Seven Seals, Revelation 6:1-8:5
CityPoint: Meta Tauta, Session 2 Notes: Seven Seals, Revelation 6:1-8:5
As always, be a Berean and challenge against Scripture what is written here, the words I say or anyone, for that matter, who speaks about the Bible. The church as a whole would not be so far off track if Christians who sit in church would know, study, and challenge all things against Scripture. This is incumbent on all of us. Remember, the testimony of Jesus Christ is the spirit of prophecy (Revelation 19:10). This is why prophecy is pivotal to our walk with Jesus. He made a promise, and He will fulfill it! Praise HIM!!!
As always, we will just scratch the surface….
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This next section covers the Seven Seals which also incorporates what scholars say are the first of a couple parenthesis. Revelation 10-11:13 is another parenthesis and some provide a 3rd parenthesis with Revelation 12:1-14:20, but we are covering that section as the Seven Signs. Both are applicable. These parenthesis are a pause in the judgements of God providing a momentary relief as it pertains to the first two parenthesis and a different perspective of what is happening in the third or Seven Signs.
Remember, Jesus is the only one worthy to open these seven seals. With the seals, there is a correlation to the Olivet Discourse from Matthew 24. We will provide the references with those respective seals. It is also interesting to note the Four Living Creatures that we were introduced to in the Throne Room are the ones speaking to introduce the riders of the first four seals. This is why you will always hear a good Biblical student both say and utilize Scripture to interpret Scripture. I invite you to read Zechariah 1:7-17 and 6:1-8 on your own as another reference to that.
Keep in mind with the Seven Seals that we are seeing some of this today. Some will reference that the riders are yes yet future but are currently casting their shadow backwards in time.
I. First Seal, Revelation 6:1-2
a. Rider on a White Horse
b. Understood as the anti-christ
c. Parallels Jesus riding on a white horse in Revelation 19:11, Satan always mimics Jesus
d. Wearing a victor’s crown which is singular, Greek stephanos
e. Contrasts Jesus’ ruler’s crown which is pleural in Revelation 19:12, Greek diadēma
f. Rider has a bow with no arrows as he comes to conquer: arrows may have already been spent
g. Parallels Matthew 24:4-5
As always, Satan tries to deceive and mimic what God does. Later in Revelation, we will see Jesus ride out of Heaven on a white horse with a crown. This occurs at the end of the 70th Week (tribulation) prior to the Millennial Reign. It should be no surprise that this rider is also crowned and rides a white horse. There is an easy distinction of the crowns though. This is why it is important to ensure we study the Hebrew out of the Old Testament and the Greek out of the New Testament. The Greek word here for crown is stephanos which means a victor’s crown as in a winner of a game. The Greek word for crown for Jesus in Revelation 19 diadēma which is also in the pleural which means the right to rule and notates authority.
Notice he has a bow. Jesus destroys His enemies with the sword of His mouth. It is also very interesting to note the bow in contrast with God’s rainbow. The rainbow notates God’s promise to never destroy the earth again with a flood (also interesting to see how rainbow flags represent sexual immorality today, something detestable to the Lord). God hung up his war bow against the earth. You see the rainbow in the sky as someone would hang a bow on the wall. Nothing is out of place. Some correlate the bow with no arrow here saying this rider will rule by regulation which is also interesting in correlation with the anti-Christ’s mark. He will conquer nonetheless.
If we interpret this rider as THE anti-Christ, here we have the fulfillment of II Thessalonians 2. In verses 7-8, it specifically states He who restrains (Holy Spirit working through the “church”) will do so until He is taken out of the way which then the anti-Christ will be revealed. As we discussed in Revelation 4 and 5, we have the Rapture of the church. Now immediately following, we have the anti-Christ being revealed. Some believe II Thessalonians 2 refers to just before the mid-point of the 70th Week (tribulation) is when the anti-Christ will be revealed and thus the church will be raptured before then. This lawlessness is covered more in depth starting in Revelation 13. I think we covered the rapture in depth enough in the previous notes sent out.
We also know from Daniel 9 the anti-Christ will bring a false peace with Israel for a period of 7 years then to brake that peace agreement in the middle of the week, ie at the 3 1/2 year mark. You can review those notes as well: Revelation of Jesus Christ Study Week 2. Jesus also mentioned this exact portion out of Daniel 9 in His Olivet Discourse. Again with all this, we have to use Scripture to interpret Scripture. This is why it is pivotal to ensure we are deeply studying God’s Word. Keep your eyes open to the news and world events. The world is longing for a leader to lead the entire world.
