Revelation 6

Introduction: Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls — A Choice Between Life and Death

Revelation 6 introduces us to the Lamb, Jesus, opening the seals. These seals are not merely end-time disasters, but spiritual revelations of Jesus redemptive work through the cross, Jesus victory on the cross shakes both heaven and earth, spiritually and historically. They present a choice to receive the light and live, or reject it and fall under judgment.

“I have set before you life and death, blessing and cursing: therefore choose life” (Deut. 30:19)

Each seal reveals divine truth. To the believer, it brings life and victory. To the hardened heart, it becomes a trumpet of warning, and eventually a bowl of judgment. These seals represent the type of judgment He rides forth with in the Spirit, primarily through the work of the cross. This is the pattern seen throughout Revelation: Seal – Revelation of truth through Jesus.–Trumpet – Warning and call to repentance–Bowl – Consequences of resisting truth

Chapter 6 — Jesus and Bride

Revelation 6 reveals the breaking of the seals by the Lamb, releasing visions of conquest, conflict, scarcity, death, and the cry of the martyrs. Each image is anchored in the finished work of Jesus, judgment, redemption, and the outworking of His victory over sin and false religion. The seals do not unleash random terror, but symbolize spiritual realities that followed the cross: the exposure of deception, the shaking of earthly powers, and the suffering endured by the faithful. The Bride’s identity is seen in those who overcome through faith, clothed in white, trusting the Lamb’s promises. False religion is unmasked, exposed as powerless in the face of Jesus triumph.

Revelation 6:1

1. The Start of Jesus Conquest!

1 And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

See Addendum- Seals Trumpets and Plagues

“The Lamb” 

Jesus alone is worthy to open the scroll (Rev. 5:9). This marks the beginning of His revealed authority through His finished work at the cross.

Jesus Opens the Seals

Jesus Opens the Seals, You recognize that Jesus, as the slain Lamb, is revealing His authority and purpose. This is not just future prophecy but a spiritual revealing (apokalypsis) of how He rules through the cross, from that moment onward. Jesus is not opening seals to unleash global destruction, but to reveal His authority and the spiritual unfolding of His kingdom, beginning with the cross. The Lamb is worthy because He was slain (Revelation 5:9), and He is now executing God's plan.

John 21:15 So when they had dined, Jesus saith to Simon Peter, Simon, son of Jonas, lovest thou me more than these? He saith unto him, Yea, Lord; thou  knowest that I love thee. He saith unto him, Feed my lambs.

“Noise of thunder” 

Symbol of divine proclamation and power (John 12:29; Rev. 10:3).

Thunder is a proclamation from a voice:

John 12:29 The people therefore, that stood by, and heard it, said that it thundered: others said, An angel spake to him.

The seal only a King can open:

Strong's Definitions:

 σφραγίς sphragís, sfrag-ece'; probably strengthened from G5420; a signet (as fencing in or protecting from misappropriation); by implication, the stamp impressed (as a mark of privacy, or genuineness), literally or figuratively:—seal.

The seal opened by Jesus will reveal the revelation not only about Himself but also the inclusion of us, very good news indeed! A "signet" is a special kind of sign  usually a seal engraved on a ring or stamp that an authority (like a king or official) uses to authenticate documents, mark ownership, or symbolize protection or authority. We read in Esther 8:8, the king’s ring (signet) was used to seal a decree once sealed, it couldn’t be revoked. The signet acted as a powerful sign of authority.

In biblical usage (like with the Greek word σφραγίς – sphragís), a signet or seal serves as:

A mark of authenticity (showing something is genuine or from God),

A mark of ownership (belonging to God),

A protection (guarding something or someone from tampering or harm).

2 Timothy 2:19 Nevertheless the foundation of God standeth sure, having this seal, The Lord knoweth them that are his. And, Let every one that nameth the name of Christ depart from iniquity.

“One of the four beasts” 

These represent the four gospels, the testimony of Jesus  (Rev. 4:7, Ezek. 1:10).

The four beasts – the four gospels:

“Four Living Creatures and the Four Gospels” connection often referred to in early church history, especially by Church Fathers like Irenaeus, Jerome, and later Augustine. In Revelation 4:7 we read“ And the first beast was like a lion, and the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth beast was like a flying eagle.” These four living creatures appear also in Ezekiel 1:10, where the prophet sees creatures with four faces, one of a man, lion, ox, and eagle. This is widely seen as a parallel vision. The early church began associating each of the four living creatures with the four Gospel writers based on how each Gospel presents Jesus.

You will see this accepted arrangement that the Lion-Royalty in Matthew emphasizes Jesus as the Messiah and King (Genealogy of David). The lion represents royalty and authority. The Ox (Calf Service/Sacrifice in Mark shows Jesus as the suffering servant, working and sacrificing. The Man (Face of a Man) Humanity in Luke focuses on Jesus’ humanity, compassion, and birth narrative. The man represents Jesus as fully human. Eagle (Flying)Divinity/Heaven in John presents Jesus as the Son of God, emphasizing His divine nature. The eagle symbolizes heavenly perspective and divine vision.

Matthew – The Lion

Starts with genealogy: “Son of David” – a royal line.

Focus on kingdom of heaven, fulfilling prophecy.

Lion = King of beasts is Jesus as King.

Mark – The Ox

Begins immediately with Jesus’ ministry.

Emphasizes action, work, suffering.

Ox = Sacrificial animal is Jesus as Servant and Offer of Atonement.

Luke – The Man

Long birth story, human lineage through Adam.

Shows Jesus’ compassion, parables, emotions.

Man = Humanity is Jesus as Son of Man.

John – The Eagle

Begins: “In the beginning was the Word...” (high theology).

Emphasizes Jesus' divine origin, signs, and eternity.

Eagle = Soars to heaven is Jesus as Divine Son.

“Come and see”

 A call to spiritual insight, not natural observation. We are invited to behold Jesus redemptive work.

Revelation 6:2

2. Jesus Conquer with Truth and Grace!

2 And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.

Jesus going forth by His Spirit, conquering hearts with truth and grace.

Jesus the white horse rider:

Symbol of purity, victory, and divine mission. Jesus rides forth in righteousness (Rev. 19:11). Revelation 6:2 describes a rider on a white horse with a bow and a crown, going forth "conquering, and to conquer." This is not a political or earthly warrior, it’s Jesus, riding forth in spiritual victory. Later in Revelation 19:11, we see this rider again: "He that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war." This confirms that the rider is Jesus, making spiritual war in righteousness.

Psalm 45 – A Prophetic Picture of the King

Psalm 45:4 says:  "In thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things."

This is a royal wedding psalm, attributed to the sons of Korah, worship leaders in the temple. The rider in Psalm 45 is also riding in majesty and truth, just like Jesus in Revelation.

Horses in the Bible Symbolize Spiritual Power

Isaiah 31:3 helps us understand: "Now the Egyptians are men, and not God; and their horses flesh, and not spirit."

This tells us: God's horses are spiritual. So the white horse represents the Spirit of God in action through Jesus.

The War is Not Against Man, But the Spirit Realm

This conquering rider is not here to destroy people. John 3:16 reminds us of God's love for the world. Romans 8:31–32 assures us that God is for us, and freely gives us all things through Jesus. The war is against spiritual darkness, not humanity.

The Church Also Rides in the Spirit

In Revelation 9, the locusts are described like horses prepared for battle: "The shapes of the locusts were like unto horses prepared unto battle... their faces were as the faces of men." This is a symbolic picture of the Church empowered, fierce, and ready for spiritual battle. We are part of Jesus mission: conquering darkness, saving souls, and carrying the Spirit of God like His cavalry.

Selah

The white horse represents Jesus moving in the power of the Spirit, conquering with truth, meekness, and righteousness. His war is spiritual, not physical and aimed at overcoming sin and darkness. The Church joins Him in this mission, riding in the Spirit, empowered for victory.

Psalm 45:4–5 Zechariah 1:8 Zechariah 6:1–3 Isaiah 31:3

“He that sat on him”

Christ Himself. Psalm 45:4–5 and Revelation 19 confirm the rider is Jesus.

