The Seven Seals

John witnesses a vision in heaven where the Lamb opens the first four seals of a scroll. As the first seal is opened, a white horse appears with a crowned rider who goes out conquering (Revelation 6:1-2). The opening of the second, third, and fourth seals introduces a red horse, a black horse, and a pale horse. These riders are granted power to take peace from the earth, cause famine, and kill a fourth of the earth by sword, hunger, death, and beasts (Revelation 6:3-8). The text does not say why specifically a fourth of the earth is targeted or provide names for three of the four riders.

Upon the opening of the fifth seal, John sees under the altar the souls of those slain for the word of God. They cry out for judgment, and each is given a white robe and told to rest for a little season until their fellow servants and brothers should be killed (Revelation 6:9-11). When the sixth seal is opened, a great earthquake occurs, the sun becomes black, the moon becomes as blood, and the stars of heaven fall to the earth (Revelation 6:12-13). The kings and inhabitants of the earth hide in dens and rocks to escape the face of Him that sitteth on the throne and the wrath of the Lamb (Revelation 6:15-16).

Before the final seal is opened, John observes four angels holding the four winds and an angel sealing one hundred and forty-four thousand servants of God from the tribes of Israel. A great multitude from all nations stands before the throne in white robes (Revelation 7:1-9). When the Lamb opens the seventh seal, there is silence in heaven for about the space of half an hour (Revelation 8:1). The text does not say what occurs during this period of silence or the specific emotional reaction of the heavenly hosts.