Ed Urzi

“I looked when He opened the sixth seal, and behold, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became like blood. And the stars of heaven fell to the earth, as a fig tree drops its late figs when it is shaken by a mighty wind. Then the sky receded as a scroll when it is rolled up, and every mountain and island was moved out of its place.

And the kings of the earth, the great men, the rich men, the commanders, the mighty men, every slave and every free man, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains, and said to the mountains and rocks, ‘Fall on us and hide us from the face of Him who sits on the throne and from the wrath of the Lamb! For the great day of His wrath has come, and who is able to stand?'” (Revelation 6:12-17).

18 May, 1980, witnessed the cataclysmic eruption of Mount St. Helens, a volcanic mountain in the western United States. Triggered by an earthquake that registered at 5.1 on the Richter scale, the lateral blast emanating from the mountain’s northern flank ripped through the surrounding landscape at an astonishing speed of 300 miles per hour (483 kph). That eruption produced a 230 square mile (370 square km) periphery of devastation that extended 17 miles (27 km) from the crater. It also produced a vertical eruption of gas and ash that reached 16 miles (26 km) into the atmosphere. 57 people lost their lives in the devastation that followed. ₍₁₎

In the late 1800s, the Indonesian island of Krakatoa experienced a volcanic eruption that ranks among history’s most catastrophic natural disasters. Krakatoa’s eruption in August, 1883, generated devastating tsunamis up to 130 feet (40m) high. In its final stages, the noise produced by the exploding volcano was heard thousands of miles away in Australia. The immense power of the volcano’s eruption resulted in the near-total destruction of Krakatoa, along with several nearby islands. It also led to an estimated death toll of more than 36,000 people. ₍₂₎

Many centuries earlier, in 79 A.D., the eruption of Mount Vesuvius devastated the ancient Roman cities of Pompeii and Herculaneum in southern Italy. A deluge of volcanic ash and pumice stones engulfed those urban areas, prompting many residents to flee and others to seek shelter. Those who remained in Pompeii were subsequently killed when a cloud of toxic gas engulfed the city. Today, one can tour the architectural ruins of Pompeii and view casts taken of some of those individuals as they faced their final moments of life. ₍₃₎

These historical accounts should thus encourage us to approach our text from Revelation 6:12-17 with reverence and seriousness as we seek to honor God with our lives today.

(1) The Editors of Encyclopaedia Britannica. (2024, November 17). Mount Saint Helens | Location, eruption, Map, & Facts. Encyclopedia Britannica. https://www.britannica.com/place/Mount-Saint-Helens  Image Attribution: U.S. government, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

(2) Roller, S. (n.d.). 10 Facts About the Eruption of Krakatoa. History Hit. https://www.historyhit.com/facts-about-the-eruption-of-krakatoa/  Image Attribution: Lithograph: Parker & Coward, Britain;, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

(3) Sullivan, M. (2024, August 23). Mount Vesuvius erupts. HISTORY. https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/vesuvius-erupts  Image Attribution: See page for author, CC BY 4.0, via Wikimedia Commons

“When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne. They cried out with a loud voice, ‘O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, how long before you will judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?'” (Revelation 6:9-10 ESV).

There are those who subscribe to the belief that human beings transition to a formless oblivion when they depart from this earthly life. That realm is said to encompass a state where consciousness ends and individual identities disappear. But let’s consider that view in relation to our text from Revelation 6:9-10.

We should first note that the people described in this passage did not cease to exist at the end of their mortal lives. Equally significant is the fact that they were not absorbed into a “universal consciousness” when they passed from this life. Instead, their individual identities clearly remained. Finally, they also retained the ability to think, speak, feel, and remember. This passage thus reveals an important truth concerning the afterlife: while death may represent the end of our physical lives, it does not represent the end of us.

The presence of these souls beneath the altar suggests a link to those sacrificial offerings that were poured out at the base of the altar in the Old Testament era. In a similar manner, these individuals sacrificed their lives “…for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held” (KJV). Nevertheless, they also presented the almighty God with a forthright question: “…’Master, you are holy and faithful! How long will it be before you judge and punish the people of this earth who killed us?'” (CEV). That question led to the following response…

“Then they were each given a white robe and told to rest a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers should be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been” (Revelation 6:11).

Revelation 6:11 reminds us that we may also be called upon to exercise patience when others commit injustices against us. Although patience often represents a challenging virtue, its important to recognize that God’s justice may unfold on a timetable that is influenced by factors that are beyond our immediate comprehension. Nevertheless, we can be certain that God will vindicate us if we allow Him to do so according to His divine schedule.