“A bow” 

Spiritual warfare (Hab. 3:9; Zech. 9:13). He conquers through the Word and Spirit. Jesus spirit is prophetic! 2 Kings 13:14–19 

Jesus with a bow:

The Bow in 2 Kings 13:15–17 – A Prophetic Link to Jesus

In 2 Kings 13:15–17, the prophet Elisha instructs King Joash to shoot an arrow out the window. Elisha calls it: “The arrow of the Lord’s deliverance” This act was prophetic and symbolic, it wasn’t about physical warfare alone, but about the Lord's victory through divine instruction and symbolic obedience.

Connecting This to Jesus in Revelation 6:2

“...behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.”

Jesus, the rider on the white horse, carries no arrows only a bow. This is not literal warfare, but spiritual conquest. The bow here links back to prophetic imagery like 2 Kings 13, where: Deliverance came from the Lord, not from brute force, the arrow symbolized God's initiative and power and the prophet initiated the act, just as Jesus fulfills prophetic words. Just as Elisha declared, “the arrow of the Lord’s deliverance”, so the bow in Jesus’ hand in Revelation 6:2 points to His role as the Deliverer, bringing victory, not by physical violence, but by spiritual authority, the Word of God, and the power of the cross.

Jesus and the Symbolic Bow – A Prophetic Thread Through Scripture:

Genesis 49:24 – Joseph as a Type of Jesus

“His bow abode in strength… from thence is the shepherd, the stone of Israel.”

Joseph’s strength and bow point to Jesus enduring power.

“Shepherd” and “Stone” are clear Messianic titles ( John 10:11; 1 Peter 2:6).

The bow = victory through God’s power, fulfilled in Jesus.

 Psalm 45:4–5 – The King with Arrows

“Ride prosperously because of truth… Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king’s enemies.”

Applied to Jesus in Hebrews 1:8–9.

Arrows = the piercing power of Jesus Word and truth.

The bow = spiritual warfare led by righteousness.

Habakkuk 3:8–9 – God’s Word as His Weapon

“Thy bow was made quite naked… even thy word.”

The bow is directly tied to God’s Word and covenant.

Jesus, the Living Word, brings deliverance and judgment.

His warfare is spiritual, not fleshly (John 18:36).

Zechariah 9:13–14 – God’s Warrior King

“The LORD shall be seen over them… his arrow shall go forth as the lightning.”

Follows the prophecy of the Messiah riding on a donkey (v.9). The bow = God empowering His King and His people. Jesus leads with heavenly force—swift, sure, and spiritual.

Hosea 2:18 – The Bow Broken in Peace

“I will break the bow… and make them to lie down safely.”

In Jesus, true peace comes, not through war but through His cross. The broken bow = sin and death defeated, not by violence but by grace.

Across the Old Testament, the bow symbolizes:

Strength (Genesis)

Truth and righteousness (Psalms)

The Word of God (Habakkuk)

Spiritual warfare and victory (Zechariah)

Peace through covenant (Hosea)

When Revelation 6:2 shows Jesus on the white horse with a bow, it points to a spiritual King: One who conquers not by arrows, but by truth, righteousness, and the power of God’s Word.

“Crown given”

He is crowned as King and Victor (Psalm 21:3; Rev. 19:12).

Jesus given a crown:

“Crown” a mark of royal, exalted rank as a prize to the genuine servants of God and Jesus.

Matthew 27:29  And when they had platted a crown of thorns, they put it upon his head, and a reed in his right hand: and they bowed the knee before him, and mocked him, saying, Hail, King of the Jews!

Mark 15:17  And they clothed him with purple, and platted a crown of thorns, and put it about his head,

John 19:2  And the soldiers platted a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe,

John 19:5  Then came Jesus forth, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate saith unto them, Behold the man!

1 Corinthians 9:25  And every man that striveth for the mastery is temperate in all things. Now they do it to obtain a corruptible crown; but we an incorruptible.

Philippians 4:11  Not that I speak in respect of want: for I have learned, in whatsoever state I am, therewith to be content.

1 Thessalonians 2:19  For what is our hope, or joy, or crown of rejoicing? Are not even ye in the presence of our Lord Jesus Christ at his coming?

2 Timothy 4:8  Henceforth there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but unto all them also that love his appearing.

James 1:12  Blessed is the man that endureth temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord hath promised to them that love him.

1 Peter 5:4  And when the chief Shepherd shall appear, ye shall receive a crown of glory that fadeth not away.

See Addendum - Jesus Crown in OT vs NT

“Conquering” 

Jesus conquers sin, death, and Satan through the cross (John 16:33).

Psalm 45:4–5 

4 And in thy majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and thy right hand shall teach thee terrible things.
5 Thine arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; whereby the people fall under thee.

Habakkuk 3:9 

9 Thy bow was made quite naked, according to the oaths of the tribes, even thy word. Selah. Thou didst cleave the earth with rivers.

Zechariah 9:13 

13 When I have bent Judah for me, filled the bow with Ephraim, and raised up thy sons, O Zion, against thy sons, O Greece, and made thee as the sword of a mighty man.

Colossians 2:15

15 And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it.

“to conquer” to carry off the victory, come off victorious

Luke 11:22  But when a stronger than he shall come upon him, and overcome him, he taketh from him all his armour wherein he trusted, and divideth his spoils.

John 16:33  These things I have spoken unto you, that in me ye might have peace. In the world ye shall have tribulation: but be of good cheer; I have overcome the world.

Romans 3:4  God forbid: yea, let God be true, but every man a liar; as it is written, That thou mightest be justified in thy sayings, and mightest overcome when thou art judged.

Romans 12:21  Be not overcome of evil, but overcome evil with good.

1 John 2:13  I write unto you, fathers, because ye have known him that is from the beginning. I write unto you, young men, because ye have overcome the wicked one. I write unto you, little children, because ye have known the Father.

Revelation 6:3

3. Jesus Gospel Revealed!

3 And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.

(Revelation 6) shows that each of the four beasts around the throne (Rev. 4:7) calls out “Come and see” as Jesus opens the first four seals. That means each living creature (beast) is paired with a specific horse and rider.

Revelation 6:1–2 — First Seal

“And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. And I saw, and behold a white horse...”

Beast: The Lion (Rev. 4:7) — first in the order.
Vision: White horse, rider with a bow, conquering.
Jesus Centered Lens: Jesus revealed as King (Matthew’s gospel) conquering sin, death, and hell by His word and His blood.

Revelation 6:3–4 — Second Seal

“And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. And there went out another horse that was red...”

Beast: The Ox/Calf — second in the order.
Vision: Red horse, rider with a great sword, taking peace.
Jesus Centered Lens: Jesus revealed as Servant and Sacrifice (Mark’s gospel). The sword divides soul and spirit (Heb. 4:12), “killing” the old nature and ways — the cost of true discipleship.

Revelation 6:5–6 — Third Seal

“And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse...”

Beast: The Man — third in the order.
Vision: Black horse, rider with balances (scales).
Jesus Centered Lens: Jesus revealed as the Son of Man (Luke’s gospel). He enters our human judgment, bears our weight of sin, and becomes the substitute who balances the scales of righteousness.

Revelation 6:7–8 — Fourth Seal

“And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. And I looked, and behold a pale horse...”

Beast: The Eagle — fourth in the order.
Vision: Pale horse, rider named Death, hell following.
Jesus Centered Lens: Jesus revealed as the Son of God (John’s gospel). He descends into death and hell, but rises in victory (Rev. 1:18). What looks like defeat becomes eternal triumph.

Complete Map

Lion → First Seal → White horse → Matthew → Jesus the King conquering.
Ox → Second Seal → Red horse → Mark → Jesus the Servant sacrificing, sword slaying old ways.
Man → Third Seal → Black horse → Luke → Jesus the Son of Man bearing judgment, balancing scales.
Eagle → Fourth Seal → Pale horse → John → Jesus the Son of God defeating death and hell.

See Addendum- The Four Living Creatures

Revelation 6:4

4. Jesus Word -Disruptive Truth!

4 And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

Red horse 

Symbolizes conflict and division that comes from the gospel.

Jesus the red horse rider: I can just state Jesus is the rider of the red horse and will proof it by scriptures that makes sense as proof to the revealed Jesus-after all the letter starts of with “ The Revelation of Jesus Christ, which God gave unto him, to shew unto his servants things which must shortly come to pass”

“Takes peace” 

Jesus said He did not come to bring peace but a sword (Matt. 10:34–36). His truth exposes and divides hearts.

