![[20240501-RevelationHeader.jpg]] > [!note] Important Questions > As we explore the seals, we are going to explore some of the questions that were raised by the Bible Knowledge Commentary.[^bkc] These questions include: > 1. Are the events which begin with the breaking fo the first seal past or future? > 2. What is the relationship of the seals to the Rapture of the church? > 3. What is the relationship to the seals to [[Daniel 9.27|Daniel 9:27]]? > 4. Does Revelation deal with the entire seven years anticipated in [[Daniel 9.27|Daniel 9:27]]? > 5. What is the relationship of the events of Revelation to Christ’s sermon on the mount. To answer the first question, we know from the text that at least from John’s perspective these were events to take place in the future, especially future to him ([[Revelation 1.19|Revelation 1:19]], [[Revelation 4.1|Revelation 4:1]]). ***Are these judgments a part of our future or past?*** They are a part of our future. Though some of these events as described in the opening of the seals could refer to certain specific events that have happened in history, there has not been enough evidence to support the sequence or severity that clearly matches these things. The second thing we want to determine is the relationship of the seals and the church. In [[Revelation Chapter 5|Revelation chapter 5]], we saw that the church was worshipping before the throne in heaven. We saw in our study of the letters to the churches in [[Revelation Chapter 2|chapter 2]] and [[Revelation Chapter 3|chapter 3]] that Jesus return was spoken of as a future event. Additionally, neither the rapture nor the church is the subject of Revelation 6-18. This leads us to conclude that these events take place after the rapture of the church. Thirdly, we looked at the prophecy of Daniel to see what the relationship of the seals were to verse 27. > [!bible] **Daniel 9:24-27 NKJV** > > **24** “Seventy weeks are determined For your people and for your holy city, To finish the transgression, To make an end of sins, To make reconciliation for iniquity, To bring in everlasting righteousness, To seal up vision and prophecy, And to anoint the Most Holy. **25** “Know therefore and understand, That from the going forth of the command To restore and build Jerusalem Until Messiah the Prince, There shall be seven weeks and sixty-two weeks; The street shall be built again, and the wall, Even in troublesome times. **26** “And after the sixty-two weeks Messiah shall be cut off, but not for Himself; And the people of the prince who is to come Shall destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end of it shall be with a flood, And till the end of the war desolations are determined. **27** Then he shall confirm a covenant with many for one week; But in the middle of the week He shall bring an end to sacrifice and offering. And on the wing of abominations shall be one who makes desolate, Even until the consummation, which is determined, Is poured out on the desolate.” Based on this text, we see that the prophecy of Daniel seems to correlate with the events here in Revelation. Again, up to this point in time, we have not seen any events in history that could be interpreted as the fulfillment of this prophecy. > [!todo]- For Further Study: 69 Weeks and the Messiah > The ultimate answer of God about the situation that Daniel was in was a prophesy of the Messiah, the One who would come and bring and end to the pain, to sin, and to separation. And he was given a specific timeframe: sixty-nine weeks. And that sixty-nine weeks would begin as soon as the command to rebuild Jerusalem was given. > > The prophetic timeline was 69 weeks of years. This is 490 years in total. In Genesis and in Revelation we see a lunar calendar cycle presented: 360 days for a year. 360 days * 490 years = 173,880 days.[^calendar] > > On March 14, 445 B.C., Artaxerxes Longimanus gave permission for Nehemiah to rebuild the city ([[Nehemiah 2.1-8|Nehemiah 2:1-8]]). This began the countdown. > > According to Chuck Missler[^missler], this prophecy was translated into Greek in the Third Century before Christ was born. > > Read [[Zechariah 9.9|Zechariah 9:9]], [[Matthew 21.5|Matthew 21:5]], [[Mark 11.7-9|Mark 11:7-9]], and [[Luke 19.32-44|Luke 19:32-44]]. How do these scriptures relate to the fulfillment of Daniel’s prophesy of 69 weeks? How do they work within the timeline, leading up to the crucifixion of Christ (i.e., the Messiah shall be cut off). Consider the accuracy of this prophecy and what would have to happen for it to take place as it did. ## The First Seal: The Conqueror ![[First Seal The Conqueror 6.1-2#^72eab3]] ***Who is the rider of the white horse?*** Some commentators think the rider of the white horse is Jesus based on the fact that He is going to come riding on a white horse ([[Revelation 19.11-14|Revelation 19:11-14]]). But that doesn’t seem to be correct based on the context. Jesus just opened the seal and released the rider. He is not going out to execute judgment, He is making it known through the breaking of the seals and reading of the scrolls. ***What is the symbolism of the white horse?