Revelation 6 – The Opening of the Seals

Revelation 6:1

Then I saw when (1) the Lamb broke one of the seven seals, and I heard (2) one of the four living creatures saying (3) with a voice of thunder, (4) “Come.”

1. The Lamb is the one opening the seals, not angels or anything else. These are God’s things that He has sealed up by His divine plan.
2. It is part of the heavens that responds.  Jesus opens the seals, and in response, it is the creatures that surround the throne that give the command in response.  This speaks to the authority and jurisdiction of the little book that is opened, that the breaking of the seals corresponds to their level of the government of the Kingdom.  As these creatures surround the throne of God, hence the throne of David (1 Chronicles 29:23), this is speaking, as it appears, to the Kingdom of God.  As it is, this gives strong indication that the scroll of the book pertains to the Kingdom and the receivership of Jesus of it.
3. Many times in Revelation this describes the sound of the voices.  The voice of the Lord is as the sound of many rushing waters.  It is a real thing, and yet in study, it demonstrates the authority of that voice.  Inherent in that sound, that undeniable sound, is the authority of that command.  As the angel Gabriel spoke to Mary, in a transliteration, “No rhema of God is without dunamis” (Luke 1:37).  That is, no freshly spoken word of God is without the self inherent power to fulfill itself.  As the ministers of heaven speak on behalf of God only, or are cast out, the authority they release is the authority of God, and the power of the Word they speak is the power of God.  The authority of the command is backed by the power inherent in it.  It will not fail, nor return void.  As is the case in this, and every other decree of God, this will be accomplished.
4. This is the command.  The target of the command is not in view in the verse itself, but it is implicit in the passage that the command is targeted to a specific individual, the rider on the white horse, which is next seen.

Revelation 6:2

(1) I looked, and (2) behold, a white horse, and (3) he who sat on it had a bow; (4)and a crown was given to him, (3) and he went out conquering and to conquer.

1. John looks in response to the command of ‘Come’ in the last verse.
2. This is what John sees in response to the command at the issuance of the first seal.
3. The one sitting on the horse is seen as holding a bow.  Many make a great deal of inference over the lack of mention of the arrows, however, whether or not this is the relevant is speculative.  Others make a great deal of issuance that this must be Jesus Christ on the white horse.  No where specifically in the text does it seem to necessitate this interpretation.  It would be prudent here also to point out that in no way does the presence of a bow in this verse directly indicate that there will be a literal bow (for shooting arrows) in the earth at the fulfillment of this verse.  Indeed, bows did exist, but the bow in the rider of the horse is either purely symbolic (most probably), or, possibly, secondarily, is of a spiritual quality in the hands of whichever spiritual entity that is seen in view.  We should not expect a literal bow in view here, nor should we of the various equipment of the other seals.
4. What the rider does is the most determining factor on this verse.  He went out conquering and to conquer.  This would describe the general conditions leading up to the 70 AD events.  These and the other four horsemen describe the general conditions leading up to the actual siege of Jerusalem.  They are the general conditions of the climate of the world, the Roman empire, and the environs of Jerusalem.  Therefore, specific events are not explicitly mentioned in most of these seals.

Revelation 6:3

(1) When He broke (2) the second seal, (3) I heard the second living creature saying, (4) “Come.”

1. Again, the Lamb opens the seals.
2. This is the second of the seven.
3. The four creatures will speak in turn.  As this is the second seal, the second creature speaks.  It begs the question, since they are called the first, second, etc, and we understand a sequence in the seals, is there a sequence to the living creatures as well?  Probably not, but, perhaps.
4. As with the other seals, the command is given to a yet unseen party, about to be revealed.

 Revelation 6:4

And (1) another, (2) a red horse, went out; (3) and to him who sat on it, it was granted to take peace from the earth, (4) and that men would slay one another; (5) and a great sword was given to him.