II. Second Seal, Revelation 6:3-4
a. Rider on a Red Horse
b. Symbol for war, bloodshed
c. Greek word machaira for sword which is a short sword or dagger denoting close combat
d. Contrasts Jesus’ sword in Revelation 19:15 which is the Greek rhomphaia which refers to a large sword used in battle.
e. Parallels Matthew 24:6
It is a common misconception that I have even held myself that the anti-Christ will bring global peace. This is not true. There will be a false peace agreement with Israel as discussed in Daniel 9:27 that will be broken after 3 1/2 years. That is the only peace which is a pseudo-peace. The rest of the world will be in turmoil just as Jesus said: wars and rumors of wars.
Red is the symbol of war and bloodshed which is what we have here. Remember, if we experience the Rapture of believers as what seems to be the case in Revelation 4-5, the Holy Spirit with the church is no longer a restraining force. God is allowing mankind to be given fully to their own devices which is a cascading situation. You can review this in Romans 1 and II Timothy 3. Always remember though, God always has his witness(es) on the earth and provides grace and mercy. We will discuss more of this going forward.
We have another contrast with Jesus here. The Greek word for sword used here is machaira which is a short sword or dagger used in close combat. Some commentators believe this refers to civil unrest as this passage refers to what the rider will usher in that “people should kill one another.” When Jesus descends upon the earth in Revelation 19, the sword that Jesus has that proceeds from his mouth is the Greek word rhomphaia which refers to a large sword used in battle.
If anyone is paying attention, it would seem as if we have global unrest currently. There seem to be rumors of wars to no end. Some may say the riders have been let loose, but I don’t believe that is the case at all. During this period in Revelation, it will make our current world look like a picnic. Some more eloquently state that the riders of this period are merely casting their shadow backward to our current day (more on this below). We still may experience a portion of what this passage speaks about, but it isn’t at full fruition quite yet. Which brings us to our next rider….
III. Third Seal, Revelation 6:5-6
a. Rider on a Black Horse
b. Has a pair of scales denoting inflation
c. Food is purchased by weight, Greek word choinix which is about a liter, see Leviticus 26:26
d. The amount was a day’s wages in the time John was writing
e. Wheat and barley have different measurements noted in this passage yet provide about the same nourishment in the measurements provided
f. Do not harm oil or wine comes with different viewpoints: luxury of elites who profit from war of Third Seal,
so scarce it must be handled with care for a little to go a long way, or nobody can afford it since they
already spent their wages on the wheat and barley
g. Parallels Matthew 24:7
Inflation rises so much during this period that people are eating bread by weight. Eating bread by weight is a Jewish phrase for food is scarce, see Leviticus 26:26. This is why the rider has scales. Wheat and barley must both be measured, and it is a day’s wages: denarius, a day’s wages back during John’s times. The Greek word choinix is used for the measurement of wheat and barley which equals about a liter. This would feed one person a day, approximately. How does a man provide for his family by only making enough to buy enough food that would theoretically only feed him? This means very tough days.
Wheat and barley have different measurements noted in this passage yet provide about the same nourishment in the measurements provided. Wheat is a more dense grain thus less of a measurement costs the same and provides similar nourishment as barley in its measurement. Wheat and barley are also harvested at different times per year. It is interesting in light of “do not harm the oil and the wine.” Some commentators view this as the more expensive or luxurious items thus meaning the elites will not be harmed by this which also parallels what was noted above with who profits and who pays the price in war time. Some refer to this saying as the oil and wine are so scarce they must be handled with care in order for a little to go a long way, and/or literally, nobody can afford these due to only having enough to purchase the amount of food to make it through a day.
IV. Fourth Seal, Revelation 6:7-8
a. Rider on a Pale or Livid Horse, Greek chloros which literally means livid or green
b. Death (claims the body) and Hades (claims the soul) are synonymous with the unsaved
c. Viewed as pestilences
d. Viewed as either killing 1/4 of the earth or having complete control/dominion over 1/4 of the earth
e. Parallels Matthew 24:7
This rider brings great death upon the planet which falls in line with what has already transpired: war, famine, now death. The Greek word for this rider is chloros which literally means livid or green. I am not sure how pale came about. Death and Hades are synonymous when it comes to the unsaved. Death claims the body (true also for believers), and Hades claims the soul (true only for non-believers). Great death will come to 1/4 of the earth through: sword, hunger, beasts of the field (animals attacking people, some correlate this to pestilences as well which was noted in the Olivet Discourse). The 1/4 part has been take two ways: 1/4 of the entire earth will die or this rider has dominion to kill over 1/4 of the earth’s surface. Either way, it will be crazy.
