Rev. 5:1 And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
God the Father is holding in His right hand a book or scroll written on both sides and sealed with seven seals.
I’ve been taught that this is a legal document that represents the title deed to planet earth, and it makes sense to me. Being able to break the seal is a sign of ownership and authority. It is presented in terms as to be understood by the recipients of the revelation message according to their own laws and customs. I think there is also a connection with the teaching of the kinsman-redeemer as presented in the book of Ruth. Jesus is obviously the only kinsman-redeemer qualified to redeem His creation from the curse of sin. It is obvious that the scroll is an important document that represents ownership, power and authority since it is being delivered from the right hand of the Father.
Isaiah 62:8 The LORD hath sworn by his right hand, and by the arm of his strength…
I found a wonderful explanation by Jon Courson:
“Initially, a title deed would be written only on the smooth side and sealed with a single seal (Jeremiah 32:6-29). But if the owner became unable to meet his financial obligations, he would have to relinquish his title deed – upon the backside of which would be written his debts and upon which would be placed seven seals. If at any time during the ensuing seven years he could pay off his debts, the seals would be broken, and the title deed returned.
All of this explains what is in the hand of the One Who sits on the throne here in Chapter 5: It’s the title deed to Planet Earth. The title deed to this planet was originally given to Adam in the Garden of Eden when God told him to subdue the earth (Genesis 1:28). Adam forfeited his right to ownership when he ate of the fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil. You see, although Satan tricked Eve into eating the forbidden fruit, Adam’s was an overt, calculated act of rebellion, which is why the Bible speaks of Adam’s sin as that which transferred to Satan the title deed of planet earth (Romans 5:14, 1Timothy 2:14).”
Romans 5:14 “Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam’s transgression, who is the figure of him that was to come.”
1Timothy 2:14 “And Adam was not deceived, but the woman being deceived was in the transgression.”
In scripture, Satan is recognized as the god or prince of this world.
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 “But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.”
John 12:31 “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”
John 14:30 “Hereafter I will not talk much with you: for the prince of this world cometh, and hath nothing in me.”
Ephesians 2:2 “Wherein in time past ye walked according to the course of this world, according to the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that now worketh in the children of disobedience….”
Warren Wiersbe made a different comparison: “The Roman will was sealed with 7 seals. The scroll gives Christ the right to claim creation by virtue of His death. A will can only be opened by the heir. Christ is the ‘heir of all things.’”
Hebrews 1:1-2 God, who at sundry times and in divers manners spake in time past unto the fathers by the prophets, Hath in these last days spoken unto us by his Son, whom he hath appointed heir of all things, by whom also he made the worlds….
I was listening to Gary Stearman, and he made yet another comparison. He likens the scroll to a legal document, an indictment against the Gentile world powers.
Rev. 5:2 And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
Rev. 5:3 And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.
Rev. 5:4 And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon.
Rev. 5:5 And one of the elders saith unto me, Weep not: behold, the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.
Next John sees a strong angel asking a question in a loud voice, “Who is worthy (deserving) to open the book, and to loose the seals?” Point is made that no one was immediately found in earth or heaven that qualified. John begins to weep openly because he understood the consequences of that fact; he knew that the eternal future of believers and the fulfillment of God’s covenants with Abraham and David were at stake. One of the elders then speaks up and tells John not to weep because “the Lion of the tribe of Juda, the Root of David, hath prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals thereof.”
I think this is a good point to give credit to the excellent ideas presented by Peter Goodgame in some articles at www.redmoonrising.com in helping to clarify my thinking in dealing with some of the pieces of the prophetic puzzle that just didn’t seem to fit. One of the problems was that I had boxed myself in by referencing the tribulation, the seven-year period known as Daniel’s 70th week, as interchangeable with “the day of the Lord,” the time when God pours out His wrath on His enemies on planet earth. The 70thweek is directed toward Israel; God’s wrath is directed to the enemies of God. The 70th week is meant to serve as a refining fire to produce a purified remnant of Israel who will accept Jesus as their Messiah. The time of God’s wrath is an exercise of His vengeance against His enemies and those who have persecuted His family, the body of believers. I believe the judgments recorded in this book will be used to accomplish both objectives since they run basically concurrent to one another, just as one fire can have multiple uses—to provide warmth, to prepare food, to burn garbage, etc.
In 1Thessalonians 4:17 Paul tells us that when the church is raptured, we will “ever be with the Lord.” If John or the 24 elders represent the church, Jesus would have already been there; they wouldn’t have had to search the universe for Him.
This seems to indicate that John’s arrival in heaven at the beginning of chapter 4 pictures the time just prior to Jesus’ ascension to the right hand of His Father after the resurrection. Although Jesus had already ascended to heaven at the time of John’s revelation, it makes sense that a foundation be laid from which future events would proceed. These prophecies would never have been possible without the victorious risen Savior qualifying to take the scroll (cf verse 9 below). This narrative is similar to what was shown John in chapter 12 regarding the birth of Jesus and Satan’s attempt to destroy Him that gives the reader some history behind the “beasts” to be introduced in chapter 13.
