The red horse may not be war; but far far worse!

[LastDaysJames]

This is for information only, not really wanting to argue!

(Rev 6:4 [KJV])
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

In the Greek this scripture actually says....

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that say thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should butcher like animals one another: and there was given unto him a big knife (were we get the word machete)

It sounds like it may be mass panic, anger, fury - people will turn on one another and slaughter each other like cattle!

[Marilyn C]

"I will call for a sword against God throughout all my mountains," says the Lord God, "Every man`s sword will be against his brother." (Ez. 38: 21)

[Michael37]

11 hours ago, LastDaysJames said:

This is for information only, not really wanting to argue!

(Rev 6:4 [KJV])
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

In the Greek this scripture actually says....

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that say thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should butcher like animals one another: and there was given unto him a big knife (were we get the word machete)

It sounds like it may be mass panic, anger, fury - people will turn on one another and slaughter each other like cattle!

Have you looked into the symbolism?

Horses are known for their stamina.

[LastDaysJames]

5 hours ago, Michael37 said:

Have you looked into the symbolism?

Horses are known for their stamina.

That is good as I was thinking just yesterday that unlike the other wraiths that fall on the earth, and like the ant-christ (the 1st horse) I was feeling perhaps the other horses were also not a 1 time event, but lasted throughout the whole 7 years tribulation! That would fit into the stamina part.

[WilliamL]

On 6/9/2025 at 12:49 PM, LastDaysJames said:

This is for information only, not really wanting to argue!

(Rev 6:4 [KJV])
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

In the Greek this scripture actually says....

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that say thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should butcher like animals one another: and there was given unto him a big knife (were we get the word machete)

It sounds like it may be mass panic, anger, fury - people will turn on one another and slaughter each other like cattle!

The machaira sword was a short sword used for close-in combat, as compared to the romphaia sword (Rev. 19:15), the main battle sword.

These correspond in our day to handguns as compared to rifles. Street weapons as compared to war weapons.

[LastDaysJames]

16 hours ago, WilliamL said:

The machaira sword was a short sword used for close-in combat, as compared to the romphaia sword (Rev. 19:15), the main battle sword.

These correspond in our day to handguns as compared to rifles. Street weapons as compared to war weapons.

Actually the meaning of machaira has 2 meanings.... the one you are talking about is the second meaning. It all depends on the context of the scripture. The second meaning (the small sword aka war dagger) is what it talks about in Eph 6:16 (the sword of the spirit).

The context of this scripture in Revelation is talking about man turning on one another and butchering each other; the context of THAT is the first meaning of the word machaira , and that is, "a large knife, used for killing animals, and cutting up flesh."

[LastDaysJames]

A picture I created using AI. When I write my book on the subject, this is most likely one of the pics I might use. Hope you like.

The knife did not come out as planed, but still I thought it looked cool.

Edited Wednesday at 04:13 PM by LastDaysJames

[Charlie744]

On 6/9/2025 at 12:49 PM, LastDaysJames said:

This is for information only, not really wanting to argue!

(Rev 6:4 [KJV])
And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.

In the Greek this scripture actually says....

And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that say thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should butcher like animals one another: and there was given unto him a big knife (were we get the word machete)

It sounds like it may be mass panic, anger, fury - people will turn on one another and slaughter each other like cattle!

For what it is worth... here is a cut / paste of the narrtive that might have been prepared by God in the introduction to Chapter 6, then my Introduction to Chapter 6, then a short narrative on the relationship  of the 7 churches to the 4 horsemen, and finally a short narrative on God's Perfect design. All just short narratives prior to discussing each verse in detail in the commentary on Revelation.  

 

 

To my Beloved Church, the seven seals

 

As you enter Chapter 6 of Revelation, the Lamb begins to open the seals of the scroll. This moment is a continuation of the vision in Chapter 5, where the Lamb alone was found worthy to open the seals and reveal the divine plan. Chapter 6 unveils the beginning of this plan, showing the judgments and trials that will unfold as history moves toward its ultimate fulfillment. Through the opening of the seals, I reveal the challenges that you, My church, and the world will face, while also assuring you of My sovereignty and purpose. This chapter reveals three critical aspects of My approach: the unveiling of history’s trials, the perseverance of My people, and the certainty of My justice.

First, you see the unveiling of history’s trials. Each seal represents a stage in the unfolding of human and spiritual conflict. The first four seals reveal the four horsemen, symbolizing conquest, war, famine, and death. These forces have long been at work in the world, bringing suffering and revealing the brokenness of humanity apart from Me. However, I want you to understand that the four horsemen are presented in a manner similar to the seven churches. Each horseman represents a distinct aspect of the rebellion and transgressions against My people over the coming years, yet together they represent a unified force: the one little horn prophesied in Daniel 7. This is the same power that opposes Me and My people throughout history. These events are not random; they are under My sovereign control, permitted for a time to fulfill My purposes. I want you to understand that these trials, while painful, are part of a greater plan to bring about restoration and righteousness.

