Most of us have heard the phrase, “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse.” But where does it come from? It comes from the book of the apocalypse, which is the last book in the Bible, the book of Revelation. In the sixth chapter, the Apostle John describes his vision of a Lamb, opening a scroll which had seven seals on it. Only the Lamb was worthy to open these seals.
The first seal is opened, and one of the four living creatures cries out with a thunderous voice, “Come!” He introduces the first horse, a white horse with its rider carrying a bow and wearing a crown. Then the second seal is opened and the second living creature announces the second horse, a flaming red horse, whose rider is given a huge sword. The third seal is broken and the third living creature, calls the third horse, a black horse with its rider holding a pair of scales (a balance). When the Lamb broke open the fourth seal, the fourth living creature presents the fourth horse; the most gruesome of the four! It is an ashy pale green horse (a greyish green livid colour, the ashen, discoloured appearance of the dead). Its rider’s name is Death, and Hades. “And they were given authority and power over a fourth part of the earth to kill with the sword and with famine and with plague and with wild beasts of the earth” vs 8.
It is important to understand that the book of Revelation is full of symbolism. Pastor Perry Stone explains the reason why symbolism was used. It was to preserve the writings of John from the Roman authorities at that time, as it would not be understood or considered political or a threat.
So let us investigate the symbols in this chapter. First, it is interesting to note, that in dream symbolism, the horse is considered a messenger of death! Each colour of the horses is a symbol of death in different areas. White and red represent death through war. Black is a symbol of death through famine and starvation. It is also a play on words – “the Black Market, the fire that fuels inflation”. The pale horse is the worst of all four, as it represents death in four areas - with the sword (war), with famine (starvation), with plague (disease and sickness) and with wild beasts.
Even the four living creatures play an important role in this rendition! In chapter four (Rev. 4:7; Ezek. 1:10) it reveals that each of the living creatures has a different face. The first, like a lion, the second, like an ox, the third, the face of a man, and the fourth like a flying eagle. They are cherubim, extremely powerful angels of fire (Ps. 104:4; Heb. 1:7; Ezek. 1:13). They are also known as the four winds or spirits which represent the four corners of the earth, north, south, east, west (Zech. 6:5; Dan. 7:2; 8:8; Rev. 7:1-2). They appear to be assigned to earthly matters (Zech. 1:10; 6:7), to patrol and protect the earth. But in times of judgment they release war (political and social agitations) and death through devastating apocalyptic events.
The pale horse and its rider are given authority and power to kill over a fourth part of the earth (Rev. 6:8) – “fourth part of the earth – answering to the first four seals; his portion as one of the four, being a fourth part.”
This has commonly been misinterpreted as a quarter of the human population, but as the commentary explains it refers to a “fourth part of the earth,” a specific area. Each Living Creature has been assigned to a specific area or corner of the earth. So we can assume the area they have charge over, is the area of each different horse, and they represent different parts of the earth. Because of the symbol of the flying eagle of the fourth living creature, could this represent the United States of America? And therefore, the other three horses also represent different areas. The symbols of the faces of the four living creatures reveals which parts!
The rider of the red horse carries a huge sword. Its area is Africa. This implicates war, violence and bloodshed, due to anarchy and political unrest. Africa has already, even in normal times, been a hotspot for war. Leaders fighting amongst each other for political gain and power. But in these times this will be greatly aggravated. But fighting and war, I should imagine, would mainly be for food? But as I explained, war and civil unrest will be all over the world. Many lives will be lost just through this alone. Other hotspots will be the Middle East, Asia, and U.S.A.
The severest area for famine and the “black market” (inflation) will be Europe (but famine will also be on every continent). The rider of the black horse carries a pair of scales, or a balance. Where scales in normal times, would be fairly balanced, these scales are grossly out of balance. As food and supplies will be highly inflated. Bringing in the “black” market. Remember the economy has collapsed, so money will have little to no value.