Rev. 5:6 And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
Rev. 5:7 And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.
When John looks up, he sees standing in the midst of the thrones and elders “a Lamb as it had been slain” that is identified as possessing the seven Spirits of God. This is obviously the risen LORD Jesus returning to heaven victorious over the grave and worthy to take the scroll and loose the seals. John is allowed to witness the LORD’s glorious return to heaven as the risen Savior and King of kings before He takes His seat at the right hand of the Father to await the time designated to establish His earthly kingdom as determined before the foundation of the earth according to God’s plan. This isn’t the first time that John has referenced Jesus as a lamb (quoting John the Baptist).
John 1:29 The next day John seeth Jesus coming unto him, and saith, Behold the Lamb of God, which taketh away the sin of the world.
Jesus was not qualified to take the scroll until He had endured the cross and emerged victorious from the grave. (cf verse 9 below) The statement is made that the Lamb took the book from Him that sat on the throne, God the Father. He would never have presumed to take the book without being certain of His right to do so. Interesting to me is the interaction being observed between Father and Son—two separate beings, yet one.
I was reminded of the possible connection to these verses from Daniel.
Daniel 7:13-14 “I saw in the night visions, and, behold, one like the Son of man came with the clouds of heaven, and came to the Ancient of days, and they brought him near before him. And there was given him dominion, and glory, and a kingdom, that all people, nations, and languages, should serve him: his dominion is an everlasting dominion, which shall not pass away, and his kingdom that which shall not be destroyed.” The Ancient of Days is God the Father, and the Son of man is Jesus.
I think it is important to note that there is no time reference made regarding Jesus taking the scroll and when He begins to open it. Scripture is clear that the reckoning of time in heaven is far different from time on earth.
2Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
In fact, the record describes an intervening time of heavenly praise and worship for the Lamb, our Savior. In heavenly time He has only been there a couple of days.
I found a quote for which I sadly forgot to make note of the author—“Lions conquer; lambs submit. Lions roar; lambs die. There is introduced here one who conquers by submitting.” The Lamb is the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
I believe as we continue into the next few chapters, it will become clear that Jesus, the Son of Man, God in flesh, is reclaiming man’s authority over planet earth and that the scroll represents His right to do so.
Henry Morris made an interesting observation on this section: “It is in His capacity as the Lamb of God that the price of redemption had been satisfied. Therefore it is as the Lamb that He must receive the title scroll from the hand of Him who had held it in safekeeping….”
The Lamb had 7 horns and 7 eyes representing the Holy Spirit of God that has been sent to serve Him among the peoples of the earth. The Spirit is the One who goes alongside us to draw us to the Savior and convict us of sin and teach us regarding truth and wisdom. I think the horns are indicative of His power and authority and the eyes are indicative of His omniscience. I have always been taught that 7 is the number of perfection or completion. This would indicate that He has all power and all knowledge.
These seven eyes are also talked about in Zechariah:
Zechariah 4:10 For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the LORD, which run to and fro through the whole earth.
There also seems to be a connection to 2 Chronicles:
2Chronicles 16:9 For the eyes of the LORD run to and fro throughout the whole earth, to shew himself strong in the behalf of them whose heart is perfect toward him.
Rev. 5:8 And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints.
When the Lamb took possession of the book, the four beasts and 24 elders fell down before the Lamb, a position of worship and reverence. Each of them had harps and held golden vials full of “incense.” This incense is identified as the prayers of the saints (8:4). Our communion time with God in prayer is pleasing to Him. It would seem that the more we pray the more incense will be available to offer before the throne.
Rev. 5:9 And they sung a new song, saying, Thou art worthy to take the book, and to open the seals thereof: for thou wast slain, and hast redeemed us to God by thy blood out of every kindred, and tongue, and people, and nation;
Rev. 5:10 And hast made us unto our God kings and priests: and we shall reign on the earth.
Again, I had let previous teaching cloud my understanding. “They” in verse 9 refers back to the compound subject “the four beasts and 24 elders” of verse 8. They sang the song recorded in verses 9-10. The words of the song are in dispute according to the translation you choose to accept. I base all of my studies on the King James translation of the scripture; but when I look at the original Hebrew or Greek, I sometimes think that the translators could have chosen a better word considering the context. Considering the scriptural foundation established previously and the most logical reading of the context, I believe the NIV (supported by several other translations) gives a better translation in this instance.
Revelation 5:9–10 “And they sang a new song: “You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth.”
The expanded Greek translation of Kenneth Wuest, noted New Testament Greek scholar from Moody Bible Institute, also supported the NIV with the following translation: “you are worthy…you redeemed to God through your blood [men] out of every tribe and language…and constituted them to our God…and they shall reign as kings on the earth.”
