The four horsemen appear in Revelation 6:1–8, as the first four seals of the scroll are opened by the Lamb. These riders symbolize divine judgments unleashed upon the earth during the early part of the tribulation period. Each horse and rider represents a distinct judgment:
First Seal – White Horse (Revelation 6:1–2): The rider has a bow and a crown, and he goes out “conquering and to conquer.” This figure is often interpreted as a false Christ or an initial deceiver who rises with apparent peace and authority, mimicking Christ’s appearance but bringing deception. Jesus warned in Matthew 24:5 that “many will come in My name, saying, ‘I am the Christ,’ and will deceive many.”
Second Seal – Red Horse (Revelation 6:3–4): This rider is given a great sword and power to take peace from the earth, causing people to kill one another. He represents war and bloodshed. This corresponds with Jesus’ prophecy of wars and rumors of wars in the end times (Matthew 24:6).
Third Seal – Black Horse (Revelation 6:5–6): The rider holds a pair of scales, symbolizing famine and economic hardship. A voice announces inflated prices for basic food, “a quart of wheat for a denarius”, suggesting scarcity and inflation. However, luxury items like oil and wine are not harmed, indicating selective suffering and inequality.
Fourth Seal – Pale Horse (Revelation 6:7–8): The rider is named Death, and Hades follows him. They are given power over a fourth of the earth to kill with sword, hunger, death, and beasts. This represents widespread devastation, combining the effects of the previous judgments.
These four horsemen initiate the beginning of sorrows (Matthew 24:8) and illustrate the severe consequences of mankind’s rebellion against God. They also fulfill God’s righteous judgment upon a world that has rejected truth.
Together, they mark the coming of the Day of the Lord and serve as a warning of the coming wrath. Yet even in judgment, God is calling people to repentance before the final outpouring of His wrath.
