Home / NT / Revelation / Chapter 6
THE REVELATION
OF ST JOHN THE DIVINE
CHAPTER 6

Christ opens the six seals, and John sees the events therein—In the fifth seal he sees the Christian martyrs, and in the sixth the signs of the times.

[ Meaning of the Seals According to D&C 77:7 each seal represents one of the seven 1000 year time periods of the earth's temporal existence. The seven seals are divided as follows: 6:1-6:2 Conquest 6:3-6:4 War 6:5-6:6 Famine 6:7-6:8 Death 6:9-6:11 Martyrs 6:12-6:17 Terror 8:1-10:3 Seven Trumpets of Woe (also ch. 16) The contents of each of the seven seals are very negative. This is no objective and impartial distillation of history into a few pithy verses. For example, in the fifth seal the message isn't one of salvation or redemption as a result of the Atonement by Jesus. Rather, it focuses on the suffering and martyrdom of the believers. The first set of four seals address the judgement of the wicked with standard OT covenant curses (cp. Lev. 26:14-39, Deut. 28:15-68. Ezek. 14:21). The wicked world is punished by invaders, war, famine, and death to chasten the repentant and destroy the unrepentant. In each of the first four seals one of the four beasts introduce each of the seals, and after the first four seals they all fall entirely silent. And each of the first four seals is accompanied by horsemen which represent a type of punishment meted out. We don't hear from the four beasts again until 19:4 where they shout "Alleluia" at the Lord's "true and righteous...judgements" (cf. 19:2). And we don't see another horseman again until it is Christ coming "in righteousness [to] judge and make war" (cf. 19:11). The second set of three seals in presented in a slightly different fashion. In the fifth seal, the martyrs complain "how long...dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth?" With the fifth seal things change and judgement is not meted out immediately upon the wicked, hence the complaining of the martyrs. Rather it is forestalled and builds up for a crescendo shortly after the opening of the seventh seal, the Day of the Lord, the Second Coming of Christ. Why is it 6.2 forestalled from the fifth seal until the Day of the Lord? Chapter 7 answers that question by stating the elect of scattered Israel must be gathered out before the great and final Day, cp. Jacob 5:49-51, D&C 121:12. Additionally, the remaining three seals represent the time after Jesus’ death. The inhabitants of the earth must wait for the Second Advent for resurrection, so there are no exalted men or beasts present. Imagery The first four seals are attended by one each of the four beasts from ch. 4, then the remaining four seals are unaccompanied. As each of the seals represents 1000 years of the earth’s existence and the beasts represent exalted men and animals, it is likely the symbolism is intended to represent those who participated in the First Resurrection with Christ (cf. Matt. 27:52, 3 Ne. 23:9-11). Thus, for the breaking of each seal there is a redeemed exalted being present as well as judgement upon those who were not redeemed. Thus, the imagery is a compound of exaltation in heaven for the worthy and punishment on earth for the wicked. The same compounded imagery is presented for the second set of three seals in ch. 19 when the exalted men and beasts return to praise the Lord and the Lord comes out to judge the wicked. General Christian Interpretation Christendom in general does not see the seven seals as representative of the seven thousand years of the earth's existence. Many commentators see these seven seals as being historical and therefore fulfilled. some commentators recognize there are elements in the various seals which history does not attest to, and so they forward an eschatological reading of the seals, for example: Many (MEDE, FLEMING, NEWTON, &c.) hold that all these seals have been fulfilled, the sixth having been so by the overthrow of paganism and establishment of Christianity under Constantine's edict, A.D. 312. There can, however, be no doubt that at least the sixth seal is future, and is to be at the coming again of Christ. The great objection to supposing the seals to be finally and exhaustively fulfilled (though, probably, particular events may be partial fulfillments typical of the final and fullest one), is that, if so, they ought to furnish (as the destruction of Jerusalem, according to Christ's prophecy, does) a strong external evidence of Revelation. But it is clear they cannot be used for 6.3 this, as hardly any two interpreters of this school are agreed on what events constitute the fulfilment of each seal. (Jamieson, Fausset and Brown, Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Bible, 1871) some commentators attempt to draw parallels between the seven seals and the seven days of Creation in Genesis, presenting them as the seven days of destruction of the wicked to prepare for the New Creation and the Millennial reign ushered in by the Second Advent. some commentators attempt to draw parallels between the seven seals and the seven years of suffering during the tribulation. As members of the church we can be grateful we have D&C 77 when it comes to deciphering this text. ]