Hades is the Greek word for a place deep inside the earth to hold disembodied spirits. We know from Jesus’ own words in Luke 16 there is a separation deep in the earth between Hades and Abraham’s Bosom/Paradise. This is a long rabbit hole to travel down. Suffice it to say, hell is real. There are levels to hell. It will finally be cast into the Lake of Fire at the end of Revelation. Abraham’s Bosom was for the redeemed souls prior to Jesus’ sacrifice on the Cross. Pretty interesting stuff.
Currently, the Earth’s population is expected to hit close to 8 billion by the end of this year. If this references 1/4 of mankind, this would mean nearly 2 billion people will die as the result of the Pale Rider. Obviously if the Rapture takes place before this which I believe it does, it would be less that many people, but I do not believe there is a significant amount of tried and true believers on Earth. We are seeing so many fall away into absolute heresy which II Thessalonians 2:1-4 and other passages talk about.
War always brings food shortages and inflation. Yes, there is the military industrial complex and other areas where the elites of the world profit off of war, but everyone else suffers. Look at what is going on with Russia and Ukraine and what they are predicting with wheat and other crops. A war will disrupt food production. I like Ron Rhodes’ reference to Lamentations 4:8-9 here. War makes the armies horde supplies in order to sustain the fight. The seals definitely follow with what normally transpires: attempts at peace (white rider), war (red rider), famine/inflation (black rider), death and disease (pale rider).
That is a very brief overview of these riders. Some believe with what is going on in the world the riders are already roaming. I do not believe so, but I believe we are seeing a small portion of what is to come. We are definitely experiencing the birth pangs that our Savior spoke about. This should cause something in us to stir. It should give us a heart for the lost and want us to get our houses in order, fill our lamps with oil and trim our wicks. This is a reference to the parable of the Ten Virgins which we will cover soon at CityPoint! I encourage you to watch this video about being ready: https://youtu.be/w1gsUux2Ddk
V. Fifth Seal, Revelation 6:9-11
a. Martyred souls
b. Global persecution to the death is in view, today we only see persecution to the death in foreign lands
c. The martyred are petitioning God to judge and avenge
d. They are told to rest until the number is complete
e. In Revelation 20:4, John sees those who had been beheaded during this time for their witness to Jesus and for the word of God
f. Parallels Matthew 24:9
We had a lot of death during the first four seals, the first being the anti-Christ who will no doubt unleash fury on those who will turn to Jesus during the 70th Week. This will be global persecution. Keep in mind that it is my belief that the church will not be present as the Rapture will have occurred prior to all of this. I believe Revelation itself can stand alone on that doctrine. What is awesome with this is that you still see God giving people a chance and redeeming people even during this time and after the Rapture has taken place. There is still another chance, but it will be far more difficult than anyone could ever imagine given the deception that will take place. More of this to come.
Many to this point have been slain. They are crying out to God for Him to avenge their blood. Remember, it is a blessed thing to die and even more so to die for the sake of Jesus. The saints are told to be patient as the number to be slain for Jesus’ name has not been completed.
It is best to keep in mind that people are slain for their faith in Jesus today. We have it very easy here in the West, but many countries see this persecution today. What is phenomenal about that is the church exponentially grows when persecution occurs. This is why many scholars stand on the premise that during the 70th Week the world will experience the greatest revival of all time. It will be rough on a global scale, no doubt, but there will be a harvest.
VI. Sixth Seal, Revelation 6:12-17
a. Global Chaos
i. Great Earthquake
ii. Sun as black as sackcloth
iii. Moon as blood
iv. Stars fell from heaven
v. Sky recedes
vi. Mountains and islands moved from their place
b. Mankind hides themselves
c. Acknowledge this comes from the Lamb
d. Parallels Matthew 24:7, 29
This is where the world will experience great upheaval: great earthquake, sun turned black, moon turned like blood, stars of heaven fell, sky recedes, mountains and islands moved. There doesn’t seem to be anything allegorical here other than describing what it looked like. Therefore, this will all take place in a literal manner. Remember, God created all of this for His purpose. The purpose at this point is to redeem Israel once and for all and judge the world for their wickedness. Isaiah 50:3 and Joel 2:30-31 parallel these descriptions as prophecies for this very day.
What I find most intriguing about all of this is that mankind recognizes that it is God who is doing this yet still does not repent. Man so clings to his sinful nature that even when confronted with known judgement there is a refusal to repent. Ron Rhodes states: “it is better to kneel in repentance than to stand in judgement.” This is something that should ring true for us even today. Our hearts can grow cold toward the Lord the more we continue in sin and fail to repent that sin. You can reference Romans 1 and II Timothy 3 to see what happens to people who continue in unrepentant sin.