*** In biblical times, generals rode a white horse when they had conquered an enemy. ***How does this rider connect to [[Daniel 9.27|Daniel 9:27]]?*** In Daniel’s prophecy, it says that there will be the establishment of a covenant that would be established by the conqueror to bring peace. In [[Revelation 6.2|Revelation 6:2]], there is a word in the text that can indicate a covenant. The word bow, *toxon* is only used here and is the equivalent of the Hebrew word קֶ֫שֶׁת. This word is used in [[Genesis 9.16|Genesis 9:16]] as a token of covenant related to judgment. Consider Daniel’s further explanation of the king that was to come to do war even against the Messiah. > [!bible] **Daniel 8:23-25 NKJV** > > **23** “And in the latter time of their kingdom, When the transgressors have reached their fullness, A king shall arise, Having fierce features, Who understands sinister schemes. **24** His power shall be mighty, but not by his own power; He shall destroy fearfully, And shall prosper and thrive; He shall destroy the mighty, and also the holy people. **25** “Through his cunning He shall cause deceit to prosper under his rule; And he shall exalt himself in his heart. He shall destroy many in their prosperity. He shall even rise against the Prince of princes; But he shall be broken without human means. ***How can this king who rises up against the Prince of princes be referring to the rider in Revelation?*** If you consider that all things, including fallen angels, are under the authority of God you can see how this might be referring to the same person. In the book of Job we see Satan was unable to touch Job without first being given permission ([[Job 1.6-12]], [[Job 2.1-7]]). We see in the prophet Michaiah that the LORD gave permission for a lying spirit to persuade the unrighteous king ([[1 Kings 22.19-23|1 Kings 22:19-23]]). In a similar way, this could be the anti-christ spirit that is coming to deceive people and bring peace under false pretenses (see [[2 Thessalonians 2.3-4|2 Thessalonians 2:3-4]]). ## The Second Seal: Conflict on Earth ![[Second Seal Conflict on Earth 6.3-4#^621e42]] ***What is the purpose of the second rider on the firey red horse*?** The second rider brings war and conflict. He has authority to take peace and cause people to kill each other. ***What might the fire red color of the horse represent?*** It could represent blood, anger, wrath, killing. ***What could be the significance of the sword?*** Some considered that it could be like the sword of the Spirit which is the word of God ([[Ephesians 6.17|Ephesians 6:17]]). In this way they rider could incite violence with his words. It was also discussed that this sword was more literal in that it reflected an actual weapon meant to kill. ## The Third Seal: Scarcity on Earth ![[Third Seal Scarcity on Earth 6.5-6#^3309fd]] The third rider is on a black horse and has a pair of scales in his hand. ***What does the pair of scales signify?*** First, they speak to justice. In this case, it is more about controlling prices leading to injustice and scarcity or limited availability of food. He is in control of the prices of food. He has authority over the market. > [!quote]- “Do Not Harm the Oil and the Wine” > In ad 92, shortly before the writing of Revelation, an acute shortage of cereals, together with an abundance of wine in the empire, caused Domitian to order the restriction of wine cultivation and an increase of corn growing; the order created such a furore it had to be abandoned. The text may have such a situation in mind. > > <cite>George R. Beasley-Murray, [“Revelation,”](https://ref.ly/logosres/nbc?ref=Bible.Re6.5-6&off=556&ctx=+could+afford+them.+~In+ad+92%2c+shortly+be) in _New Bible Commentary: 21st Century Edition_, ed. D. A. Carson et al., 4th ed. (Leicester, England; Downers Grove, IL: Inter-Varsity Press, 1994), 1435.</cite> What do we see here? We see desperation. We see lack. We see struggle. ***From the first three seals, what are some takeaways?*** First, *who we follow and how we live has consequences in this life and in the one to come.* We want to be following Jesus and not a false prophet. And, it should motivate us to pray for and share the gospel with those who are around us. It’s not God’s will that they should perish but they will if they do not repent and follow Jesus (cf. [[2 Peter 3.9|2 Peter 3:9]]). We can’t leave them to the judgement when we can help them find salvation from it. Secondly, *when we see small-scale versions of these things it should cause us to consider the day of judgment that is to come.* If we see scarcity or lack or hear of wars we should consider how those are precursors to these which are to come. This should lead us to live with eternity in mind. ## The Fourth Seal: Widespread Death on Earth ![[Fourth Seal Widespread Death on Earth 6.7-8#^c90788]] ***What is the color of the horse and what does that indicate to us?