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Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Revelation 6:3–8. His three-level outline is real structure in the source text, so it is rendered as structure.
The next three seals give us a sad prospect of great and desolating judgments with which God punishes those who either refuse or abuse the everlasting gospel. Though some understand them of the persecutions that befell the church of Christ, and others of the destruction of the Jews, they rather seem more generally to represent God's terrible judgments, by which he avenges the quarrel of his covenant upon those who make light of it.
I.Upon opening the second seal, to which John was called to attend, another horse appears, of a different colour from the former, a red horse, Rev 6:4. This signifies the desolating judgment of war; he that sat upon this red horse had power to take peace from the earth, and that the inhabitants of the earth should kill one another. Who this was that sat upon the red horse, whether Christ himself, as Lord of hosts, or the instruments that he raised up to conduct the war, is not clear; but this is certain,
1.That those who will not submit to the bow of the gospel must expect to be cut in sunder by the sword of divine justice.
2.That Jesus Christ rules and commands, not only in the kingdom of grace, but of providence. And,
3.That the sword of war is a dreadful judgment; it takes away peace from the earth, one of the greatest blessings, and it puts men upon killing one another. Men, who should love one another and help one another, are, in a state of war, set upon killing one another.
II.Upon opening the third seal, which John was directed to observe, another horse appears, different from the former, a black horse, signifying famine, that terrible judgment; and he that sat on the horse had a pair of balances in his hand (Rev 6:5), signifying that men must now eat their bread by weight, as was threatened (Lev 26:26), They shall deliver your bread to you by weight. That which follows in Rev 6:6, of the voice that cried, 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, has made some expositors think this was not a vision of famine, but of plenty; but if we consider the quantity of their measure, and the value of their penny, at the time of this prophecy, the objection will be removed; their measure was but a single quart, and their penny was our sevenpence-halfpenny, and that is a large sum to give for a quart of wheat. However, it seems this famine, as all others, fell most severely upon the poor; whereas the oil and the wine, which were dainties of the rich, were not hurt; but if bread, the staff of life, be broken, dainties will not supply the place of it. Here observe,
1.When a people loathe their spiritual food, God may justly deprive them of their daily bread.
2.One judgment seldom comes alone; the judgment of war naturally draws after it that of famine; and those who will not humble themselves under one judgment must expect another and yet greater, for when God contends he will prevail. The famine of bread is a terrible judgment; but the famine of the word is more so, though careless sinners are not sensible of it.
III.Upon opening the fourth seal, which John is commanded to observe, there appears another horse, of a pale colour. Here observe,
1.The name of the rider - Death, the king of terrors; the pestilence, which is death in its empire, death reigning over a place or nation, death on horseback, marching about, and making fresh conquests every hour.
2.The attendants or followers of this king of terrors - hell, a state of eternal misery to all those who die in their sins; and, in times of such a general destruction, multitudes go down unprepared into the valley of destruction. It is an awful thought, and enough to make the whole world to tremble, that eternal damnation immediately follows upon the death of an impenitent sinner. Observe,
(1.)There is a natural as well as judicial connection between one judgment and another: war is a wasting calamity, and draws scarcity and famine after it; and famine, not allowing men proper sustenance, and forcing them to take that which is unwholesome, often draws the pestilence after it.
(2.)God's quiver is full of arrows; he is never at a loss for ways and means to punish a wicked people.
(3.)In the book of God's counsels he has prepared judgments for scorners as well as mercy for returning sinners.
(4.)In the book of the scriptures God has published threatenings against the wicked as well as promises to the righteous; and it is our duty to observe and believe the threatenings as well as the promises.
IV.After the opening of these seals of approaching judgments, and the distinct account of them, we have this general observation, that God gave power to them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with the sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth, Rev 6:8. He gave them power, that is, those instruments of his anger, or those judgments themselves; he who holds the winds in his hand has all public calamities at his command, and they can only go when he sends them and no further than he permits. To the three great judgments of war, famine, and pestilence, is here added the beasts of the earth, another of God's sore judgments, mentioned Eze 14:21, and mentioned here the last, because, when a nation is depopulated by the sword, famine, and pestilence, the small remnant that continue in a waste and howling wilderness encourage the wild beasts to make head against them, and they become easy prey. Others, by the beasts of the field, understand brutish, cruel, savage men, who, having divested themselves of all humanity, delight to be the instruments of the destruction of others.