Jesus took peace: In Matthew 10:34–36: we read “ 34 Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. 35 For I am come to set a man at variance against his father, and the daughter against her mother, and the daughter in law against her mother in law. 36 And a man's foes shall be they of his own household. Matthew clearly state that Jesus came to take peace from the earth like the rider of the red horse. This is hard to believe but remember that the revelation given to John was to revealing of Jesus this is the theme of the book!

“Great sword”

 The Word of God (Heb. 4:12; Eph. 6:17). It judges the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Matt. 10:34–36, Eph. 6:17, Heb. 4:12, John 3:19–20

Jesus given a great sword: I use Ephesians 6:17 And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God: and Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword and finally John 1:1–5: 1 In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God” as proof the great sword is Jesus the manifested Word given by God with His Spirit without measure. The Spirit and the Word is the only two faithful witnesses of God.

Matthew 10:34  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword.

Luke 21:24  And they shall fall by the edge of the sword, and shall be led away captive into all nations: and Jerusalem shall be trodden down of the Gentiles, until the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled.

Luke 22:36  Then said he unto them, But now, he that hath a purse, let him take it, and likewise his scrip: and he that hath no sword, let him sell his garment, and buy one.

Luke 22:38  And they said, Lord, behold, here are two swords. And he said unto them, It is enough.

John 18:11  Then said Jesus unto Peter, Put up thy sword into the sheath: the cup which my Father hath given me, shall I not drink it?

Jesus will drink His cup to use a Sword way more effective than the one that cuts of ears!

Romans 13:4  For he is the minister of God to thee for good. But if thou do that which is evil, be afraid; for he beareth not the sword in vain: for he is the minister of God, a revenger to execute wrath upon him that doeth evil.

Ephesians 6:17  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

Hebrews 4:12  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two edged sword, piercing even to the dividing asunder of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart.

Hebrews 11:34  Quenched the violence of fire, escaped the edge of the sword, out of weakness were made strong, waxed valiant in fight, turned to flight the armies of the aliens.

Revelation 6:5
5. Jesus Weigh and Judge Accordingly!

5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.

Black horse

Symbol of judgment, economic scarcity, and spiritual famine.

Jesus the black horse rider:

While the specific image of a “black horse” and its rider is most clearly described in Revelation 6:5, this symbolism is not isolated. The Old Testament, particularly the book of Zechariah, also contains prophetic visions of colored horses and horsemen. These appearances are deeply symbolic,

Zechariah 1:8-11 – The Colored Horses and the Riders  

“I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.” Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.”

… “These are they whom the Lord hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.”

This vision includes multiple horse colors (red, speckled, white), similar to Revelation 6. The horses represent God’s New Testament Church, patrolling "Spreading the Word" the earth. One rider stands among the myrtles, the Lord Himself  (Theophany).

Zechariah 6:1-8 – The Four Chariots (with colored horses)

“There came four chariots out from between two mountains... In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses; And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.” “These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth.”

Revelation and Messiah:

These horses mirror the ones in Revelation 6  - red, black, white, and mixed. The black horses went “into the north country,” associated with judgment and rest. These riders are prophetic for the Church save by the blood of Jesus and will look like Him when He come as Messiah and restore the church into a spiritual temple united in Him, sent from the presence of God. We see the Messianic Link: Right after this vision (v. 12–13), Zechariah introduces the Branch, a clear reference to the Messiah (Jesus).

Zechariah 6:12-13 – “Behold the Man… The Branch”

“Behold the man whose name is The BRANCH; and he shall grow up out of his place, and he shall build the temple of the Lord:” “And he shall bear the glory, and shall sit and rule upon his throne…”

The immediate follow-up to the colored horses is the announcement of the Messiah, who will rule. “The Branch” is a title for the coming King-Priest, a type only fulfilled in Jesus.

Revelation is the fulfilled prophetic letter to the Church, showing that the vivid imagery used by earlier prophets like Zechariah’s colored horses and riders finds its ultimate meaning in Jesus work. The black horse in both Zechariah and Revelation symbolizes divine judgment, reminding us that Jesus, as the righteous King, carries the authority to bring both salvation and judgment (John 5:22; Acts 17:31). This connection reveals how prophetic symbols across Scripture converge to reveal Jesus as the Messiah who restores, judges, and redeems His people.

A Pair of Balances 

Symbol of justice and divine weighing (Dan. 5:27; Prov. 11:1).

Jesus balances brought judgement:

The image of "a pair of balances" (scales) used in Revelation 6:5 connects strongly to the biblical theme of judgment, righteousness, and being weighed by God. Here are several scriptures that relate to Jesus, scales, and divine judgment, including being weighed and found wanting:

Revelation 6:5 (The Black Horse – Judgment of Scarcity and Measure)

“And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.”

Balances here suggest judgment, weighing, and rationing, a picture of careful measure, likely connected to divine justice or economic judgment.

Daniel 5:27 – “Weighed in the Balances”

“TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”

Direct and powerful: This verse literally shows God weighing a man (Belshazzar) and finding him lacking. A direct parallel to judgment using scales.

Proverbs 16:11 – God Owns the Scales

“A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.”

God is the one who defines justice and uses righteous scales to judge.

Proverbs 11:1 – God Hates False Balances

“A false balance is abomination to the Lord: but a just weight is his delight.”

God loves just judgment. Jesus, as the embodiment of righteousness, is the standard by which all will be judged.

Job 31:6 – "Let Me Be Weighed in an Even Balance"

“Let me be weighed in an even balance, that God may know mine integrity.”

Job appeals to divine justice, asking to be weighed fairly, another reference to scales and personal righteousness.

Acts 17:31 – Jesus Appointed to Judge

“Because he hath appointed a day, in the which he will judge the world in righteousness by that man whom he hath ordained...”

Jesus is the judge through whom God will weigh all people, He becomes the balance.

Revelation 22:12 – Jesus Rewards Justly

“And, behold, I come quickly; and my reward is with me, to give every man according as his work shall be.”

Judgment by just measure, again the idea of divine weighing.

Isaiah 40:12 – God Weighs Creation

“Who hath measured the waters in the hollow of his hand, and meted out heaven with the span... and weighed the mountains in scales?”

Shows God’s power to weigh and measure, affirming the idea of divine scales and judgment.

Romans 2:5-6 – Judgment According to Works

“But after thy hardness and impenitent heart treasure up unto thyself wrath... Who will render to every man according to his deeds.”

Judgment based on deeds, again, the concept of being measured or weighed.

"Pair"

Two Balances – Judgment & Grace

Mercy and Truth Meet at the Cross

“Mercy and truth are met together; righteousness and peace have kissed each other.”
Psalm 85:10
This verse prophetically points to the cross where judgment (truth) and grace (mercy) were perfectly balanced.

Weights and Balances in God’s Justice

“A just weight and balance are the Lord’s: all the weights of the bag are his work.”
Proverbs 16:11
God alone holds the standard of true justice, meaning His scale is fair but purposeful  and at the cross, Jesus tipped the balance in our favor by taking judgment upon Himself.

Jesus Bears the Heavy Side

“Surely he hath borne our griefs, and carried our sorrows... the chastisement of our peace was upon him.”
Isaiah 53:4–5
He took the weight of judgment on His side of the scale, so we could receive grace on ours.

Judgment Without Mercy vs. Mercy Triumphing

“For he shall have judgment without mercy, that hath shewed no mercy; and mercy rejoiceth against judgment.”
James 2:13
Those who reject Jesus get judgment without mixture, but in Jesus, mercy triumphs over judgment, two balances, again. Balances were two-sided, it presents the duality of justice and mercy, one side weighed down with judgment, the other lifted by grace through the blood of Jesus. Revelation 6:5 is a powerful symbol of how the gospel weighs the hearts of men and reveals what side we choose.

Selah

Scales represent divine judgment, measurement, and justice. Jesus is the appointed Judge (Acts 17:31), and He will weigh each person’s deeds (Rev. 22:12). The language of “being weighed and found wanting” (Daniel 5:27) is echoed in both Old and New Testament ideas of accountability before God.

Revelation 6:6

6. Jesus Our Daily Bread!

6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.

This depicts a world where spiritual famine exists, yet God preserves the inner anointing for the faithful.

Wheat for a penny

 Suggests spiritual hunger and high cost for truth (Amos 8:11).

