Revelation

Revelation 11:1-2

This temple is not a literal temple that John is to measure as there never will be a third one built as the temple mount will never be given back to the Jews and here is the reason why. Jerusalem has been destroyed twice, besieged 23 times, attacked 52 times, and captured and recaptured 44 times all because Israel never repented of their sin of idolatry when they were allowed back into their land again in 538 BC after their seventy year Babylonian exile and the land fell under the leader of the Roman Empire that still has diplomatic ties with Jerusalem today.

When the second temple was destroyed in 70 A.D. by the Romans other Roman temples were built there and destroyed during various revolts up to the fourth century. From the fourth century the temple mount laid undeveloped until the Muslim Siege of Jerusalem in 637 CE. Between 689-691 CE the Muslims built the Dome of the Rock which stands today, but now under renovations that have to do with the prophecy of the son of perdition in 2 Thessalonians 2:2-4 and the great falling away before the return of Jesus.

John was to measure the Spiritual temple of God as being those who are truly in Christ through the Spiritual rebirth that worship Him in all truths, John 3:3-7, which make up the temple of God as being the body of Christ. The symbolic here represents God separating and protecting His people. The temple of God is no longer made by hand since the veil of the temple was torn from top to bottom, Matthew 27:50, 51; Acts 7:48-51. The temple of God is within man that has the indwelling of the Holy Spirit that keeps himself undefiled before the Lord, Matthew 27:51; Mark 7:15-23; 1 Corinthians 3:16, 17.

The outer court represents that of the control the Gentiles (Revived Roman Empire) will once again have over the Holy city like that of 70AD as they take full control over Jerusalem and trampled it for 3 ½ years at the sounding of the seventh trumpet as we will see history repeat itself. Matthew 24:21 Jesus said this will be the worst tribulation there has ever been nor will ever be again.

During this time once again the Roman Empire will take control of the temple mount in Jerusalem as a New World Order is even now being set up that will be one single world government of economic, political and religious power. They will bring back the sacrifices in the last part of the three and a half years or at the end of Daniels seventy week vision in Daniel chapter 9.

This sacrifice they make is not the sacrifice for the forgiveness of sin, but will be a sacrifice in that of persecuting Christians to death as they refuse to bow down to this Nebuchadnezzar type system. It’s like that of Shadrach, Meshach and Abednego in Daniel Chapter 3 as they refused to bow down and worship the idols of Baal and God rescued them from the fire. The fulfillment of the times of the Gentile is that of the Gentiles that will not repent as they fulfill the prophecy of the beast and the false prophet that are thrown into the lake of fire with Satan at Gods final judgment.

Daniels first half of the 70 weeks:

First Advent of Messiah:

From rebuilding the Temple to Messiah birth. This was Ezra rebuilding the literal Temple, but also prophetic of the Spiritual Temple making it ready for Messiah to return.

Daniels sixty nine weeks are four hundred and eighty three Solar years (Daniel 9:25). Seven weeks of years was forty nine years rebuilding Jerusalem around 457B.C. (Ezra 7:11-26; 9:9). Sixty two weeks of years was the period of time leading up to Messiah the Prince in the beginning of his ministry in 27A.D. up to the crucifixion in 31A.D, (Daniel 9:26). From the cross to the second advent of Messiah’s return was a prophetic gap being the present Church age (Gentiles) which was a mystery not revealed to Daniel, Ephesians 3:4-10.

Daniel’s second half of the 70th week:

The second advent of Messiah is from the time of Christ ministry to the cross. There are seven Lunar years of great tribulations as described in Daniel 7:13, 14; 9:26, 27;

12:1 and the outline of Matthew Chapter 24. A peace treaty between Israel and the one who is to come (son of perdition) will fall in the last week of Daniels seventy weeks.

This is just a small summary that explains the temple and the holy city. It’s an in-depth study that is very relevant to the end times before Christ returns.

Daniel gives six major events that characterize the four hundred ninety years.

1. To finish the transgression – Israel’s rejection of Messiah (Jesus) as Israel is brought to restoration at the time of the second coming.

2. To put an end to sin – The sins of National Israel will not be forgiven until the deliver comes out of Zion and a new covenant is given to them.

3. Made reconciliation for iniquity – Life, death an Resurrection we are now reconciled through the blood of Christ as the final sacrifice

4. To bring in everlasting righteousness – This is when the Lord Jesus Christ returns to the earth and set up His kingdom.

5. Seal up the vision and prophecy – This will be the time when all prophecy is fulfilled and the Lord Jesus Christ will be Lord of Lord and King of Kings.

6. Anoint the Most Holy – The Lord Jesus Christ will be anointed when the temple is cleansed at the end of the 2520 days when He returns.

Daniel 8:14 and he said unto me, unto two thousand and three hundred days; then shall the sanctuary be cleansed. This is the full 70 weeks which end with the return of Christ when the kingdoms of this world will finally be the kingdoms of our Lord, Revelation 11:14, 15. (Notice the second woe is past and all events that take place during the seventh trumpet come quickly)

Revelation 11:3-4

Zechariah 4:1-6; 4:11-14 explains that these two witnesses are the word of God in all power and might and the Holy Spirit which is the oil that is poured out on those who God anoints with His Holy Spirit. There are three that bear record in heaven, the Father, Jesus and the Holy Spirit that are one and three that bear witness in earth as being the Holy Spirit, the word and the blood of Jesus and these three agree in one, 1 John 5:7, 8. Only God can give power to act on His word as the Holy Spirit and Jesus bare witness to Gods power and authority especially through signs and wonders.

God exercises His power and authority through those of His great commission of Matthew 28:18-20 who are sealed by the Holy Spirit, 2 Corinthians 1:22, who have accepted Jesus as Lord and Savior. The sackcloth represents the anguish of Gods servants as they remain humbled before the Lord while baring witness to Gods wrath on the unrighteous as these witnesses go forth continuing to preach to the nations.

Zechariah speaks of two olive trees, but only one candlestick in the Old Testament. In this study we read there are two candlesticks. The two olive trees are the two anointed ones as being the two witnesses that are the Holy Spirit whom discerns and confirms the word of God in us by teaching us all truths, John 14:26, and Jesus being the light that shines in darkness as being the word made flesh to walk amongst us, John 1:1-5.

John is given the understanding that the two witnesses are in comparison to the two candlesticks and two olive trees, which if you read Zechariah Chapter 4 it explains that the golden candlestick is God. The seven lamps with the seven pipes that holds the oil (anointing) is that of the seven Spirits of God given to His Church: wisdom, understanding, counsel, knowledge, reverence, might and Spirit of the Lord, Isaiah 11:2.

The two olive trees are to groups of people. One group being natural Israel (Old Testament) as a remnant according to the election of grace have been saved as in the 144,000 taken from the twelve tribes of Israel that remained faithful to God up to a thousand generations thereafter that remain faithful, 1 Chronicles 16:13-17. The other being Gentiles (New Testament) grafted into the branch by that same grace of God that have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and sealed by His Holy Spirit, John 3:3-7; Romans 10:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 1:22; Romans Chapter 11. The two witnesses have always been those who have stood by God and His law in the Old Testament and those who stand by God and Jesus under the dispensation of grace in the New Testament. Jews were only sent to preach to the lost sheep of Israel and Paul was sent to preach to the Gentiles, Matthew 10:5-7; Acts 22:21, so will it be during the seventh trumpet sounding.

There is a theory that the two witnesses could either be Moses, Elijah or Enoch, but scripture disputes this theory. Deuteronomy 34:5, 6 says Moses died in the land of Moab. Elijah was carried away in a whirlwind as described in 2 Kings 2:11 and lifted up to the first heaven meaning the firmament as in the atmosphere that surrounds the earth. He was only translated to an unknown area on earth as several years after he was taken away King Jehoram received a letter from him, 2 Chronicles 21:12. Paul says Enoch died in faith just as Abel, Noah, Abraham and their wives, Hebrews 11:5, 6, 13, but had not yet received the promise of eternal life as they also sleep in the grave until the coming of the Lord 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. Hebrews 11:13 Paul said Enoch was only translated and never said he was taken to heaven and lived to be around three hundred and sixty five.

In John 3:13 Jesus said that no one has ever ascended up to heaven so this proves that the two witnesses are not Moses, Elijah or Enoch. God said in Malachi 4:5 He would send Elijah (Elias) before the great and terrible day of the Lord. John the Baptist is a type of Elijah as a forerunner for Jesus, John 1:15-17, just as Jesus was speaking about John the Baptist in Matthew 17:12 those who carry the witness and testimony of Jesus throughout the nations from the time of the cross to that of the great and terrible day of the Lord are also types of Elijah. The two witnesses are the word of God and the Holy Spirit that confirms His word

Revelation 11:5-6

God says in 1 Chronicles 16:22 to not touch His anointed or else His wrath will fall against their enemies like we see in many scriptures throughout the Old Testament as nations came against the anointed of Israel. God will allow His anointed servants to call down fire from heaven to kill the enemy during the time of the seven trumpets like Elijah did in 2 Kings 1:10, but also forbade James and John in Luke 9:54 for they were not yet anointed with the Holy Spirit and it was not Gods will that this should be done at this particular time.

If any man comes against Gods witnesses during His final wrath on earth God gives them their authority to call down fire from heaven to literally consume those who try to kill them for their purpose of God is not finished yet as the time of the Gentiles has not been fulfilled yet, Romans 11:17-25. This same authority includes them to ask God to stop the rain from falling, to turn water into blood and to call on God to bring plagues against those who come against them when God sees fit for the purpose of protecting His witnesses during this time as their purpose of witnessing is not yet final, 1 Kings 17:1; Exodus 7:17-21; Exodus 8:1; 11:10.

God gives the power unto his two witnesses as being that power of the Holy Spirit in Luke 24:49; Acts 1:8; 2:1-21. The early Church (body of Christ) walked in great power of the Holy Spirit working in them and through them as the anointing of the Holy Spirit empowered them, but the empowerment has become less and less as the Church has either become lukewarm in what they preach as a feel good message, but leaves the spirit empty inside or have compromised the anointing they once had and have sold out to the pleasures of the world quenching the Holy Spirit they were once empowered with as they allow a Jezebel spirit preach from their pulpits.

Joel 2:28-32 speaks about a greater outpouring of the Holy Spirit in the latter days before the great and terrible day of the Lord. God will revive a Spiritual revival in the end of days as He would that none should perish as He works through the Church (body of Christ) who has the witness and testimony of Jesus. During the time of these witnesses that go about preaching in all nations many will see the Spirit of God moving through the land in a great Spiritual awaking of the Church. It never occurs to some people how much they need to repent of their sin until reality sets in as God starts shaking not only the earth, but the heavens also as He sends His final wrath down on earth, Hebrews 12:25-29.

The vessel of gold and silver are those of Jew and Gentile that have always stood by God as they walk in great faith no matter how this world tries to come against them, Hosea 6:1-4; Joel 2:28-32; Haggai 2:7-9; Zechariah 10:1.

Revelation 11:7-10

We have to remember when studying anything in the Bible that scripture speaks mainly about Israel and her enemies coming against her as many other nations had not existed yet when all these letters were written. We who are Gentile are also part of Israel being grafted in as a branch. Focus has always been on Jerusalem being the Holy City of God no matter how many times this city has been taken captive by the enemy. The preaching of the Gospel will be finished when the true Church of God being Jew and Gentile that are anointed by God to preach amongst the people all over the world sees Jerusalem being encompassed by the enemy as the Gentiles will take its final siege in Jerusalem trampling the city for the last time.

Jew and Gentile alike as being one body of Christ are always given signs from God to look out for the coming of the Lord even though none knows the day or hour this will occur, Matthew 24:33-37. One very important sign is to keep a watchful eye on events that will unfold in Jerusalem, especially what happens to the temple mount as this is the abomination of desolations Daniel spoke of and Jesus gave warning to flee from. When you see the son of perdition, meaning the man of sin or the lawless one taking his seat on the throne in Jerusalem claiming he is God then the sign of the return of Christ is very near.

The beast that overcomes and kills the two witnesses will be revealed in Chapter Thirteen, but for now I will just say it is a corrupt political power much like the one who had Jesus crucified and thought they had silenced Him forever. These witnesses lie dead in the street of the great city which means many nations outside that gate of Gods Holy sanctuary being symbolic of the actual gate Jesus was outside of in Jerusalem as He was lead up the hill to Golgotha were He suffered and died, Hebrews 13:12, and God had raised Him again on the third day, Matthew 28:1-8.

These great cities are spiritually compared to Sodom and Egypt and exist in every nation around the world who are found guilty of Idolatry, Exodus 20:1-8; Roman 1:18-25. Idolatry is nothing more than blind adoration for the thoughts of the mind and the intents of the heart that draws one away from God as they bow down to and worship the materialistic things of the word like we see today in the love of money and power over others that is the root of all evil, 1 Timothy 6:9-11.

These great cities full of idolatry and adultery are the type of nations and people that still exist today even until the end of days. They have backslidden away from God as they have fallen short of His glory defiling themselves before the Father, Jeremiah 3:1-25, but yet God calls them to repentance. God has always sent these nations a witness, but they continue to persecute and put them to death just like Israel as they persecuted and put to death the very Messiah that was sent to them.

The witnesses that are spoken of in Revelation 11 will also suffer and die as they have picked up their cross to follow in the footsteps of Jesus and deny their own self for the witness and testimony of Jesus, John 15:13; Matthew 16:24-28, 10:28; 24:9. They like those who died a martyr’s death before them will be killed by the hands of those who will persecute them to death in order to silence the torment of their preaching. Unlike those before them these witnesses will lay in the street of every nation around the world as no one has compassion on them to bury their bodies. Instead they will make fun of them and rejoice that they are dead as they will no longer be troubled by them.

Revelation 11:11-13

Many saw these dead bodies lie in the street, but none would bother burial for them, but rejoiced instead that they would no longer be tormented by their preaching. This is also seen in Papal Rome rule around 538 AD with Emperor Justinian’s decree and under the military protection of Belisarius and the beast until the deadly wound came in 1798 by General Berthier who made his entrance into Rome and abolished the papal government and established a secular one. There were approximately 500 million Christians killed during Emperor Justinian’s reign. Revelation chapter 13 will see this deadly wound healed once again.

After three and a half days it’s not the witnesses being taken up to heaven in a cloud here as we will see later when this great event takes place. What is going back to heaven is Gods power and authority that gives His servants the anointing to the preaching of His word that returns back to Him, Isaiah 55:11. The time of the Gentiles will be fulfilled at this time as the time of preaching is ended and that the kingdoms of this world are soon to be made the Kingdoms of the Lord once again.

The Church has life again as God has breathed life back into her and she once again stands on her feet grounded in all faith and trust in the Lord as she prepares to flee the soon coming abomination that causes the final desolation on earth. Their enemies beheld the strengthening of Gods Church once again as they have been completely strengthened throughout the nations, Isaiah 26:13-21; 27:13; Ezekiel 37:1-14. The enemy fears loss of control over these people in all nations that the kingdoms of this world will become the Kingdoms of their Lord unless they silence the Church once again as they did in the past and continue to do so until the great and terrible day of the Lord.

The earthquake represents Gods final shaking or judgment on man as many more will fall as now Gods Church has come out of exile meaning that of a Jezebel false teaching that has lead them captive for years. The final remnant of those who walked in blindness of truth being taken over by this Jezebel spirit have become afraid as they have finally seen truth and repent of their sin and come back to God and give Him glory.

Revelation 11:14

Notice this verse says the third woe comes quickly. The seventh trumpet is the announcement that all the kingdoms of the world will come under Jesus authority, but there is much more to come first before He returns as in the war in heaven, the mark of the beast and then the harvest judgment when at that time Jesus returns in the clouds to gather His Bride, 1 Corinthians 15:50-55; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18, and reserves them until the final judgments are completed, the earth is purified and then God ushers down the New Jerusalem where we will be with the Lord forever.

The first four seals are the beginning of sorrows described in Matthew 24:4-26 before that of Christ return. There are three woes to come after the beginning of sorrows. The first woe is found in Chapter 8-9 with the first six trumpets. The second woe is that of the two witnesses in Chapter 11:1-14 as the preaching of Gods word has come to an end as the time of the Gentiles has been fulfilled in the last person repenting and turning back to God. The third woe begins with the seventh trumpet in 11:15 and it comes quickly.

Revelation 11:15-17

Here we see much rejoicing in heaven for the time is now that the mystery of God will be finished as he declared this to the prophets, Revelation 10:7. God will make an end to all sinful abominations here on earth against His people as His mighty power will reign as now the blood of the martyred saints will be avenged. God is about to destroy the enemy for eternity and all the kingdoms or nations of the world will now have become the Kingdoms and nations of God and no man will ever be able to take them out of Gods hands again, John 10:27, 28. The time of Gods longsuffering in His patience for those who need to repent, 2 Peter 3:9, has now come to an end and all glory and honor is given to His name.

Revelation 11:18-19

The nations are angry because of Gods wrath that torments them day and night as it is a mystery to those Pharisee types that think themselves pious as they follow false religions and beliefs, even making themselves gods and have caused others to stray away from truth. All they see is Gods chastisements, but neglect seeing the warning of them to repent. The ignorance of these people is what will cause them to perish as they stand before God in judgment, Hosea 4:6, 7.

The reward unto the servants of God is that of being delivered from all the persecutions against them, those alive and asleep in the grave as when the temple is opened in heaven the ark of the covenant is seen as this is Gods covenant promise of His blessings to those who have been faithful to Him as being part of the covenant God made with Abraham and every generation after him, Genesis 12:1-3. The covenant promise is now to be fulfilled in that all Gods faithful children will have eternal life with Him as He completes the final purification of heaven and earth in order to usher down the New Jerusalem where we will be with the Lord forever.

Lightning is a strong force of power as in Gods power in heaven. The thunder is the voice of Gods power when He speaks. When God speaks even the earth quakes at His voice. The great hail is that of Gods seventh vial judgment that is about to be made on those who refuse to repent and the weight of each hail stone is the weight of a talent which is around 75 pounds each, Revelation 16:21.

Revelation 10:1-3

This angel represents the glory of the Lord and His government above the firmament. The bow is the same one seen in Genesis 9:13; Ezekiel 1:28 of Gods covenant He made between Him and the earth. The sun and fire represents the Glory of God in His brilliance and great power. The seven thunders are the voice of God saying He will judge the ends of the earth and give strength to his anointed people and enlarge His anointing upon them as they have the seven spirits of God upon them, Isaiah 11:2.

The anointing of the Holy Spirit will be even greater during the time of the seventh trumpet on those who are sealed by Gods Holy Spirit as by then much of the world will have lost most of its food and fresh water resources. Many will face unemployment losing everything they owned. Those on earth that have not Gods seal on them will be rioting in the streets looting and killing each other to take away what another might have left to live on. Chaos will run rampant through the streets until Marshall Law will come into effect to maintain order.

Gods anointed children that continue in the witness and testimony of the Lord will draw even closer to their faith that is Christ Jesus as they will also face many trials and temptations. They will endure much persecution, 2 Timothy 3:12; Matthew 24:13, even to death by the hands of the enemies against God that will also include their own family members that have not repented, Matthew 10:34-39; Mark 13:12; Luke 12:53, as they are lovers of self, 2 Timothy 3:1-7 and have no regard for anyone. God said not to fear that which man can do to us, but fear or in other words respect God who is able to destroy both soul and body of those of who refuse to repent, Matthew 10:28.

The time of Gods final wrath within the seven trumpets sounding will be a time of the worst tribulation the entire world has ever known or will ever see again, Matthew 24:21. Those who are Spiritually born from above are protected from Gods wrath falling on them as they have Gods seal on them and God will take care of their needs as He always has in the past, Philippians 4:19. They will though have a hard time having to watch so much overwhelming devastation fall before their eyes as they watch all of Gods chastisements falling on the earth and mankind. It will be particularly hard to watch their own family members that have not repented and turn back to God as they are consumed with the rest of mankind.

This will be a time of greater faith then any other time in ones life as in forsaking all to follow Jesus taking no care for even yourself what you should wear or eat, Matthew 6:24, 25; Matthew 19:29, as our only concern needs to be taking Gods word into all the nations as then will the end of days be finished and Jesus will at that time on the last day return for His Bride who is the true Church of God, Matthew 24:14; John 6:40.

Revelation10:4-6

John was not allowed to write down what the seven thunders voiced as it was not yet due time to reveal this mystery of God until the seventh angel sounds his trumpet then the mystery of God will be finished.

Many more will be added unto God before the return of Jesus as it will take God shaking the earth in order for some to finally open their eyes and repent as they come back to His mercy and grace. The little book is that of all things yet to come as God is not done shaking the earth yet and when all things are finished then there will be great rejoicing in heaven as all glory will then be given to God Psalms 29:1-10; Revelation 21:6, 7.

Revelation 10:7-11

The seventh angel is the one with the seventh trumpet and when he sounds the mystery of God or in other words all things of these revelations that are written in the little book will be finished as Jesus already told the Disciples in the outline of Matthew 24 that from Revelation Chapter 8:6 – 11:14 are the first three and a half years of this seven year tribulation period and the last three and a half will start in Revelation 11:15 with the beginning of the seventh trumpet sound.

John is now told to take the little book from the angels hand and eat it. It was sweet in his mouth as in the glory of the Lord that will soon come for His Bride as they have received the promise of Gods blessings for obedience and have eternal life with the Father, Deuteronomy 28:1-14, Romans 6:23. After eating the book it was bitter in the belly as those who reject Jesus and repent not of their sin will face Gods final wrath poured out on them as they cling onto their devil worshiping giving honor and glory to their idols made of hands that are gods before them, Leviticus 26:1-46; Deuteronomy 27:11-26; 28:15-19.

We need to preach in boldness of truth and teach others as the Holy Spirit teaches us, John 14:26. The spirit of Jezebel runs rampant throughout the land spreading lies from the pulpit that seem pleasing to the ears as many would rather believe their Pastor instead of searching and Spiritually discern what they are being taught, Matthew 7: 21-23, John 3-3-7; Acts 19:1-6; Romans 10:9, 10; 1 John 4:1-6.

Revelation 9:1-3

The star John saw that fell from heaven was an angel as angels are sometimes called stars in scripture. This angel having the key to open the bottomless pit could be the same angel we read about in Revelation 20:1-3 that God gives the key to that opens the bottomless pit where Satan is bound. When the bottomless pit was opened locust came up out of it. In reference to a smoke these locust would be to numerous to number, Judges 7:12, and look like dark smoke as they rise and swarm if you saw them from a distance. Once they became closer to your vision you would see that it wasn’t smoke, but a hoard of locust. Their attributes of what God is purposing them for is what gives them their power to sting as in tormenting those who have not the seal of God on them. They are compared as scorpions that literally sting using the power of their tails as they raise them above their head.

Revelation 9:4-6

God gives specific instructions to keep their focus on what they are being released to accomplish for Gods purpose over the next five months. There is a reason why they are not allowed to hurt the grass or any green thing including trees as we will see in the next few verses. They are only allowed to torment, but not kill those people who do not have Gods seal on them. The torment will be so tremendous that those without Gods seal will want to kill themselves, but God holds His hand against it.

Revelation 9:7-11

The locusts are actually the fallen angels from heaven that refused to stay in the limits of Gods authority before the flood in Noah’s day, Genesis 6:1, 2; Job 2:1; 1 Peter 3:18-20; 2Peter 2:4; Jude 1:6. These disobedient angels are different then the ones that Satan draws a third of to himself. God has reserved them and set them bound in outer darkness far from the brightness of His glorious realm, or as scripture says chained and bound them into a bottomless pit.

This pit could not be a part of the actual earth as the pits of earth have bottoms so this would be in the spiritual sense of the area of darkness that has no physical location in the Universe. These angels have been spared for the particular purpose that God has for them as they are released by God to torment man for five months then their final judgment comes at the end when they are cast into the lake of fire. These could be the very same angels Jesus went down to preach to before He ascended up to heaven, 1 Peter 3:19, 20.

Angels can do miraculous supernatural things and unfortunately fallen angels can still do many of these same things, as they were created with these abilities. A fallen angel can only attack someone if they have spiritual authority, grounds and rights to do so like that of Satan tormenting Job as it’s Gods authority that uses them to inflict torment on those during His wrath.

They have interaction with humans spiritually as in dreams and visions and also can take on physical appearances before men like that of Lot who saw two men stand before him, Genesis 19:1. These angels will take on the form of locust, but given instruction by God not to hurt the green grass or the trees.

The demonic angels that appear to look like a swarm of locust coming up out of the ground in the numerous numbering of them is likened unto horses prepared for battle, Judges 7:12. The description given in vs. 7-10 is also likened unto ancient battle horses that were decked out with a full plate of armor that helped protect them like their riders from swords, axes, maces, and lances during battle.

The armor, similar to their rider, had a full head piece including a plume of horse hair coming out of the crown of the helmet. The horses face pieces would also be fashioned like that of a man’s except it would be extended to cover their mouth giving them an appearance as having sharp teeth in the design.

The coming approach of these angels would sound like that of chariots and horses running into battle. It’s like when a storm develops you hear the thunder in the distant and when the storm gets closer the louder the thunder becomes. Being they are transformed into locust the sounds of their wings will be similar as a thundering noise.

The tails and the sting of their tail are compared to a scorpion as the torment they will inflict on men will feel like that of a scorpion’s sting. A regular locust has no stingers in its tail nor can they bite or break the skin of a person, but a locust on a larger scale can bite, but not able to penetrate the skin deep enough to draw blood. Scripture says they have stings in their tail so it would be apparent that these are not normal locust. There would be much torment on a person by the number of locust that land on them.

Apollyon is king over the bottomless pit that was given the key meaning Gods authority and power was given him to open the pit and gives these angels that are transformed into locust their authority to go forth and torment men for five months. Apollyon means destroyer in Greek and destruction in Hebrew as he is known as Abaddon in Hebrew. He is an angel of God that He uses throughout the OT and here in vs. 1, 11 to bring about Gods commands when it comes to the destruction of people of disobedience, Exodus 12:23; 2Kings 6:14-18; Proverbs 15:11, 12; Jeremiah 4:7; Daniel 10:13; 1 Corinthians 10:10.

The torment of this chastisement was so great that men would seek death, but not find it and desire to die and death will flee from them as God holds His hands against it.

Revelation 9:12-15

There are three woes mentioned as each one is God’s call to repent and turn back to Him before the door of Salvation is closed forever when Christ returns.

The four horns of the golden altar before God in His tabernacle on earth use to be sprinkled with blood from the animal sacrifice to cleanse and purify it from the sins of the Israelite’s, Leviticus 4:7, 16:18. The golden altar being in the tabernacle of God before His throne in heaven is that of the four gospels of grace. The voice coming out of the four horns is Jesus who is the only one worthy of opening the seven seals and sending out the seven angels with a trumpet sound which means one sent out by Gods great power and authority.

Jesus now speaks to the angel with the sixth trumpet and commands him to let loose the four angels that are bound in the Euphrates River that have been prepared by God for the hour, day, month and year of His angry indignation against those who follow after other gods. The four angels are Gods warring angels who will war against the enemies of God killing a third of mankind that refuse to repent.

Revelation 9:16-19

John knows the number of the horsemen as he heard the number to be two hundred million. The four angels will take each to them five hundred thousand horsemen or Gods warring angels and since there are four angels that lead this army I would think they would go out to the four corners of the earth as they kill a third of the earths population.

Each horseman has a breastplate of fire, jacinth and brimstone. The breastplate represents the heart of these two hundred million warring angels that are being lead by the four angels as they are all subject to Gods will and purpose. The horse’s heads being likened unto a lions head represents strength, predatory and majesty of a ruler or king as being God in His fierce power of this particular chastisement on men. The fire, smoke and brimstone literally proceeds out of the mouths of these warring angels as we read in the literal fire of God in Exodus 9:23; 2 Kings 1:10; Numbers 11:1; 16:35; Leviticus 21:9; Psalms 104:4. By these three that are fire, smoke and brimstone a third of mankind will be killed.

Revelation 9:19-21

Here is the importance of the area of the Euphrates River and what the four angels were prepared for to battle against. Surrounding the Euphrates River are four Assyrian Babylonian type countries that make up one third of the worlds population. These countries are Syria, Turkey, Iran and Iraq (Babylon) that make up parts of the old Assyrian nations.

Assur, son of Shem and Grandson of Noah, defiled himself against God and was made god over the Assyrian nations he founded as the Assyrians called him Asnapper and set up monuments to worship him and named their capitol after Assur, Ezra 4:10, Nahum 3:1-19. You will need to do a more extended study in who Assur was and how these four nations came to be as it would be to lengthy to add to this particular study in Revelations.

The power was in their (Assur) mouth from the beginning as Noah and his sons were faithful to God teaching their families through the power and authority of Gods spoken word in all truths. From the time of Assur falling away from God unto even present day the power is in their (Assyrian/Babylonian type nations) tail as their prophets teach lies, Isaiah 9:12-16, leading the people of these nations to fall prey to worship devils and set up their various idols that are made by hand that are abominations to God. This is similar to the judgment of Ephraim in Isaiah 9:8-21 and the destruction of Assyria in Isaiah 10:1-19.

These two hundred million warring angels that are lead east, west, north and south through these four nations by the four angels who have been prepared will literally strike down one third of the world’s population. God only needs to speak those things into existence as the warring angels breathe real fire out of their mouths as we read in other scriptures to this fact to consume those who refuse to repent.

This comes out to be two hundred million of a seven billion population that is in the world today that will be killed by these warring angels. These four nations refuse to repent of their murders, sorceries, fornication and thefts against God and his faithful servants that have been martyred and will continue to die a martyr’s death for the sake of the witness and testimony of Jesus they carry through out these nations.

The seventh seal is so much more diverse than the other seals as it covers all events from Chapters 8-14. Notice the first four seals are the beginning of sorrows described in Matthew 24:4-26. The fifth seal are the spirits of the saints under the altar who are waiting for their blood to be avenged as they died a martyr’s death. The sixth seal reveals mans shame and describes the 144,000 and the great multitude of Gentiles. The seventh seal begins the day of Gods wrath with the first four seals being destruction of the environment that will cause many to lose their lives. The ones who will be able to stand are those who have Gods seal upon them as they continue the witness and testimony of Jesus throughout the nations.

One thing we need to take into consideration before going forward in our study is that during the seven trumpet sounds this will be Global in what God causes to happen on earth. God’s wrath will not necessarily be centered in just one confined area, but one area can cause much damage throughout the world as a whole. A third of everything here on earth will be destroyed as in vegetation, water and even man.

One third of all the earth can be a very vast area as only twenty-five percent of the earth is dry land as water covers the other seventy-five percent as in oceans, seas, lakes and fresh water streams that feeds of the major source that is the ocean.

God’s wrath is poured out into the world as chastisements for disobedience, but also a warning that man needs to repent and turn back to God before the door of salvation is closed forever. The time of Gods long suffering and patience is coming to an end and God would that none should perish 2 Peter 3:9. Many will repent during this time as their ears are finally opened to the witness and testimony of Gods word as it is carried out into the word to every nation, Matthew 24:13, 14.

Revelation 8:1-4

The reason there was silence in heaven for about a half hour was God was silent for a short time while the angels were preparing for the seventh seal to be opened. First, seven angels are given their trumpets as each one would be sounded in Gods timing. Then John sees an angel with a golden censer and this angel is given much incense to burn before the altar of God as it sends up a sweet aroma to him. The sweet aroma is all the saints under the altar and all around the world worshiping and praising God’s name as they send up their prayers before Him.

Revelation 8:5

Fire usually represents Gods judgment. The censer that had incense in it and being a sweet aroma sent up to God filled with the prayers of the saints is now filled with fire and cast down to the earth. God is now ready to avenge those prayers of the saints as they wait for their fellowservants that are sealed with the seven spirits resting upon them.

These servants of God will also be persecuted to death during the time of the seven trumpet sounds as they keep the witness and testimony of God and preach to those that yet need to repent. Gods vengeful wrath is about to be released on all the earth as the voices, and thunderings, and lightnings, and an earthquake is Gods great power and authority ready to shake the earth as now is the time of his final wrath before the door of salvation is closed forever.

Revelation 8:6-7

Hail and fire can be likened unto meteors that fall from the sky as the brimstone God brought down from heaven striking those in Sodom and Gomorrah in Genesis 19:24. A third of the trees and all the green grass are burned up which makes a third part of the world with a shortage of oxygen in the air that is created from the carbon dioxide from the trees and living plants. I would only imagine the drifting smoke itself would cause respiratory problems for many people.

Seeing that this is Global the intense fire and smoke from all the trees and grass burning can travel for miles causing much more damage throughout the nations. The trees that produce various healthy foods for our well being will become scarce. The green grasses that would probably include crops of wheat, barley, corn and so forth will be destroyed causing a shortage in food. The animals we depend on as a food source will also die as they are left without vegetation they need to live on.

The blood that is mingled in with the hail and fires is the blood of the martyred saints that wait under the altar to have their blood avenged.

Revelation 8:8-9

This great mountain burning with fire could be an asteroid the size of a mountain hitting the sea sent down from heaven as the third part of the sea is destroyed along with sea life and the third part of the ships that sit in it. The third part of the sea turned to blood by reason of all the ocean life that is killed and those men, women and children who are on these ships that are destroyed. Take into consideration the disease that would spread from all the rotted sea life that is rotting away washing up on the shore and the flesh of those who were burned along with the ships.

These ships will more than likely be types of fuel tankers, merchant, fishing and luxury cruises ships traveling the waters. With the third of these ships being destroyed means a third part of the world’s fuel and food supply would be destroyed.

Let’s look at this on a larger scale of what is being destroyed as in life, fuel and food as this would be Global and not centrally located as Gods wrath is Global. There is only one ocean, but divided by four regions as being the Pacific Ocean, Atlantic Ocean, Arctic Ocean, and the Indian Ocean. This would be like the four corners of the earth as being North, South, East and West. The only difference between the ocean and the sea is that the ocean is much larger and feeds into the 108 seas around the world.

Scripture is not clear on what a third part of the sea would be as in circumference of area or region so one can only assume since it is a third part of the world that could be thirty eight different seas around the world that are being destroyed by meteors at one time. A third part of food and supplies that are vital to our life will no longer be available in many areas of the world and many will starve to death.

Revelation 8:10-11

John saw in his vision a great star that is burning like a lamp that falls to earth. In John’s time torches were used as a light source so this star burning like a lamp or a torch could be that of a burning asteroid or a series of meteors falling on earth. I can only think it to be many as they fall on the third part of rivers and streams as it poisons the third part of the earth’s fresh water supply and causes many to die from the bitter water they drink. This would also kill all fresh water fish leaving man without another food source.

This star is given a name called Wormwood because wormwood is a plant that can be potentially toxic in its pure form and has a bitter aroma to it. In large amounts, it can cause damage to the nervous system, resulting in convulsions, loss of muscle control, and sometimes death. Now we have a third part of the world without fresh water to drink.

Revelation 8:12-13

With the third part of the sun, moon and stars being darkened this will affect mans source of electricity and heat that is vital to keep a certain degree of the earth warm, and generated power in homes, hospitals and manufacturing plants including nuclear reactors.

Agriculture and navigation would be hard pressed as it takes the solar power from the sun to run the solar cells that produces the energy needed to run farming machinery and trucks to take the produce to manufacturing plants where the produce is then distributed to market.

Vehicles such as cars, ambulances, planes, trains and the list goes on need an energy source from the sun in order to run their engines. The darkness of the third part of the day would be roughly around eight hours of daylight being lost and total darkness of night as the moon and stars are illuminated by the sun at night. A flashlight would be useless to see in the dark as it needs energy from the sun to run the battery that turns the light on.

This much darkness would cause people to panic in the streets creating chaos as the love of many will wax cold, Matthew 24:12. Riots would break out causing looting and lose of life as those who have not will do anything in desperation to take from those who have much.

This angel is in exclamation for men to repent for the next three trumpet sounds will bring even greater tribulation to those of the earth and that they need to repent before the door of Salvation is closed.

There was a question asked in Revelation 6:17 for the great day of his wrath is come and who shall be able to stand? Part of this question is answered in Nahum Chapter One for one example as there are many scriptures detailing Gods great vengeance against His enemies and His mercy on those who are called by His name having the seal of God on them, Ephesians 4:30. Let’s move on into greater detail as who these are that have Gods seal upon them with the explanation of the 144,000 Jews and the great multitude of Gentiles that could not be numbered.

Revelation 7:1-4

John is given another vision after these things, meaning after the first six seals that are revealed to him. He now sees four angels standing on the four corners of the earth holding the four winds of the earth in order that the wind should not blow on the earth, nor on the sea, nor on any tree until Gods servants were sealed. of Dan and Ephraim as they fell to idol worship and allowed God to be removed from them, Judges 18:30; 1 Kings12:25-33; Hosea 5:9, 11;Psalms 78:9-17, 65-67.

These servants are the generational 144,000 from the twelve tribes of Israel, except for the tribe To keep it twelve tribes since Dan and Ephraim are not mentioned in vs. 4-8 the tribe of Joseph appears twice, once under his own name and once under the name of his son Issachar/Manasseh. Judah is mentioned first as Messiah was to come from the lineage of David.

Revelation 7:5-8

When studying the history of the twelve tribes of Israel being the sons of Jacob/Israel we find from 1047 B.C. and 931 B.C. the twelve tribes were under the leadership of three Kings, Saul, David and Solomon. Near the end of Solomon’s reign he fell into idolatry and God spoke of tearing apart the Kingdom as judgment for these sins, 1 Kings 11:10-12.

After Solomon’s death his son Rehoboam became King and those ten Northern tribes (Israel/Ephraim) rebelled against King Rehoboam and followed after Jeroboam up North causing a division of the north and south Kingdom. Only the tribe of Judah (Judah) and the tribe of Benjamin (Judah) stayed Loyal to King Rehoboam in the southern Kingdom for they kept Gods commandments as they knew David was the lineage of the promised Messiah as it was prophesied of the prophets of God. For almost two centuries the two Kingdoms where divided, but a remnant of the ten tribes soon came back to Judah after following Jeroboam as he turned the northern Kingdom into idol worshipers.

This is the importance of the 144,000 of the house of Israel and their generations unto the end of days. There were those of the old covenant that were faithful to God in keeping all his commandments and repented of their idol worshipping. Their generations who have also come back to Gods grace that are still alive during the seven trumpet sounds will continue to preach to the Jews as it was with the twelve disciples in Matthew 10:6. The generations of the 144,000 that are still alive have the seal of God on them which are the seven Spirits of God as they will have to endure much persecution until the end of days before the return of Jesus.

Seven Spirits of God are found in Isaiah 11:2 and mentioned in Rev 1:4.Spirit of the Lord, wisdom, understanding, counsel, power, knowledge and fear/respect of the Lord.

Revelation 7:9-12

After John understands who these servants are that needed to be sealed of God were Jews he is now shown a great multitude of Gentiles from all over the world that stand before the throne of God and before Jesus. They are clothed in white robes and have palms in their hands. They are exclaiming that Salvation is of God that sits on the throne and unto the Son of God being the scarified Lamb, Psalms 3:8.

Revelation 7:13-14

In John’s vision the elder was asking John if he had understanding of those which are in white robes and how they came to be there. John did not recognize them as being Jews and asked the elder to explain who they are and where did they come from. The elder reveals to John these are they who have come out of great tribulation being Gentiles that have washed their robes in the blood of the Lamb and were baptized and received the Holy Spirit as the Jews have received.

John had to understand this in order to write this to the seven churches. Jews were always taught that the Gentiles were an unclean evil people full of idol worshipping and in no way could they be worthy of anything of God including his love. Jew’s were not allowed to associate with the Gentiles in fear they too would fall to their idol worshipping like they did when they followed after Jeroboam. The twelve Disciples were only allowed to go to the nations of Israel to preach, Matthew 10:5-7, but Peter was shown in a vision that the Gentiles were not unclean as they too needed to repent and come to God for his salvation.

Peter was summoned of God to go to the house of Cornelius, but to only preach for a short time as the door of salvation by faith was always opened to the Gentile, but it would be in Paul’s timing to walk through that door to preach to them, Acts Chapters 10, 11; Acts 22:21. Before Paul fully started teaching and baptizing many of them all they could do was get bits and pieces of Gods teachings by standing out side of the synagogues hearing the Prophets that spoke and mingling into the crowds that followed Jesus.

There is no difference between Jew or Gentile in the eyes of God as he created all people equal and is no respecter of person as Peter found out, Acts 10:34, 35. Galatians 3:26-29 says we are all children of God by faith. This faith in God started with Adam, but he lost his Spiritual fellowship with God when he chose to disobey Gods commands and needed to repent so the same with every generation from the time of Adam until the return of Jesus need to repent of their disobedience in order to have Gods promise of life eternal with him.

The terms Gentile and Jew were derived from nations and their cultures. Abraham is referred to as a Hebrew in Genesis 14:13. Hebrew means one from beyond and is derived from Eber (or Heber, Strong’s no. 5676) meaning the region beyond the Euphrates. The term Hebrew also is taken to mean to pass or to cross over. Abraham crossed over the River Euphrates to get to the land of Canaan, from Chaldea. Abraham was a Chaldean not a Jew.

The term Jew came from Abraham’s Great Grandson Judah in whom the land given to him was called Judea and the people called Judeans. The word Jew is a short term version of Judean and has nothing to do with race, but only that of a culture of people. The word Gentile is of Latin origin and means nations or foreigners meaning those who were born before Abraham. Abraham is our example of Gods faith as in the covenant God made with Abraham in Genesis 12:1-3 and to all nations, Romans 9:24-28, as no man is justified by the law in the sight of God as the just will live by faith, Galatians 3:11-13. The new covenant of grace is that of the promises Messiah now come that has redeemed us from the curse of the law being made the final blood sacrifice for the atonement of all men’s sin.

We have to remember these are visions given to John in his time to give to the seven churches to teach them of those things which have to come first before the return of Jesus. Before we start our study of the last seal that leads into the seven trumpets there are certain things that need to be clarified and understood. According to John 3:13; Ecclesiastics 12:7; 1 Corinthians 15:51-58; and 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18 there has never been anyone taken up to heaven, not even Enoch as he was taken by God, but does not say where he was taken, Genesis 5:24. The same with Elijah who was caught up in a whirlwind to the first heaven that is atmosphere not the heaven where God sits on his throne, 2 Kings 2:11, as several years after he was taken away in the whirlwind King Jehoram received a letter from him.

Enoch, Elijah and all the others before and after them that have faith in God and have kept his witness and testimony are all asleep in the grave as it is only our spirit that is taken up to God as he reserves it until the time when Jesus returns in the air.

The elder is trying to explain to John that those in the vision before the throne of God that are wearing white robes are Gentiles that have come from other nations that have been washed in the blood of the Lamb and have been baptized in the Holy Spirit. These are the generations that Paul first taught in Acts 22:21 as he was commissioned of God to go to the gentile nations. They have come out of great tribulation that the world has not seen yet as they kept the witness and testimony of the word of God as they went about preaching to those during the time of Gods final wrath on earth as we will see in our study of the seven trumpets and the two witnesses.

Revelation 7:15-17

This is speaking of the end of time after earth and heaven (atmosphere) have been purified from all the abominations that has caused much desolation (sin) in the world and then at that time will the heaven and earth be restored and the New Jerusalem ushered down from God where we will have eternal life with the Father.

The seven seals that only Jesus is worthy to open span the next fifteen chapters of Revelation. Chapter six only explains the first six seals as in a brief scenario of what is about to take place during the timing of Gods seven trumpet and seven vial chastisements. Hopefully many will come back to God through repentance during the time of His fierce wrath upon those of disobedience as God would that none should perish, 2 Peter 3:9.

Jesus spoke to His Disciples in Matthew Chapter twenty four of those things all of us need to be watchful of before His return as no man knows the day nor the hour of His return. It is not until Chapter eight that we see the seventh seal being opened that begins with the seven trumpets and leads up to the seven vial judgments of Gods fierce wrath. The seventh trumpet begins the full explanation of what happens to those who walk in disobedience to God before the great and terrible day of the Lords return as the powers of heaven will be shaken, Joel 2:30, 31; Luke 21:26.

Revelation 6:1

When we see the word thunder used in scripture it usually denotes that of Gods great power wanting our full attention. This is what is happening within the seven seals and seven trumpets. God wants us to pay close attention to His warnings of things that are yet to come. To those who continue to walk in disobedience going after other gods, Jeremiah Chapter 7, His final fierce wrath falls on those of disobedience who refuse to repent and turn back to Him as His longsuffering and patience is now at an end, Numbers 14:18; 2 Peter 3:9.

The first four seals are various horses with riders of destruction that are revealed to John. This is not Gods wrath poured out as of yet as His fierce wrath begins with the first trumpet sounding after the breaking of the seventh seal that leads through all events of Gods seven trumpet chastisements and seven vial judgments that are warnings to those who have not repented and remain in disobedience to God. During the time of Gods fierce wrath of those who walk in disobedience He still leaves that door of repentance opened up until the time of Christ return when the door of salvation will be closed forever to those who refuse to repent.

The first four horses and their riders are and outline much like Matthew 24 being an outline of all things which must come first before the return of Christ. Each one represents that of a Roman governed enmity, Romans 8:7, that Satan works through that controls worldly domination as being that same Roman governed system the Pharisees and Scribes held close to as they had much favor from them for they brought the prophets, wise men and scribes before their Counsel to be persecuted and killed as they died a martyr’s death for preaching the Gospel of Christ, Matthew 23:33-39. We will study this system more in Chapter 13.

Jesus opens the seals and proceeds to reveal their meanings to John. The first four seals are that of four horses and what their riders bring with them. The first is false Christ, second to take peace from the earth, third is famine and the fourth is death and hell as found in the grave. Notice how each one is in succession of the other from first to last as already spoken by Christ in His Olivet disclosure in Matthew 24:4-13 as being the beginning of sorrows. There have always been sorrows, but never on a Global scale that will be seen during the timing of each rider of the four horses.

Revelation 6:2

White horse represents a rider with great power and authority as in early wars where Generals would always ride a white horse as they went forth conquering and to conquer. The rider of this white horse is a false Christ: Matthew 24:5, 24; Revelation 19:11-15

When comparing scripture with scripture we see that this rider on a white horse is a form of antichrist in being a false christ that goes to conquer or in another sense deceive those in believing he is the true Christ causing many to fall away from the Lord, Zechariah Chapter 6; 2 Thessalonians 2:3. Many see this white horse and rider being Jesus, but in Rev 19:11-15 we are given a different description of a white horse and who is sitting on it as being Jesus. Instead of a bow we read a sharp sword goes out of the mouth of Jesus, which is the word of truth.

This false antichrist will show great signs and wonders that if possible will deceive even the very elect of God if they allow themselves to be taken unaware of Satan’s devices, Matthew 24:24. I read about a New Age New World Order project called Project Blue Beam. Its holographic images are beamed off of satellites that will produce images of Jesus coming in the clouds and every nation will see this simultaneously, Matthew 24:24.

The deceptive purpose is that many will see this image of Jesus, but are deceived in thinking the scriptures must not be true for they are not taken up to meet Him in the clouds. They will turn and bow down to this false antichrist and follow after him causing themselves to blasphemy against the Holy Spirit, Matthew 12:31, and lose their salvation as they denounce Jesus as Lord and Savior in order to follow that of empty promises made by this antichrist. This is why it is so important to learn how to discern that of what we see, hear and read 1 John 4:1-6.

This rider has a bow, but no arrows are mentioned. We never see Jesus associated with having a bow anywhere in scripture, but always having a sword coming out of His mouth that is the word of God. In scripture a sword represents the true word of God as in Spiritual warfare our weapon is the witness and testimony of Jesus, 2 Corinthians 10:4.

The bow having no arrows is symbolic of Satan conquering those who say they are Christians, but have never been Spiritually born again, John 3:5-7. They claim to be a Christian, but by name only, Matthew 7:21, and have no true knowledge of Gods word. Satan sends out his false prophets to preach a deceptive word and Globally has and will continue to conquer many who have not the Holy Spirit dwelling in them as they have no knowledge of the Holy Spirit and he will do anything to keep them that way.

The crown that is given him is not a literal crown, but symbolic in its meaning as it represents his own deceitful glory as a crown of glory is given to those in leadership, 1 Peter 5:1-5, but in this case Satan’s leadership as he goes forth conquering by using his false prophets to conquer by twisting the word of God deceiving those who have no Spiritual discernment and are blindsided by what they hear and read.

Revelation 6:3 – 4

Red horse symbolizes Global war bringing much bloodshed to the land. The rider on the red horse takes peace from the earth and they should kill one another and there was given unto him a great sword: Matthew 24:6-10; Revelation 19:15

The power that was given to this rider is from Satan who seeks to kill, steal and destroy all that is of God here on earth, John 10:10. Daniel 9:27 speaks about a seven year peace treaty between Israel and Palestine. Israel has already given up part of its land in the Gaza Strip and West Bank in order to keep peace, but are still in conflict with Palestine wanting to control all of Israel and will continue to do so through much blood shed.

Israel’s disobedience to what God has already spoken to them in Exodus 23:32-33; 34:12 will cause themselves to fall into signing a deceitful seven year peace treaty that will be set up through an antichrist New World Order. This NWO will establish a One World Government system that will deceive the world declaring peace and safety, 1Thessalonians 5:3, but then sudden destruction will fall on them and the entire world in the middle of this seven year peace treaty. Much destruction will come to the world when Satan gives power to this antichrist beast to take peace from the earth.

The sword here is a literal sword John would understand it to be in times of battle in his generation dating back to the very first battle in Genesis 14:1-16 with King Amraphel and was composed of the combined armies of Babylon, Assyria, Persia and the Hittite Empire that fought against Abraham.

The Babylon Empire of that time had risen to become a Roman Empire in John’s day as they controlled the government of Jerusalem. It was through this antichrist government that persecuted those to death who carried the witness and testimony of Jesus as they went out preaching in His name establishing the Church (body of Christ) wherever they traveled to.

In 538 AD it became a Papal Roman government with Emperor Justinian’s decree and under the military protection of Belisarius and the beast (Pope) until the deadly wound, Revelation 13:3, came in 1798 by General Berthier who made his entrance into Rome and abolished the papal government and established a secular one. This was the time when Rome persecuted the Christians and killed them which were approximately 500 million saints slain for the cause of their faith in Jesus.

Napoleon had closed down the Roman Catholic Church and the Papacy and its power was thought to be forever broken. The wound, Revelation 13:3, was largely healed in 1929 when Mussolini gave the Vatican back to the Pope and established it as a country in it’s own right in the Lateran Treaty. Today the Vatican has formal diplomatic relations with almost every country in the world.

From the time of the very first battle in Genesis Chapter 14 it has always been about government dominance, possession of land and greed of riches through much bloodshed. The sword in battle in John’s generation could only be used as a one on one attack on the enemy as you would have to literally be facing each other and only had a shield to protect you. The sword has now evolved into nuclear, chemical and biological warfare that can take out many nations just by a push of a button by using international ballistic missiles.

Revelation 6:5-6

Black horse is a symbol of famine as the rider holds a pair of balances in his hands causing much famine in the world as many will not be able to afford to buy food and eventually starve to death unless they reach out to the beast out of the earth, Rev 13; 1 Kings 8:37-43; Romans 8:34.

John hears a voice that comes out of the midst of the four creatures in heaven describing what it will take to be able to buy a measure of food as many will not be able to afford a days wage in order to feed for their families unless they prepare ahead of time. God is speaking to us to be prepared for when this time of sorrow is increased during the end of days that we put God first before all things as God will supply our need, Philippians 4:19; 1 Kings Chapter 17.

Famine always follows after conquest of war when a Nation or a people is conquered and overtaken by a governed ruling power that follows after the ways of Balaam forsaking that of the way of the Lord and love the wages of unrighteousness, 2 Peter 2:15; Ezekiel 14:13 as we will see in a New World Order and it’s one world government that is even now being set up. The spoils of conquest and conquering often denotes possession of another’s property by looting and stealing causing one to be left with absolutely nothing. This is what this corrupt government will do as they will take out of the hands of the people what they need the most to sustain life.

The rider on this black horse is an antichrist governing authority revived from the old Babylonian nation that places great economic stumbling blocks in the economy. They will control all shipping, trading and distribution of merchandise around the world expediting exuberant prices on everything causing great economic disaster to the middle and lower class of people.

We rely on farmers for most of our food and truckers to deliver that food to market. When prices escalate, especially with fuel, this shuts down our source of food as the farmers will no longer be able to produce the food we need and the truckers will no longer be able to afford fuel to deliver food to market.

A penny for a quart of wheat and three quarts of barley is symbolic of what would be a days wage for many people in order to feed their families. With the economy crumbling many businesses will be forced into bankruptcy causing massive unemployment. Without jobs this will cause great famine to every family that will not be able to afford food. This is why it is so imperative to have faith and trust in the Lord who will provide during times of famine, 1 Kings Chapter 17, Philippians 4:19.

The oil and wine is not to be harmed as many true Christians that are monetarily rich at this time will be able to afford to buy and share with those who have not as God will use them to supply others needs during this time of great famine, Matthew 25:35; Philippians 4:19.

To the monetarily rich that are not in Christ oil and wine is a luxury to the rich who will be able to afford the price, but will end up being there own downfall as he claims he is rich and increased in goods and has no need of anything as their wealth has become an idol they bow down to as their god. What they do not realize is that their spirit is wretched, miserable, poor, blind and naked before the Lord as they walk in disobedience to God being lovers of self, Matthew 25:51; 2 Timothy 3:1-7; Revelation 3:17.

Revelation 6:7-8

Pale horse is a symbol of sickness and disease that follows after war that causes great famine in the world as many become sick and weak from dehydration and malnutrition and eventually die.

The pale horse riders name is Death. Following Death is Hell which means one that is laid in a grave after they have physically died as you can read in Strong’s Exhausted Concordance Hebrew #7585 – Greek # 86. Death is not a final destination, but a state of being until Christ returns and all, saint and sinner, will hear the voice of Christ to raise from their graves as some will raise to eternal life and some to eternal damnation, John 5:28, 29.

In the resurrection, those who have died that have been Spiritually born again, their names are found written in the Lambs book of life and will have eternal life with the Father. There is no power of a glorious life with those who rejected Christ as their names are not found in the Lambs book of life and will stand before God in judgment and be cast into the Lake of fire with the beast and false prophet as they will be tormented forever, Revelation 19:20.

The rider represents Death for that is the name given him. Hell follows with Death that goes before it. Death and Hell are given power over the fourth part of the earth to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.

Revelation 6:9-11

The fifth seal shows John a vision of all those who have already been slain for the word of God that are asleep in the grave waiting for God to avenge them as their spirits have returned back to God who preserves their spirit until the day of redemption when Jesus returns, Ecclesiastics 12:7; 1 Thessalonians 4:13-18. They are told to rest a little while until their fellow servants that will be killed needs to be fulfilled. These servants are those who have the witness and testimony of Jesus that will be preaching salvation throughout the world during the time of great tribulation until the great and terrible day of the Lords return, Joel 2:31; Matthew 24:29-31.

Revelation 6:12-13

The sixth seal was opened and there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair (sackcloth was usually course goat hair), and the moon became as the color of blood. Joel 2:30, 31 and Luke 21:25 forewarns us of what will happen as signs we will see before the great and terrible day of the Lord as in being Gods great wrath before the return of Jesus.

The war we read about in the fourth seal is Global war as these armies will use nuclear and chemical weaponry that not only kills a fourth of the people living on earth, but also creates environmental changes on the earth’s surface and deeper in the earth’s core. The environmental changes that will take place deeper into the earth’s core will activate vault lines causing great earthquakes and volcanoes to erupt.

When you put the effects of nuclear and chemical bombs hitting the ground this will cause the plates of the earth to shift causing earthquakes and volcanoes to erupt. This will produce a massive amount of dust particles to fill the air blocking out sunlight making it appear that the sun has been darkened. The dust particles also scatter blue and green light away in the atmosphere, but red light passes through more easily causing the moon to appear blood red.

The stars that fall from heaven are likened unto a fig tree that loses its figs before they are ripe when the tree is shaken by a mighty wind. This is in reference to those who call themselves Christian, but by name only as they have not the Holy Spirit dwelling in them, Matthew 7:21. The mighty wind that is shaking this tree is Satan as being the host in heaven that will be punished, Isaiah 24:21; 34:4. Satan will cause a great falling away before the return of Jesus, 2 Thessalonians 2:3 as he uses his false prophets who think themselves higher than those they teach as they lord superior over their congregations as in the Pharisees that Jesus condemned in Matthew 23:13-38.

Revelation 6:14-17

The heaven departs as mentioned in Isaiah 34:4 as a scroll that is rolled together. After the wars in the fourth seal the atmosphere is also clouded with smoke that folds in between itself. If you have ever watched a storm roll in you see this affect of the clouds rolling into each other as it darkens the sky and blocks out the sun. Every mountain and island is moved out of their places by the great earthquakes this Global war has caused

These Pharisee type false prophets try to hide themselves in the dens and the rocks of the mountains and ask the mountains and rocks to surround them and hide them from the wrath of God that is now at hand. These are those who have perverted their ways and have forgotten God their Lord. They hope by hiding their shame God will pass them by and they will be spared, but their shame will devour them unless they truly repent and turn back to God as now Gods final wrath has come. The only ones who will be able to stand at this time are those who have endured unto the end and have Gods seal on them as they have been Spiritually born again, John 3:5-7; Romans 10:9, 10; 2 Corinthians 1:21, 22.