horse represents a force or power that brings about warfare and strife on the earth. This image is reminiscent of passages in the Old Testament where war was a punishment for disobedience or a means of judgment on unrighteous nations (e.g., Deuteronomy 28:15-68). It serves as a reminder of the consequences of turning away from God and the destructive nature of sin.
The mention of the sword in the rider’s hand signifies the authority and power to bring about conflict and destruction. Jesus himself speaks of bringing a sword rather than peace in Matthew 10:34, symbolizing the division that his message will bring among people. This symbolism is echoed in the rider of the red horse, wielding a sword that disrupts peace and brings about widespread chaos. Revelation 6:3-4 presents a vivid picture of the second seal being opened, unleashing a red horse and its rider who bring about war and bloodshed on the earth. These verses serve as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the inevitability of conflict in a world marred by rebellion against God. We are called to reflect on the importance of staying faithful to God amid chaos and to trust in the ultimate victory of Christ over evil as the events of Revelation unfold.
Revelation 6:5-6
The passage in Revelation 6:5-6 reads: “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. 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.’”
This portion of the Book of Revelation describes the opening of the third seal by the Lamb of God, which causes the appearance of a black horse signifying famine. The rider of the black horse holds a pair of scales, symbolizing scarcity and economic imbalance. The mention of a voice among the four living creatures further emphasizes the severity of the situation, with specific measures of food being outlined – two pounds of wheat for a day’s wage and six pounds of barley for a day’s wage, indicating that basic food staples will become luxuries due to scarcity. The instruction not to damage the oil and wine could represent a protection of the rich or the luxurious items, while the essentials become unattainable for many.
This passage in Revelation is highly symbolic, but it reflects a broader message found throughout the Bible related to famine, scarcity, and economic injustices. Famines in the Old Testament were often used as a means of divine judgment, such as the famine in the time of Joseph in Egypt (Genesis 41). The prophet Amos also speaks of a famine of hearing the word of God (Amos 8:11), emphasizing the spiritual consequences of turning away from God. Jesus in the New Testament speaks about famines as one of the signs of the end times in Matthew 24:7, warning of the challenges that will come before his return.
The use of imagery in Revelation 6:5-6 serves as a stark reminder of the consequences of sin and the judgments that will come upon the earth. The economic disparity depicted by the high prices of basic necessities like wheat and barley compared to luxury items like oil and wine points to a time of great suffering and hardship. It also serves as a call to reflect on our own actions and how they may contribute to injustices that can lead to such dire circumstances. Revelation 6:5-6 shows us that God is aware of every detail, including the economic struggles and imbalances that affect people. It underscores the importance of seeking justice and mercy, of caring for the vulnerable and ensuring fair treatment for all. Let us remember to be mindful of our actions and how they impact those around us as we navigate through the challenges of life, striving to live in a way that reflects God’s love and compassion for all.
Revelation 6:7-8
The voice of the fourth living creature said, “Come!” when the Lamb opened the fourth seal in Revelation 6:7-8.’ 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.”
This particular passage in the Book of Revelation is part of the vision of the opening of the seven seals which reveals events leading up to the end times. The opening of the fourth seal unveils a pale horse, traditionally interpreted to symbolize death and destruction. The rider of the horse is named Death, portraying the ultimate mortality faced by all humanity, and behind him rides Hades, representing the realm of the dead. Together, they are granted authority to bring about devastation on a global scale through various means such as war (sword), scarcity (famine), pestilence (plague), and even through the savagery of wild animals.
This imagery highlights the grim reality of the consequences of sin and the fallen nature of the world. It serves as a stark reminder of the importance of repentance, redemption, and faith in God. The prophecy of the pale horse underscores the inevitability of death and the importance of preparing spiritually for the end times. It also emphasizes that despite the chaos and suffering that may occur, God remains sovereign and is ultimately in control of all things.
Throughout the Bible, there are similar references to death and destruction, such as the plagues in Egypt during the time of Moses (Exodus 7-12) or the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse in Revelation. These events serve as reminders of the consequences of sin and rebellion against God. They also point towards the importance of seeking salvation and turning to God for refuge and protection in times of trial and tribulation. Revelation 6:7-8 conveys a powerful message about the inevitability of death and the consequences of sin, while also highlighting the need for faith and repentance in the face of impending judgment. It stands as a sobering reminder of the frailty of human life and the importance of seeking a relationship with God to secure eternal salvation.
Revelation 6:9-11
Revelation 6:9-11 reads, “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. 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?’ 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. The fifth seal is opened, revealing the souls of the martyrs who had been killed for their faith in these verses, creating a powerful scene. These individuals had suffered persecution and death because of their steadfast commitment to the word of God and their unwavering testimony. The fact that they are under the altar could signify their sacrifice being accepted and honored by God.
The martyred souls cry out to God, seeking justice and asking how long it will be until He avenges their blood and judges the sinful inhabitants of the earth. This cry for justice demonstrates the deep longing for righteousness and the fulfillment of divine justice among those who have suffered for their faith. It also reflects the universal human desire for vindication in the face of injustice and persecution.
The white robes given to the martyrs symbolize purity, righteousness, and victory over death. This act of clothing them in white robes can be seen as a symbol of honor and vindication, signifying their faithfulness and the reward awaiting them in the presence of God. The instruction to wait a little longer indicates that there is a divine timetable at work, and the full number of martyrs has not yet been completed. This waiting period could represent the unfolding of God’s plan and the completion of His purposes before ultimate justice is executed.