“Hurt not the oil and wine” 

God preserves the anointing (Holy Spirit) and joy (wine of the New Covenant) for the faithful (Ps. 104:15, Isa. 61:1–3).

Amos 8:11
“Behold, the days come, saith the Lord GOD, that I will send a famine in the land, not a famine of bread, nor a thirst for water, but of hearing the words of the LORD.”

Daniel 5:27
“TEKEL; Thou art weighed in the balances, and art found wanting.”

Proverbs 11:1
“A false balance is abomination to the LORD: but a just weight is his delight.”

Psalm 104:15
“And wine that maketh glad the heart of man, and oil to make his face to shine, and bread which strengtheneth man's heart.”

Isaiah 61:1
“The Spirit of the Lord GOD is upon me; because the LORD hath anointed me to preach good tidings unto the meek; he hath sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to them that are bound.”

What does it mean?

"Penny" (Greek: denarius) was a common daily wage for a laborer in the Roman world (see Matthew 20:2).

"A measure of wheat" was about one quart—enough to feed one person for one day.

"Three measures of barley" (a cheaper grain) would feed a small family for a day.

Jesus as the true Bread of Life (John 6:35). While religion may offer expensive substitutes that can’t satisfy the soul, the true daily bread, Jesus Himself remains the only thing that gives life. The command, “hurt not the oil and the wine,” symbolizes divine preservation. In Scripture: Oil often represents the Holy Spirit (Zechariah 4:6; 1 Samuel 16:13), Wine speaks of the blood of Jesus  and the New Covenant (Matthew 26:27–29). Even in times of spiritual drought or judgment, God preserves the sacrifice of Jesus and the life of the Spirit “the oil and the wine” for those who receive the true Bread from heaven (John 6:51).

See Addendum -A measure of wheat for a penny

Revelation 6:7

7. Jesus Reveals Truth!

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.

As we read in these scriptures the prophets and writers of old for told this hidden mystery, here Jesus say "Come and see" the hidden truth is now open!

Isaiah 9:6–7
“For unto us a child is born... and the government shall be upon his shoulder... Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.”
A prophecy of the coming Messiah who will establish an everlasting kingdom.

Isaiah 53
The suffering servant prophecy reveals the Messiah’s sacrifice, a mystery to many but central to God’s salvation plan.

Jeremiah 31:31–34
“Behold, the days come, saith the LORD, that I will make a new covenant with the house of Israel... For I will forgive their iniquity... and their sins will I remember no more.”
Promise of the New Covenant, fulfilled in Jesus (Hebrews 8).

Daniel 9:24
“Seventy weeks are determined upon thy people... to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up the vision and prophecy.”
A timeline leading to the Messiah’s coming and the fulfillment of God’s plan.

 Psalm 40:6–8
“Sacrifice and offering thou didst not desire... Then said I, Lo, I come (in the volume of the book it is written of me)... to do thy will, O my God.”
Messianic psalm pointing to Jesus’ obedient sacrifice.

Zechariah 6:12–13
“Behold the man whose name is The Branch... he shall build the temple of the LORD... and he shall bear the glory.”
Messianic title “The Branch” pointing to Jesus as the builder of the spiritual temple.

Isaiah 42:9
“Behold, the former things are come to pass, and new things do I declare... before they spring forth I tell you of them.”
God’s promise to reveal new salvation truths through the Messiah.

The Old Testament contains many prophecies that speak of a hidden mystery, God’s future plan to send the Messiah and establish a New Covenant. Passages like Jeremiah 31:31–34 promise a new covenant yet to come, while Isaiah 42:9 declares that God will reveal new things before they happen. This mystery was kept secret in ages past (Romans 16:25) but has now been revealed through Jesus, the Branch (Zechariah 6:12) who fulfills the prophetic promises of salvation. The opening of the seals in Revelation, such as the fourth seal in 6:7, symbolizes God unveiling these long-hidden truths, showing that Jesus is the fulfillment of the divine mystery and the Savior who brings judgment, redemption, and restoration. This confirms that the entire biblical story is woven with a scarlet thread of hope, gradually revealing God’s redemptive plan through the Messiah. 

Revelation 6:8

8. Word-Fasting and Overcome!

8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

The pale horse becomes symbolic of Jesus’ dominion over all spiritual death and His Church’s authority through Him.

"Pale horse" 

Greek “chloros” (sickly green), representing death, judgment, and decay.

“Death and Hell Followed Him” 

Jesus now holds their keys (Rev. 1:18). He took dominion over them through the cross (Heb. 2:14).

Messiah as Conqueror of Death & Hell:

Jesus is Death, took ownership over death and hell, transforming judgment into victory and redemption  a biblical truth with strong scriptural support.

Revelation 1:18 – Jesus Owns the Keys

“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

After the cross, Jesus declares total authority over Death and Hades. This ties directly to the pale horse imagery, Death and Hell may be unleashed in judgment, but Jesus now holds their keys.

Hebrews 2:14

“… that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”

Jesus used death to destroy Death, a profound reversal. He overcame the enemy by embracing the enemy’s weapon, then stripping it of power.

Colossians 2:15

“And having spoiled principalities and powers, he made a shew of them openly, triumphing over them in it [the cross].”

Jesus  publicly disarmed the spiritual forces (including death, hell, sin).

"Fourth part of the Earth"

Fourth as a Spiritual Fraction — Not the First Group

In Scripture, the “fourth part” is never directly called the first group or remnant. But here's the nuance: It’s often part of a progression or division within judgment or deliverance. It may represent the beginning of judgment (first portion touched) or a partial phase. In that light, it's not necessarily the saints, but a segment of humanity under judgment or trial before the full measure comes.

Ezekiel 14:21 (parallel to Revelation 6:8):

"How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon Jerusalem..."

These include sword, famine, beasts, and pestilence, the exact same judgments in Rev. 6:8. So, the “fourth part” may not refer to saints but a portion of the earth under those four judgments.

Watches of the Night — Possibly Symbolic of Spiritual Time Periods

In biblical timekeeping, the night was divided into 4 watches (each 3 hours long):

First watch (6–9 PM)

Second watch (9–12 PM)

Third watch (12–3 AM)

Fourth watch (3–6 AM)

The fourth watch was considered the darkest just before dawn and often associated with divine intervention or spiritual warfare.

Matthew 14:25 – Jesus comes walking on the water:

“And in the fourth watch of the night Jesus went unto them, walking on the sea.”

This is powerful! The fourth watch could represent the time of divine intervention when the saints are under distress. It was the moment of fear, then revelation, Jesus shows His power over the storm. Spiritually, this could echo the Revelation 6:8 “fourth part” as a period or realm where fear, death, and judgment are active but Jesus is about to appear. So: The “fourth part of the earth” be symbolic of the fourth watch, a time of spiritual testing and intervention!

“To kill with sword, hunger, death, and beasts”

 These can be reinterpreted spiritually:

 Sword = Word (Eph. 6:17) Hunger = Fasting (Matt.17:21)Death = Dying to self (Col. 3:3)\ Beasts = Chaos subdued by Jesus  (Ps. 8:6–7)

Revelation 1:18
“I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore, Amen; and have the keys of hell and of death.”

Hebrews 2:14
“Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;”

Colossians 3:3
“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.”

Ephesians 6:17
“And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:”

Psalm 8:6–7
“Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:
All sheep and oxen, yea, and the beasts of the field;”

Symbolic Redemption of the Pale Horse

We, in union with Jesus, now kill evil using four tools mirroring Revelation 6:8 sword, hunger, death, and beasts. Let’s me explain::

The Sword – Word of God

“The sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God.” (Ephesians 6:17)

The sword that once judged now becomes a weapon in the believer’s hand. You can "kill evil" by declaring and living the Word.

Hunger – Fasting

“This kind goeth not out but by prayer and fasting.” (Matthew 17:21)

Jesus gives us fasting as a spiritual weapon.  What was once a sign of famine/judgment becomes a tool for breaking strongholds.

Death – Dying to the Old Nature

“I die daily.” (1 Corinthians 15:31)

“For ye are dead, and your life is hid with Christ in God.” (Colossians 3:3)

Instead of physical judgment, death becomes spiritual transformation. The believer puts the flesh to death through the cross.

"beasts of the earth"

Beasts – Carriers of the Word, the New Creation in Jesus

In the Old Testament, wild beasts often represented chaos, judgment, or nations. But in Revelation, the four living creatures full of eyes and wings symbolize the Gospels and the Word made flesh (Jesus). And now, we, the saints on the earth, become like “beasts of the earth” in a redeemed sense: filled with His Word, alive in His Spirit, and conformed to His image. We are living expressions of the Gospel, moving with His voice, His authority, and His presence.

1 John 4:17
“Herein is our love made perfect, that we may have boldness in the day of judgment: because as he is, so are we in this world.”

John 1:14
“And the Word was made flesh, and dwelt among us, (and we beheld his glory, the glory as of the only begotten of the Father,) full of grace and truth.”

The four beasts in Revelation are more than heavenly creatures they are powerful symbols of the Four Gospels, which together represent the fullness of the Word made flesh, Jesus. Each face, lion, calf, man, and eagle reflects a different aspect of Jesus revealed in the Gospels, declaring His majesty, humility, humanity, and divinity. These four living beings are full of eyes, meaning they carry divine insight, and they speak day and night, never ceasing to proclaim His holiness. In this way, they are not just a picture of Jesus but also of the entire testimony of Scripture, both Old and New Testament, pointing to Him. And just as the four beasts represent Jesus as the Living Word, so too do we, His Body on earth become “beasts of the earth” in a redeemed sense: filled with His Spirit, transformed by His Word, and carrying His nature. We are the new creation, formed from the dust of the earth, now made alive in Jesus and sent out to declare His glory. The same living Word that was made flesh in Jesus now lives in us, making us living expressions of the Gospel to the world. 

The pale horse depicts the cross, Jesus holds the keys, and now His body (the Church) carries out judgment not through destruction, but through truth, self denial, spiritual discipline, and authority over darkness. This is true prophetic inversion of judgment into spiritual authority through Jesus!

See Addendum- fourth part of the earth

Revelation 6:9

9. Jesus Atone and See the Faithfull!

9 And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:

"Souls under the altar"

 Symbol of martyrdom and sacrifice. Saints pre-cross awaiting redemption (Luke 11:50–51).

Luke 11:50–51

“That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation;

From the blood of Abel unto the blood of Zacharias, which perished between the altar and the temple: verily I say unto you, It shall be required of this generation.” 

See Addendum- Fathers in Faith

Revelation 6:10

10. Avenge Us!

10 And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?

“They Cried-How long?” 

Cry for justice answered at the cross.

The Cry “How Long?”  connect the souls under the altar with those before Jesus death, longing for vindication. That’s consistent with Luke 11:50–51 and Hebrews 11:39–40. Their vindication only comes through the cross and the judgment it initiates. This cry comes from faithful believers before Jesus Cross, awaiting justice and the full effect of redemption. They are told to rest until others join them, pointing to the growth of the Church and martyrdom in the early gospel era. There was historical suffering of saints before and shortly after Jesus and the fact that justice begins at the cross, not at some future catastrophe. The longing for justice was fulfilled in Jesus victory.

"judge and avenge our blood"

Genesis 4:10 – The Blood of Righteous Abel Cries Out

“And he said, What hast thou done? the voice of thy brother's blood crieth unto me from the ground.”
Abel, the first martyr, was killed for his righteousness, his blood “cried” to God for justice.

 2 Chronicles 24:20–22 – Zechariah the Prophet Killed in the Temple

“And when he died, he said, The Lord look upon it, and require it.”
A direct call for divine vengeance for the killing of God's prophet, the phrase “require it” means to avenge.

Luke 11:49–51 – Jesus Affirms All Prophet Blood Will Be Required

“Therefore also said the wisdom of God, I will send them prophets and apostles... That the blood of all the prophets, which was shed from the foundation of the world, may be required of this generation.”
 

Jesus confirms that the righteous blood shed before the cross,  from Abel to Zechariah was crying out for judgment and would be accounted in His generation. The martyrs crying out in Revelation 6:10 represent the righteous saints and prophets under the Old Covenant, whose blood had not yet been vindicated until Jesus’ crucifixion and resurrection. Their cry is answered when Jesus, the righteous Judge, takes their judgment upon Himself,  fulfilling justice and grace together.

 them that dwell on the earth?”

This represent those faithful saints before Jesus’ death, calling out for the full unveiling of justice and redemption. They are told to wait “a little season”, until others their fellow servants and brethren would also be martyred, fulfilled through the early church and beyond. The souls under the altar cry out: “How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on.

Take Note Before Reading Further

Do not read the next verses as a sequence of events following verse 11. Revelation 6 shifts the vision: verses 9–11 reveal the spiritual reality, Jesus speaking to the fathers in faith beneath the altar. Verses 12–17 then reveal the natural parallels, the shaking, the darkness, and the fear witnessed on earth at the cross. These are not separate future events, but two angles of the same moment: the unseen world made right through Jesus’ death, and the visible world trembling as creation responded.

Revelation 6:9–10 – Jesus and the Fathers in Faith

Here the focus is on the spiritual reality beneath the altar. Jesus is shown speaking to the faithful saints of the Old Covenant, the “souls under the altar.” They longed for righteousness, and in His death, they finally receive the white robe. This is the spiritual reality unfolding in the unseen realm.

Revelation 6:12–17 – The Natural Parallels

The following verses shift the view. They describe not a new event afterward, but the natural signs that accompanied the same central moment, the cross.

“Great earthquake” = the shaking of creation when Jesus died (Matthew 27:51).
“Sun black as sackcloth” = the supernatural darkness over the land (Luke 23:44–45).
“Moon became as blood” = the shadow of judgment and redemption through blood.
“Stars fell” = the collapse of the old order, religious rulers cast down.
“Every mountain and island moved” = the shaking of earthly powers and kingdoms.

These are not sequential end-time events but parallel visions of the same hour, the death of Jesus and its cosmic effect.

Verse 9–10 = what happened in the spiritual realm (Jesus speaking to the Fathers of Faith under the altar, giving them robes, promising the finish).
Verse 12–17 = what happened in the natural realm (the earth quaking, darkness, men terrified at God’s judgment on sin).

At the cross, both heaven and earth shook, the unseen world was set right, and the seen world trembled at what it could not fully understand. Holy Spirit shows both the inside (spiritual reality) and the outside (natural signs) of Jesus’ death.

Revelation 6:11

11. Jesus-”Almost Resurrection Day!”

11 And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

"White garments / raiment"

Rev 3:4–5, 18 – Promises to clothe the faithful in white.

Rev 6:11; 7:9, 13–14; 19:8, 14 – Saints appear in white robes, representing righteousness through Christ.

A symbol of purity, victory, and grace through the Lamb.

"Tribulation"

Rev 2:9–10, 2:22 – Church in tribulation (especially Smyrna, faithful even unto death).

Rev 6:9–11; 7:14; 13:7, 15 – Later saints also go through tribulation, persecution, and martyrdom.

Confirms that tribulation is not just a future event — it's part of faithful witness throughout history.

The pale horse becomes symbolic of Jesus’ dominion over all spiritual death and His Church’s authority through Him.

"White robes"

Righteousness given through Jesus (Rev. 7:14; Isa. 61:10).

Isaiah 61:10

"I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels." 

“Rest a little season”

Rest until the church’s witness is fulfilled and the custom of the marriage is complete.

See Addendum- Little Season

See Addendum- Custom of Marriage

Revelation 7:14 – Washed in the Blood of the Lamb

“And I said unto him, Sir, thou knowest. And he said to me, These are they which came out of great tribulation, and have washed their robes, and made them white in the blood of the Lamb.”

These are the redeemed  made pure not by their works, but through Jesus atoning sacrifice. Their suffering led to glory.

Hebrews 11:39–40 – One Body Made Perfect Together

“And these all, having obtained a good report through faith, received not the promise: God having provided some better thing for us, that they without us should not be made perfect.”

The Old Testament faithful (like Abraham, Moses, and the prophets) did not receive the full promise in their time because they would be made perfect together with us, through Jesus.

Isaiah 61:10 – Clothed with Salvation

“I will greatly rejoice in the Lord, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he hath clothed me with the garments of salvation, he hath covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decketh himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorneth herself with her jewels.”

Salvation and marriage supper go hand in hand, a prophetic picture of how God would robe His people in righteousness through Jesus , the bridegroom who came to the cross 'The Marriage."

The season and 'The Marriage."

Garments of Salvation
In the Old Testament, man’s own garments often symbolized sin, shame, or self-righteousness (Isaiah 64:6). God promises to clothe His people Himself, not in their effort, but in His salvation. The cross, where Jesus exchanged our filthy garments for His spotless righteousness (Zechariah 3:3–5; 2 Corinthians 5:21).

Robe of Righteousness
This robe is not earned but given. Just as Adam and Eve were covered by skins God provided (Genesis 3:21), so Jesus blood covers His Bride. By faith, the fathers of old “looked for” this covering. Abraham believed God, and it was counted to him for righteousness (Genesis 15:6).

The Marriage Picture
The verse compares this salvation to a bridegroom and a bride on their wedding day. The Bridegroom is Jesus, who came wearing a crown of thorns at the cross (John 19:5), but through His suffering, He prepared the wedding garments for His Bride (Ephesians 5:25–27). The “jewels” of the Bride are the works of faith produced by His Spirit (Revelation 19:7–8).

Zechariah 3:4–5  Joshua the high priest clothed with filthy garments, but God commands, “Take away the filthy garments from him… I will clothe thee with change of raiment.”
Romans 13:14  “But put ye on the Lord Jesus Christ.”
Revelation 19:7–8  “The marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready… fine linen is the righteousness of saints.”

Isaiah 61:10 is a faith declaration. It’s the Bride rejoicing in what God would one day do through Jesus. The Fathers in Faith longed for this covering, Abel through sacrifice, Abraham through promise, David through mercy, Isaiah through prophecy. All of them pointed forward to this moment where Jesus, the Bridegroom, robes His people with salvation. This is the faith of the scripture: trusting not in our own garments, but in the robe of righteousness provided by the Lamb, preparing us for “The Marriage.”

Jewish marriage custom is one of the richest pictures of Jesus the Bridegroom and His Bride in Scripture. Let me unfold it clearly for you:

Jewish Wedding Custom & The Messiah’s Marriage to His Bride

Betrothal (Kiddushin)

In Jewish culture, marriage began with a betrothal. The groom and bride entered a covenant, often sealed with a cup of wine and a bride-price (dowry). Spiritually: Jesus paid the price with His own blood (1 Corinthians 6:20). At the Last Supper, He lifted the cup and said: “This cup is the new testament in my blood” (Luke 22:20). That was His covenant betrothal with His Bride, the Church.

Groom Goes Away to Prepare a Place

After the betrothal, the groom left the bride to prepare a home, often building an extension onto his father’s house. Spiritually: Jesus said, “In my Father’s house are many mansions… I go to prepare a place for you” (John 14:2–3). He left after the cross and resurrection, ascending to the Father, to prepare the eternal dwelling.

The Bride Waits and Prepares

Before Pentecost, the Bride was in a season of waiting, set apart, longing for the promised Spirit, like the virgins with lamps prepared (Matthew 25:1–13). But when the Holy Spirit came, the waiting ended. The Groom and Bride were united forever. Now the Church is not waiting for union, but living as His Bride, reigning with Him as kings and priests, clothed in His righteousness, keeping the oil of the Spirit alive in daily fellowship (Revelation 1:6; Ephesians 2:6). Israel & the disciples before Pentecost, they were the betrothed, waiting for the Spirit (Acts 1:4, John 14:18). After Pentecost, the Bride is no longer waiting, but united, indwelt, seated with Jesus, reigning as kings and priests.

The Groom’s Return

When the groom had finished preparing the home, he returned, often at night, with a shout and trumpet blast, to receive his bride. Spiritually: Jesus came to His first bride, Old Covenant Israel, like a thief in the night, sudden, unrecognized, and rejected (1 Thessalonians 5:2–3). But to us, His true Bride who accepted Him, He did not come as a thief, for we are not in darkness but in the light (1 Thessalonians 5:4–5). His resurrection and the giving of the Spirit marked His return to unite us with Himself forever, not as a future event to dread, but as a completed union to live in now. 

He contrasted those who rejected Him (the “first bride,” Old Covenant Israel) with those who see and know Him (the true Bride). Here are the main places where He says this:

John 14:17  “Even the Spirit of truth; whom the world cannot receive, because it seeth him not, neither knoweth him: but ye know him; for he dwelleth with you, and shall be in you.”
The world (old system) could not see or know Him, but the disciples (the Bride) did and would, when the Spirit came.

John 8:19  “Then said they unto him, Where is thy Father? Jesus answered, Ye neither know me, nor my Father: if ye had known me, ye should have known my Father also.”
The religious leaders didn’t know Him or the Father.

John 16:3  “And these things will they do unto you, because they have not known the Father, nor me.”
Speaking of Israel’s leaders persecuting His followers,again, blindness.

John 17:25–26  “O righteous Father, the world hath not known thee: but I have known thee, and these have known that thou hast sent me. And I have declared unto them thy name…”
His Bride knows Him, unlike the world that rejected Him.

Matthew 13:11  “Because it is given unto you to know the mysteries of the kingdom of heaven, but to them it is not given.”
His disciples (the Bride) had eyes to see what Israel’s leaders missed

1 Thessalonians 5:4–5  “But ye, brethren, are not in darkness, that that day should overtake you as a thief. Ye are all the children of light, and the children of the day: we are not of the night, nor of darkness.”

So when you wrote about The Groom’s Return, this is exactly the language Jesus Himself used: They did not see or know Me, but you do. He came as a thief to the temple system because they were blind, but His Bride is not in darkness, she sees, knows, and is united with Him.

The Marriage Feast

After the bride was received, the wedding feast began as the high point of joy and celebration. Spiritually: this was fulfilled in Me when I gave My life for you. The true Marriage Supper of the Lamb is not waiting for a day far away, for it began when I offered My body and blood. At the cross I gave you My flesh to eat and My blood to drink (John 6:53–56), and when you believed, you became one with Me. 

Revelation 19:7–9 speaks of this great supper “Let us be glad and rejoice, and give honour to him: for the marriage of the Lamb is come, and his wife hath made herself ready. And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. And he saith unto me, Write, Blessed are they which are called unto the marriage supper of the Lamb.” Beloved, the marriage supper is not a table to fearfully wait for, but a union to live in now. Every time you partake of My bread and cup, you taste again the reality that you are already My Bride. The feast is here, the union is complete, and our joy has no end.

Corrected Faith Connection

Isaiah 61:10 declares: “He hath clothed me with the garments of salvation… as a bridegroom decketh himself… and as a bride adorneth herself.”

Jesus came to betroth His Bride in covenant love at the cross.
He prepared the place in His resurrection and ascension, opening the Father’s house.
He clothes His Bride now with salvation and righteousness.
And in the outpouring of the Spirit, He consummated the union, making us one with Him forever.

This was the faith of Israel’s fathers and prophets: they saw salvation not as cold law, but as a coming marriage between God and His people, fulfilled in Jesus (Hosea 2:19–20, Ephesians 5:25–27).

 fellow servants and brethren, that should be killed as they were

When Jesus spoke these words in the spirit world, He was addressing the Fathers in Faith who had waited under the altar. He told them that others, like them, were now being persecuted on earth, apostles, disciples, and brethren who followed Him. Yet the promise was sure: He would rise from the dead, and soon He would empower His people with His Spirit. The “little season” was the short time until resurrection morning and the outpouring of the Spirit. This was not a long delay, but a brief moment of waiting until the fullness of His victory was revealed.

And here the marriage theme enters: those Fathers under the altar were the first to share in righteous union, perhaps as honored guests at the wedding table, clothed in white, beholding what was to come. Yet in the mystery of God, the guest becomes the Bride, the brother becomes the Groom’s companion, the servant becomes the son, and the father of faith becomes one with the Son of God. For Jesus is not simply the One who hosts the wedding, He is the wedding itself. The Kingdom is not merely His gift, it is Himself. The union is not merely an event, but His very Person shared with us. These strange overlaps confuse the natural mind, but in the Spirit we see the glory: Jesus is our Brother, our Friend, our Father, and our Bridegroom, and in Him the guest, the servant, and the Bride are all made one.

Matthew 22:23–28

“,, Therefore in the resurrection whose wife shall she be of the seven? for they all had her.”

And Jesus’ answer:

Matthew 22:29–30

“Jesus answered and said unto them, Ye do err, not knowing the scriptures, nor the power of God. For in the resurrection they neither marry, nor are given in marriage, but are as the angels of God in heaven.”

This story also appears in Mark 12:18–25 and Luke 20:27–36.

The key is that Jesus shows marriage in the flesh is temporary, it was a shadow. The true eternal marriage is Himself with His Bride in the Spirit.

The mystery of the wedding theme perfectly: in Jesus everything overlaps, He is the Groom, He is the Feast, He is the Kingdom, He is the Life. The “roles” (guest, bride, brother, friend, father) all collapse into Him because He is all in all (Colossians 3:11). 

See Addendum- The Guests

Revelation 6:12

12. Jesus Died!

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

"A Great Earthquake"

 Symbol of spiritual upheaval caused by the cross (Matt. 27:51).

Matthew 27:51  a powerful verse that captures the spiritual shift at the moment of Jesus’ death: “And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent;”

"The veil was rent"  The barrier between God and humanity is torn apart by Jesus’ sacrifice. This veil separated the Holy of Holies, where only the high priest could go once a year. Now, through Jesus, all have access to God. Hebrews 10:19–20 “Having therefore, brethren, boldness to enter into the holiest by the blood of Jesus, By a new and living way, which he hath consecrated for us, through the veil, that is to say, his flesh.”

"From top to bottom"  It was God’s initiative, not man’s. Grace flowed downward, from heaven to earth.

"The earth did quake"  Creation itself responded to the death of its Creator, prophetic fulfillment of the old prophets.

"The rocks rent"  The hard hearts of men, symbolized by stone, would now be broken open by the truth of the Cross.

"sun became black as sackcloth of hair"

Jesus the "Sun" became dark with sin for us "broken and need of Gods righteousness" Jesus lost His "Glory, hair turn black" and the Moon "The Bride of Jesus" as blood "Washed by the blood of  Jesus"

See Addendum - Sackcloth

Isaiah 13:10  "For the stars of heaven and the constellations thereof shall not give their light: the sun shall be darkened in his going forth, and the moon shall not cause her light to shine."

Joel 2:10  "The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining:"

Revelation 6:13

13. Jesus Shakes the Heavenlies!

13 And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

The fig tree often represents Israel, particularly the religious system (temple/synagogue) and leadership of the old covenant that ultimately rejected the Messiah. Revelation 6:13’s image of the fig tree shaking off its fruit ties directly into that.

The Fig Tree - The fall of the old system - The rise of the true Kingdom in Jesus:

Luke 13:6–9 -The Barren Fig Tree

“A certain man had a fig tree planted in his vineyard, and he came and sought fruit thereon, and found none…”

Jesus tells this parable to expose the fruitlessness of Israel’s religious leaders. Despite all the care and time, there’s no fruit, no repentance, no real faith. The fig tree represents Israel under the old covenant, and Jesus is warning: time is running out. We see in Revelation 6:13: Like untimely figs shaken by wind "Holy Spirit", the old system is about to fall, it has no fruit.

Matthew 21:18–20 - Jesus Curses the Fig Tree

“Seeing a fig tree by the way, He came to it and found nothing on it but leaves only…”

Jesus curses it, and it withers, this is a prophetic act, not about the tree itself but about Israel's religious system. Leaves without fruit = appearance of godliness with no substance. This happens just after the Triumphal Entry and just before Jesus cleanses the temple, it is a clear message: the temple is empty of God’s Spirit. In Revelation, this same judgment plays out on a cosmic scale. The “fig tree” (old covenant religion) is shaken by the Spirit and falls.

Mark 11:12–21 - Cursing and the Cleansing of the Temple

Mark pairs the fig tree and the temple together: Jesus curses the tree (no fruit), Then He cleanses the temple, Then the tree is withered to the roots. The prophetic meaning is the old system (fig tree) looks alive but is dead. Jesus declares: “This house is left to you desolate”   ( Matthew 23:38). The tree dies from the roots just like Babylon in Revelation, judged at the core.

Luke 21:29–32 - The Fig Tree and All the Trees

“Behold the fig tree, and all the trees; when they now shoot forth… ye know the kingdom of God is nigh at hand.”

Jesus uses the fig tree to signal the coming shift, the end of the temple age and the birth of the Kingdom through the cross. When you see it “budding,” it’s a sign of change and not just for Israel, but for “all the trees” (all nations). In Revelation, the old tree is shaken and loses its fruit. A new season begins, the Spirit-filled Church, rooted in Jesus, not law.

Jeremiah 24 - The Two Baskets of Figs

“One basket had very good figs… the other basket had very bad figs…”

God uses the fig tree as a metaphor for His judgment on faithless leaders and His preservation of the remnant. The good figs represent those who submit to God, even in exile. The bad figs are the corrupt rulers and priests. Just like in Revelation. judgment isn’t against all. God still preserves His faithful, Spirit-led remnant.

Revelation and the Fig Tree

The fig tree in Revelation 6:13 is not random but indicating Jesus redemptive power. It is a prophetic image of the old covenant system being shaken and cast down. Jesus is the mighty wind, His Spirit shakes everything built without Him. The stars falling and figs dropping symbolize religious powers and unfaithful leaders losing their place (compare Revelation 12:4, Matthew 24:29). It fulfills everything Jesus already acted out and preached the end of fruitless religion, and the start of a new Kingdom rooted in grace.

Revelation 6:14

14. Jesus Shake Kingdoms!

14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

Jesus shake the heavens! Make way for My Kingdom has come! This verse indicate Jesus take all kingdoms captive and submit them under His sovereign rulership as King of kings!

The veil and Hebrews 10:19–20 ties directly. Let me open it up:

The Veil Torn = Heaven Opened

At the cross “the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom” (Matthew 27:51).
That veil separated man from the Holy of Holies, from the presence of God.
When Jesus’ flesh was torn, the veil was torn. Hebrews 10:19–20 tells us plainly: His flesh was the veil.
So when the veil tore, heaven was opened to man, no longer divided.

Heaven Departed as a Scroll

Revelation 6:14 describes “heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together.”
This isn’t about the destruction of the universe but a symbolic picture of the old order passing away.
Just as a scroll is rolled up when it’s finished being read, so the Old Covenant was being wrapped up at the cross.
The new heaven, Jesus Himself  was opened, not to be sealed again.

The Shaking of Powers

At that moment, “every mountain and island were moved”  symbolic of the shaking of kingdoms and powers (Hebrews 12:26–27).
The strong man was bound (Mark 3:27).
Principalities and powers were spoiled openly by the cross (Colossians 2:15).
The spiritual realm itself shook and shifted: the reign of darkness ended, the reign of the Lamb began.

The Union Reality

So when the heavens departed like a scroll, it was not about the end of the physical sky, it was the tearing away of the veil of separation. Heaven and earth merged in one new reality in Jesus.

Heaven opened.
Earth restored.
Bride and Groom united.
Old scroll rolled up.
New and living way opened forever.

"Heaven departed"

 A new covenant is being revealed; old systems rolled up (Heb. 12:26–27).

Matthew 27:51
“And, behold, the veil of the temple was rent in twain from the top to the bottom; and the earth did quake, and the rocks rent.”

Joel 2:10
“The earth shall quake before them; the heavens shall tremble: the sun and the moon shall be dark, and the stars shall withdraw their shining.”

Hebrews 12:26–27
“Whose voice then shook the earth: but now he hath promised, saying, Yet once more I shake not the earth only, but also heaven. And this word, Yet once more, signifieth the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that are made, that those things which cannot be shaken may remain.”

Matt. 27:51 → veil torn, earth quaking = the cross.
Joel 2:10 → prophetic language of cosmic shaking fulfilled at the cross.
Heb. 12:26–27 → interpretation: the old covenant shaken and removed, only the unshakable kingdom remains.