Second, I show you the perseverance of My people. The fifth seal shifts the focus to the souls of the martyrs beneath the altar. These are those who have given their lives for their faithfulness to Me. They cry out, “How long, Sovereign Lord, holy and true, until You judge the inhabitants of the earth and avenge our blood?” Their plea reflects the tension you feel between the present suffering and the promise of My justice.

Yet, they are given white robes and told to rest a little longer, for I have not forgotten them. This vision reminds you that perseverance in faith, even unto death, is honored in My kingdom. It also assures you that your suffering is not in vain, for I am faithful to fulfill My promises.

Third, I reveal the certainty of My justice. The sixth seal brings a dramatic vision of cosmic upheaval: the sun darkened, the moon turned to blood, stars falling from the sky, and mountains and islands removed from their places. These events symbolize the shaking of the established order, a foretaste of the coming judgment. Those who have opposed Me—kings, princes, the mighty, and all who reject My truth—will seek to hide from My wrath. Yet, no one can escape My justice. This is not a message of hopelessness but a reminder that I will bring all things to account. My justice is certain, and it is the foundation of My plan to restore creation.

Chapter 6 is a sobering yet hopeful reminder of the journey ahead. As My church, you are not shielded from the trials of this world, but you are called to endure with faith, knowing that I am with you. The opening of the seals reveals the reality of suffering, the call to perseverance, and the assurance of ultimate justice. These truths are not meant to frighten you but to prepare and strengthen you. In the midst of tribulation, remember that the Lamb who opens the seals is the same Lamb who was slain for your redemption. He reigns victorious, and His plan will not fail.

As you meditate on this chapter, let it deepen your trust in Me. See the trials not as meaningless chaos but as part of My sovereign plan. Find courage in the example of the martyrs, and take comfort in the certainty that My justice will prevail. You are My beloved church, and I have called you to shine as a light in the darkness. Hold fast to your faith, for the One who holds the scroll is faithful and true, and I am with you always.

 

With eternal love and sovereignty,

The Lamb who opens the seals

 

 

Introduction to chapter 6 the seven seals

 

In Revelation 6:1, John writes, “I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, ‘Come and see.’” This living creature is likely the same as the ones described in Revelation 4 and 5.

If we can accept the premise that the horsemen are four different manifestations of the little horn (Daniel 7:8, 24–25), the living creatures may serve as divine witnesses, pointing out the deceptive and destructive strategies employed by this singular actor throughout history. This aligns with their role in Revelation 6, where each living creature introduces one of the horsemen. Their command to “Come and see” might not only be directed at John but also at the world, inviting humanity to discern the spiritual truths being unveiled.

The 4 horsemen represent the little horn seen through four different aspects of his influence is consistent with the method God uses throughout Scripture to provide layered understanding:

1.   White Horse: Deception through counterfeit spiritual authority and the distortion of divine truth.

2.   Red Horse: Spiritual conflict, inciting division, rebellion, and strife among humanity.

3.   Black Horse: Spiritual famine, suppression of God’s Word, and the imbalance of moral and divine order.

4.   Pale Horse: Spiritual and eternal death, the inevitable consequence of rejecting God’s truth and grace.

The living creatures announcing these judgments might be revealing the multifaceted ways the little horn seeks to corrupt and oppose God’s kingdom. Their role in introducing the horsemen serves to expose the strategies of the little horn and to call humanity to discernment and repentance. It also highlights the layered, symbolic method God uses to reveal profound spiritual truths, allowing us to see His unified plan through diverse expressions.

 

Relationship of 7 churches with the 4 horsemen

 

The messages of the seven churches and the visions of the four horsemen in Revelation weave together into a grand and divinely ordered narrative. By examining the horsemen alongside the church periods, we uncover a pattern that is precise, purposeful, and deeply reflective of God’s sovereignty. This alignment reveals that the sequence of events is not random but intentionally orchestrated by God to unfold His redemptive plan in history.

The White Horse: A Conquest Without War

The white horse begins the timeline, aligning with the rise of the papacy to full power during the early period of Thyatira (AD 538–800). The rider carries a bow but no arrow, signifying conquest achieved not through military force but through influence, persuasion, and doctrinal authority. This period saw the papacy extend its dominance across Christendom, consolidating spiritual and political power under a veneer of righteousness. However, this conquest was not of truth and love but of control and dominance, leading to significant shifts in the church’s history. The imagery of the white horse, often associated with victory, takes on a dual meaning here: it symbolizes triumph but also the beginning of corruption within the church. This alignment underscores that the order of events is no accident but part of God’s divine design.

The Red Horse: Conflict and Bloodshed

The red horse follows, symbolizing war and bloodshed during the middle Thyatira period and even into the Sardis period (AD 800–1500s). This was an era marked by the Crusades, the Inquisitions, and widespread conflict carried out in the name of religious authority. The sword in the rider’s hand reflects both literal violence and the spiritual warfare of this time, as the church sought to enforce its doctrines through coercion and suppression. The escalation of conflict during this period highlights the growing misuse power and the deepening divide between the church’s actions and Christ’s teachings.