Historical interpretation
Seven Centuries of Reception
4 surviving comments on this verse. Each one is dated, so this reads as a timeline rather than a list.
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"And when He had opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, Come and see. And, lo, a pale horse; and he who sate upon him was named Death." For the pale horse and he who sate upon him bore the name of Death. These same things also the Lord had promised among the rest of the coming destructions-great pestilences and deaths; since, moreover, he says:-
"And hell followed him." That is, it was waiting for the devouring of many unrighteous souls. This is the pale horse.
The soaring flight and the swiftness upon its prey of the fourth living creature, namely, the eagle, suggests those plagues that come from above, from the divine wrath for the vindication of the pious and for the punishment of the impious, unless these should turn from their sins through improvement.
And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature, saying: Come, and see. And behold a pale horse, and he that sat upon him, his name was Death, and hell followed him. The people represented by the pale horse are the same as those represented by the red horse, their spiritual death being now symbolized by the pallor of the horse. It is right to say that death, that is the Devil intending to fight against the living, sits on them, because he seeks to extinguish the lives of the elect by the agency of those he has already killed spiritually. Hell means those in whom death dwells. Therefore hell follows death, because the wicked imitate the Devil. We may also understand by the pale horse the heretics specifically. And power was given to him over the four parts of the earth, to kill with sword, with famine, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth. There are two parts in this world, namely Christ's and the Devil's; but Christ's part is not divided, according to this: One is my dove; [Song 6:8] whereas the Devil's part is divided into four parts: pagans, Jews, heretics, and bad Catholics. Therefore there are as many plagues as there are parts of the Devil. It has already been explained how he kills with sword, with famine, and with death. As for the beasts, by them are represented ungoverned pulsions. So our enemy kills the souls of the reprobates with beasts because when fleshly pulsions are not restrained by the cages of the divine commandments, they are made wild, so to speak, by the impulse of diabolic incitement, and hurl the lives of the wretched down every precipice.
It is the breaking of the fourth seal and the beginning of the release from the sin of Adam's transgression. For this release is the indicator of reconciliation with God. For if "our sins separate us from God", as Isaiah says (Isa. 59:2), then their removal brings us back into fellowship. But what is the remedy? The wounds of Christ, through which we have been freed (see 1 Peter 2:24; Isa. 53:5). For since we were condemned by the pleasure of tasting, we have been healed by its opposites. Opposite to pleasure are the wounds, which bear the painful sensation, all of which Christ endured on our behalf, through which we were led to the corruption of death, but He endured it through opposites: through obedience, disobedience (see Rom. 5:19); through painful submission, pleasure; through the brave placing of His hands upon the cross, which had rashly touched the forbidden tree.
Of which it is said to have occurred, by the command of the fourth living creature saying, "Come." I looked, and behold, a pale horse; and the one sitting on it was named Death, and Hades followed with him. And they were given authority over a fourth of the earth. The pale horse is a symbol of wrath; for the bile is pale green, and so it is called by physicians.
Death and Hades were indeed sent forth spiritually to overthrow the deceitful demons and to exact justice for the destruction of humanity. However, since the saving work of Christ's passion had not yet been accomplished through the Revelation, by which He atoned all the sins committed against us, the complete destruction of the demons had not yet occurred; rather, only a quarter part had been destroyed.
This destruction is metaphorically called a slaughter and famine by those who long ago worshipped them; and death, the end of their tyranny, is brought about through death itself, and their annihilation by the beasts of the earth;
beasts of the earth being the passions of pride and vanity in the demons. Though these demons are earthly by nature, as they delight in the earthly passions that afflict those on earth, even though they have a spiritual nature, they are weakened and consumed as they are cast out from their dominion over humanity.
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Summary
Revelation 6:7 marks a pivotal moment in John's apocalyptic vision, describing the Lamb's opening of the fourth of seven seals on a scroll. As this seal is broken, the fourth living creature, a celestial being surrounding God's throne, issues an urgent, imperative summons: "Come and see." This command serves as an invitation for John, and by extension the reader, to witness the unfolding of divine judgment, specifically the grim reality of widespread death and destruction that the subsequent verse will reveal, underscoring God's sovereign control over historical events and the unfolding of His redemptive and judicial plan.