1. another – another horse
2. The horse is described as red, and it also went out.  Where it was prior is not revealed, only that it went out at the command to “Come”.
3. The one on the horse was granted to take peace.  This certainly would not describe the Lord Jesus, nor would the other riders.  This would seem to give strong credence, although not positive proof, that the first rider is of the same order as the other three, and is not Jesus either.  Again, while it is not guaranteed, it seems a reasonable enough proof that those on the horses are under the command of the living creatures, and so, the Lord Jesus could not be in view on the first seal either.  To put it the other way around, would put the Lord under the jurisdiction of the scroll and the seals themselves, instead of the other way around.  The living creatures are in charge of the keeping of the first four seals, and the four horsemen are under the direction of the creatures.  Since Jesus is worthy to open the seals, the prospect that Jesus would be the rider on the first house is extremely slim, if not none at all.  Let the reader decide.
4. Men would slay each other indicates the condition of unrest in the Earth.
5. This is symbolized by a sword.  Again, there is no actual literal sword here, only, perhaps on a small measure, a spiritual sword in the hands of this spiritual entity, the second horseman.  However, it is generally to be understand as a prophetic picture of what the horseman will carry out.  This sword is seen in its effects, and is never understood to be a physical, earthly reality.

 Revelation 6:5

When (1) He broke the third seal, (2) I heard the third living creature saying, “Come.” (3) I looked, and behold, a black horse; (4) and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand.

1. The Lamb continues opening the scroll.  All seals must be opened before the scroll can be opened at all.  It is not a progressive revelation, it is all or nothing.
2. The third living creature again has command over the black horse, and commands it as the others.
3. The rider of the black horse is often referred to as “famine”.  Whether this is an apt description, but it is probable considering the name of the fourth horse is “death”.  This would bring some into question the connection of these horses with Zechariah 1:8.  There, the horses are seen as God’s messengers, here, they are depicted as death, possibly “famine”, and possibly “war”.  Since death is to be defeated, it would seem unlikely that these are specifically the same as the Zechariah horsemen, although it is still possible.
4. The purpose of the scales becomes apparent in the next verse.  We should not expect at all to see that these scales either will be literal.

Revelation 6:6

And I heard (1) something like a voice (2) in the center of the four living creatures saying, (3) “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; (4) and do not damage the oil and the wine.”

1. Something like a voice is a peculiar thing.  It is unclear what this would be.  We know the throne and Him who sits upon it are located as the next portion describes, in the center of the creatures, but whether it is the Lord is not apparent.  It seems unlikely that the Lord would something that is described as something like a voice.  Perhaps it is the throne itself that speaks, but that, too, is speculative.  What does seem to be apparent is that something of a higher dimension than even the creatures has stepped forward to speak.  If it is the throne itself that is speaking, being a spiritual reality in itself, it would speak of the increased authority, but anything within the four creatures would most likely signify that.  It is possible that it is some other dimension of aspect of the government of God, heretofore not considered or understood by the current interpreter, such that a governmental minister may be within the circle of the creatures yet speak forth that judgment, but it can be assured that it is in full accordance with the will and purpose of God, and that whoever is speaking is speaking with His direction and order of rule.
2. In the center of the four creatures indicates the location of the source of this thing that sounds like a voice.
3. This speaks of famine.  The price of grain (wheat and barley) will be drastically increased.  This is what was spoken of by the scales in the prior verse, speaking of trade.  Due to famine, the economic situation as reflected in grain is affected.
4. The oil and the wine were not to be harmed.

Revelation 6:7

When (1) the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard (2) the voice of the fourth living creature saying, (3) “Come.”

1. The Lamb continues opening the seals.
2. This is the last of the four living creatures.
3. The command is the same as the other four, spoken to the yet to be seen horseman.

Revelation 6:8

(1) I looked, and behold, (2) an ashen horse; and (3) he who sat on it (4) had the name Death; (5) and Hades was following with him. (6) Authority was given to them (7) over a fourth of the earth, (8) to kill (9) with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by the wild beasts of the earth.

