Revelation 9:1-21

THE FIFTH AND SIXTH TRUMPET JUDGMENTS OF THE DAY OF YAHWEH

Revelation 9:1-21

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. The fifth trumpet (woe 1) brings a swarm of stinging demonic locusts that terrorize the earth for five months (Rev. 9:1-12).

A. At the sounding of the fifth trumpet, a star (most likely an angel in this context, see also Judges 5:20, Job 38:7, and Rev. 20:1) descends from heaven onto the earth with a key to the Abyss or bottomless pit. This angel was given the key by Yahweh’s authority just like the one in Revelation 20:1 and, therefore, does not seem to be Satan. The bottomless pit seems to be a prison for many of the fallen angels (Luke 8:31; 2 Peter 2:4; Jude 6) while events on this earth unfold (vs 1).

B. As the angel with the key opened the bottomless pit, smoke came out darkening the sun and the air. Out of the smoke came a massive swarm of demonic locusts to the earth. The authority given to them by Yahweh was to sting non-believers for a period of five months to the point where people will feel like giving up on life itself (but are unable to). However, they did not have any authority to hurt the vegetation of the earth as the first trumpet did. The 144,000 (Rev. 7:4) Jewish believers (as well as probably any new believers) with God’s seal were not harmed by this judgment (verses 2-6).

1. The eighth plague of Egypt (Exodus 10:1-20) was a plague of actual locusts that brought misery to the land of idolatry and slavery. The fifth trumpet brings misery to the people of idolatry and slavery on the whole earth for five months (the life span of a natural locust or the time of the early and latter rains which is April to August).

2. There are many parallels to the Day of Yahweh found in Joel 1:4 - 3:21 to these trumpet judgments.

C. John next describes in detail the appearance of these demonic locusts (vs 7-11).

1. For the Bible expositors who teach this as primarily symbolic and historical (idealists and preterists), the interpretation of these locusts are usually either the iron clad Roman armies, the long-haired Parthians to the east of Rome, or the turban wearing Muslims.

2. For futurist expositors, some try to bring in modern warfare but most believe these to be actual mutated-in-form locusts under demonic control. Evidently from a sight sound and touch standpoint, they were designed to bring fear and pain.

3. This demonic swarm seems to be intelligent and well organized with the name of its leader-king being “Destroyer” (Abaddon in Hebrew and Apollyon in Greek). This might be another name for Satan but probably is a high ranking fallen angel in Satan’s army who is in charge of the Abyss (this is not one of the names listed for Satan in Rev. 12:9). By the way, regular locust swarms “have no king,” Proverbs 30:27.

D. The fifth trumpet judgment is the same as the first woe. Trumpets six and seven are the same as the next two woes (verse 12).

II. The sixth trumpet judgment (woe 2) brings a demonic cavalry with the authority to kill one- third of the earth’s population (Rev. 9:13-19).

A. At a specified and predetermined exact time, Yahweh gives the word through the same angel from Revelation 8:3-5 who attended to the heavenly altar of incense and the prayers of the saints (verse 13). The altar angel gave the word to the sixth trumpet angel to loose four specially created angels (probably fallen since they were bound) who were bound at the Euphrates River. The Euphrates River is the eastern border of Israel (Gen. 15:18), is now running through modern Iraq, is the starting point of many of Israel’s historical invasions (Isaiah 8:5-8), and the possible area of the fall of humanity in the Garden of Eden (Gen. 2:10-14) (verses 13-15).

B. A 200 million strong demonic cavalry were possibly assembled or led by the four angels or the four angels transformed themselves into this cavalry. The characteristics of this cavalry goes way beyond the description of a normal cavalry relegating this to the realm of the supernatural demonic cavalry (verses 16-19).

1. The riders (and possibly horses) had breastplate armor on consisting of three colors (which might have been mixed or separated out into three color groups) fiery red, dark blue, and light yellow.