If this translation is correct, it would also support the idea of the elders being composed of a special group of angels or “watchers” as referenced in Daniel.
Daniel 4:17 This matter is by the decree of the watchers, and the demand by the word of the holy ones: to the intent that the living may know that the most High ruleth in the kingdom of men, and giveth it to whomsoever he will, and setteth up over it the basest of men.
My daughter pointed out that the song is being sung by the four beasts and the 24 elders. This again supports the NIV translation since the four beasts were not redeemed by the blood of Jesus.
As redeemed saints we have been given a position before God as kings and priests: and we shall reign on earth.
1Peter 2:9 But ye are a chosen generation, a royal priesthood.
Revelation 1:6 And hath made us kings and priests unto God and his Father…
A king has authority and power. As rulers on this earth, God will give us authority and power to influence the lives of others in a positive way, according to His will. A priest has the privilege of intimate communion and service before God. Our position as priest grants us personal access to God and the privilege of interceding for ourselves and others. New Testament saints aren’t the only ones promised a position as priests of the Lord. Isaiah prophesied the same for the people of Israel.
Isaiah 61:6 But ye shall be named the Priests of the LORD: men shall call you the Ministers of our God: ye shall eat the riches of the Gentiles, and in their glory shall ye boast yourselves. [In context, this is in reference to the kingdom age.]
Jerusalem is also promised a position of royalty before the nations; this would also include its inhabitants, the Jews, as distinct from the Gentiles.
Isaiah 62:2-3 And the Gentiles shall see thy righteousness, and all kings thy glory: and thou shalt be called by a new name, which the mouth of the LORD shall name. Thou shalt also be a crown of glory in the hand of the LORD, and a royal diadem in the hand of thy God.
“we they shall reign” - This is a declaration that all the saints will reign with Jesus on earth. This is definitely indicative of a time future to the events in progress in John’s vision. I believe this references the millennium, but I think it continues on past that to the new heaven and new earth. This is another indication of “world without end” (Ephesians 3:21) even if it is a “new heaven and a new earth” (Revelation 21:1). I’ve often heard people question what we will do in eternity. I am sure that God has a perfect plan prepared for us just as He had prepared for Adam and Eve. The difference is that we won’t have to worry about sin entering the picture again.
Ephesians 3:21 Unto him be glory in the church by Christ Jesus throughout all ages, world without end. Amen.
The word “new” in the quote from Revelation 21 is defined as “new (especially in freshness)”—in other words, “renewed.”
I liked David Guzik’s summary of this song. It honors:
The price of redemption – for you were slain
The worker of redemption – you…have redeemed us [them]
The destination of redemption – have redeemed us [them] to God
The payment of redemption – by your blood
The scope of redemption – every tribe and tongue and people and nation
The result of redemption – we [they] shall reign on the earth
[brackets mine]
Rev. 5:11 And I beheld, and I heard the voice of many angels round about the throne and the beasts and the elders: and the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;
The chapter closes with all of the angels around the throne breaking out in praise and worship of the Lamb. It seems clear to me that this is a collective group of angelic beings of all ranks; there seems to be no justification for adding humanity to the mix. That will change in chapter 7.
This verse says that John saw and heard so many angels that he couldn’t come up with a number big enough to express his thought; so he expressed it the best way that he could: 10,000 x 10,000 + 1,000’s of 1,000’s---and this is after having lost 1/3 who chose to follow Satan (cf Rev. 12:4). It also indicates the great number of followers Satan has at his behest as well. He can’t be everywhere at the same time like God can, but he can sure blanket the earth with his forces of evil.
The numbers given to John were also given to Daniel:
Daniel 7:10 A fiery stream issued and came forth from before him: thousand thousands ministered unto him, and ten thousand times ten thousand stood before him: the judgment was set, and the books were opened.
“ten thousand” = myriad or indefinite number
“thousand” – from a root word that is plural, of uncertain affinity or connection with a specific number
Rev. 5:12 Saying with a loud voice, Worthy is the Lamb that was slain to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour, and glory, and blessing.
Rev. 5:13 And every creature which is in heaven, and on the earth, and under the earth, and such as are in the sea, and all that are in them, heard I saying, Blessing, and honour, and glory, and power, be unto him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb for ever and ever.
Praise is being given to the Lamb who was slain because of His obedience to the Father and His willingness to die for my sin. He is Worthy and deserving to receive the following blessings:
power (miraculous power, might, strength),
riches (wealth, abundance),
wisdom (discernment)
strength (might strength),
honour (considered of great value, the highest esteem/respect),
glory (deserving of worship and praise), and
blessing (praise with adoring words).
The first thing that comes to my mind is that He already possesses all the attributes listed. I guess the emphasis is on His worthiness in contrast to how His creation has treated Him.