1. John continues to look as the creatures speak to unseen entities, the horsemen, and continues to see as they obey the voice of the command.
2. Here, John sees the fourth and last horse and horseman, an ashen, or pale, horse, and death.
3. This is the last of the horsemen who inflicts things upon the known world, the Roman empire.
4. The name of this horseman is Death.  Whether this is specifically the same “death” that must defeated as per (1 Corinthians 15:26) is not explicitly given, although the inference could definitely be made.  If so, this certainly places this before the culmination of the Kingdom, in which this enemy must be defeated, which fits with most people’s eschatalogical scope, both of the dispensationalist and the partial preterist.
5. This horseman is followed by hades, the grave.
6. Specifically authority is given to these two.  This authorizes their activities in the Earth from the fiat of God.
7. Describes their jurisdiction of authority: a fourth of the Earth.
8. This describes what they are authorized to do in that jurisdiction:  to kill
9. Describes how they can do this.  Lists four different ways to carry this out:  sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts.

Revelation 6:9

When (1) the Lamb broke the fifth seal, (2) I saw underneath the altar (3) the souls of those who had been slain (4) because of the word of God, and because of the testimony which they had maintained;

1. The Lamb is now breaking the last three seals.
2. It is no longer stated that John “looks”, but that he “sees”.  It is revealed to him the place, which is underneath the altar.  This could speak of either the altar of incense or the altar of burnt sacrifice, following model of the tabernacle.  While it is not clear, I would tend to favor the altar of burnt offerings, since it represents Jesus’ atonement.  These martyrs are slain for the Word of God and the testimony of Jesus, that is testifying to the crucifixion of the Lord.  Hence, while it could be the altar of incense, this is less likely because their cries are righteously for judgment, and not intercession.  It does not change the righteousness of their plea, but would seem to indicate its location.  The cry of the most holy place would be in line with that of the Holy Scriptures of John 3:16, “For God so loved the world that He gave His only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth on Him should not perish but have everlasting life.”  This is the ultimate heart of God upon the mercy seat, yet is only recognized and brought into an individual’s life through entering by the door, Jesus Christ.
3. It is the souls of those who are slain.  Not just the persons, and not their bodies, but their souls are depicted as beneath this altar, crying out for justice from a righteous judge.
4. They were killed because of the Word of God and the Word of their testimony.  Like all the righteous before them, they maintained a purity, which, in their case, brought about their untimely death at the hands of others.  As it was said of Noah, he condemned the world because of his faith.  He was spared death through the ark, but these were brought to their end because of their devotion and constant witness to Jesus, and so they have a special place allotted to them.

Revelation 6:10

and (1) they cried out with a loud voice, saying, “(2) How long, (3) O Lord, holy and true, (4) will You refrain from judging and avenging our blood (5) on those who dwell on the earth?”