2. The heads of the horses looked like the heads of lions with the ability to open their mouths and breath out fire, bluish smoke, and sulphur. It was by these three substances that could be breathed out by the horses in which a third of humanity will be killed in the sixth trumpet. The horses tails can also strike and wound people.

3. The tenth plague of Egypt (Exodus 11:4-6, 29, 30) killed all the firstborn. This plague during the Day of Yahweh kills one third of humanity (possibly 1 to 1 ½ billion people by today’s count – after already taking out around 2 billion people due to deaths in Revelation 6:4, 8; 8:11 and the possible rapture of the church).

III. Yahweh’s judgment is seen during His Day but also His tender heart of mercy. Just as in Egypt, He desired for people to repent of their idolatry and self-imposed slavery to demons. He ultimately desires for people to believe that He alone is their only hope. Yet people still harden their hearts and refuse to repent, believe, and be saved (Rev. 9:20, 21). One day it will be too late (Rev. 22:13-15).

“The great Day of Yahweh is near, near, and hastening fast; the sound of the Day of Yahweh is bitter. The mighty man cries aloud there…” Zeph. 1:14

“Seek Yahweh all you humble of the land…perhaps you may be hidden on the Day of the anger of Yahweh.” Zeph. 2:3

Back On Schedule!

Once again I have to apologize for the length of time between posts on this blog. (February? Yikes!!)

The spring season is always a big crunch for me and this one has been the craziest yet. But things are finally leveling out and I'm looking forward to posting the rest of Dave's notes on Revelation.

Sorry again for the delay, and thank you for your patience!

-Paeter

Revelation 8:2-13

THE FIRST FOUR TRUMPET JUDGMENTS OF THE DAY OF YAHWEH

Revelation 8:2-13

As taught by Dave Lindstrom



I. Yahweh’s delayed judgment Day and promised return has begun in response to the prayers of all the saints (Rev. 8:2-6).


A. The Day of Yahweh had come (probably during the sixth seal) and now from Revelation 8:2 through Revelation 20:15 will bring about the time of the prophesied judgment and renewal upon this earth (Daniel 2:34-44, 7:17-28; Joel 2:28 – 3:2; Zeph. 1:14 – 2:3).

B. Trumpets were used in Israel for assembling people for special events and war (Numbers 10:9, 10), feasts (I Chron. 15:24), warning of the coming Day of Yahweh (Joel 2:1; Zeph. 1:14-16), and New Testament resurrection events (Matt. 24:31; I Cor. 15:52; I Thes. 4:16). Some post-tribulationalists believe the last trump and seventh trumpet add to their argument. However, there are other explanations.

C. Seven angels who stand (and continue to stand – Greek perfect tense) before Yahweh’s throne in heaven are given seven trumpets. Evidently these seven have had key positions with Yahweh through the years over the affairs of the earth (verse 2).

D. Another angel which served in the heavenly temple, like the Jewish priests served in the earthly tabernacle and the earthly temple, performed a sacred act before Yahweh. He was given a golden tray (censer) which was filled with incense and offered with the prayer of the saints (Rev. 5:8, 6:10) before Yahweh’s altar (probably of incense, Exodus 30:7-9). This filled the area around Yahweh with a sweet smelling aroma. The angel then took coals from this altar of incense in his golden tray and cast it to the earth which brought about earthly and atmospheric warning signs of this next series of judgments (verses 3-5). The seven angels readied themselves for their awesome task (verse 6).


THOUGHT: The prayers of the saints are always heard by our great God Yahweh. They are all answered according to His timing and will (Joel 2:32; Rom. 10:12, 13; I John 5:14, 15). Let’s boldly call upon His name today! (Heb. 4:16).


II. The first four trumpet judgments of the Day of Yahweh show some similarities to the plagues of Egypt that delivered Israel from a land of idolatry and slavery (Revelation 8:7-13).


A. The first trumpet judgment brings hail and fire mixed with blood to the earth. In this judgment, one third of the earth’s trees and all the earth’s grass will be burned up (verse 7).