And as I have explained, the greatest destruction of all four horses is the fourth pale green horse, which represents the fourth area, being the United States of America! That area will have the highest casualties. It will also be the area mostly affected by the plague, spreading quickly, mercilessly, without any regard for class or distinction. The mention of a sword implicates civil war, men fighting against each other. But there is a possibility of an attack from the “north” too. While her defences are down, could her enemies attack without warning? Then another intriguing implication of attacks from wild beasts. The larger animals that survive will also face hunger, and no longer having the fear of man, will attack unprovoked? Also Rev. 18 mentions three times about uncontrollable fires!
The rider of the white horse wears a crown (meaning he is already, or has been, a ruler or leader) and carries a bow (a weapon of war). Its area is the Middle East. He is given power to rule the earth and to conquer. The white horse represents the antichrist. And it will be the first time that he will be revealed as the antichrist. He will conquer and take over three of the ten regions of the newly formed global government. He will also have three criteria that can only fit him (Rev. 13:2 see More on the Antichrist).
Shortly after the Rapture occurs, the antichrist will orchestrate a peace deal in the Middle East, for a seven-year period. But it is a false peace, as later, he himself will break this same contract.
While each horse represents a specific area, the whole world will experience all these calamities. But each horse's areas will be far more intensified. Everywhere will have civil unrest, but some areas will be more severe. Famine will also be across the whole globe, but the area of Europe will experience it the worst. As with the plague, it will be worse in U.S.A.
The fifth seal of Persecution has already begun but will intensify during this period. The sixth seal is the asteroid impact (for much more detail see Asteroid Impact 7th Edition, link at bottom). The seventh and final seal, I believe, is the start of the Tribulation period, with half an hour of silence in heaven (Rev. 8:1).
I hope you have found this overview and study of the four horsemen, and the six seals interesting and informative, even though it is also terrifying, to say the least! During this time, God’s hand of protection, provision and healing, will be mightily strong over His children, those that are safe in the ark of Salvation!
When God told Noah to build the ark, because a great flood was coming, Noah tried to warn people for a hundred years, but no-one, no not one would listen – in fact they mocked and sneered at him. God would not warn people if there was NO hope. He warns them so they have time to prepare, as preparation can mean the difference between life and death. It is not to paralyze us with fear, but rather to motivate us into action. Noah’s preparation was the ark – it was the means by which they would be safe, during this time of judgment. We too have an ark, the “Ark of Salvation, ” where we can be safe if we are found “in Christ”. Those that are “in Christ” will be kept safe (protection, provision, health) and free from fear because their trust is in Him.
Because of man’s impenetrable stubbornness, we cannot stop the judgment of God that is coming, every dot and cross of the “t” of the Word of God will be fulfilled. Yes, we can pray to mitigate their effects, but the only thing we can do is to lay our lives before Him in surrender and put our trust in Him, to keep us through the difficulties that lie ahead. And even though it seems to be a complete waste of time, we are still instructed to warn others (Ezek. 3:17-18), that they too may come into the “Ark of Salvation, ” before it is too late! Remember, once the door of the ark is closed (at the Rapture, when the fullness of the Gentiles has come in) no more Gentiles will be allowed in.
So time is short, warn others, even if you are mocked, like Noah; and spend time in preparation, wait on God for instructions and directions for you and your family. Then obey Him and do whatever He tells you to do! May the God of peace keep you and bless you and equip you! And remember to look up, for your redemption draws nigh (Luke 21:28).
S.J.
See S.J. Face Book Page:
See YouTube video The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse
See YouTube video The Four Horsemen shows order of events
See “Beginning of Sorrows” chart for more details on timing of these events
See YouTube video The Ark of Salvation
See Ark of Salvation
See Salvation Prayer
And Greatest Hindrance to Salvation
For much more detail - Asteroid Impact 7th Edition is available on Amazon.com:
