1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.
3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse [that was] red: and [power] was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.
5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and [see] thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.
9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?
11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they [were], should be fulfilled.
12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;
13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.
14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;
16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:
17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
Overview of Revelation Chapter 6
Revelation Chapter 6 is a pivotal section in the apocalyptic literature of the New Testament. This chapter describes the opening of the first six seals of a scroll that is in the hand of the Lamb, representing Jesus Christ. Each seal’s opening unleashes significant events and symbolizes various judgments and tribulations that befall humanity. The chapter sets the stage for the ensuing chaos and divine intervention that characterizes the end times.
Structure of the Chapter
The chapter can be divided into distinct sections based on the opening of each seal:
- Opening of the First Seal (Verses 1-2)
- Opening of the Second Seal (Verses 3-4)
- Opening of the Third Seal (Verses 5-6)
- Opening of the Fourth Seal (Verses 7-8)
- Opening of the Fifth Seal (Verses 9-11)
- Opening of the Sixth Seal (Verses 12-17)
Detailed Analysis of Each Seal
First Seal: The White Horse (Verses 1-2)
The first seal reveals a rider on a white horse, symbolizing conquest and possibly the spread of the gospel or false messianic figures. The rider is given a crown and goes out to conquer.
- Symbolism: The white horse is often interpreted as a symbol of victory and purity.
- Interpretation: This could represent the rise of false prophets or the initial phase of the end times.
Second Seal: The Red Horse (Verses 3-4)
The second seal introduces a rider on a red horse, symbolizing war and bloodshed. The rider is granted the power to take peace from the earth.
- Symbolism: The red horse signifies violence and conflict.
- Interpretation: This reflects the increasing turmoil and strife among nations.
Third Seal: The Black Horse (Verses 5-6)
The third seal reveals a rider on a black horse, representing famine. The rider carries a pair of scales, indicating scarcity and the weighing of food.
- Symbolism: The black horse is associated with economic hardship and deprivation.
- Interpretation: The mention of prices for wheat and barley suggests a time of severe famine.
Fourth Seal: The Pale Horse (Verses 7-8)
The fourth seal unveils a pale horse, whose rider is named Death, followed by Hades. This seal signifies widespread death and destruction.
- Symbolism: The pale horse represents mortality and the consequences of the preceding seals.
- Interpretation: This indicates a significant loss of life due to war, famine, and other calamities.
Fifth Seal: The Souls Under the Altar (Verses 9-11)
The fifth seal reveals the souls of martyrs who have died for their faith. They cry out for justice and are given white robes, symbolizing purity and victory.
- Symbolism: The altar represents sacrifice and the cost of discipleship.
- Interpretation: This seal emphasizes the faithfulness of believers amidst persecution.
Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances (Verses 12-17)
The sixth seal brings about dramatic cosmic events, including earthquakes, darkened skies, and falling stars. People from all walks of life hide in fear, recognizing the impending judgment.
- Symbolism: The cosmic disturbances signify divine intervention and the end of the current age.
- Interpretation: This reflects the ultimate judgment and the recognition of God’s sovereignty.
Thematic Elements
- Judgment: Each seal represents a form of divine judgment upon humanity.
- Hope and Perseverance: The chapter reassures believers of their ultimate vindication, especially through the fifth seal.
- Cosmic Order: The disturbances in the sixth seal suggest a disruption of the natural order, indicating the seriousness of the events unfolding.
Conclusion
Revelation Chapter 6 serves as a crucial turning point in the narrative of the end times, illustrating the various judgments that will occur as history culminates. The imagery and symbolism employed in this chapter convey profound theological truths about suffering, justice, and the ultimate victory of God’s kingdom.