1. The seventh plague of Egypt (Exodus 9:13-35) was a plague of hail that damaged humans and livestock as well. This plague in Revelation 8:7 only damages trees, vegetation, and grass but more extensive in area. One can only imagine what this amount of destruction would do to the food supply, air quality, and general living conditions on the earth.

2. This could be produced by increased volcanic activity, a combination of volcanic activity, hail, and blood red rain from volcanic dust or a supernatural “fiery bloody hail.” These are probably the best way to understand the text rather than moving to purely symbolic interpretations of the text such as the earth, grass, and trees being used to represent nations and people.


B. The second trumpet judgment turns one third of the sea (salt water areas including oceans) into blood or a blood red color killing off one third of all salt water life and destroying one third of the ships (verses 8, 9).

1. The first plague of Egypt (Exodus 7:14-21) was the plague of turning the Nile into blood. This trumpet judgment is much more extensive.

2. This could be produced by massive volcanic activity, a fiery meteor or asteroid or some type of supernatural exploding mountain that has previously never been seen. Symbolic interpreters prefer viewing the mountain as wicked nations like Rome or Babylon.


C. The third trumpet judgment brings bitterness and probably non-drinkability to one third of the fresh water supply of the earth including rivers and springs (verses 10, 11).

1. Again this is similar to the first plague of Egypt (Exodus 7:14-21) only much more extensive.

2. This could be produced by an asteroid or meteor that breaks apart polluting everything it touches that is fresh water. It was named “Wormwood” which is a bitter-tasting shrub (Proverbs 5:4) and in the Old Testament was a word that illustrated idolatry and judgment (Deut. 29:18; Jer. 9:15, 23:15).


D. The fourth trumpet brings increased darkness to this earth. The result seems to bring total darkness for one third of a day for an extended period of time (verse 12).

1. This is similar to the ninth plague of Egypt (Exodus 10:21-23) only much more extensive and debilitating (three days compared to probably years).

2. John is not told of a method by which Yahweh accomplishes this and so we only can marvel at His power and ability. The Day of Yahweh is prophesied to be dark and gloomy during its beginning phase (Isaiah 13:10; Joel 2:2, 10; Zeph. 1:15).


E. The fifth, sixth, and seventh trumpets are announced by a flying eagle which could easily be seen and heard by everyone. The flying eagle gives the next three judgments as woe, woe, woe to those who dwell on the earth (verse 13). The knowledge that the woes are coming was supposed to help people to repent and turn to Yahweh but most still refuse (Revelation 9:21).

Revelation 6:1-8:1 (Part 4)

YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 4)

Revelation 6:1 – 8:1

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. In Revelation 7:1 through 8:1, Yahweh gives John two vision scenes which will help explain for him and us the two important events which take place possibly sometime between the start of the sixth seal and the opening of the seventh seal. Let us review some of the previous seal timing clues.

A. Seals one, two, three, and part of four probably are the first three and a half years of the seven year tribulation period. During this time, the Antichrist begins his deception and increases in power and the world increases in civil unrest, wars, and famine
(Revelation 6:1-6).

B. During the fourth seal, the Antichrist probably breaks his covenant with Israel and sets up an idol of himself in the Jewish Temple which is prophesied as the abomination of desolation. This signals the beginning of the great tribulation where one fourth of the worlds population is killed (Revelation 6:7, 8). This also prompts the opening of the fifth seal prayer of the suffering and martyred saints. They pray for Yahweh to wrap up His plan of justice and start His full Kingdom rule on this earth. At this time, they are told to rest and wait (Rev. 6:9-11).

C. This sixth seal opens with cataclysmic signs upon the earth and heaven. There is a long protracted violent shaking that seems to begin the prophesied Day of Yahweh sometime during this sixth seal. The Day of Yahweh brings about His wrath on this earth and prepares the earth for His future rule and reign (Revelation 6:12-17).

D. It is after the description of these first six seals that John gives us the two important vision scenes of chapter 7 and right before the opening of the seventh seal in Rev. 8:1 (which includes the rest of the trumpet and bowl judgment). We are given two vision scenes concerning Yahweh’s people on earth (Rev. 7:1-8) and Yahweh’s people in heaven (Rev. 7:9-17).


II. Scene I: During this time of great tribulation and the beginning of the Day of Yahweh, 144,000 chosen Jewish believers are sealed for their protection (Revelation 7:1-8).

A. Chapter 7 is called a parenthetical section because it is describing something in more detail that is a break from the natural narrative. The narrative picks up again in Revelation 8:1 with the opening of the seventh seal. John uses the phrase “after these things” (meta tauto) in 7:1, 9 just as he did in 4:1 to describe a change of thought or fuller description of something with a little different tone.


B. From his vantage point in heaven John sees four angels controlling Yahweh’s power over the entire earth from every direction (the four corners was used for the four directions of a compass during John’s day). As he sees this sight, another angel comes from his east (the rising of the sun, probably over Israel) commanding them to hold off their destruction until 144,000 believing Israelites have been sealed, 12,000 believing Israelites from 12 specific tribes (Revelation 7:1-8).

1. The sealing was going to be on the foreheads of these 144,000 believers to give them some form of protection from Yahweh’s wrath. We don’t know what type of seal it was but we know that Yahweh would recognize it as His. They will undergo suffering but Yahweh will be with them and guide them in contrast with those who take the mark of the beast (Rev. 13:15 – 14:5).

2. There are two main views concerning the 144,000: a) One view takes this figuratively as the whole church consisting of all believers who are Jews or Gentiles and the number 12 (number of administration) or 12 x 12 x 1,000 (number of completion) as Yahweh’s work in and among His people during persecution. Most post-tribulationalists, idealists, and preterists see it this way; b) The other view takes this literally as Yahweh turning again to selected Jewish believers as His chosen vessels on this earth (like they used to be before the church age) after the rapture of the church to heaven. Most pre-, mid-, and pre-wrath- tribulationalists would hold this view. This view is the one which seems to exegete prophetic literature more accurately.


3. There are 29 lists of the tribes of Israel throughout the Bible and 19 of these differ from one another (Genesis 29-35, 46, 49; Exodus 1; Numbers 1, 2, 13, 26, 34; Deut.27, 33; Josh. 13; Judges 5; I Chron. 2, 12, 27; Ezek. 48). The writers of Scripture changed the order or omitted certain tribes depending on the purpose for which they were writing or what was going on in the history of the tribe.

a. Even though current historical records might struggle in placing the where- abouts of all 12 tribes, Yahweh knows where they are. It also could be that new undiscovered records will turn up.

b. James and Peter both seemed to recognize the existence of 12 tribes of Israel (James 1:1; I Peter 1:1).

c. Judah is listed first out of respect for Christ who came from that line
(Genesis 49:10). Dan is omitted probably due to idolatry (Gen. 49:17; Judges 18:1-31) but will be included in the millennium (Ezek. 48:1). Ephraim was omitted because they allied themselves against Judah (Isaiah 7:2, 5; Hosea 5:3) but was probably included as part of his father Joseph. Manasseh was added with Joseph for being faithful sons (Gen. 37:3; Josh. 17:16-17).


THOUGHT: Yahweh remembers and rewards your faithfulness toward the things of His Kingdom. You and your families faithfulness will have lasting effects for a long time!


III. Scene 2: The multitude of redeemed believers in heaven who came out of the great tribulation (Rev. 7:9-17).

A. There is a distinction between the numbered, Jewish believers on the earth and the multitude, from every people group in heaven (verse 9a).

B. They were before Yahweh Father’s and Yahweh Son’s throne in white robes (purity, victory) and palm branches (used for festivals such as the Feast of Tabernacles
Zech. 14:16) in their hands (verse 9b).

C. They proclaim their salvation through Yahweh alone and the angels around the throne fall down in worship and praise Him! (verses 10-12).

D. They are the ones who came out of the great tribulation by their belief in the blood of the Lamb and therefore have been given an abundant life of service, fellowship, reward, care, and shalom with Yahweh forever! (verses 13-17; Revelation 22:3-5). Could this be the raptured church in heaven?


IV. The seventh seal of judgment is opened by Yahweh Jesus. There was complete silence in heaven over the awesomeness of what was about to happen (Rev. 8:1).

Revelation 6:1 – 8:1 (Part 3)

YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 3)

Revelation 6:1 – 8:1

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. Reviewing the first five seals (Revelation 6:1-11).


A. Almost all “futurist” exegetes (those believing that the events of Revelation chapters 6 through 22 will take place in the future from now) view the seven seals as revealing the time of the seven year tribulation in chronological order.


B. Most “futurists” believe the first three seals take place in the first 3 ½ years of the tribulation.

1. The first seal brings increased antichrists and probably the Antichrist leader on the world stage as a powerful leader who deceptively looks peaceful and righteous. He begins to put together some leadership structure and increases in power (Rev. 6:1, 2).

2. The second seal brings increasing civil unrest, war, and bloodshed. The Antichrist begins to cast his dictatorial power over a greater portion of the earth bringing more unrest and violence (Rev. 6:3, 4).

3. The third seal brings increasing famine and hardship to the poorer inhabitants of the earth. However, those with power and money are not as affected. Yahweh possibly gives special protection to His people during this time (Rev. 6:5, 6).


C. Many “futurists” see the fourth seal as lining up with the events of the middle of the seven year tribulation. However, some do not see the middle until Revelation 8:1 or Revelation 10:7 – 14:20. The middle of the tribulation was prophesied by Daniel (Daniel 9:27), Christ (Matthew 24:15; Mark 13:14; Luke 21:20), and Paul (2 Thes. 2:3-5) as the time where the Antichrist sets up an idol (possibly of himself) in the Jewish Temple. At this point, the tribulation increases for the next 3 ½ years into an intense great tribulation (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 24:21) with the Antichrist breaking his covenant with Israel (Dan. 9:27) and dictatorially ruling the world (2 Thes. 2:7-12).

1. The fourth seal brings the revealing of the Antichrist (Death), the increase of his power to kill a fourth of the population of the earth, the last of the horsemen of the Apocalypse (signaling a next phase in the tribulation), and a lining up of Christ’s words on Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 (Rev. 6:7, 8).

2. The fifth seal brings a prayer from the existing saints in heaven who have suffered greatly and have been killed for their faith on earth for Yahweh to execute His plan of justice and ultimately set up His rulership on this earth. They are comforted by Yahweh and told to rest and wait for a little while longer (Rev. 6:9-11).


II. The sixth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:12-17).

A. If the fourth seal brings the events leading up to and after the mid point of the tribulation period, then the events of the sixth seal occur sometime after the mid point and before Christ’s return to the earth recorded in Revelation 19:11. In other words, the sixth seal would occur in the last 3 ½ years of the tribulation called the great tribulation (Dan. 12:1; Matt. 9:21).


B. The opening of the sixth seal brings amazing and cataclysmic changes in the earth and heavens that have not been experienced in any of the previous five seals (verses 12-14). Also, these catastrophic events seem to be world wide, strike terror in the hearts of the inhabitants of the earth, and allow them to understand that the great day of God’s wrath was upon them (verses 15-17).


1. The sixth seal begins with a great shaking or convulsion (seismos – Greek) that starts on the earth but also affects the sky and heavens. While the earth and heavens convulse, various visible things can be seen and felt by those of the earth:

a. The sun becomes black as a “sackcloth of hair” which is a course garment worn for mourning (Isa. 50:3). In other words, Yahweh shows by the sign of the darkened sun that the world is in mourning (verse 12; Matt. 24:29a).

b. The whole moon becomes red like blood. In other words, Yahweh gives the sign of a total eclipse of the moon probably viewed through very dusty atmospheric conditions (verse 12; Matt. 24:29b).

c. The asteroids, meteors, comets (asteres – Greek, can mean stars or objects moving through space) of heaven fell to the earth. In other words, more asteroids, meteors, and comets were being seen than at any other time in earth’s history. Many of these were impacting the earth (verse 13; Matt. 24:29c). This would look like a large fig tree dropping its figs on top of you if you were underneath it. The fig tree is many times used to illustrate Israel and the things happening to Israel as well (verse 13; Matt. 24:32-35).

d. The shaking will be so thorough that mountains and islands will be moved out of place and the placement of the things of heaven will be changed and feel like everything is coming undone (verse 14; Matt. 24:29d).


2. The judgment happening on the earth at this time now includes everybody. It is universal, equal, and nondiscriminatory of wealth, class, or rank unlike the third seal judgment. The sad part is the world still does not respond in repentance but rather fear, hiding, and cursing (verse 15, 16a). The mountains at the very end will not even be around to hide behind (Rev. 16:20).

3. It is interesting to know that the prophesied Day of Yahweh (which starts out with universal judgment and ends with Yahweh’s eternal reign) starts out with a world wide shaking as well as many of these signs (Isa. 2:6-22, 29:6; Joel 2:1-11; Hag. 2:6, 7). Could this be the start of the Day of Yahweh (verse 16b, 17)? The Pre-Wrath tribulational rapture position takes this approach with the rapture taking place in the parenthetical chapter 7 before the Day of Yahweh’s wrath takes place in the trumpet and bowl judgments.


THOUGHT: “Great are the works of Yahweh, studied by all who delight in them.” Psalm 111:2

Revelation 6:1 – 8:1 (Part 2)

YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 2)

Revelation 6:1 – 8:1

As taught by Dave Lindstrom

I. Reviewing the first two seals (Revelation 6:1-4).


A. The first seal of judgment is carried out by a rider on a white horse. The best explanation for this first judgment seems to be the false antichrists or Antichrist that will have a deceptive righteousness and start to conquer in peace. This ties in well with the “beginning of birth pains” (Matt. 24:8) that marks the beginning of seven years of tribulation on this earth before Christ’s second coming (verses 1, 2; Dan. 9:27; Matt. 24:5, 24; Mark 13:6; Luke 21:8).

B. The second seal of judgment is carried out by a rider on a fiery red horse. This second judgment brings great bloodshed due to civil unrest and war. The rider “was given” the ability to take away a certain amount of peace out of the earth and the ability to execute judgment (verses 3, 4; Matt. 24:6, 7; Mark 13:7, 8; Luke 21:9, 10).


II. The third seal of judgment (Revelation 6:5, 6).


A. John saw the Lamb open the third seal and a third living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the third horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (Revelation 6:5a).

B. The horse’s color was black signifying sorrow, mourning, and hardship due to the ravages of the wars of the second seal (Isaiah 50:3; Jeremiah 4:27-29; Lam. 4:8 – 5:10). One of the ravages of war is famine due to the destruction of crops and the depletion of the work force. During famine, food is scarce and costly. Therefore it needs to be weighed and rationed out (on a scale, Revelation 6: 5b; Prov. 16:11; Ezek. 4:16, 17; Matt. 24:7b).

C. John next hears something like a voice probably coming from Yahweh Father or Yahweh Jesus. He says that a choinix (a little less than a quart) of wheat will cost a denarius (an average days wage) or you can get three choinix of the cheaper, less nutritious barley. These amounts have been calculated to sustain an average person’s apetite for about one day and were about ten to twelve times the rate of regular times. He also says that olive oil and wine (which are considered luxury items) would not be harmed. This probably means that at this stage in the tribulation (first 3 ½ years), there are more poor people being directly effected than the wealthy elite. Another possibility is that the oil and wine represents Yahweh’s special protection over the things and people of His Spirit since the oil and wine are used in the Jewish Temple (anointing, sacrifices) as well as the church (anointing, communion) (verse 6).


III. The fourth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:7, 8).


A. John saw the Lamb open the fourth seal and a fourth living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the fourth horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (Rev. 6:7).

B. The horse’s color was yellowish green (chloros – Greek) which is the color of vegetation and most sickly and dead people. For the first time we are given the rider’s name which is Death. Another by the name of Hades (the Greek word for the place of the departed dead which is Sheol in Hebrew) followed him in some way. They “were given” at this time a power to kill a fourth of the earth’s population (over a billion and a half people today) through the use of the sword (human wars or violence), intensified famines, various forms of death probably by sickness, plagues, and by causing animals to turn on humans (Rev. 6:8; Ezek. 14:12-23).

C. Some premillennialists believe the middle of the seven year tribulation period occurs during the time of the fourth horseman due to its severity, because it is the last of the horsemen that precedes the next events of judgment, and how Christ’s words in Matthew 24:15, Mark 13:14, and Luke 21:20 line up timing wise. Therefore, this is one place where the Antichrist could break his covenant with Israel and set up an idol in the Jewish Temple (Dan. 9:27). Others see the middle before the seventh seal (Rev. 8:1) or somewhere in the days of the seventh trumpet (Rev. 10:7 – 14:20).


IV. The fifth seal of judgment (Revelation 6:9-11).


A. John saw the Lamb open the fifth seal and instead of seeing any more horsemen, he now sees a scene in heaven where people that have been killed for their faith cry out for Yahweh to execute His plan of justice. People that have studied Yahweh’s word in all different generations have realized that He has been delaying His justice until the time of the end or the Day of Yahweh. This is where He will make everything right by judging this earth and setting up a true Kingdom of righteousness forever and ever (Deut. 32:35; Rom. 12:9). John sees these people crying out either underneath the altar of incense (the usual place for prayer and petition) or the altar of sacrifice in heaven (verse 9, see also Rev. 8:3-5, 14:18, 16:7).

B. As servants who are owned by Yahweh the Most High God, they call Him their holy and true Master (despotas – Greek). They recognize that He alone controls the time of His judgment and His ultimate kingdom rule and cry out the prophetic prayer of “how long!” (Psalms 13:1, 2; Psalms 35:17). Their ultimate hope is in the truth of His word and character, the holiness of His being which demands perfect and impartial justice that can only be delayed or forgiven by His mercy (verse 10; Luke 18:7, 8).

C. Rather than getting immediate justice, the martyred saints are told by Yahweh to rest and wait in a special white robe (symbolic of righteousness and victory) which they “were given.” There are still more believers which will suffer and be killed for their faith during the fifth, sixth, and seventh seals (including the trumpets and bowls) before all will be completed (verse 11).


THOUGHT: “Wait for Yahweh and keep His way, and He will exalt you to inherit the land; you will look on when the wicked are cut off.” Psalms 37:34

Revelation 6:1-8:1 (Part 1)

YAHWEH JESUS THE LAMB OPENS THE SEVEN SEALS (PART 1)

Revelation 6:1 – 8:1

As taught by Dave Lindstrom


I. There is a certain amount of background information that is needed before a proper exegesis (drawing the meaning out of the text) of Revelation chapter 6 through 19 can occur.


A. First we need to know when these events are occurring.


1. The timetable of the events of Revelation chapters 6-19 are going to occur during a 7 year period in the future which culminates in Christ’s return. This is called the futurists view and will be our primary mode of interpretation.

a. This view awaits the fulfillment of Daniel’s 70th week of seven years as prophesied in Daniel 9:27.

b. This view awaits the fulfillment of all the Old Testament prophecies concerning the Day of Yahweh where His wrath is outpoured on the entire earth (Isa 13:6-13; Amos 5:18; Joel 1:15, 2:2, 11; Zech. 14:1-11).

c. This view awaits the prophecies of Christ that explain the events leading up to His return (Matt. 24:2-35; Mark 13:2-31; Luke 21:6-33).

d. This view awaits the prophecies of the Apostles that explain the events leading up to His return (Romans 2:8-11, 12:19; I Thessalonians 5:1-9; II Thessalonians 2:1-12; II Peter 4:4-9).


2. Two other methods of interpretation are common among our fellow believers and so will be mentioned briefly.

a. The historical (preterist) view usually interprets all these events as having already occurred around 70 A.D. (Jerusalem’s fall) although some include events throughout church history.

b. The idealist (allegorical, symbolic) view interprets all these events according to apocalyptic genre that is primarily symbolic. They would say that “when” these events happen are not important as long as the church receives strength to follow Yahweh better and endure persecution.


B. Second we need to know how these chapters are organized. There are three main judgments of seven which are seven seals (Rev. 6:1 – 8:1), seven trumpets (Rev. 8:2 – 14:20) and seven bowls (Rev. 15:1 – 19:10). There are two main ways of organizing these from a futuristic approach.

1. The dovetailing or telescopic way to organize these chapters has the seventh seal (Revelation 8:1) contain the seven trumpets and the seven trumpets (Revelation 11:15) contain the seven bowls. In other words, all of the judgments (possibly 19 to 21 depending on if the seventh seal and seventh trumpet are counted as judgments) happen in order with a relationship between the seventh seal and the rest of the judgments. This view is the main view we will use and points out the many differences in execution and intensity of the judgments.

2. The recapitulation or cyclical way to organize these chapters has seven judgments consisting of seals, trumpets, and bowls repeated three different ways for emphasis. This view points out that there are many similarities between the judgments as they are compared.


II. The opening of the first two seals by Yahweh Jesus, the Lamb (Revelation 6:1-4).


A. The first seal of judgment (Revelation 6:1, 2)

1. John saw the Lamb open the seal and then heard the noise of thunder (usually associated with judgment or power, Exodus 20:18; John 12:28, 29) from one of the four living creatures. The opening of the seal produced the calling forth of the first rider of the apocalypse (verse 1).


2. The white horse is probably a symbol of purity or righteousness. The person had a bow (military strength without using arrows), a crown (authoritative power), and the ability to conquer (evidently in a somewhat peaceful way) (verse 2).

a. There were four horsemen in the Old Testament that brought about judgment on Israel’s enemies for the purpose of establishing real peace (Zech. 1:8, 6:1-8). The colors of the horses were different as well as the scope and span of their purpose.

b. There are wide and varied views as to the identity of this first rider including the Roman emperor, the Word of God, the gospel, Roman invaders, and the Jewish Messiah. However, even though Jesus is going to ride in on a white horse in Rev. 19:11, He cannot be on this horse because He is opening the seals and judging the earth. The best choice seems to be the false antichrists or Antichrist that has a deceptive righteousness and starts conquering in peace (verse 2; Daniel 9:27; Matthew 24:5, 24; Mark 13:6; Luke 21:8).


B. The second seal of judgment (Revelation 6:3, 4)

1. Yahweh Jesus opens the second seal and a second living creature (angel from the throne) calls forth the second horse and horseman of the Apocalypse (verse 3).

2. This horses color was fiery red signifying great bloodshed due to civil unrest and war. This could be the same type of situation that Jesus prophesied as “wars and rumors of wars” and “nation against nation” (Matt. 24:6, 7; Mark 13:7, 8 and Luke 21:9, 10). The rider “was given” the ability to take away a certain amount of peace (shalom) out of the earth and he “was given” a great sword (a judgment executer).


THOUGHT: All activity is still under the control of Yahweh Jesus from the heavenly throne. He is the only rightful ruler of this world as well as the rightful judge and redeemer! Praise Yahweh Jesus!