AM Bible Study, April 29, 2009
Revelation 6:1-8

Theme: The opening of the first four seals releases the first four events of the tribulation.

In chapter 4, we were given a glimpse into future events that will surround the throne of the living God. In chapter 5, we were shown a picture of Jesus Christ in this scene—having prevailed by His act of redemption on the cross, and having proven Himself worthy to take the title-deed to the earth and open its seven seals. And now, beginning with chapter 6 and going all the way to chapter 11, we’re shown the events that will occur at the opening of those seals.

The first thing that we’re shown is the opening of the first four seals. These four seals need to be seen as a unit because of their similarities. All four are followed by an announcement from one of the four living creatures to “Come” (see 4:6-8); and all four feature a horseman on a horse; who apparently represent the release of God’s providential acts of judgment upon the earth (see Zechariah 1:7-11). These four seals release the dreadful events of the great tribulation upon the earth. And one of the lesson to learn from them is that our Lord is in control over their release. He remains the Ruler over this most dreadful of times.

I. THE COMING OF THE ANTICHRIST (vv. 1-2).

A. We’re told at the very beginning that it is the Lamb (see 5:6) who opened the seal. From one of the four living creatures came the word “Come”. (The best manuscripts do not have the words “and see”. This is apparently not a word to John to come and see what was happening, since he was already there. Rather, it is a calling forth of the first of the four horsemen.

B. The first horse is white, representing majesty (see also Rev. 19:11). But this white horse is a pretense of the majesty that rightly belongs only to Christ. Its rider carries a bow (representing military conquest), and a crown (representing rule). He goes forth “conquering and to conquer”. This parallels the career of the antichrist described in Daniel 11:36-45, Revelation 13 and 2 Thessalonians 2.

II. WAR (vv. 3-4).

A. The second seal releases a fiery red horse—which is representative of the bloodshed of war.

B. The rider is granted the power to take peace from the earth—”that people should kill one another”. Ominously, its rider is given “a great sword”—which suggests a weapon of great and destructive power.

III. ECONOMIC DEPRESSION (vv. 5-6).

A. The third horse is released by the third seal being opened. It is black; and the fact that its rider bears a pair of scales in his hand suggests economic depression—a situation in which everything must be weighed out carefully.

B. A voice, coming from the midst of the four living creatures, gives additional information. During this time, a quart of wheat (enough only to sustain a man for a day), would cost a full day’s wages. Three quarts of barley (food for animals) would cost a full day’s wage. What a choice men must make! The command to not harm the oil and wine is given. This could mean that the supply of those luxury items remains undiminished because no one can afford them.

IV. PLAGUES OF DEATH (vv. 7-8).

A. Finally, the fourth seal is opened, and a pale horse is released. The color is of a sickly green—suggesting plague and death. This is the only horseman that is named for us— and his name is death. Hades—the place of the dead—is said to ride after him; taking his victims into his possession.

B. Power is said to be given to him to kill-off one fourth of mankind in four ways—through the sword, with hunger, with death, and by wild beasts of the earth (see Ezekiel 14:21).

* * * * * * * * * *

This describes the events that Jesus said would precede His coming—events that were “such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be” (Matthew 24:21). But let’s also remember His promise: “Who then is a faithful and wise servant, whom his master made ruler over his household, to give them food in due season? Blessed is that servant whom his master, when he comes, will find so doing. Assuredly, I say to you that he will make him ruler over all his goods” (Matthew 24:45-47).