I think it best here to take us through a few more points of Jesus’ own words. He says in Matthew 24:13 to endure to the end to be saved, and the Gospel will then reach the ends of the earth. All of this takes place in the first part of the 70th Week. How do we know we haven’t reached the mid-point? Let’s continue with Jesus’ words. Jesus now starts to discuss the abomination of desolation as spoken of by Daniel. Where does this come from? Daniel 9 and specifically verse 27 which is the 70th Week. In the middle of the week (7-year period) the anti-Christ will exalt himself as God. Then, we have 1260 more days until the end that is termed by Jesus as the “great tribulation” (Matthew 24:21).
We must always use Scripture to interpret Scripture. We cannot cherry pick verses to create theology. The Bible is intricately woven together. Much more could be said about all of this, but we will continue to pick it apart as we move forward.
VII. Parenthesis or Interlude, Revelation 7:1-17
a. Four winds are held back (disruption in wind energy)
b. Brief hold on harming the earth, sea, and grass (Trumpet Judgements)
b. 144,000 Sealed
i. Sealed on their foreheads
ii. Contrasts the anti-christ sealing the earth dwellers on their right hand or foreheads, Revelation 13:16
iii. 12,000 from 12 tribes
iv. Male, virgin Jews, Revelation 14:4
v. Rejects the heresy of Replacement Theology as how specific Revelation is
vi. Parallels Matthew 24:14
c. Great Multitude is saved
i. Nobody could number these
ii. From all nations tribes, peoples, tongues
iii. Clothed but not crowned
iv. A perspective from entire period, verse 14
This chapter in Revelation is referred to as a parenthesis or what Amir Tsarfati calls (Revealing Revelation) an interlude. It is an opportunity for the reader to catch his/her breath while reading the chaos of the first six seals. There is another interlude in Chapter 10 - 11:14, and Amir recognizes a third in 12:1-14:20. The whole of Revelation flows chronologically from the start point of each “scene” so to speak. These interludes, so to speak, is a break in the text as John is stepping back seeing something from a different perspective.
Even though this passage isn’t a seal being opened, it is interesting that there is still a major impact on the environment as John saw “four angels standing at the four corners of the earth, holding the four winds of the earth, that the wind should not blow on the earth, on the sea, or on any tree.” This would have a major impact not only on the environment with no winds blowing but also on travel and commerce. The earth would be still as God is sealing His people for His purpose. Think about the world relying on wind and solar energy…this would have a major blow to that.
We have a major pause not only in the text but also a pause on earth. God is never left without His witness here on earth. These 144,000 are sealed with some type of mark from God. These 144,000 are Jews. More specific and as we can gleam from Chapter 14, they are male, virgin Jews. In essence, their sole purpose is to take the Gospel to the ends of the Earth. Jesus specifically identified this in His Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24.
There is great speculation as to why the tribes are listed as they are as Dan and Ephraim are omitted, Joseph and Levi are both present. In the Old Testament, the 12 tribes typically omitted Joseph and Levi as both Joseph’s sons were present in place of both Joseph and Levi. Levi doesn’t have land given to them as the rest of the tribes are to take care of the Levites through their tithe as the Levites are the Temple caretakers, priests. Nonetheless, the text gives us the tribes that will be marked to take the Gospel message to the ends of the Earth.
You have heard me speak against this before, but Replacement Theology is a wicked theology. This theology says that the church has replaced Israel, and Israel has no purpose since Jesus and specifically prophecy. Most who succumb to this theology will also reject most of prophecy. Prime example: Ezekiel 37 which specifically prophecies what happened in 1948 when Israel was brought back to their land which must occur prior to prophecy being fulfilled. Remember, God made and “everlasting covenant” with Israel. To say the church replaces Israel is to call God a liar. Replacement Theology has been around for many, many years and leads prophesing believers into anti-Semitism. Reject this theology as during this period of time, God will once again turn His face towards Israel, and Israel will be redeemed. This is the 70th Week for Israel as prophesied by Daniel in Chapter 9.
The text is very clear to distinguish Israel here. It is so specific you have to be deceived to deny it. Two points that Amir brings out: Israel is mentioned 70 times in the New Testament, and Romans 9-11 makes very clear distinctions between Israel and the church. I haven’t read it yet, but I do have the book. Amir has a book called Israel and the Church which details the distinctions between the two.
The KJV Commentary lists these points about the distinction with these people listed:
1. That they are of Israel is manifest from their identity.
2. They cannot be reckoned as the church; for that body is never called Israel.
3. They cannot be Israel in general; for God would not place His seal upon unbelievers for service to Him.
4. These servants are from the tribes of Israel, literally so, redeemed by God and sealed for service when the church has been raptured to heaven.
