“And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer” (Revelation 6:2 ESV).
Let’s consider the first horseman described for us here in Revelation 6:2. This rider is mounted on a white horse, a traditional symbol of purity, honor, and virtue. He also carries a bow, a weapon that speaks of hunting or warfare. Our text then mentions a crown that features two items of note…
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The first horseman did not initially possess this crown; it was given to him.
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This crown was not a royal crown, but a wreath or garland that was typically awarded to the winner of an athletic event.
Finally, we’re told that our first horseman “…rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest” (NIV). This alludes to someone who defeats and subjugates others.
With these things in mind, let’s consider the potential identity of this horseman. For instance, some associate this rider with Jesus, based on the following passage from Revelation chapter nineteen…
“Now I saw heaven opened, and behold, a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like a flame of fire, and on His head were many crowns. He had a name written that no one knew except Himself. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called The Word of God” (Revelation 19:11-14).
We know with certainty that Jesus is the subject of this passage from Revelation chapter nineteen, for His name is “the Word of God.” That correlates with a well-known portion of Scripture from John 1:1: “In the beginning was the Word and the Word was with God and the Word was God.” These details enable us to compare the figures mentioned in these texts…
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Revelation Chapter Six |
Revelation Chapter Nineteen |
| Emerges from the first seal. | Emerges from heaven. |
| Rides a white horse. | Rides a white horse. |
| Possesses a bow for a weapon. | Possesses a sword for a weapon. |
| Has a single crown that signifies an athletic victory. | Has many crowns of royal authority. |
| Is a conqueror bent on conquest. | Engages in warfare with righteousness. |
Although similarities seem to exist between these figures, they are not the same. Thus, we should consider the possibility that the horseman who emerges from the first seal of Revelation chapter six is someone who resembles Jesus, but isn’t. This should also prompt us to recall Jesus’ warning from Matthew 24:23-25…
“At that time if anyone says to you, ‘Look, here is the Christ!’ or, ‘There he is!’ do not believe it. For false Christs and false prophets will appear and perform great signs and miracles to deceive even the elect– if that were possible. See, I have told you ahead of time” (NIV).