Therefore, we would do well to remember the truth that underlies an ancient adage: “The wheels of God’s justice grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”

“When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, ‘Come!’ And I looked, and behold, a pale horse! And its rider’s name was Death, and Hades followed him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword and with famine and with pestilence and by wild beasts of the earth” (Revelation 6:7-8).

The fourth and final Horseman Of The Apocalypse is the only one to be named: Death. Thus, we can view this horseman as death personified. And much like a harvester that follows a reaper in a grain field, the abode of the dead (or Hades), followed behind.

Revelation 6:8 details the instruments of death employed by this horseman: the sword (or death through war and human violence), famine (or death through starvation), pestilence (or death through disease), and wild beasts of the earth (or death through an attacking animal). We’re also told “They were given authority over a fourth of the earth…” (CEB). This brief piece of information deserves more than just a cursory glance.

You see, it’s difficult to grasp the magnitude of humanity represented by twenty-five percent of the world’s population. For instance, the loss of a quarter of the global population would translate to approximately 1.5 billion people. If we were to count to that total at a rate of one number per second, it would take us over three decades to complete the task.

To put it another way, 1.5 billion people exceeds the current human population of North America, Central America, and South America combined. ₍₁₎ That number is terrifying to contemplate, and puts Jesus’ message from Matthew 24:21-22 into perspective: “For then there will be great tribulation, such as has not been since the beginning of the world until this time, no, nor ever shall be. And unless those days were shortened, no flesh would be saved…”

So the Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse depart, and the focus of our text will now shift dramatically to the souls of those who perished for their commitment to God’s Word…

“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’

Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed” (Revelation 6:9-11)

This passage has important implications for our beliefs concerning the afterlife. We’ll consider some of those implications next.

(1) As of 31 December, 2024. See What Is The Combined Population Of North America, Central America, And South America?

“When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, ‘Come!’ Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword” (Revelation 6:3-4 NIV).

Red is a color that is frequently used to represent conflict or war. This is the color that served to distinguish the horse ridden by the Second Horseman Of The Apocalypse here in Revelation chapter six. We should also note that this rider’s horse wasn’t simply red; it was fiery red. Furthermore, this horseman didn’t simply carry a sword; he wielded a large one, presumably with the capacity to destroy large numbers of people quickly and efficiently.

“When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come!’ I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand” (Revelation 6:5 NIV).

The color black offers a clear association with the characteristic qualities of sadness, death, or mourning. But what do the scales held by this horseman signify? The following verse offers a potential answer…

“Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!'” (Revelation 6:6 NIV).

A quart of wheat might feed a single person for a day. Given that people commonly use scales to determine the weight of various objects, this seems to indicate that essential provisions (like bread) may be subject to rationing. So if we were to rephrase this passage in contemporary terms, we might say that these economic conditions will deteriorate to the point where people will have to labor for an entire day in order to feed themselves.

However, it also seems that such limitations will not apply to everyone during this period, for this passage also includes the following aside: “…do not damage the oil and the wine!” While oil and wine were staples of ancient life, one could get along without them if necessary. From that perspective, these items were viewed as luxuries, not necessities.

This suggests that a sizable economic divide will exist between those who can afford such things and those who cannot. Some will be subject to economic devastation during that time while others will retain the ability to maintain their self-indulgent standards of living.

“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…

1. The first horseman did not initially possess this crown; it was given to him.

2. 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…

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).

The first eight verses of Revelation chapter six introduce four figures who have come to be known as The Four Horsemen Of The Apocalypse…

“Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, ‘Come and see.’ And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.

When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ Another horse, fiery red, went out. And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another; and there was given to him a great sword.

When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, ‘Come and see.’ So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.’

When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come and see.’ So I looked, and behold, a pale horse. And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth” (Revelation 6:1-8).

Earlier in Revelation chapter five, we read how Christ, the Lamb of God, “…came and took the scroll from the right hand of him who sat on the throne” (Revelation 5:7 NIV). Seven seals secured that scroll, and the Lamb was the only one who could open them. He will release six of those seven seals here in Revelation chapter six. The seventh and final seal will be opened later in chapter eight.

An identical command accompanied the opening of each of the first four seals: “Come and see.” And much like the Apostle John in the book of Revelation, we are also invited to see these emerging horsemen for ourselves. But despite the vivid descriptions of these riders, their identities have been the subject of great debate down through the centuries. We’ll take a closer look at the first horseman of the apocalypse beginning next.