1 aAND I saw when the Lamb [ Christ. ] opened one of the seals, [ The first one, representing the first thousand years of the earth’s temporal existence, i.e., approximately 4,000–3,000 BC; (D&C 77:7). ] and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see. [ IV: And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, one of the four beasts, and I heard, as it were as it were, the noise of thunder, saying, Come and see. The KJV makes it appear that John heard thunder when the first seal was broken, and then one of the four beasts said "Come and see". The IV makes it clear it was the beast's voice that was as the voice of thunder when it said "Come and see". ]
2 And I [ John. ] saw, and behold a white horse: [ Symbolically, white can mean righteousness and horse represents victory. When we think of the color white, which we normally think of purity. We have the white cloth at the sacrament table and the baptismal clothes and temple clothes and Book of Revelation talks about walking with Jesus in white. However in the days of John the Revelator white was often associated with victory. So Enoch in white has conquered the wickedness of the earth. We where white at baptism and in the temple in an effort to claim victory over temptation and unrighteousness. A white robe then is given to those who have overcome. Temple context. Note the sentence structure for timing and punctuation. Every word, and word placement, is important. I believe this is true of each of the five horse visions John offers. The color of each horse could forecast he nature of the rider, his goal and/or mission. If white indicates purity, power, and triumph/overcoming, it seems logical that the Rider would be pure, powerful, and triumphant in both white horse visions. ] and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown [ Authority. The first rider was given A crown, as compared to MANY crowns in the second vision. Revelation 19:11-13. ] was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, [ With that crown of authority and power, “he went forth conquering, and, to conquer”. Note punctuation! This is a two-part plan: Part One: “He went forth conquering went forth conquering”: This is his ongoing battle, by our side, beginning to end. He is the light that shineth in darkness, our ever present help in time of need. Part Two: “And, to conquer”: The final conquest! He will defeat satan, complete the resurrection, Celestialize the earth, and bring the redeemed back into the Father’s presence. He conquers all that is in opposition to The Father’s Plan of Happiness. ] and to conquer. [ One possible interpretation could be Adam. Another, Enoch and his victories with the City of Enoch. Bruce R. McConkie suggests that this is a symbol of Enoch. He is a symbol of conquering in the beginning and other than John, who's a greater conqueror, and that's Enoch who actually found a way to show that there's a way to create a society on earth under Christ that's going to live despite all the temptation and all of the rough things we're going to read about in the Book of Revelation, but actually have that symbol immediately of someone who conquered. When people think about this figure in art, sometimes it's portrayed as Jesus Christ himself and I like that. Enoch is of course a symbol of the Savior. ] [ The horsemen in the first four seals are often equated with the horsemen and chariots of Zech. 1:7-11 and Zech. 6:1-8.One needs to question such an approach as unlikely as Zechariah presents the horses and chariots as messengers who report back to God, not those instructed by God to distribute God’s punishment upon the wicked. ]
3 And when he [ Christ. ] had opened the second seal, [ War. 3,000– 2,000 BC. ] I heard the second beast say, Come and see.
4 And there went out another horse that was red: [ Bloodshed, war and famine, describe hardships. ] and power was given to him [ (the rider ). Perhaps Satan and wicked worldly leaders during the days of Noah. ] that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, [ His mission to reign with blood and horror upon the earth. ] and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword. [ Representing terrible destruction. ]
5 And when he [ Christ. ] had opened the third seal, [ 2,000–1,000 BC. ] I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, [ I looked. ] and lo a black horse; [ Evil, darkness, despair. ] and he that sat on him had a pair of balances [ Representing famine; food had to be carefully measured and meted out. Indicates a time of scarcity and want, and possible oppression. ] in his hand. [ During this seal, Abraham went to Egypt because of famine; Joseph’s brothers later came to him in Egypt because of famine; also, the Israelites were held as slaves in Egypt during this period. ]
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure [ Two US pints. ] of wheat for a penny, [ A day’s wages. ] and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. [ Don’t waste. Use them sparingly because the famine is so severe olive trees and grape vines are unproductive. Terrible famine. ]
7 And when he [ Christ. ] had opened the fourth seal, [ 1,000–0 BC; Assyrian captivity, Ten Tribes lost about 722 BC; Babylonian captivity about 588 BC; Daniel in lion’s den; Romans take over prior to Christ’s birth. ] I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.