1. At this, the fifth seal, they cry out.
2. How Long? is the question they are asking.  They want to know how long, which implies with it the cry for immediacy.  God is not short in keeping His promises, or late in His coming, but they are crying out due to the urgency of their complaint.  Their lives were taken from them for righteousness, and it their cry not just “how long”, but that it might be pulled in.  This is righteous supplication, in crying out for their own complaint, as they ought, and does not appear to be “intercession”, standing between a third party and the Lord on the third party’s behalf.
3. This addresses their complaint to the Lord, always with praise, for He is always and only worthy to be praised.  Their petition is also, therefore, based upon His character, that He is both holy and true.  Because He is holy and true, He must take vengeance upon wickedness, and not allow the evil-doer to escape punishment. Because righteousness and justice are the foundation of His throne (Psalm 89:14), it is the against the nature of God to not answer this request.  Yet, as we will see in a moment, it is in the forebearance of God to determine the exact timing and nature of an appropriate judgment, even as the sin of the Ammorites was required to reach its fullness before it could be judged in the time of the children of Israel in Egypt.  The cry, therefore, both appeals to His perfect justice and is not found to be in rebellion to His perfection in carrying it out.
4. The cry is specifically for vengeance.  Deuteronomy 32:35 says “Vengeance is Mine, and retribution”.  God has claimed ownership of all vengeance, and those beneath the altar are designated their right place only to seek the Lord for it.  However the Lord sees fit to have it carried out, either through the stripes of the Lord through His atonement for those who turn to Him, or in the eternal destruction and ultimate damnation of those who don’t, the wages of sin is death (Romans 6:23), and the blood of the righteous must be atoned for.  Precious in His sight is the death of His saints (Psalm 116:15).
5. The cry for the avenging of blood is specifically targeted to those who are living on the Earth.  As this is looking presumably at a 70 AD fulfillment, and these who are listed are the first century martyrs, this cry is specifically for the vengeance upon the unrepentant of that age.  Not that it wouldn’t have application in principle beyond that age, but under the assumption of a first century fulfillment of Revelation 6-11, this cry for justice from these souls under the altar would have been answered, ultimately, by the destruction of the Jews in 70 AD, as well as the times that follow, including the ultimate overthrow of the Romans in the centuries to follow.

Revelation 6:11

(1) And there was given to each of them a white robe; (2) and they were told that they should rest for a little while longer, (3) until the number of their fellow servants and their brethren who were to be killed even as they had been, would be completed also.

1. They are told that their righteous plea will have to wait.  Yet, God, not being short in anything, gives them solace in the waiting.  Because they have to wait for their perfect justice, a perfect justice in waiting is rewarded to them in being given a white robe.  Most probably, the white robe is counted to them as righteous deeds, as in other places in Revelation.  Because they are commanded to wait, righteousness is credited to their behalf, which Jesus can then reward at His coming.  No delay, appearance of being overlooked or passed over, nor any other thing that we must suffer, both in this life and the one to come, is ever overlooked by the Lord.  His government and leadership is perfect, to the most exacting iota.  This is clear to even the most idle word that we speak (Matthew 12:36), again, seemingly surprisingly, in this life and for these souls already ceased from this life.  Even their cries, after this life, are rewarded, to the glory of the Lord, holy and true.  We must never underestimate the Lord’s great goodness, from the least of our suffering to the greatest.  He who is who sees all is above all, and He is not mocked in the slightest.  We shall all reap what we sow, for good or ill, from the greatest thing to the least.  Let us be reminded, therefore, to run the race with endurance, and not to grow weary in doing good, even in the slightest.  There will be great reward for our labors.
2. They are told they must rest a while longer.  They have been resting, and have spoken at this, the breaking of the fifth seal.  They are told, then, again, that they must rest “a little while longer”.  This is a fairly non-descriptive frame of time.  For some, it seems to stretch for two millennia, for the first century fulfillment, it seems it would be shorter.  Regardless, after the issuance forth of their cries in response to the fifth seal, they are commanded back to rest.  The time will come in its fullness, and they can be contented with their consolation.
3. Describes what they are waiting for, the fullness of the martyrs like themselves.  With a first century fulfillment, this would not be the sum total of all martyrs ever killed, but only those of this specific time period, most like corresponding to the first resurrection.  It is a curious that they must wait for the full number to be killed, yet, this is most likely a reverse reference, that, in the full course of time of their waiting, the full number will be killed.  Thus, the time they must wait is described by the full number, and not the time being defined by the martyrs themselves.  The text does not directly say, but it follows that the reversal is in order due to the party being addressed.

Revelation 6:12-13

(1) I looked when He broke the sixth seal, and (2) there was a great earthquake; and (3) the sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became like blood; and (4) the stars of the sky fell to the earth, as a fig tree casts its unripe figs when shaken by a great wind.