The Black Horse: A Famine of Truth

The black horse represents famine—not of physical sustenance but of spiritual truth. This horse aligns with the Thyatira and the Sardis periods (AD 1000–1700s), a time when the church experienced spiritual stagnation despite the beginnings of the Reformation. While access to Scripture was being restored, much of the church remained entrenched in lifeless traditions. The imagery of weighing wheat and barley for exorbitant prices reflects the spiritual impoverishment caused by the misuse of faith during the prior era, as indulgences and corruption left a legacy of famine for God’s Word. This alignment emphasizes the ongoing consequences of the church’s earlier compromises.

The Pale Horse: Death and Hades

The pale horse brings death and Hades, aligning with the later Sardis period, the Philadelphia period, and extending into the Laodicean age (AD 1700s–Present). This horse symbolizes the spiritual deadness and complacency that characterize much of the modern church. The consequences of centuries of compromise and corruption culminate in a church that often appears alive but is inwardly dead. The pale horse’s destructive force serves as a sobering reminder of the ultimate outcome of abandoning true faith and reliance on God. Yet, even here, God’s mercy invites His people to awaken and return to Him.

Note: The above time frames do not represent precise or definitive periods for each of the four horsemen. Instead, they offer a reasonable estimate of the strategies the Little Horn has employed throughout its reign, which began in the early 6th century. Additionally, these actions are not confined to any single phase but can be observed throughout the different periods of church history, often overlapping across multiple eras.

 

God’s Perfect Design

 

The sequence of the horsemen and their alignment with the church periods reflects God’s perfect design. Each horseman corresponds to a specific stage (however, the dates are certainly not exact but are meant to provide a general timeline, and where each of the 4 strategies will overlap), in the church’s journey through history, revealing the trials, challenges, and consequences of both faithfulness and rebellion.

1.   Intentional Order: The horsemen and churches follow a prophetic sequence that mirrors the progression of church history. The rise of the papacy, the conflicts it spurred, the famine for truth, and the resulting spiritual deadness are all interconnected, revealing God’s hand in shaping events.

2.   Unified Themes: Together, the horsemen and churches tell a cohesive story of God’s sovereignty and the church’s struggles. They highlight His faithfulness to His people amid trials and judgment, emphasizing His ultimate plan for redemption.

3.   Evidence of Divine Sovereignty: The precision with which the horsemen and churches align affirms that this is no coincidence. History has unfolded according to God’s redemptive plan, testifying to His involvement and purpose.

As we reflect on these connections, we are reminded that God’s plan is both precise and purposeful. The trials represented by the horsemen serve to refine and prepare God’s people for His ultimate victory. Each church and each horseman is part of a larger story, one that points to God’s sovereignty, justice, and mercy.

Understanding this relationship strengthens our faith as we see how God’s hand has guided history and will continue to guide His church. It also raises an important question:

Why does the timeline of the horsemen begin with the rise of the papacy, leaving the first 500 years of the church without a horseman? This period reflects a foundational phase when the church, under significant persecution and guided by the apostles' teachings, was focused on spreading the Gospel and building a unified faith. However, the alignment of the church with pagan Rome under Constantine began a gradual transition. This shift introduced external influences and compromises, setting the stage for the symbolic arrival of the horsemen. It was during this transitional phase, as the church moved from its apostolic purity toward integration with state power, that the groundwork was laid for the trials and judgments symbolized by the horsemen.

The early church’s purity and its foundational mission to spread the Gospel and endure persecution stand in stark contrast to the later challenges of compromise and corruption introduced by the merging of church and state. The absence of a horseman during this time highlights God’s divine timing, allowing the church’s foundation to be firmly established before the symbolic trials and judgments began. This transition aligns perfectly with God’s purpose, illustrating the shift from the church’s early mission to the challenges of maintaining faithfulness in a corrupted world.

 It also challenges us to remain faithful, knowing that we are part of this unfolding plan. The order and events described in Revelation are not merely symbolic; they are the living testimony of God’s involvement in the past, present, and future of His church.

[WilliamL]

On 6/11/2025 at 6:50 AM, LastDaysJames said:

Actually the meaning of machaira has 2 meanings.... the one you are talking about is the second meaning. It all depends on the context of the scripture. The second meaning (the small sword aka war dagger) is what it talks about in Eph 6:16 (the sword of the spirit).

The context of this scripture in Revelation is talking about man turning on one another and butchering each other; the context of THAT is the first meaning of the word machaira , and that is, "a large knife, used for killing animals, and cutting up flesh."

I would say that both definitions apply. Certainly the large knife and the machete is a weapon used by Jihadists and others. But the internecine warfare of the Great Tribulation will manifest differently in different places. Gang warfare and rioting in the US and other more affluent lands will more often not be seeing large knives as weapons of choice, per the old saying, "Never bring a knife to a gunfight!"