6:1ffThis is the first of three seven-part judgments. The trumpets (chapters 8-9) and the bowls (chapter 16) are the other two. As each seat is opened, Christ the Lamb sets in motion events that will bring about the end of human history. This scroll is not completely opened until the seventh seal is broken (8:1). The contents of the scroll reveal humanity's depravity and portray God’s authority over the events of human history.
Life Application Study BibleRevelationChapter 6
Revelation 6
New Living Translation · Life Application Study Bible · Original pages: 2180, 2181
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6Revelation 6
The Lamb Breaks the First Six Seals
1As I watched, the Lamb broke the first of the seven seals on the scroll.* Then I heard one of the four living beings say with a voice like thunder, “Come!” 2I looked up and saw a white horse standing there. Its rider carried a bow, and a crown was placed on his head. He rode out to win many battles and gain the victory. 3When the Lamb broke the second seal, I heard the second living being say, “Come 4Then another horse appeared, a red one. Its rider was given a mighty sword and the authority to take peace from the earth. And there was war and slaughter everywhere. 5When the Lamb broke the third seal, I heard the third living being say, “Come!” I looked up and sawa black horse, and its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. 6And I heard a voice from among the four living beings say, “A loaf of wheat bread or three loaves of barley will cost a day’s pay.* And don’t waste* the olive oil and wine.” 7When the Lamb broke the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living being say, “Come!” ®I looked up and saw a horse whose color was pale green. Its rider was named Death, and his companion was the Grave. 8These two were given authority over one-fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword and famine and disease* and wild animals. 9When the Lamb broke the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of all who had been martyred for the word of God and for being faithful in their testimony. 10They shouted to the LORD and said, 11O Sovereign LORD, holy and true, how long before you judge the people who belong to this world and avenge our blood for what they have done to us?” Then a white robe was given to each of them. And they were told to rest a little longer until the full number of their brothers and sisters*—their fellow servants of Jesus who were to be martyred—had joined them. 12I watched as the Lamb broke the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became as dark as black cloth, and the moon became as red as blood. *3Then the stars of the sky fell to the earth like green figs falling from a tree shaken by a strong wind. 14The sky was rolled up like a scroll, and all of the mountains and islands were moved from their places. ‘SThen everyone—the kings of the earth, the rulers, the generals, the wealthy, the powerful, and every slave and free person—all hid themselves in the caves and among the rocks of the mountains. 16And they cried to the mountains and the rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of the one who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb. 17For the great day of their wrath has come, and who is able to survive?”
Textual footnotes
- A denarius was equivalent to a laborer’s full day's wage.
- \"
- 6:1 Or book.
- 6:6a Greek A choinix [1 quart or 1 liter] of wheat for a denarius, and 3 choinix of barley tor a denarius.
- 6:6b Or harm.
- 6:8a Greek was Hades.
- 6:8b Greek death,
- 6:11 Greek their brothers.
Life Application Notes 5 notes
6:2ffFour horses appear as the first four seals are opened. The horses represent God's judgment of people's sin and rebellion. God is directing human history—even using his enemies to accomplish his purposes. The four horses are a foretaste of the final judgments yet to come. Some view this chapter as a parallel to the Olivet Discourse (see Matthew 24). The imagery of four horses is also found in Zechariah 6:1-8.
6:2-8Each of the four horses is a different color. Some assume that the white horse represents victory and that its rider must be Christ (because Christ later rides to victory on a white horse— 19:11). But because the other three horses relate to judgment and destruction, this rider on a white horse would most likely Not be Christ. The four are part of the unfolding judgment of God, and it would be premature for Christ to ride forth as conqueror. The other horses represent different kinds of judgment: red for warfare and bloodshed; black for famine; pale green for death. The high prices of wheat and barley illustrate famine conditions. But the worst is yet to come.
6:4Complete peace will only come when Christ returns. The picture in Revelation of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is cause for great joy. When believers see these events happening. they will know that their Messiah’s return is coming soon, and they can look forward to his reign of justice and peace. Rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ's return to bring justice and restoration to his people.
6:8{tis not clear whether “the Grave” was on a separate horse than Death or merely rode along with Death, but the riders described in verses 2-8 are commonly referred to as the four , §:15-17 At the sight of God sitting on the throne, all human beings, great and small, will be terrified, calling for the mountains to fall on them so that they will not have to face the judg- Ment of the Lamb. This vivid picture was not intended to frighten believers. For them, the Lamb is a gentle Savior. But those kings, Tulers, and generals and other powerful people who previously showed no fear of God and arrogantly flaunted their unbelief will find that they were wrong, and in that day they will have to face God's wrath. No one who has rejected God can survive the day of his wrath, but those who belong to Christ will receive a reward father than punishment. Do you belong to Christ? If so, you need Not fear these final days. 7:1#f The sixth seal has been opened, and the people of the earth have tried to hide from God, saying, “Who is able to survive?” (6:12-17). Just when all hope seems lost, four angels hold back the four winds of judgment until God’s people are sealed as his own. Only then will God open the seventh seal (8:1).
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Study feature · page 2181
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‘ 6:12 The sixth seal changes the scene back to the physical world. The first five judgments were directed toward specific areas, but this judgment is universal. Everyone will be afraid when the earth itself trembles.
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