*** The horse is pale *green*. This brings to mind sickness, mucus, or vomit. This color in relation to death speaks of pestilence or plagues. To further clarify this, we can compare it to the four judgments in Ezekiel’s prophecy. > [!bible] **Ezekiel 14:21 NKJV** > > For thus says the Lord God: “How much more it shall be when I send My four severe judgments on Jerusalem—the sword and famine and wild beasts and pestilence—to cut off man and beast from it? The first four seals align with the four judgments. ***Is there any significance to the statement that Hades followed death?*** Death is not final. Following death comes judgment ([[Hebrews 9.27|Hebrews 9:27]]). Hades is the destination of the damned. [We’ve already observed that the saints are before the throne of God](![[Revelation Chapter 4#^d1ab19]]). Those who experience this judgment will not find redemption but instead final judgment in Hades. ***Why might there be an emphasis that the power of Death was over people and beasts of “the earth” (mentioned twice)?*** The things of the earth are not heavenly. They are earthly, demonic, sensual (cf. [[James 3.15|James 3:15]], [[Romans 8.5-7|Romans 8:5-7]]). ***In today’s numbers, what does one fourth of the earth represent?*** A [recent estimate](https://www.wolframalpha.com/input?i=Current+population+of+the+world) is that nearly 8 billion people live on the planet today. If the judgment of this seal was poured out today it would mean that about 2 billion people would be consumed by it. > [!hyperlinks]- Hyperlink: Other Colored Horses in Scripture > There are other places in scripture where horses and their specific coloring is mentioned. Read [[Zechariah 1.7-11|Zechariah 1:7-11]], [[Zechariah 6.1-8|Zechariah 6:1-8]], and [[Revelation 19.11-14|Revelation 19:11-14]]. ***What are some differences between the horses in Revelation 6 and these? What are some similarities? Is there any insight that these other visions offer to help us interpret the meaning of the colors in this passage?*** ## The Fifth Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs ![[Fifth Seal The Cry of the Martyrs 6.9-11#^f89080]] The fifth seal represents a change in pattern and focus. We revisit the altar but see that there is something under the altar. ***Who is under the altar?*** We see that it is the martyrs who are positioned under the altar. They were slain for the word of God and their testimony. They were witnesses of Jesus. They were killed for their faithfulness to the Lord and for believing and proclaiming the word of God. ***What does this altar represent?*** In the temple there was the altar of sacrifice. The priests were commanded to pour out the blood of the animals that were sacrificed a the bottom of the altar of burnt-offering ([[Leviticus 4.7|Leviticus 4:7]]). ***What were the martyrs calling for?*** They were crying out for vengeance for their murders. ***What was the response?*** They were told that it would be a little while longer until they received their request. ***Why was there a delay?*** There would be more martyrs before the end and the Lord is patient in His desire that all who believe would be saved ([[2 Peter 3.9|2 Peter 3:9]], [[1 Timothy 2.3-4|1 Timothy 2:3-4]]). There was a certain number of martyrs who were yet to be added. Once they were, then the judgment would follow. > [!todo]- For Further Study: Completed or Time Fulfilled > Do a study on the topic of times or requirements being fulfilled. How does judgment and possession relate to themes of divine justice and mercy? How does God’s timing and plans for judgment differ from human expectation and understanding? What does this topic teach us about God’s faithfulness to His promises and His sovereignty over world events? To get started on your study, here are some Scriptures: [[Luke 21.20-24|Luke 21:20-24]], [[Ezekiel 30.1-9|Ezekiel 30:1-9]] (especially verse 3), [[Romans 11.25-26|Romans 11:25-26]], and [[Genesis 15.13-16|Genesis 15:13-16]]. ## The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances ![[Sixth Seal Cosmic Disturbances 6.12-17#^42ad90]] --- [[Studies]] | [[Revelation]] | [[Revelation Chapter 5]] | [[Revelation Chapter 7]] [^bkc]: Walvoord, John F. “Revelation.” In _The Bible Knowledge Commentary: An Exposition of the Scriptures_, edited by J. F. Walvoord and R. B. Zuck. Wheaton, IL: Victor Books, 1985. [^calendar]: A good discussion about this is from a response by Dr. John Oaks to the question "Because the Jews use the 360 day calendar, when we calculate the 70 weeks in Daniel 9, and begin in 457 BC (Ezra 7), we end up at AD 18, which does not fit Jesus. How can this be reconciled?" This response was posted at [EvidenceforChristianity.com](https://evidenceforchristianity.org/because-the-jews-use-the-360-day-calendar-when-we-calculate-the-70-weeks-in-daniel-9-and-begin-in-457-bc-ezra-7-we-end-up-at-ad-18-which-does-not-fit-jesus-how-can-this-be-reconciled/). 2020-09-28. web. accessed 2025-04-10. [^missler]: Missler, Chuck. *Learn the Bible in 24 Hours: An Overview of the Whole Bible.* Nashville, TN: Thomas Nelson, 2011. ebook. [Logos](https://ref.ly/logosres/0b2a6335c77bdb02ca385824c51bd48e?art=r16&off=10884)