Image Attribution : Viktor Vasnetsov, Public domain, via Wikimedia Commons

“Then I heard every creature in heaven and on earth and under the earth and on the sea, and all that is in them, singing: ‘To him who sits on the throne and to the Lamb be praise and honor and glory and power, for ever and ever!’ The four living creatures said, ‘Amen,’ and the elders fell down and worshiped” (Revelation 5:13-14 NIV).

The final verses of Revelation chapter five conclude with the powerful image of these twenty-four elders falling in worship before the Lamb and the One seated upon the throne. Their act of reverence offers an opportunity to reflect upon the idea and meaning of “worship.”

“Therefore let us be grateful for receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken, and thus let us offer to God acceptable worship, with reverence and awe” (Hebrews 12:28 ESV).

Our contemporary word “worship” is said to derive from the archaic phrase “worth-ship.” With this in mind, we can say that one fundamental aspect of worship involves the attribution of worth to someone or something. Thus, this word signifies a “condition of being worthy,” making it perfectly suited for use in relation to God. ₍₁₎

“Give unto the LORD the glory due to His name; worship the LORD in the beauty of holiness” (Psalm 29:2).

In a Biblical context, the word “worship” denotes an act of profound reverence and honor. It expresses an attitude that is characterized by an exceeding sense of respect and esteem, especially when used in reference to God. In Biblical usage, this word means, “to kiss the hand,” such as one might do for a person of royal birth today. ₍₂₎ Therefore, a similar attitude of reverence and honor should identify those who claim to worship God.

“God is spirit, and his worshipers must worship in spirit and in truth” (John 4:24 NIV).

God is worthy of our worship because He is our Creator (see Genesis 1:27). We should worship God with honor, respect, and admiration because He is good, loving, and perfect (Jeremiah 29:11, 1 John 4:8, and Psalm 18:30). God is also deserving of our worship in light of the future He has prepared for those who love Him (see 1 Corinthians 2:9-10).

“…The Scriptures say, ‘Worship only the Lord God. Obey only him'” (Matthew 4:10).

A life that worships God is one that demonstrates respect for Him internally and externally. Thus, as we’re told in the Old Testament book of Psalms…

“Worship the Lord with the beauty of holy lives. Let the earth tremble before him” (Psalm 96:9).

(1) worthship – Oxford English Dictionary. (n.d.). https://www.oed.com/search/dictionary/?scope=Entries&q=worthship

(2) G4352 – proskyneo – Strong’s Greek Lexicon (kjv). (n.d.). Blue Letter Bible. https://www.blueletterbible.org/lexicon/g4352/kjv/tr/0-1/

“You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:10 NIV).

While the Biblical book of Revelation is widely recognized for its apocalyptic images of the future, there are certain portions of this book that are surprisingly practical. Jesus’ letters to the seven churches of Revelation chapters two and three represent one such portion. Our text from Revelation 5:10 represents another.

For instance, consider the passage quoted above: “You have appointed them as a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (NET). In contemporary terms, this passage tells us that God has appointed His people to intercessory responsibilities now and oversight responsibilities in the future.

In light of those responsibilities, we would do well to consider the way we currently manage the blessings and opportunities God has given us today. For instance, a Christ-oriented life factors the following questions into the decision-making processes of daily living…

• Is this right in God’s view?
• Am I making good use of the talents, skills, and abilities God has given me?
• Am I acting as a good representative of Jesus Christ in the circumstances and situations I encounter?

This recalls the valuable counsel given to us in the New Testament book of Colossians: “Since, then, you have been raised with Christ, set your hearts on things above, where Christ is, seated at the right hand of God. Set your minds on things above, not on earthly things” (Colossians 3:1-2).

“Then I looked and heard the voice of many angels, numbering thousands upon thousands, and ten thousand times ten thousand. They encircled the throne and the living creatures and the elders. In a loud voice they sang: ‘Worthy is the Lamb, who was slain, to receive power and wealth and wisdom and strength and honor and glory and praise!’” (Revelation 5:11-12 NIV).

The number of angelic beings given to us here in Revelation 5:11 calculates to an incalculable number. But a reasonable estimate based on this passage may total well into the hundreds of millions. Yet even more significant than this sheer number of angelic beings is the song they sang in these verses: “…’The lamb who was slain deserves to receive power, wealth, wisdom, strength, honor, glory, and praise'” (GW).