This passage serves as a reminder of the suffering and persecution faced by believers throughout history and the ultimate victory that awaits those who remain faithful to the end. It reinforces the message of perseverance in the face of trials and tribulations, knowing that God is just and will not overlook the sacrifices made for His sake. It also foreshadows the final judgment where God will avenge the blood of the martyrs and bring about justice for all His faithful followers.
The theme of martyrdom and justice for the persecuted can be seen throughout the Bible. Jesus blesses those who are persecuted for their faith in Matthew 5:10-12 and assures them of their reward in heaven. The hall of faith in Hebrews 11 recounts the stories of many Old Testament saints who endured suffering and persecution for their faith. The Book of Revelation, with its vivid imagery and prophetic messages, highlights the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom over the forces of evil and the vindication of His righteous servants.
Revelation 6:12-14
The verses in Revelation 6:12-14 describe a powerful and cataclysmic event that takes place during the opening of the sixth seal. The passage reads: “I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.”
The opening of the sixth seal in Revelation signifies a time of great upheaval and cosmic disturbances as described in the verses. The earthquake, darkening of the sun, turning of the moon to blood, falling stars, and moving of mountains and islands all point towards a period of extreme chaos and instability. These celestial and terrestrial events symbolize the magnitude of the judgment and the earth-shattering consequences that will take place during the end times.
The imagery of the sun becoming black as sackcloth and the moon turning to blood is reminiscent of prophecies found in the Old Testament, such as Joel 2:31 which states, “The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the coming of the great and awesome day of the Lord.” These signs signify the coming of God’s judgment and the culmination of His divine plan.
The falling stars mentioned in the passage could be reminiscent of the prophecy in Isaiah 34:4, “All the stars in the sky will be dissolved and the heavens rolled up like a scroll; all the starry host will fall like withered leaves from the vine, like shriveled figs from the fig tree.” This imagery emphasizes the magnitude of the cosmic disturbances and the imminent arrival of the day of judgment.
The mention of every mountain and island being moved out of its place symbolizes the complete and thorough nature of the upheaval that will occur. This signifies a complete reordering of the natural world as we know it, demonstrating the unmatched power and sovereignty of God over all creation. This event serves as a stark reminder of the temporary nature of the physical world and the ultimate authority of God over all things. The opening of the sixth seal in Revelation 6:12-14 serves as a powerful reminder of the magnitude of God’s judgment and the impending end times. It underscores the importance of being prepared spiritually and aligning oneself with God’s will in anticipation of His righteous judgment. The imagery presented in these verses evokes a sense of awe and reverence for the power of God and the certainty of His ultimate victory over all creation.
Revelation 6:15-17
The verses in Revelation 6:15-17 describe a terrifying scene of people hiding in caves and among the rocks, pleading for the mountains to fall on them and hide them from the wrath of the Lamb. This imagery is deeply symbolic and speaks to the fear and desperation that people will feel during the end times when God’s judgement is being poured out upon the earth.
The mention of “the great day of their wrath” refers to the day of judgement when God will finally bring justice and judgement upon the earth. This day has been prophesied and anticipated throughout the Bible, with many references to a final reckoning where all will be held accountable for their actions.
The imagery of people hiding in caves and among the rocks echoes passages in the Old Testament where people sought refuge in the mountains during times of distress. However, in this case, there is no place to hide from the judgement of God. This reinforces the idea that no one can escape the ultimate judgement and that all will have to face the consequences of their deeds.
The mention of “the wrath of the Lamb” is significant because it shows the dual nature of Christ as both a sacrificial Lamb who died for the sins of the world and as a righteous judge who will execute judgement upon the wicked. This concept is seen throughout the Bible, with Jesus being portrayed as both a merciful savior and a just judge.
These verses serve as a stark reminder of the seriousness of sin and the reality of God’s judgement. They point to the importance of living a life of righteousness and faithfulness to God in order to be prepared for the coming judgement. It is a call to repentance and a warning against complacency and apathy towards spiritual matters. The imagery of judgment and the end times in Revelation serves to remind readers of the ultimate victory of God over evil and the importance of remaining steadfast in faith even in the midst of trials and tribulations. It is a powerful message of hope and warning that resonates throughout the entirety of the Bible.
After Revelation 6
The four horsemen had been unleashed, and the world trembled in their wake. The earth shook with the weight of the judgments to come as the seals were broken. The first horseman, the conqueror, had ridden forth, his bow in hand, ready to subjugate the nations. The second, the red horse, had followed, bringing war and bloodshed in his wake. The third, the black horse, had ushered in famine and economic upheaval, while the fourth, the pale horse, had brought death and pestilence.
The people of the earth cried out in anguish, for they knew that these were but the beginning of the tribulations that would precede the return of the Lord. And as the fifth seal was opened, the souls of the martyrs called out from beneath the altar, pleading for justice and the fulfillment of God’s promise. The stage was set for the unfolding of the final chapters, where the fate of the world would hang in the balance.
Reverend Ogunlade is a seasoned Church Minister with over three decades of experience in guiding and nurturing congregations. With profound wisdom and a serene approach, Reverend Ogunlade has carried out various pastoral duties, including delivering uplifting sermons, conducting religious ceremonies, and offering sage counsel to individuals seeking spiritual guidance. Their commitment to fostering harmony and righteousness within their community is exemplified through their compassionate nature, making them a beloved and trusted figure among the congregation.