Context
Literary Context
Revelation 6:7 is situated within the dramatic sequence of the seven seals, which constitute a major section of the apocalyptic scroll revealed to John. Following the opening of the first three seals—introducing the white horse of conquest, the red horse of war, and the black horse of famine—this verse initiates the fourth judgment. Each of the first four seals is announced by one of the four living creatures, celestial beings first described in Revelation 4:6-8. Their consistent cry of "Come and see" (found in Revelation 6:1, Revelation 6:3, Revelation 6:5, and here in Revelation 6:7) creates a rhythmic, escalating tension, signaling the progressive unveiling of divine judgments. This repetition underscores the solemnity and divine origin of these events, leading directly into the terrifying vision of the pale horse and its rider, Death, in Revelation 6:8.
Historical & Cultural Context
John wrote Revelation during a period of intense persecution of Christians, likely under the Roman Emperor Domitian in the late first century AD. The imperial cult, demanding worship of the emperor, presented a significant challenge to Christian monotheism, leading to suffering and martyrdom. Apocalyptic literature, a common genre in Jewish and early Christian circles, provided a framework for understanding present suffering and future hope through symbolic visions. It often depicted God's ultimate victory over evil and the establishment of His kingdom. The imagery of seals, scrolls, and divine judgments would have resonated with readers familiar with Old Testament prophetic books like Daniel and Ezekiel, which also utilized symbolic language to convey God's sovereign control over nations and history, offering a message of endurance and ultimate vindication to a persecuted community.
Key Themes
This verse contributes to several overarching themes within Revelation. Foremost is the theme of Divine Sovereignty and Judgment, as the Lamb, Jesus Christ, is the sole figure worthy and able to open the seals, demonstrating God's absolute control over all historical and future events. The unfolding judgments are not random chaos but part of a preordained divine plan. Another key theme is the Role of the Lamb, who, though appearing as a slain lamb (Revelation 5:6), possesses the authority to execute God's judgments, fulfilling the prophecy of the Lion of Judah (Revelation 5:5). The Four Living Creatures also represent a significant theme, serving as heralds and participants in God's cosmic administration, their voices emphasizing the divine origin and solemnity of the judgments. Finally, the verse highlights the Unveiling of Consequences, as each seal reveals a specific form of tribulation or judgment upon the earth, preparing the reader for the devastating impact of the fourth horseman.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
This verb (G455) means "to open up (literally or figuratively, in various applications)." In this context, it signifies the act of breaking a seal on a scroll, which is a literal opening, but it also carries the figurative weight of revealing or disclosing a new phase of divine judgment. The Lamb's act of opening is not merely mechanical but an authoritative unveiling of God's sovereign plan.
This noun (G2226) refers to "a live thing, i.e., an animal." In Revelation, it specifically denotes the four living creatures (often translated as "living beings" to avoid confusion with the "beast" of Revelation 13), who are celestial beings surrounding God's throne, full of eyes, and distinct in appearance (Revelation 4:7). Their designation as "beast" here emphasizes their living, animate nature, distinct from human or angelic forms, and their role as powerful, divinely appointed agents.
These are two imperative verbs (G2064 and G991, respectively). Erchomai means "to come or go (in a great variety of applications, literally and figuratively)," while blépō means "to look at (literally or figuratively):--behold, beware, lie, look (on, to), perceive, regard, see, sight, take heed." Together, "Come and see" is a direct, urgent command, an invitation to witness what is about to be revealed. It is not merely an invitation to observe passively but to engage with the unfolding reality of God's judgment, drawing the reader into the unfolding drama.
Verse Breakdown
"And when he had opened the fourth seal"
This clause establishes the action and the agent. "He" refers to the Lamb, Jesus Christ, who alone was found worthy to open the scroll and its seals (Revelation 5:9). The opening of the "fourth seal" signifies the progression of divine judgments, each seal representing a distinct phase or aspect of God's wrath being poured out upon the earth. This act is not random but part of a predetermined, sequential unveiling of God's plan.
"I heard the voice of the fourth beast say"
John's auditory experience is highlighted, emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the announcement. The "fourth beast" (or living creature), described in Revelation 4:7 as having the face of a flying eagle, serves as a herald. Its voice is not just a sound but a pronouncement, carrying the weight of a divine summons. The specific creature associated with each seal's opening (first, second, third, and fourth) underscores the structured and deliberate nature of these judgments.
"Come and see"
This is a powerful, direct imperative command. It is an invitation extended to John, and implicitly to the reader, to witness the unfolding events. This repeated phrase throughout the opening of the first four seals creates a sense of immediate engagement and urgency, compelling the observer to behold the dreadful realities that each seal unleashes. It is an invitation to confront the consequences of sin and rebellion against God, as revealed in the subsequent verses.