The next verse makes it clear that every creature—in heaven, on the earth, under the earth, or in the sea—will confess aloud His worthiness. This truth is supported in Paul’s letter to the Philippians:
Philippians 2:9-11 Wherefore God also hath highly exalted him, and given him a name which is above every name: That at the name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; And that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father.
John actually witnesses this mighty chorus of praise in his visit to heaven. This seems to place this revelation of events in the heavenlies in the same category as that of the prophecies given to the Old Testament prophets—viewing prophecy from mountain peaks with valleys of time in between. I can’t imagine that this universal chorus of acknowledgement and worship will happen until Jesus rules on earth. Not only will these masses be praising and worshipping the Lamb, they will also be worshipping and praising God the Father.
Rev. 5:14 And the four beasts said, Amen. And the four and twenty elders fell down and worshipped him that liveth for ever and ever.
The four beasts provide the exclamation point and benediction—Amen (this is the truth). Once again John sees the 24 elders fall down and worship Him that liveth for ever and ever. The pronoun “him” is singular, which is appropriate since He is One God in three persons, the source of eternal life.
My thoughts on this chapter have continued to evolve over the last several years. I no longer think that the tribulation starts with the opening of the seals. (Note: I define the tribulation as the last seven years on earth before Jesus returns as King of kings to establish His kingdom. It is also known as the 70th Week of Daniel and The Time of Jacob’s Trouble. I refer to the last 3.5 years as the “great” tribulation. )
Daniel 9:24–26 “Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people and upon thy holy city, to finish the transgression, and to make an end of sins, and to make reconciliation for iniquity, and to bring in everlasting righteousness, and to seal up the vision and prophecy, and to anoint the most Holy. Know therefore and understand, that from the going forth of the commandment to restore and to build Jerusalem unto the Messiah the Prince shall be seven weeks, and threescore and two weeks: the street shall be built again, and the wall, even in troublous times. And after threescore and two weeks shall Messiah be cut off, but not for himself: and the people of the prince that shall come shall destroy the city and the sanctuary; and the end thereof shall be with a flood, and unto the end of the war desolations are determined.”
Note that the first 69 weeks ended when the “Messiah,” Jesus Christ, the Son of God in flesh, was “cut off” or killed. The 70th week will commence when the coming antichrist establishes or confirms a covenant on behalf of many with the Jews for “one week,” or seven years, the last seven years before Jesus returns to establish His kingdom.
Daniel 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease….
Rev. 6:1 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.
Rev. 6:2 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.
Rev. 6:3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
Rev. 6:4 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.
Rev. 6:5 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.
Rev. 6:6 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.
Rev. 6:7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
Rev. 6:8 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.
This chapter begins with Jesus opening the sealed scroll. The opening of each of the first four seals is followed with one of the four beasts issuing a command to “come and see.” This is another spot that is different in other translations that leave out the words “and see,” and that makes sense to me in context. Wuest’s expanded Greek translation for “Come and see” stated, “Be coming.” That emphasized to me that the effects resulting from the opening of each seal would occur over an indefinite period of time. This also supports the connection between these seals and the corresponding signs that are identified as birth pains in the Olivet Discourse that would signal His physical return to establish His Kingdom. It leaves room for speculation regarding the timing of the opening of the seals and the actual start of the tribulation or 70th week of Daniel.
Matthew 24:6-7 For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many. And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. (Mark 13:5-8 and Luke 21:8-11 are companion records of this teaching.)
Matthew 24:8 All these are the beginning of sorrows.
“sorrows” = a pang or throe, especially of childbirth
Birth pains are always connected to impending birth. They continue to increase in intensity and frequency until birth is accomplished.
As Jesus begins to open the seals, He is moving forward His plan to fulfill prophecy, culminating in the 70th week appointed for Israel and the appointed time of wrath against His enemies and His return as King.
There are some people that think the rider on the white horse is Jesus. I don’t see how; He is the one opening the seals. These riders and horses are all related; they all represent judgment.
I think the rider on the white horse is Satan, representing all those claiming to be Christ, going forth to exert his power and influence on the world, eventually gaining his greatest influence through the being we call Antichrist. His purpose is to conquer the world. Note that he is carrying a bow. Research indicates that this word references the arc or crescent shape of the weapon he carries. The scientific names of some organisms were derived from its Greek root “toxon” because of their shape, e.g. toxoplasma. The word is singular and includes no reference to arrows; in other words, he will represent himself as a “messiah” figure. He will first appear as a man of peace, an angel of light, but his actions are toxic (poisonous). I think this is an accurate description of all false christs—those claiming to be messiah.
2 Corinthians 11:14–15 And no marvel; for Satan himself is transformed into an angel of light. Therefore it is no great thing if his ministers also be transformed as the ministers of righteousness; whose end shall be according to their works.
Satan will be victorious for a time as indicated by his crown (Greek, stephanos – a wreath, the prize in public games or competition). Significant to note is that the crown he wears represents authority, but it has been given to him—not earned. Upon creation God gave man dominion over the earth.
Genesis 1:26 And God said, Let us make man in our image, after our likeness: and let them have dominion over the fish of the sea, and over the fowl of the air, and over the cattle, and over all the earth, and over every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth.
Man basically handed the control of this world over to Satan when he chose to sin by believing Satan rather than trusting God. Satan has been busy ever since, seeking to deceive and destroy men.
1 Peter 5:8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour….
2 Corinthians 4:3–4 But if our gospel be hid, it is hid to them that are lost: In whom the god of this world hath blinded the minds of them which believe not, lest the light of the glorious gospel of Christ, who is the image of God, should shine unto them.
Paul makes it clear that when Jesus called him to witness to the Gentiles, it was to deliver them from the power of Satan unto God. His call as stated in Acts 26:18 was to “open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan unto God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins, and inheritance among them which are sanctified by faith that is in me.”
It has ever been Satan’s desire to attain the position of God…
Isaiah 14:12–14 How art thou fallen from heaven, O Lucifer, son of the morning! how art thou cut down to the ground, which didst weaken the nations! For thou hast said in thine heart, I will ascend into heaven, I will exalt my throne above the stars of God: I will sit also upon the mount of the congregation, in the sides of the north: I will ascend above the heights of the clouds; I will be like the most High.
… and he will eventually attempt to establish his throne as God in the temple in Jerusalem during the tribulation.
2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition; Who opposeth and exalteth himself above all that is called God, or that is worshipped; so that he as God sitteth in the temple of God, shewing himself that he is God.
Satan will reach his greatest position of earthly power when he indwells and empowers the antichrist to perform “lying wonders,” apparent miracles that many will assume has to be from God. They will be greatly deceived.
2 Thessalonians 2:8–10 And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders, And with all deceivableness of unrighteousness in them that perish; because they received not the love of the truth, that they might be saved.”
The second rider is on a red horse and carries a sword; his purpose is to eliminate any kind of peace on earth by provoking people to kill one another. Notice that the power of this rider also is given to him. By whom? The One who possesses the authority to open the seals—Jesus.
This rider falls right in line with the next “sign” that Jesus identified to His disciples as part of the birth pains that would precede “the end,” the destruction of the world as we now know it under the rule of Satan and the establishment of a true new world order when Jesus returns as KING of kings.
Matthew 24:3 And as he sat upon the mount of Olives, the disciples came unto him privately, saying, Tell us, when shall these things be? and what shall be the sign of thy coming, and of the end of the world?
Matthew 24:6-7 And ye shall hear of wars and rumours of wars: see that ye be not troubled: for all these things must come to pass, but the end is not yet. For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom….
I think a look at history proves that the twentieth century marked a time when war and rumors of war on a worldwide scale increased dramatically both in number and intensity.
When the third seal is opened, we see a black horse with a rider that is carrying a pair of balances or scales. He is empowered to destroy the world’s economy and promote worldwide poverty. The picture painted is one of famine although there will still be many that will enjoy life with plenty and luxury. Though there has always been a distinction in social levels among the peoples of the world, I think that since the turn of the century in particular, there has been a marked change in the world financial picture. The economies of the nations of the world are interdependent on one another more than ever before, and the size of the gulf between the rich and poor continues to increase at an exponential rate.
I looked up the original words for oil and wine and was reminded that they are representative of the main crops associated with Israel. Maybe this is an indication that the rider on this horse is not allowed to affect the crops of the nation of Israel during this time. In His book entitled Footsteps of the Messiah, Arnold Fruchtenbaum states that he believes the command not to touch the oil and wine are an act of God’s mercy since they were used for medicinal purposes.
Again, this rider and the next directly connect to the final signs identified as birth pains by Jesus in Matthew.
Matthew 24:7-8 “… and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. All these are the beginning of sorrows.”
The opening of the 4th seal brings forth a rider called Death on a pale (chloros = pale green) horse. This rider is the only one that has a companion that follows him—Hell. (Death for the body; Hell for the soul.) They are given power to kill over a fourth part of the earth using: 1-sword (violence), 2-hunger (famine), 3-death (includes disease and pestilence), and 4-beasts of the earth. I have often heard commentators use the beasts of the earth to represent germs and viruses; but according to the Greek, it refers to wild, dangerous, venomous animals or beasts. I think the germs and viruses would be included in “death.” It is interesting that the companion rider is Hell. We know that when believers die, they are absent from the body and present with the LORD; and I believe that will continue to be true for all believers since the resurrection of Jesus.
2 Corinthians 5:6–8 Therefore we are always confident, knowing that, whilst we are at home in the body, we are absent from the Lord: (For we walk by faith, not by sight:) We are confident, I say, and willing rather to be absent from the body, and to be present with the Lord.
It’s always hard for me to process the death of so many. Those that die will be a cumulative result from violence, famines, disease, and “death” specifically caused by the actions of these last two riders over the period of time impacted by this seal.
All of these riders represent Satan and his followers at work wreaking havoc while accomplishing God’s purpose in the process. Thinking—Satan as the “god of this world” is allowed to influence world events—causing famines, introducing new diseases, etc., often working through evil men. He may have more direct influence than we realize. We certainly know that God allowed him to use evil men, control the weather and cause disease in his attacks against Job (cf Job 1-2).
Rev. 6:9 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:
Rev. 6:10 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?
Rev. 6:11 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.
“under the altar” – the place of sacrifice
At the opening of the fifth seal we see martyred souls under the altar asking God when He will avenge their deaths. Again, this fits right in with the narrative from Matthew.
Matthew 24:9–10 Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name’s sake. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.
Though Jesus was talking to His Jewish disciples and Matthew is writing to the Jews, He is also talking to those that formed the foundational pillars of the church. Though there is specific address to the Jewish people as a whole in some of the wording in Matthew, I think the specific reference is to martyrs of the faith.
Another quote from Seiss that I liked applied here, “All martyrs are contemplated as sacrifices to God. And as sacrifices to the heavenly altar, their souls pass into the sacred receptacle beneath that altar. It is precisely the place where we would most naturally expect them to be….”
David Guzik also made a pertinent point: “That these souls are under the altar emphasizes that their life blood was poured out as an offering to God. The idea is drawn from Leviticus 4:7, ‘And he shall pour the remaining blood at the base of the altar of the burnt offering.’”
I have most often heard these verses taught as representing those who have died as martyrs during the first part of the tribulation, but I now believe these are martyrs from the church age.
It’s interesting that they are not rebuked for wanting God to take revenge on and judge with condemnation those responsible for their deaths. Instead, they are just told to rest and wait for a short period of time. What are they waiting for? For the death of the final martyr of the church age. The phrase “should be fulfilled” indicates that there is a number that will make full or complete. As always, God knows the end from the beginning—down to the final martyr of the church age.
Note from Dixie: “They are not questioning if God will judge; they know He will. They are asking how long they will have to wait to see this judgment.”
Psalm 58:10 The righteous shall rejoice when he seeth the vengeance: he shall wash his feet in the blood of the wicked.
Psalm 58:11 So that a man shall say, Verily there is a reward for the righteous: verily he is a God that judgeth in the earth.
Again, Joseph Seiss has a quote that applies: “There are no voices of command from heaven under this seal, and no messengers dispatched from the throne; for the reason, that bloody persecutions of God’s servants come from beneath—not from above. It is the devil who is the murderer from the beginning, and by him, and his seed, has all martyr blood been made to flow that ever has flowed or ever will.”
The martyrs are given white robes to cover them while they wait. The entry for “robes” indicates that it is a garment that is a mark of dignity. They have been given a special position of honor in heaven, and vengeance on their behalf will be God’s at the perfect time.
Deuteronomy 32:35 To me belongeth vengeance, and recompence; their foot shall slide in due time: for the day of their calamity is at hand, and the things that shall come upon them make haste.
Psalm 94:1 O LORD God, to whom vengeance belongeth; O God, to whom vengeance belongeth, shew thyself.
Romans 12:19 Dearly beloved, avenge not yourselves, but rather give place unto wrath: for it is written, Vengeance is mine; I will repay, saith the Lord.
The fact that they are referred to as souls seems to indicate that they have yet to receive their resurrected bodies. I think they will join the body of Christ before the throne that is referenced in Revelation 7:9 when their number is complete and believers are resurrected to their immortal bodies at the rapture.
“they should rest yet for a little season” – Once again we note that the perspective of time from heaven is quite different from the perspective on earth.
Psalms 90:4 For a thousand years in thy sight are but as yesterday when it is past, and as a watch in the night.
2 Peter 3:8 But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day.
It is in light of that truth that I believe these seals are already open. As to exactly when each of the first four seals were opened, I do not know. The fifth seal is outside the scope of those described as birth pains, and I believe represents all the martyrs of the church age. It also indicates that the first four seals were opened shortly after Jesus ascended to heaven at the start of the church age.
Rev. 6:12 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;
Rev. 6:13 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.
Rev. 6:14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.
Rev. 6:15 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;
Rev. 6:16 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:
Rev. 6:17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?
When Jesus opens the sixth seal, several things happen.
There is a great earthquake.
The sun turns black.
The moon turns red (looks like blood).
The stars of heaven fall toward the earth.
The heavens appear to roll up like a scroll. (“The picture of the universe from Hubble is in the shape of a scroll,” Jon Courson.)
Every mountain and island moves out of position.
The men of the earth (no matter their position or rank) seek to hide themselves in fear. They seem to recognize that these events are supernatural and must originate from God. In fact, the wording in verses 16-17 indicates that this time is recognized as the wrath of the Lamb (Jesus). Isaiah also talks about this time.
