The 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse: understand who they are and what they mean

The 4 horsemen of the Apocalypse: understand who they are and what they mean

Bibleon team

The four horsemen of the Apocalypse are part of a prophecy about the end of times. They represent events prophesied to happen before the end of the world. There are many different interpretations regarding the fulfillment of the prophecy of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse.

In John's vision, described in Revelation 6, the Lamb (Jesus) has a special book in his hand, sealed with seven seals. When he opens each seal, one thing happens on earth. The first four seals send the four horsemen to earth.

First knight

The first knight appears mounted on a white horse , wielding a bow. He has a crown on his head, ready to be victorious (Revelation 6:1-2). The crown is a symbol of victory and power; the bow was a long-distance weapon, which probably means the knight's influence would be far-reaching.

Some people suggest that the first rider is Jesus , because he is a winner and comes riding a white horse, as inRevelation 19:11. Others think that it is the Antichrist , who will exalt himself as a god and have great power over the world.

Second knight

When the second seal is opened, a knight with a great sword riding a red horse appears . He has the power to take away peace and make people kill each other (Revelation 6:3-4). The sword and the color red represent bloody death in armed struggle.

The second horseman appears to be a representation of war . Jesus warned that in later times there would be wars and rumors of wars (Matthew 24:6).

Third knight

The third rider rides a black horse and has a pair of scales in his hand. When he appears, a voice says the price of food during that time (Revelation 6:5-6). The prices for the food are very high, which means the food will be very expensive. The scale represents buying and selling – commercial exchanges .

The third horseman is typically interpreted as hunger . With prices so high, ordinary people would have difficulty feeding their families. It could also represent an economic crisis .

Fourth knight

The fourth horse is yellow . Its rider is called Death and Hades (Hell) follows him closely (Revelation 6:7-8). The yellowness of a horse is normally associated with death, because it resembles the color of a corpse.

The fourth horseman is the only one that the Bible says exactly what it is: death. The last knight (or the four knights together, depending on how we interpret the text) has the power to kill a quarter of the earth .

When will the four horsemen of the apocalypse appear?

We don't know when the four horsemen will appear. Some think that they have already appeared or appear throughout history until the end; others think that they will still appear, only at the end. But this is a truth that only God knows.

In this sense, we must have humility to accept that there are complex interpretations and some mysteries concerning the end times. It is not up to us to try to determine events or make defined and closed treaties. Even so, there is a lot of speculation, as there are some apocalyptic figures that can be interpreted in different ways.

But, in general, we need to take into account the apocalyptic genre of the book, and therefore, its symbols must be understood based on this literary style. As for what is not clearly explained by the biblical context, we must be very cautious and discerning when trying to interpret it.

The most important thing to know is that the four horsemen of the Apocalypse come to bring judgment on the world, because of sin. One day we will all face God's judgment. Therefore, we need the salvation found in Jesus Christ.

Symbolisms in the Apocalypse

Much of the language used in the book of Revelation is symbolic. The prophetic vision that the apostle John describes is marked by images and figures that are difficult to express. Therefore, numbers, colors, beasts, animals, stars, lamps, precious stones and other objects are used to represent people, events or truths that will be manifested in the end.

All these references must be read in light of other texts in the Scriptures, which in some cases provide clear explanations regarding them. Like, for example: the four living beings (Revelation 4:6-8) also appear inEzekiel 1:5-14, or the animals: the leopard, bear and lion (Revelation 13:2) which are also mentioned in Daniel 7.

In the account of the 4 Horsemen we can interpret some apparently clear symbols of the apocalypse, given their context:

• Seal : secret, seal, guarantee.

• Lamb : Jesus Christ.

• Horse : strength, speed.

• Crown : kingdom, government.

• Scales : trade.

• White horse : victory.

• Red horse : war.

• Black horse : hunger.

• Pale horse : death.

What can we learn from these apocalyptic images?

Despite being a very complex topic, biblical teachings about the end should encourage Christians in their journey of faith, love and obedience to God until the end. They also serve as a warning to non-believers of how they will be judged and punished at the end of time. The Lord Jesus Christ will come here again, in power and glory, to seek His beloved people and judge the living and the dead.

In these more specific figures from Revelation 6:

• The knights show us that God will exercise judgment on a world that is corrupt and removed from the grace of Jesus.

• Horses are symbols that reveal the strength and power of God. At the time determined by Him, the judgments will be applied quickly, powerfully and accurately. In this final war, already consummated on the cross, the evil one and his followers will be punished for his sins. There will be great tribulation in the fulfillment of these prophecies.

• Seals speak of the authenticity of the content revealed in the Word of God . The judgments of God are certain and worthy of all acceptance.

• Christ, the Lamb of God , who takes away the sin of the world, is worthy of all trust. He has all authority in heaven and on earth and is the one who opens the seals. He will exercise judgment and justice in fulfilling all of God's decrees.

With this in mind, we need to timely accept God's offer of salvation and forgiveness in Jesus Christ. If you haven't done this yet, seek to know God's plan for salvation, through the Holy Bible!Trust in Christ and prepare for the end...