Revelation 6
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1I saw that the Lamb opened one of the seven seals, and I heard one of the four living creatures saying, as with a voice of thunder, “Come and see!” 2And behold, a white horse, and he who sat on it had a bow. A crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer. 3When he opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come!” 4Another came out, a red horse. To him who sat on it was given power to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another. There was given to him a great sword. 5When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature saying, “Come and see!” And behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a balance in his hand. 6I heard a voice in the middle of the four living creatures saying, “A choenix of wheat for a denarius, and three choenix of barley for a denarius! Don’t damage the oil and the wine!” 7When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see!” 8And behold, a pale horse, and he who sat on it, his name was Death. Hades followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him. 9When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. 10They cried with a loud voice, saying, “How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?” 11A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course. 12I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood. 13The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind. 14The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places. 15The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. 16They told the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, 17for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?”
World English Bible (public domain)
“"...for the great day of their wrath has come, and who can stand?"”
Revelation 6:17
Summary
Revelation chapter 6 marks the opening of the first six seals by the Lamb, which represent various events ushering in the end times. The first four seals release the Four Horsemen, each symbolizing different aspects of human chaos: conquest, violence, economic instability, and death. As the fifth seal is opened, John witnesses the souls of martyrs under the altar, crying out for justice and divine retribution against their persecutors. The sixth seal unleashes apocalyptic natural disasters, including a great earthquake, darkened sun, blood-red moon, and falling stars, instigating widespread panic among people, who plead for mountains and rocks to shield them from the wrath of God and the Lamb. This chapter underscores the impending divine judgment and the call for believers to remain steadfast amidst persecution and cosmic turmoil.
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Chapter outline
How Revelation 6 unfolds
Revelation 6:1–2 The First Seal: Conquest
The Lamb opens the first seal, revealing a rider on a white horse, symbolizing conquest and victory, equipped with a bow and a crown.
Revelation 6:3–4 The Second Seal: War
The second seal is opened, introducing a red horse whose rider is given power to cause conflict and violence among people.
Revelation 6:5–6 The Third Seal: Famine
With the opening of the third seal, a black horse appears, representing famine, as indicated by a voice announcing inflated prices for grain.
Revelation 6:7–8 The Fourth Seal: Death
The fourth seal reveals a pale horse, whose rider is named Death, given authority over a quarter of the earth to bring destruction.
Revelation 6:9–11 The Fifth Seal: Martyrs' Cry
Under the altar, the souls of martyrs call out for justice, receiving white robes and assurance of eventual vindication.
Revelation 6:12–14 The Sixth Seal: Cosmic Disturbances
Upon opening the sixth seal, apocalyptic signs appear, including an earthquake and darkened celestial bodies, signaling impending judgment.
Revelation 6:15–17 Human Response to Wrath
The powerful and the weak alike hide in fear, recognizing the arrival of divine wrath and questioning who can withstand it.
Key verses
Revelation 6:17Revelation 6:17 encapsulates the chapter's emphasis on the certainty of divine judgment and the urgency for preparedness.
Main themes in Revelation 6
Divine Judgment
The theme of divine judgment surfaces with the opening of the seals, particularly in verses 12-17. The vivid imagery of cosmic upheaval, along with the terrified response of humanity, underscores the seriousness of God’s impending judgment and its far-reaching implications. This theme serves to remind believers of their accountability before God and the urgent need to live in a manner that reflects their faith in light of such divine scrutiny.
Persecution and Martyrdom
Persecution and martyrdom are highlighted in verses 9-11, where the souls of slain believers cry out for justice from the altar. This poignant moment reveals the profound cost of remaining faithful to God's Word and the Lamb, even in the face of suffering and death. The chapter emphasizes the vital importance of endurance and hope for those enduring persecution, highlighting that their sacrifices are recognized and will ultimately be vindicated.
End Times Imagery
End times imagery is pervasive throughout the chapter, especially in the descriptions of the Four Horsemen and the apocalyptic signs in verses 12-14. These vivid symbols illustrate the chaos and tribulation that characterize the last days. The chapter encourages readers to remain vigilant and prepared for the culmination of God’s plan.
Sovereignty of God
The sovereignty of God is evident as the Lamb opens the seals, demonstrating His control over the unfolding events of history, especially in verses 1-2. Through the chaos and judgment depicted in this chapter, God's purposes prevail, assuring believers of His ultimate authority over all circumstances. This perspective encourages a deep trust in God's plan, inviting believers to remain steadfast in their faith even amidst uncertainty and turmoil.
Cross-references
Passages that echo Revelation 6
- Matthew 24Both passages discuss apocalyptic events and signs that precede the end times, emphasizing the reality of divine judgment.
- Joel 2Joel's prophetic imagery of cosmic disturbances resonates with the signs in Revelation 6, both highlighting impending judgment.
- Revelation 16Revelation 16 connects with the theme of divine wrath, elaborating on the consequences of rejecting God during the end times.
- Revelation 19The imagery of judgment in Revelation 19 echoes the themes of accountability and divine intervention present in this chapter.
- Revelation 20Revelation 20 develops the theme of ultimate judgment, aligning with the warnings of divine retribution found in Revelation 6.
- Revelation 8The judgments in Revelation 8 parallel the cosmic disturbances of the sixth seal, emphasizing God's sovereign control over creation.
Study questions
Questions for studying Revelation 6
- What does the white horse and its rider symbolize in this chapter?
- How does the imagery of the fourth horse contribute to the chapter's themes?
- What do the martyrs under the altar ask the Lamb in verse 10?
- How do the natural disasters in verses 12-14 reflect biblical prophecy?
- What is the significance of the response from the people in verses 15-17?
- How does each seal opened by the Lamb illustrate human suffering?
- What assurance is given to the martyrs in verse 11 about their fate?
Revelation 6: frequently asked questions
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