1. This is the second-to-last seal opened by Jesus on the seven-sealed scroll.
2. The immediate effect of this seal being opened is a shaking.  Other commentators point out that the Greek word in view here is “Seismos”, which simply means “shaking”.  Therefore, it does not need to be the earth shaking, but could be the heavens shaking.  This is consistent with the other events that follow, and so the lack of a historical record for a large, physical earthquake should not be ample proof to disqualify this from any particular time period (on its own, that is).
3. In addition to the shaking, the sun and moon will be affected.   Apparently, a solar and lunar eclipse, of some type, are in view.  This happened at Christ’s crucifixion, although it was not a natural solar eclipse (the two cannot happen at the same time as the moon has to be on the opposite side of the Earth to make that happen).
4. The falling of stars cannot be seen as literal, but must be figurative, since we know that a star is much more massive than the Earth itself.  While this could refer to meteorites, it says “of the sky”, so this possibility is in question as well.  This could refer to the loss of their light, or some other thing, but some type of figurative or metaphorical language appears to be in play here, without it specifically being mentioned here.  As with the blood moon, this could refer to an idiom that was common in that day, which was never intended to be taken as an actual occurence.

Revelation 6:14

(1) The sky was split apart like a scroll when it is rolled up, and (2) every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

1. These are more cosmic disturbances.  Of the events that take place with the sixth seal, this one must also be taken as some kind of metaphor by just about anyone who studies this scripture.  In nearly all schools of interpretation, there is chronology beyond the sixth seal, the seventh to say the least.  What does it mean, therefore, that the sky is split apart like a scroll when rolled up?  The picture given is simple enough, even if it’s exact meaning is not.  However, this, and the next sign are so profound, if taken to their fullest extent, on a global or universal level, that there would be little or nothing left of the heavens or the Earth.  In their extreme, with the sky being split or all mountains being completely removed, this seems as though it would signify the end of everything, something that does not occur immediately at this time.
2. Taken at face value, this series of events, as others have pointed out, would seem to be nearly a de-creation of the entire Earth.  Nearly the entirety of the creation is affected in this, and appears to be removed.  One must question whether this must be completely literal, chronological, or if some other type of metaphor is employed in this sequence.  The literal is feasible, except taken in chronological order, the devastation at the sixth seal appears to leave little left upon which the seventh might act.  Quite possibly, however, assuming the context of the destruction of Jerusalem, this refers to the disintegration of the Kingdom of Israel, God’s nation.  Not permanently, for all time, but as they had been disolved from that time until 1948, when Israel was made a nation “in a day” after WWII.

Revelation 6:15-17

(1) Then the kings of the earth and the great men and the commanders and the rich and the strong and every slave and free man (2) hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains; and (3) they said to the mountains and to the rocks, (4) “Fall on us and hide us from the presence of Him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb; (5) for the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to stand?”

1. The word for “the earth” could better be translated “the land”.  Hence, it is not the entire world, but the land in question, Israel.  Seven classes of people are listed here.
2. They hid themselves, indicating an awareness of what was coming upon the Earth.
3. This, again, must be some sort of figurative language.  They are seeking shelter anywhere they can find it.
4. They are appealing to the creation, looking for the creation to hide them from the creator.  In fortresses, in things their hands have created, in the societies and all the other things.  The removal of all veils through the destructions previously outlined leave them completely uncovered, so they finally turn to the earth itself to hide themselves from what is about to come.  The futility of their cry is also in view, as the rocks are hardly likely to respond.  Yet, in their desperate attempt, they cry, in some form or another, to be hidden.  Specifically, this is reflected in the writings of Josephus.  Before being captured, before the siege of Jerusalem, the final three and a half years, he hid himself in a cave, and there discovered 40 others of nobility. Indeed, the people were hiding themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains.  God knows their cries.
5. This, then, is the reason for their lament.  God is coming, and there is nothing they can do to stop it.  Even if they were to hide under the mountains, even there, God would find them.