Earthquake, Sun Darkened, Stars Fall, Heavens Roll Up (Rev 6:12–14)

Earthquake and Shaking of Creation. The earthquake, heavens rolling up, mountains moving, and stars falling is spiritual and is a  historical shaking caused by Jesus' death and resurrection, not just literal cosmic events:

Matthew 27:51–54  earthquake at crucifixion,

Hebrews 12:26–27   “yet once more I shake not the earth only…”

Haggai 2:6–7   “I will shake all nations…”

Then follows the great earthquake symbolizing the earth-shattering event of the cross, where not only creation reacted (Matthew 27:51), but the entire spiritual realm was shaken." The heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.”This represent how earthly powers, governments, and religious systems "mountains and islands" were spiritually shaken and displaced by the Kingdom of Jesus. Jesus sacrifice disrupted the world order, unveiling a new spiritual reign. “And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.” The "falling stars" and "mighty wind" a sudden, divine shaking, the Spirit of Jesus coming unexpectedly and with power, unsettling the spiritual heavens and challenging all human security.

These are apocalyptic symbols (common in prophets like Isaiah and Joel), indicating that a cosmic-level shift occurred, like the cross shaking the heavens and the powers (Matthew 27:51, Hebrews 12:26–28, Colossians 2:15). The old order is being replaced by Jesus kingdom. This is  prophetic language use to describe God's judgment on nations (Isaiah 13 for Babylon, Ezekiel 32 for Egypt). The spiritual significance of the cross, and attention to events that shook the world!

Revelation 6:15

15. The World Knows!

15 And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid themselves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;

This scripture indicate the world and the spiritual realm knows that Jesus is Lord!

Hiding from the Lamb – Like Adam hiding from God’s presence.

Genesis 3:8  “And they heard the voice of the Lord God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the Lord God amongst the trees of the garden.”

This is the moment after Adam and Eve sinned. Instead of welcoming God's presence, they hid themselves, a symbolic moment of separation from God due to guilt and shame. It marks the beginning of the fall, when man turned from God's face.

See Addendum- Sin

Revelation 6:16

16. The Convicting Presence of Christ!

16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:

"Throne" / "He that sitteth on the throne"

Rev 3:21 – Jesus promises the overcomers to sit with Him on His throne.

Rev 4:2, 5:1, 6:16, 7:15, 20:11, 22:1 – Throne becomes central to heavenly scenes.

The promise to reign with Christ is fulfilled in the vision.

hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne

People Hiding from the Face of the Lamb (Rev 6:15–16)

“And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne…”This mirrors the reaction of sinful man, hiding after the fall. Those in rebellion or in power cannot stand exposed before the face of Jesus, now enthroned and ruling. This is the spiritual response to the convicting presence of Jesus, revealed in glory. Like Adam and Eve, sinful humanity hides when the truth is exposed. Jesus’ enthronement begins judgment, not someday, but already (John 3:19).

Hide Us from the Face of Him that Sitteth on the Throne

Revelation 6:15–16
“And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb.”

When sinful man is confronted with the unveiled presence of God, the first instinct is to hide. This is the story of Adam and Eve, and it is the story repeated in Revelation: man, in rebellion, cannot endure the holy face of God revealed in Jesus.

The Law as Schoolmaster

Paul wrote:

 Galatians 3:24 “Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Jesus, that we might be justified by faith”
Romans 7:12 The Law was holy, righteous, and good . It was given to awaken man to the reality of sin and to shape his conduct according to God’s order. Its purpose was to shine light on man’s condition, so he might recognize his need for grace.

Sin and the Law

Yet sin, that hidden power in human nature, took advantage of the Law.

Romans 7:8–9 “But sin, taking occasion by the commandment, wrought in me all manner of concupiscence… For without the law sin was dead. For I was alive without the law once: but when the commandment came, sin revived, and I died.”
The very thing meant to guide man became the place where sin enticed, deceived, and made him stumble. Instead of producing life, the Law exposed death. The schoolmaster showed the sickness but could not heal it.

The Blood and the Spirit

Now, by the blood of Jesus and the outpouring of the Spirit, man has a deeper understanding of sin. We see sin not just as breaking rules, but as a condition that blinds and separates from God’s glory.

Romans 8:3 “For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending his own Son… condemned sin in the flesh.”
2 Corinthians 3:17–18 “Now the Lord is that Spirit: and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is liberty. But we all, with open face beholding as in a glass the glory of the Lord, are changed into the same image…”

Where Moses had to veil his face, and Israel could not look upon God’s glory, now we are invited to behold Him unveiled, not in fear, but in transformation.

The Instinct to Hide

Still, when sin clings to the heart, the instinct remains: “Hide us from the face.” Men feel unworthy before His holiness. This is what the rulers and rebels cry out in Revelation 6: “Hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne.” But the true Bride does not hide. She comes boldly, clothed in garments of salvation (Isaiah 61:10). She knows that the blood of Jesus has made her worthy, and the Spirit reveals His glory not to destroy her, but to transform her.

Selah

The Law awakened the knowledge of sin, but sin used the Law to entrap man. The result was fear, guilt, and the instinct to hide from God’s face, just like Adam, and just like the kings of the earth in Revelation. But the cross changed everything: by the blood of Jesus and the Spirit, we no longer hide from the glory, but behold Him unveiled. What was once terror is now transformation.

Revelation 6:17

17. The Finish Work on the Cross is Done!

17 For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?

“Wrath of the Lamb” 

The cross is both love and judgment (John 12:31; Rev. 1:7).

John 12:31  “Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.”

This was spoken by Jesus shortly before His crucifixion. It marks the decisive moment of judgment. Through the Cross, the power and authority of Satan (the "prince of this world") would be broken, not later, but now at the moment of Jesus’ death. Judgment began at the Cross, not in a distant future. Jesus cast out the spiritual power that ruled through sin and death ( Colossians 2:15).

Revelation 1:7 “Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.”

This points to Jesus’ spiritual coming in glory, often connected with judgment and vindication. The phrase "they also which pierced him" refers to those responsible for rejecting and crucifying Him, primarily unbelieving Israel ( Zechariah 12:10). We can read in Matthew 24:30 and see how Jesus’ "coming" is not a future event, but tied to His resurrection, judgment on Jerusalem (70 AD), and the unfolding revelation of His glory to all nations. Jesus will come in mighty revival that the world has never seen before, but the scriptures does not speak around that topic! First we as the church need to see and understand Jesus Revelation first, then Revival come! 

“Day of His Wrath” the Cross when Jesus bore wrath on the cross, but also executed judgment over sin, death, and the powers of darkness (John 12:31, Colossians 2:15). His cross is both salvation and judgment, depending on how people respond. “…and from the wrath of the Lamb: For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?” Here, the cross becomes judgment day. The wrath is not petty anger, but holy justice. Jesus bore wrath on the cross, but in doing so, He also became the Judge. Now, His Word and Spirit continue to judge the hearts of men. Judgment began at the cross. Jesus took wrath upon Himself  for the faithful, but that same cross brings judgment on the unbelieving world (John 12:31; Revelation 1:5–7). His wrath is present and spiritual!

“Who shall be able to stand?” 

Only those in Jesus(Rom. 8:1).

Genesis 3:8  And they heard the voice of the LORD God walking in the garden in the cool of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence of the LORD God amongst the trees of the garden.

John 12:31  Now is the judgment of this world: now shall the prince of this world be cast out.

Revelation 1:7  Behold, he cometh with clouds; and every eye shall see him, and they also which pierced him: and all kindreds of the earth shall wail because of him. Even so, Amen.

Romans 8:1  There is therefore now no condemnation to them which are in Christ Jesus, who walk not after the flesh, but after the Spirit.

The Cross is the central event of wrath and redemption, but some delays that wrath to some distant moment, instead of recognizing that the decisive judgment already came at Calvary, and the Spirit now judges the world through the gospel (John 16:8–11). The cross is not just a moment in history, it is the moment that split history, shook creation, and began a new kind of judgment: one not just of nations, but of hearts. The seals show how Jesus rides forth in power, bringing both salvation and judgment. Each person must choose: Accept His sacrifice and be acquitted or resist, and be judged by their own works that ultimately hiding from the presence of the Lamb.

See: Addendum -Seals

To My Bride

The Church is called to live with spiritual discernment, seeing behind earthly chaos to the Lamb’s sovereign rule. As His Bride, we endure trials and pressures not by fear, but by trusting in Jesus’ finished work and holding fast to His Word. Our victory is not escape from suffering, but faithfulness through it—knowing our lives are secure in the hands of the One who gave everything for us. We overcome by resting in His finished work, persevering in hope, and bearing witness to His victory, even in the midst of the world’s shaking.