Literary Devices
Revelation 6:7 employs several powerful literary devices. Symbolism is central, with the "seal" representing a divinely ordained phase of judgment and the "fourth beast" symbolizing a specific aspect of God's creation or divine attributes (often associated with swiftness and far-reaching judgment due to its eagle-like appearance). The "voice" of the beast is an instance of Anthropomorphism, as a non-human creature speaks with human-like articulation, emphasizing the divine agency behind the message. The repeated command "Come and see" functions as a form of Dramatic Irony or Proleptic Invitation. While seemingly an invitation to observe, it is an invitation to witness escalating horror and judgment, drawing the audience into the unfolding catastrophe. This direct address also creates a sense of Immediacy and Engagement, making the reader an active participant in John's vision rather than a passive observer.
Theological and Thematic Connections
Revelation 6:7 deeply underscores the profound theological truth of God's absolute sovereignty, even amidst chaos and judgment. The Lamb's authoritative act of opening the seals signifies that nothing in history, no matter how catastrophic, falls outside of God's ultimate control and divine purpose. The four living creatures, as heralds, further emphasize that these are not random occurrences but divinely orchestrated judgments, part of God's righteous response to human sin and rebellion. This passage serves as a stark reminder that God is not a distant, passive observer but an an active, sovereign ruler who intervenes in human history, ultimately bringing all things to their appointed end. The progression of the seals also highlights the escalating nature of divine judgment, leading to a climax of tribulation before the final triumph of God's kingdom.
Reflection and Application
Revelation 6:7, while part of a prophetic vision concerning future events, offers profound spiritual lessons for believers in every age. It serves as a solemn reminder that God is ultimately in control, even when the world seems to descend into chaos. The opening of the seals by the Lamb assures us that suffering, war, famine, and death are not random occurrences but are permitted and even orchestrated within God's sovereign plan. For us, this should cultivate a deep sense of trust in God's overarching providence, even when circumstances are dire. It calls us to spiritual preparedness, recognizing the reality of judgment and the urgency of living in light of eternity. Understanding these passages should not incite fear in the believer, but rather a renewed commitment to the gospel, a deeper reliance on Christ, and a fervent prayer for His kingdom to come. It encourages us to live with a sober understanding of the world's fallenness and God's holiness, motivating us to share the hope found in Jesus Christ, the only one who can deliver from the ultimate judgment.
Questions for Reflection
FAQ
What is the significance of the "fourth beast" in Revelation 6:7?
The "fourth beast" (or living creature) is one of four celestial beings surrounding God's throne, first introduced in Revelation 4:7. Each of these creatures has a distinct appearance—like a lion, an ox, a man, and a flying eagle—and they are full of eyes, symbolizing their constant awareness and divine insight. In Revelation 6, each of the first four living creatures calls out "Come and see" as the respective seal is opened. The fourth beast, with the face of a flying eagle, is often associated with swiftness, far-reaching vision, and the execution of judgment. Its voice, like the others, emphasizes the divine origin and solemnity of the unfolding judgments, acting as a herald of God's will and underscoring the structured, deliberate nature of the apocalyptic events.
Christ-Centered Fulfillment
Revelation 6:7, though depicting a scene of impending judgment, is profoundly Christ-centered. The entire sequence of the seals hinges on the identity and authority of the Lamb. It is Jesus Christ, the Lamb "standing as if slain" (Revelation 5:6), who alone is found worthy to open the scroll and its seals. This worthiness stems from His atoning sacrifice and His ultimate victory over sin and death, through which He "purchased with your blood persons from every tribe and language and people and nation" (Revelation 5:9). Therefore, when the fourth seal is opened, it is not an arbitrary act of wrath but an act of righteous judgment executed by the very one who bore the world's sin. Christ's authority to open these seals demonstrates His supreme Lordship over all creation and history, fulfilling prophecies that all judgment has been committed to the Son (John 5:22). Even in the unfolding of tribulation and judgment, this passage points to Christ as the sovereign King who upholds the universe by the word of His power (Hebrews 1:3) and to whom every knee will one day bow (Philippians 2:9-11). The judgments are part of His ultimate plan to bring about a new heaven and a new earth, where righteousness dwells, secured by His redemptive work.