Print Version

Revelation 6

Daniel's book of prophecy was to be sealed until the end of time (Daniel 12:4).  In the Near East, the practice of sealing an important document was well known.  Royal seals were used for two reasons:  First, to keep the contents safe and unaltered until a future time.  Daniel's book of prophecy was certified to be an accurate transcript of what God had communicated to him.  Second, to prove the scroll's authenticity and that the contents were indeed true.  God was guaranteeing the preservation of Daniel's scroll as well as its accuracy.  This unusual measure was taken so that those living during the last days will have God's truth to warn and sustain them.  Once the book was unsealed at the time of the end, knowledge of closing events would be better comprehended.  

Although it was not usual for someone to lift one hand in taking an oath (Genesis 14:22; Exodus 6:8; Ezekiel 20:5), Michael raised both His right and left hands towards Heaven, swearing an oath of promise that the trouble would not last longer than three and a part years, and that the contents of Daniel were true (Daniel 12:6-10).

The scroll in Revelation contained seven seals that could only be broken open by an individual having authority.  Once broken, the contents of the six seals are exposed in chapter 6.  However, chapter 7 is a parenthesis (an insertion for explanation) to the seals. Then the seventh seal is found in Revelation chapter 8.  The Lamb (Jesus) is declared worthy to break open the seals and expose the mysterious contents.  Therefore, the scroll must be the book of Daniel that had been sealed hundreds of years earlier by the proclamation of Michael (Daniel 12:4).  Only Christ could have both the authority to seal and unseal the book, in which are found the mysteries of God.

When we begin to look for the meaning of the seals, we must remember that what John saw was a revelation of Daniel's scroll being unsealed and rolled open to reveal its contents.  How do we know?  The first vision of the last days, which was given personally to Daniel (chapter 7), began with four animal creatures (governments) that will be overcome by the conquering Lord (v. 26).  Revelation 6 also introduces four animals (governments) that also encounter the wrath of the conquering Lamb (vs. 15-16).

Various explanations have been given, over the course of time, as to the identity of the four colored horses in the first four seals.  Some sources believe they are representative of the history of the church between the time of Christ and the Second Coming.  Others offer end-time applications, but leave little clue as to how they arrive at their conclusions.  Comparing John and Daniel's prophecies help reveal the identity of the four horses.  However, we recognize that these four horsemen are not literal men on flesh and blood horses, but are "representative" of evil earthly powers that God will use to fulfill His divine plan for the ages.  There is a connection between the spiritual realm and the earthly, both good and evil.  Evil, and persecution that arises from evil powers, provokes mankind to repent of their sins, to come to know a personal Savior, and to follow Him.

Zechariah 6:1-5 is the reference from which the four colored horse symbolism is obtained.  Zechariah is a prophetic book full of predictive last-day language.  There we will begin our adventure for insight, as well as referring once again to Daniel and other Old Testament passages.

1. In Revelation 6:1 the Lamb of God breaks open the first seal.  Who then summons the white horse to "come"?

The four living creatures who surround God's throne have been identified as the four angels, or "seraphim," as found in Isaiah 6:2 and Revelation 5 (refer to Lesson 12).  The first angelic creature demands the white horse and rider to come forth and ride onto the world scene.  This would express Heaven's control over earthly governments. 

2. What connection do the four horses have with the four angelic creatures (Zechariah 6:1-5)? 

The four "spirits" or "winds" go forth from standing before the Lord.  We know the four angelic creatures of Revelation stand "around the throne" of God (Revelation 4:6).  

3. Who stirs up the four governmental animals in Daniel 7:2-3?

Heaven controls the leaders of this world, and they work unknowingly to "fulfill" God's will until His kingdom is ushered in (Revelation 17:17).

4. What do horses represent in prophecy (Revelation 9:16-18; Joel 2:1-5)? 

Horses and horsemen represent the military might of the nations.  In Revelation 6 we see the symbolic horses of the end-time nations riding into action, but by verse 12, supernatural signs in the sky foretell the Day of the Lord and governments' destruction.  

5. How does Joel 2:1-11 help us understand Revelation 6?