Isaiah 2:20-21 In that day a man shall cast his idols of silver, and his idols of gold, which they made each one for himself to worship, to the moles and to the bats; To go into the clefts of the rocks, and into the tops of the ragged rocks, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty, when he ariseth to shake terribly the earth.
The truth is that you can’t hide from God.
Jeremiah 23:24 Can any hide himself in secret places that I shall not see him? saith the LORD. Do not I fill heaven and earth? saith the LORD.
The results from the breaking of this seal are very wide-ranging and chaotic. Many questions come to mind. I’ve heard many commentators relate some of these events to the aftermath of a nuclear explosion. John’s terminology does allow for comparison to something when he uses the term “as.” He is saying that this is what he sees—an actual earthquake, a changing of color of the sun and moon, and an actual falling of the stars from heaven toward earth (then he gives a word picture of what their falling looks like). It’s a little harder to understand what he is saying regarding the heavens being rolled together; he is clearly trying to paint a word picture of what he is seeing in this instance. Then, he goes right back to actual happenings—mountains and islands being moved out of position and men hiding in caves.
There is no specific location identified as the center point of these events. They appear to have worldwide impact. This earthquake is so powerful that it causes the mountains and islands of the earth to change positions. The 9.0 earthquake in Indonesia in December 2004 and the Japan Earthquake in March 2011 could foreshadow this event. Following is an excerpt from Wikipedia regarding these quakes.
Re 2004: “The magnitude of the earthquake was originally recorded as 9.0 on the Richter scale, but has been upgraded to between 9.1 and 9.3. At this magnitude, it is the second largest earthquake ever recorded on a seismograph. This earthquake was also reported to be the longest duration of faulting ever observed, lasting between 500 and 600 seconds (8.3 to 10 minutes), and it was large enough that it caused the entire planet to vibrate as much as half an inch, or over a centimeter. It also triggered earthquakes in other locations as far away as Alaska.”
Re 2011: It was “one of the five most powerful earthquakes in the world since modern record-keeping began in 1900. The earthquake triggered powerful tsunami waves that reached heights of up to 40.5 meters (133 ft)….The earthquake moved Honshu (the main island of Japan) 2.4 m (8 ft) east and shifted the Earth on its axis by estimates of between 10 cm (4 in) and 25 cm (10 in).”
For the sun to turn black might reference an extended eclipse-like effect. The red moon would provide even less light than normal for the night. The effects on the sun and moon would appear to be temporary since the trumpet judgments will again affect these heavenly bodies (Rev. 8:12 & 16:8). This would fit in with the limited duration of an earthquake and the dissipation of the effects of volcanoes—although the resulting damage would be enduring.
Haggai has another good cross reference to these events:
Haggai 2:6-7 For thus saith the LORD of hosts; Yet once, it is a little while, and I will shake the heavens, and the earth, and the sea, and the dry land; And I will shake all nations, and the desire of all nations shall come: and I will fill this house with glory, saith the LORD of hosts.
Henry Morris provides some scientific insight: “…the vast worldwide network of unstable earthquake belts around the world suddenly will begin to slip and fracture on a global basis and a gigantic earthquake will ensue. This is evidently, and naturally, accompanied by tremendous volcanic eruptions, spewing vast quantities of dust and steam and gases into the upper atmosphere. It is probably these that will cause the sun to be darkened and the moon to appear blood-red.”
It would seem that the stars falling toward earth are just allowed to get close to earth, and then God supernaturally destroys them before they destroy earth since that is not His intent at this time. This could be supported by the terminology in Isaiah talking about the host of heaven dissolving.
Isaiah 34:4 And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.
The emphasis seems to be on instilling a godly fear into man. God is trying to get his attention before it is too late for men to recognize who He is and turn to Him in faith and repentance. This reasoning seems to be supported with a cross reference in Joel talking about this time.
Joel 2:30-32 And I will shew wonders in the heavens and in the earth, blood, and fire, and pillars of smoke. The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before the great and the terrible day of the LORD come. And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call on the name of the LORD shall be delivered: for in mount Zion and in Jerusalem shall be deliverance, as the LORD hath said, and in the remnant whom the LORD shall call.
Only this verse and Acts 2:20 and Revelation 6:12 reference the moon turning to blood before the day of the LORD comes.
Acts 2:20 The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come.
I keep looking for a clue regarding the heavens rolling up like a scroll and the mountains and islands being moved out of their places since they are mentioned as a pairing in the same sentence. In Isaiah the pairing is with the heavens rolling together and the hosts of heaven falling and dissolving. I guess it could be the optical illusion that one would get from seeing the stars hurtling from the heavens toward earth at such speed. I really don’t know. Again, the key seems to be making men fear and forcing them to recognize that there is a “God” who controls the universe and is trying to get their attention.
Note that verse seventeen specifically states that men recognize that the “great day of His wrath is come.” In context, the “His” is in reference is to the One on the throne (God the Father) and the Lamb (identified as Jesus, the risen Savior in chapter 5).