Therefore, these angelic beings offer Jesus all the praise, honor, glory, and recognition He should have received during the period of His earthly ministry, but was denied.

Image Attribution : Manager by Nick Youngson CC BY-SA 3.0 Pix4free

“And when he had taken it, the four living creatures and the twenty-four elders fell down before the Lamb. Each one had a harp and they were holding golden bowls full of incense, which are the prayers of the saints.

And they sang a new song: ‘You are worthy to take the scroll and to open its seals, because you were slain, and with your blood you purchased men for God from every tribe and language and people and nation. You have made them to be a kingdom and priests to serve our God, and they will reign on the earth” (Revelation 5:8-10 NIV).

One of the more common illustrations of the heavenly realm features angelic beings who float among the clouds while gently strumming harps. That imagery is likely derived (at least in part) from our text here in Revelation 5:8. Nevertheless, this verse highlights an important element that we might easily overlook: the depiction of the prayers offered by God’s people as golden bowls filled with fragrant incense.

In an age where leftover meals are commonly stored in cheap plastic containers, this portrait of a golden bowl illustrates the tremendous value God places upon our prayers. In addition, the fact that God associates our petitions and intercessions with the pleasing aroma of sweet-smelling incense should encourage us to seek Him in prayer each day. As we do so, we have a fresh opportunity to contribute to the “prayerful incense” alluded to in this passage.

These verses also present us with another insight that holds significant implications: “…by your blood you ransomed people for God from every tribe and language and people and nation and you have made them a kingdom and priests to our God” (ESV). This portion of Scripture tells us that people from every societal demographic throughout human history will join their Creator in eternity.

Since no one can come to God the Father except through Christ (John 14:6), this can be challenging to reconcile with those people groups throughout history who have never heard of Jesus. The late Biblical scholar Dr. Norman Geisler helps brings clarity to that question…

“God has many ways to get the truth about salvation through Christ to those who seek Him. He can send a missionary (Acts 10), or a Bible (Ps. 119:130), give them a vision (Dan. 2:7), or send an angel (Rev. 14). But those who turn their back on the light they have (through nature) and find themselves lost in darkness, have no one to blame but themselves.” ₍₁₎

Image Attribution : Mattana, CC BY 2.0, via Wikimedia Commons

(1) Geisler, Dr. Norman. When Critics Ask : A Popular Handbook On Bible Difficulties [pg.29]

“But one of the elders said to me, ‘Do not weep. Behold, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the scroll and to loose its seven seals'”

And I looked, and behold, in the midst of the throne and of the four living creatures, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as though it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent out into all the earth. Then He came and took the scroll out of the right hand of Him who sat on the throne” (Revelation 5:5-7).

As we move through our narrative in Revelation chapter five, it may be helpful to view this scene from the perspective of John, our author. For instance, John learned that the Lion of the tribe of Judah had prevailed to open the scroll possessed by the One who was seated on the throne. Given that description, John likely expected to encounter a being of immense power and strength. That assessment would prove accurate, but not in the way he may have expected.

For example, we’re told, “Then I saw a Lamb, looking as if it had been slain, standing at the center of the throne…” (NIV). This was far from the image of a powerful lion. Nevertheless, this reference is more readily understood when we remember that the New Testament often portrays Jesus as a lamb. More than two dozen of those references appear in the book of Revelation alone. He also functions as the Kinsman Redeemer for humanity referenced earlier.

While we may ordinarily sympathize with a lamb that appeared as if it had been slain, this Lamb was different: “He had seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven spirits of God sent into all the earth” (CSB). This brings us to another interpretive crossroad within the book of Revelation, for each reader must prayerfully determine how to understand and apply this passage.

Many artistic renderings of these verses depict the lifelike image of a seven-eyed, seven-horned sacrificial lamb. But as we choose our interpretive path through the Book of Revelation, we should pause to remember that the number seven is often used to represent the idea of perfection or completion. This seems to present a better interpretive option as we consider this passage from Revelation 5:6.

We should also avoid isolating this passage from its first-century historical context. From a first century perspective, the sight of an ox or bull with lethal horns presented a formidable image of power and strength. Thus, the word “horn” came to represent those qualities. The imagery of seven horns can thus be used to symbolize the idea of immeasurable power. In a similar manner, we can understand these references to “eyes” and the “seven Spirits of God” as symbolic references to the Lamb’s omniscience.

Image Attribution : Pratyya Ghosh, CC BY 3.0, via Wikimedia Commons