Introduction
In the previous chapter, we saw the enthronement of Jesus- the Root of David and the Lion of the Tribe of Judah- as the rightful King and Heir of the universe. Because He triumphed in His death on the cross, the Lamb is now worthy to take the scroll and open its seals. In chapters 6 through 8 we see what unfolds as the Lamb gradually breaks open each of the seven seals. The seals correspond to conditions or events in the earth that mark this present age. They also correspond to the events mentioned in the Olivet Discourse that signal the return of Christ and the full consummation of His Kingdom (Mat. 24; Mark 13; Luke 21).
I. The Four Horsemen
vv. 1-2: First Seal – The White Horse, the Kingdom of God
The Rider on the White Horse is Jesus Himself (Rev. 19:11-16). He leads the charge and is bent on conquering the nations. The other three horsemen do His bidding, to subdue His enemies and make way for the expansion of the Church. Therefore, wherever the Rider goes, the Gospel goes, and the Good News of the Kingdom is spread throughout the earth (Mat. 24:14; 28:18-20; Mark 16:15-20; Luke 24:46-47; Acts 1:8).
vv. 3-4: Second Seal – The Red Horse, War and Conflict
The Red Horse and its Rider signify war and conflict that Jesus said would be constant throughout this age (Mat. 24:6-7; Mark 13:7-8; Luke 21:9-10). No kingdom ruled by sinners can last nor can any peace that is not built on Christ. Violence and war have been ubiquitous since the fall of man, but the wars taking place are not mere happenstantial. The Lamb has released the Fiery Red Horse and may use military conquest as a means of judgment to accomplish His purposes on the earth (Isa. 26:9).
vv. 5-6: Third Seal – The Black Horse, Famine
As with wars and rumors and war, conditions of global famine and lack were predicted by Jesus (Mat. 24:8; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11) and are par for the course of fallen humanity (Gen. 3:17-19). Lack and starvation are not normal; the earth has enough food and resources for all to enjoy but is hoarded or wasted through the evil and inept stewardship of mankind. But, once again, it is the Lamb who releases the Black Horse, and may punish the nations that do not know Him in this way.
vv. 7-8: Fourth Seal – The Pale Horse, Pestilence and Death
Pestilences, too, were said to become widespread by Jesus (Luke 21:11) and are a curse of the fall of man. Ideally, apart from sin, there would be no mourning, or death, or crying or pain (Rev. 21:4), but in this present age we experience physical illness, pain, and debilitation in countless forms. Although the suffering caused by illness can seem random and inexplicable, we must know that it is the Lamb who released the Pale Horse. In His wise rule, Jesus has allowed sickness and death to remain in the world until His return.
II. The Slain Under the Throne
vv. 9-11: Fifth Seal – The Cry of the Martyrs
The Four Horsemen, signifying Christ’s judgment and conquest, have been released. But we now start to see why this is warranted- God is not afflicting a peaceful, innocent world, but one that rages against Him and kills His holy people. Along with wars, famines and pestilences, Jesus warned all His disciples that persecution against them would mark this age (Mat. 24:9-14; Mark 13:9-13; Luke 21:12-19). We must endure these things to the very end that we may be saved.
IV. Signs in Heaven, Wonders on Earth
vv. 12-14: Sixth Seal – Heaven and Earth are Shaken
In addition to earthquakes (and presumably other kinds of natural disasters), there are cataclysmic signs in the heavens. The earthquakes are literal, as Christ predicted they would (Mat. 24:7; Mark 13:8; Luke 21:11), but can also represent how God can shake everything in this world to its core (Heb. 12:25-29). The cosmic disturbances referenced may also be symbolic as seen in other prophetic texts concerning the Day of the Lord (Isa. 34:4; Ez. 32:7; Joel 3:3-4; Hab. 2:6, 21). In the past, such visions were fulfilled by the toppling of earthly kingdoms and catastrophic shifts in world power. We can expect the continued rise and fall of nations until all kingdoms finally fall to the Lamb (Ps. 75:6-8; Rev. 11:15-19).
V. The Great Day of Wrath Has Come
vv. 15-17: Men Try in Vain to Escape God’s Judgments
The text notes that all people great and small will be terrified of these judgments, but it emphasizes the rich, the powerful, the mighty among them (Pr. 11:4). In the course of history, all great rulers, empires and institutions have fallen before the Lamb, and in the end, all will fall before the King of Kings (Rev. 17:12-14; 19:17-21).