What Are the Four Horsemen in the Apocalypse During the End Times?

In the Book of John’s Revelation, four horsemen are described on horses of different colors (the four horsemen of Revelation), which are a symbol of terrible events in the end times. Each rider represents one of the calamities that will descend on the earth.

The Four Horsemen of Revelation in Chapter 6

The book of Revelation of John introduces the horsemen in chapter 6, and each is a symbol of one of the terrible tribulations of the end times. Let’s take a look at the description of each rider in the Bible:

Verses 1-2: “I saw the Lamb open the first seal, and I heard a voice like thunder from one of the four living creatures saying, ‘Come!’ So I looked and saw a white horse appeared. Its rider had a bow in his hand and was given a hat. He came out to win and will continue to win.”
This rider is often interpreted as a triumphant conqueror or a messianic figure. The exact interpretation of this rider is the subject of religious debates. Some believe that he is a symbol of Christ, while others see him as a false deceiver who is leading people astray.

Verses 3-4: “When he opened the second seal, I heard the voice of the second living creature saying, ‘Come!’ And another red horse came out. Its rider was given permission to take peace from the earth, so that people would kill each other, and a great sword was given to him.”
This rider is a clear symbol of war and bloodshed. He is often depicted with a great sword or a bloody sword, representing widespread conflict and violence.

Verses 5-6: “When he opened the third seal, I heard the voice of the third living creature saying, ‘Come!’ And I looked and saw a black horse appear. Its rider had a scale in his hand. And I heard a voice like a whisper among the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, but do not harm the oil and the wine!”
This rider depicts famine and lack of food. He is often depicted with a scale in his hand, indicating food shortages and rationing.

Verses 7-8: “When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, ‘Come!’ And I looked and saw a pale horse appear. And the name of that rider was Death, and Haデス (the god of the dead in Greek mythology) was following him. And they were given authority over a quarter of the earth to kill with the sword, famine, pestilence, and beasts of the earth.
This rider is a symbol of death and disease. He is often depicted with a deadly bow and arrow or decomposing corpses, representing widespread disease and death.

The rider on the white horse and its rider – the antichrist and violence

The first rider on a white horse appears determined to conquer and conquer (Revelation 6:2). Its rider is wearing a hat and holding a bow. Some people attribute this rider to Jesus because later in Revelation 19, Jesus is riding a white horse.

However, there are a few points that call this interpretation into question:

Difference in Symbols: Although both are riding white horses, their accompanying symbols are different. Jesus is described in Revelation 19 with a crown of gold on his head and a robe soaked in blood, which is a symbol of his power and sacrifice. While the rider of the white horse in Revelation 6 wears only a helmet and his bow represents a military victory.
Nature of Conquest and Victory: Jesus is portrayed in Revelation 19 as the savior who triumphs over evil. But the conquest on the white horse in Revelation 6 is a violent conquest.

Riding a red horse and its rider – war

The next horse, which is red and fiery, takes peace from the earth (Revelation 4:6). The rider on the red horse carries a large sword and is clearly a symbol of war and violence. This is the logical sequence of the horse and rider who sought conquest and victory, because conquest often leads to war.

Antichrist will seek to establish physical warfare as well as spiritual warfare. For example, we can mention the “devastating abomination” that he places in the temple after three and a half years of peace (Daniel 9:27). He will take many lives physically and spiritually.

Although there have been many wars throughout Earth’s history, none will be as destructive as the destruction that will occur during the end times.

A black horse and its rider – famine

The third rider is riding a black horse and holding scales. This seems to be a symbol of the famine that will destroy the stores of wheat and barley, while the stores of oil and wine will not be harmed (Revelation 6:5-6).

Given that the Antichrist controls the buying and selling of goods (Revelation 13:17), this famine may be caused by his actions: “so that no one may buy or sell unless he has a mark, that is, the name The beast or the number of its name.

Some researchers attribute this famine to the wars that occurred before it. Throughout history, those engaged in farming and providing food have given up their jobs to fight in wars. Because of this, food sources have decreased and entire civilizations have collapsed.

Riding on a pale horse and its rider – death

In John’s last dream, the pale horse symbolizes death. Obviously, as food supplies dwindle and war breaks out, death follows. The pale horse has the power of famine, pestilence, and killing with the sword and beasts (Revelation 6:8).

Disease and famine often occur as a result of wars, and this horse is no exception.

Today in the article : What Are the Four Horsemen in the Apocalypse During the End Times? We reviewed useful information about the Bible and the way of Jesus. If you wish, you can view other articles of Ali Vahidi about Christianity