There is a theme in the Bible that reflects this whole chapter of Revelation: what was will be. The Jews were the first to spread the Gospel from the Pentecost that followed Jesus’ Ascension back to Heaven and going forward, so it shall be how the Gospel is spread during this final period of time: the Jews. Remember, the church age is over. God is now turning His face back toward the Jews in what is called the 70th Week (Daniel 9). This is all about God fulfilling His promise to the Jews. I wouldn’t be surprised as we are standing in heaven watching these things unfold that God actually seals the Jews on Pentecost again.
Nonetheless, there is a multitude of people who come to faith in Christ during this period of time. The KJV Bible Commentary notates some distinction of this multitude of Believers:
1. It can be stated with confidence they are different from the 144,000. Clearly, John provides great specificity into who the 144,000 are as they come from one nation, Israel, and even more so, 12,000 from each of the tribes listed. Now, he is saying this group comes from all the nations of the world. Jesus spoke of this in His Olivet Discourse in Matthew 24.
2. They are not the church; they are separate from the elders (verses 11 and 13).
3. Nothing is noted as to death or resurrection; thus, they are on earth.
4. They are redeemed.
5. The time of their salvation is after the Rapture (verse 14).
Wiersbe provides an additional distinction with this group. This group (multitude of Believers) is standing before the throne where the 24 elders (representative of the church) is seated before the throne.
There is a doctrine in the Bible that we can gleam which are the distinctions of saints throughout time.
1. Old Testament Saints: those who were redeemed before Christ’s work on the Cross, Resurrection, and Ascension back to heaven.
2. New Testament Saints (church): those who put their faith in Jesus.
3. Tribulation Saints: this great multitude spoke about that is referenced several times in Revelation. Revelation 20 specifically mentions John seeing the martyrs of those who were slain for the name of Jesus who didn’t receive the mark or worship the beast. That places Tribulation Saints at great contrast with martyrs or saints prior to this time. This reference in Revelation 20 also supports a church rapture prior to this period. Otherwise, John would see martyrs of all time.
4. Millennial Saints: those offspring of the Tribulation Saints who trust in Jesus and do not rebel at the conclusion of the Millennial Reign after Satan is loosed.
This chapter concludes the first of two interludes or parentheses in Revelation: Chapter 7 and 10-11:13 and some provide an additional distinction with 12:1-14:20. They are periods in the text where John is shown things from a different perspective all the while the rest of Revelation flows in chronological order. These chapters still flow in that chronology, but it is from the perspective of that period until the conclusion of that specific interlude or parentheses. It is almost to show John and readers that completion to provide some hope. God always stands to freely give man His grace, mercy and ultimately Salvation through His Son Jesus! Praise HIM!!!
VIII. Seventh Seal, Revelation 8:1-5
a. Silence in heaven, Zephaniah 1:7 and Zechariah 2:13
b. Lasts about half an hour
c. Seven angels given trumpets to prepare for the Seven Trumpet Judgements
d. Prayers of the saints are a sweet aroma, prayers are offered with much incense
e. Chaos of verse 5 in preparation for what is to come
The Final Seal
As the final seal is being opened, the scroll that Jesus had is now if full view. Remember, it was written on the front and back and had seven seals upon it. This is the 7th Seal that is opened to view the entire scroll. In essence, the remainder of the Revelation is what is on the scroll. There is awe or silence in heaven as the scroll is in view. As the final seal is opened, we then proceed into the trumpet judgements.
There is a brief period of silence in heaven as this seal is opened. There are numerous references to silence in the Bible that Rhodes and Wiersbe both point out: Zephaniah 1:7, 14-18 (also mentions day of the trumpet), Zechariah 2:13, and Habakuk 2:20. Heaven is awestruck at what they are seeing on the scroll probably now knowing what is coming upon the earth. The angels are now given their trumpets. Again, trumpets are very much a part of Israel’s heritage and life. This is yet another bullet point that this period of time is pointing back toward Israel, and the church age is over. We studied trumpets to a brief degree when we discussed the doctrine of the Rapture. Here are a few references: Numbers 10, I Kings 1:34, 39, Joshua 6:13-16, I Thessalonians 4:13-18, Revelation 1:10, Revelation 4:1. These are just a few and not fully exhaustive to Scripture.
It is interesting to note the verbiage in verse 5. Judgement is intensifying. The angel who had the censer filled with the prayers then threw it to the earth. Wiersbe states: “For centuries, God’s people have been praying, ‘Thy kingdom come, Thy will be done!’ And now those prayers are about to be answered.”
MARANATHA!!!