This great day of wrath is referenced many times in scripture. It is a time in which God will exact vengeance against His enemies and all that is wicked in this world. Although God has exacted judgment against the nations of the world throughout history as recorded in scripture, this “day of the LORD” or great day of wrath judgment will be worldwide and will occur before Jesus returns as King.
Isaiah 2:10–12 & 17 Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the LORD, and for the glory of his majesty. The lofty looks of man shall be humbled, and the haughtiness of men shall be bowed down, and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day. For the day of the LORD of hosts shall be upon every one that is proud and lofty, and upon every one that is lifted up; and he shall be brought low… And the loftiness of man shall be bowed down, and the haughtiness of men shall be made low: and the LORD alone shall be exalted in that day.
Isaiah 13:6&11 Howl ye; for the day of the LORD is at hand; it shall come as a destruction from the Almighty….And I will punish the world for their evil, and the wicked for their iniquity; and I will cause the arrogancy of the proud to cease, and will lay low the haughtiness of the terrible.
Nahum 1:2 God is jealous, and the LORD revengeth; the LORD revengeth, and is furious; the LORD will take vengeance on his adversaries, and he reserveth wrath for his enemies.
Malachi 4:5–6“Behold, I will send you Elijah the prophet before the coming of the great and dreadful day of the LORD….
Acts 2:19–20 And I will shew wonders in heaven above, and signs in the earth beneath; blood, and fire, and vapour of smoke: The sun shall be turned into darkness, and the moon into blood, before that great and notable day of the Lord come….
1 Thessalonians 5:1–3 But of the times and the seasons, brethren, ye have no need that I write unto you. For yourselves know perfectly that the day of the Lord so cometh as a thief in the night. For when they shall say, Peace and safety; then sudden destruction cometh upon them, as travail upon a woman with child; and they shall not escape.
I am convinced that the events of the sixth seal begin the final “day of the LORD,” the time of God’s wrath and vengeance against His enemies and all that is wicked in this world. It is this time from which believers are promised deliverance; and they will be seen standing before the throne in chapter 7.
I found a quote in an article by Peter Goodgame (www.redmoonrising.com) from John Abent’s book, Signs in the Heavens: Biblical Prophecy and Astronomy. He states that the sixth seal and seventh bowl judgments “form a giant inclusio in the Greek. With the sixth seal open we are told that the great Day of God’s/the Lamb’s wrath ‘has come’ and with the seventh vial we are told ‘it is done.’”
I just realized that I hadn’t expressed my thoughts clearly regarding the timing of the tribulation or 70th week of Daniel in relation to the “day of the LORD” or time of God’s wrath. 2Thessalonians 2:3 stipulates that the man of sin (the Antichrist) be revealed before the beginning of the day of the LORD.
2 Thessalonians 2:3 “Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition….”
Based on all my studies, the first thing that identifies the Antichrist will be the signing of the covenant referenced in Daniel 9:27.
Daniel 9:27 “And he shall confirm the covenant with many for one week: and in the midst of the week he shall cause the sacrifice and the oblation to cease, and for the overspreading of abominations he shall make it desolate, even until the consummation, and that determined shall be poured upon the desolate.”
Conclusion, the Antichrist will sign the covenant before the opening of the sixth seal.
And just to be clear—The rapture must occur before the Antichrist is revealed.
2 Thessalonians 2:6–9 “And now ye know what withholdeth that he might be revealed in his time. For the mystery of iniquity doth already work: only he who now letteth will let, until he be taken out of the way. And then shall that Wicked be revealed, whom the Lord shall consume with the spirit of his mouth, and shall destroy with the brightness of his coming: Even him, whose coming is after the working of Satan with all power and signs and lying wonders….””
The Greek for the word withholdeth states “to hold down…retain.” The same Greek word is translated letteth in verse 7. In other words, there is a force in the form of a person that is “holding down” or preventing the revealing of the Antichrist. That being has to be stronger than Satan, the power behind the Antichrist. I believe the only possible conclusion is that this is a reference to the Holy Spirit—who is now indwelling the body of believers. Only after the Holy Spirit is “taken out of the way” will the Antichrist be revealed. For the Holy Spirit to be taken out of the way, the body of believers must be taken out of the way. That will happen when the LORD gathers His people together in the rapture.
This appears to be a good place to talk about other things that I believe will be happening on earth in the first part of the tribulation, which will run concurrently from this point on with “the day of the LORD.” I believe the two witnesses (to be discussed in chapter 11) will be on active duty during the first half of the tribulation since their death seems to occur with the 6th trumpet/2nd woe. They will minister on earth for the first 3.5 years; then Antichrist is given full power for the last 3.5 years. It would appear that he comes on the scene in full power when Satan indwells him after being banished from heaven. But we will discuss that more fully when we reach that section.