Studying Revelation Chapter 6
I am studying this challenging chapter today, in preparation for Bible Class tonight. What are your thoughts about this chapter?
Coffman start his thoughts on the chapter with the wide divergence of opinions that exist on what all the images mean. Personally, I’m not really concerned about figuring out each image. The overall spiritual message is what is important to me.
You really have to restrain your imagination when studying Revelation or you will work yourself into delusion. For example, commentators debate the identity of the rider on the white horse. But, Coffman puts it succinctly: “A crown in the scriptural sense upon the head of some profane conqueror is impossible to believe.”
In this chapter, I think it is better to take a sweeping perspective on the action. The more narrow we become, the blurrier the spiritual message. We cannot put individual names on these other riders. They are representative.
I guess 6:12-14 are the most challenging passages. What do you think they mean?
I appreciate your thoughts on this chapter in advance.
Ron 9:29 am on August 24, 2011 Permalink |
Richard, I look at the Revelation in this sort of way: Chapters 6 – 11 are one scene, Chapter 12:20 are another scene. I am in the minority, but that helps me process it better. Moreover, I think your remark relative to a sweeping perspective is wise. Greg Swango wrote a book on Revelation with this in view (Star Publishers).
Mike Riley 11:00 am on August 24, 2011 Permalink |
Richard, for what it’s worth, here’s my stab in interpreting Revelation 6:
Revelation 6:1-2 – First Seal – The White Horse – Here we have a picture of the conquering Christ who rides a “white horse” (cf. Revelation 19:11-16). He is pictured here as being as on who “conquers” (cf. Rev. 14:14; Rev. 17:14). All Christians who are “in Christ” overcomes (1 John 5:4). He goes forth to conquer sinners by the saving Gospel of Christ (Romans 1:16). Christians are literally saved in order to save others.
Revelation 6:3-4 – Second Seal – Red Horse – Here we see a picture of suffering and persecution of Christians who have been “conquered” by the gospel. Paul tells us that persecution will follow one who names the name of Christ (2 Timothy 3:12). We may even be persecuted by our own family (Matthew 10:34-39) if we become a New Testament Christian.
Revelation 6:5-6 – Third Seal – Black Horse – Here is a picture of economic discrimination upon those who obeyed the gospel message (those who were “conquered” by Christ in vs. 2). Also see Revelation 13:17. The measures presented in this text had just enough purchasing power to just barely keep a family alive with no extra money for other necessities of life. Soon, they would more than likely die. Thus, we have death being pictured in vs. 7-8.
Revelation 6:7-8 – Fourth Seal – Pale Horse – Death and Hades (the Hadean realm) closely followed those Christians who were faithful to the Lord (Revelation 2:10). Also compare with Ezekiel 5:16-7 and Ezekiel14:21. Also note the suffering and persecution of those who were faithful in the Old Testament (Hebrews11:32-40).
Revelation 6:9-11 – Fifth Seal – Here we see pictured the souls who were slain for the Word (martyrs, such as Stephen in Acts 7). Note they were “under the altar” and “before the throne” (Rev. 8:3). They cry out for God to render vengeance upon the enemy (cf. Deuteronomy 32:43; Luke 18:7-8). Note in verse 11 that each martyr was given “white robes” indicating their “overcoming” (cf. Revelation 7:13-14). Also note, they are to “wait” for other faithful brethren to be killed and join them (cf. Revelation 20:4).
Revelation 6:12-17 – Sixth Seal – Here we see divine judgment being announced. Compare the symbols here with Isaiah 13:10-11 and Isaiah 34:1-5 to see the complete picture. This symbolism cannot refer to the end of the world, simply because we still have the seventh seal left. Also note that in verses15-16, we have folks hiding in caves and fleeing to the mountains asking the rocks to fall on them (note similar symbolism in Hosea 10:8). These actions will be of no avail when the Lord actually comes back again and the creation is burned up (2 Peter 3:10-11). The key to these verses is found in the last question in verse 17, “who shall be able to stand” (compare with Nahum 1:5-6). The only ones able to “stand” the onslaught of God’s judgment, would have been faithful saints (note the word “stand” in Ephesians 6:11,13).
We also need to remember that all of the above events were to “shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1) – applicable to those saints living in the first century.