What are the Four Horseman?
by David K. on May.06, 2009, under Fear, Foretell, Foul
- Image by Rich Man via Flickr
The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are described in the Book of Revelation. They will ride when the seven seals are opened, resulting death and destruction on a vast scale. The four horsemen who will ride are Death, War, Famine and Pestilence The 4 horsemen of the apocalypse are described in Revelation chapter 6, verses 1-8. The four horsemen are symbolic descriptions of different events which will take place in the end times. They are essentially a sign of things to come.
The first horseman of the apocalypse is cited in Revelation 6:2, “I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” This first horseman likely refers to the antichrist, who will be given authority and will conquer all who oppose him. The antichrist is the false imitator of the true Christ, as He will return on a white horse (Revelation 19:11-16).
The second horseman of the apocalypse from Revelation 6:4, “Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.” The second horseman refers to terrible wars.
The 3rd horseman as referenced in Revelation 6:5-6, “…and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, ‘A quart of wheat for a day’s wages, and three quarts of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!’” The third horseman of the apocalypse refers to a great famine.
The fourth horseman from Revelation 6:8, “I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth.” The fourth horseman of the apocalypse is symbolic of death and devastation. It seems to be a combination of the previous horsemen. The fourth horseman of the apocalypse will bring further warfare and terrible famines along with awful plagues and diseases.
Fairly scary stuff.