8 And I looked, and behold a pale horse: [ Not much left of Israel, few righteous people, terrible conditions among the wicked, etc. ] and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. [ When they wicked die they are cast into hell rather than being exalted. ] And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, [ One quarter of the earth is afflicted by various things that result in widespread death. Perhaps meaning not quite as severe destruction as in the windup scenes of the world in Revelation 9:15. ] to kill with sword, [ Military destruction. ] and with hunger, and with death, [ Pestilence, plagues. ] and with the beasts of the earth.[ cp. Lev. 26:22 ]
9 And when he [ Christ. ] had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar [ Altar represents sacrifice. The Ark of the Covenant. ] the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, [ Martyrs for the gospel. There are a good many in the early days of Christs church, and there were many in the early days of the restored gospel. There were eight or nine that were killed in the American south during the 1800s alone and along with many others which we rarely talk about. ] and for the testimony which they held: [ The faithful spirits who were persecuted await their exaltation, but stand as a witness against those who murdered them. Those who gave their lives for the gospel’s sake. ]
10 And they [ Those that were martyred for their beliefs in God. The people who had given their lives for the gospel. ] cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them [ The wicked. ] that dwell on the earth?[ Their question to God is a good one. Why do you permit those who do evil and killed us to continue to dwell on the earth? When will the wicked get what’s coming to them? The same question is asked by Joseph Smith in Doctrine and Covenants 121 and by Habakkuk in Habakkuk 1. they're asking, they're saying, "Hey, when's it time for the second coming? When are we going to have that turn of power? Right now, the God of this world is Satan. When can we have our turn and have the Savior here?" ]
11 And white robes [ Exaltation; see Revelation 3:5. A white robe then is given to those who have overcome. In Roman culture - White togas were frequently presented to victorious generals as a symbol of their victory. White was so important in Roman society that it was used for centuries after the Roman Empire fell. It is still seen as a colour of integrity, strength, and authority today, making it one of the most enduring symbols of Roman culture. Temple context. See also verse 2. ] were given unto every one of them; [ The righteous martyrs in verse 9. ] and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, [ The martyred saints await exaltation in a state of peace, cp. ch. 14. ] until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled. [ Others would have similar fates throughout earth’s remaining history. ]
[ According to the Church Website the manual for the Gospel Doctrine New Testament teacher manual lesson 46. The following chart provides additional information about each of the seven seals. The chart may also be useful in understanding the structure of the book of Revelation. Seal Major Events First seal The creation and fall of Adam and Eve; the ministry of Enoch and the translation of his city into heaven (Revelation 6:1–2). Second seal Noah and the Flood (Revelation 6:3–4). Third seal Ministries of Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Joseph (Revelation 6:5–6). Fourth seal Ministry of Moses; the Exodus; the period of reign by judges; the period of reign by kings; the division of the kingdom; the conquering of the kingdoms (Revelation 6:7–8). Fifth seal The birth, ministry, crucifixion, and resurrection of Jesus Christ; the establishment of his Church and the ministry of the Apostles; martyrdom of the Apostles; the Apostasy (Revelation 6:9–11). Sixth seal Continuation of the Apostasy; restoration of the gospel through the Prophet Joseph Smith; signs of the times manifest (Revelation 20:1–6). Seventh seal Wars, plagues, and desolation; Second Coming of the Lord (Revelation 8:1–19:21). Millennium of peace (Revelation 20:1–6). Satan loosed for a season, the last great battle, and the final judgment (Revelation 20:7–15). After the seventh seal The earth is celestialized (Revelation 21:1–22:6). • Point out that the first five seals are covered in 11 verses, the sixth seal is covered in 14 verses, and the seventh seal is covered in 216 verses. What does this emphasis teach us? https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/manual/new-testament-gospel-doctrine-teachers-manual?lang=eng "a careful reading of the book of Revelation can place limits on permissible interpretations. He pointed out that the first three chapters of the book deal with John’s day and “things which must shortly come to pass” (Revelation 1:1) and that the rest of the book deals with “things which must be hereafter” (Revelation 4:1), or beyond John’s day." https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/study/ensign/2015/12/joseph-smith-and-the-book-of-revelation?lang=eng https://www.churchofjesuschrist.org/bc/content/shared/content/images/magazines/ensign/2015/12/december-2015-ensign-magazine-mormon_1605188_prt.pdf ]
12 And I beheld when he [ Christ. ] had opened the sixth seal, [ Terror. The text is a series of quotes and paraphrases from Isa. 24:19-23 and Isa. 34:4. Also cp. 16:17-21 for similar statements. The text intended to build up the suspense for the opening of the seventh seal, "the great day of his wrath" (v. 17) as opposed to being a comment on the history of the 1000 years. ] and, lo, there was a great earthquake; [ Well is it still coming or has it happened? Here is a list of some pretty big earthquakes between 1000 and 2000 AD. - Jan 23,1556 Shaanxi China 8.3mg - Deadliest earthquake in recorded history. 830,000 deaths from quake. - May 3, 1481 Rhodes 7.1 mg Largest in the series of quakes that continued for 10 months. 30,000 deaths. - Nov 25, 1833 Sumatra East Indies 9.2mg The largest quake that I could find. - Aug 12, 1157 Hama, Syria Sequence of 7.2mg quakes that lasted from 1156 to 1159 source: https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_historical_earthquakes ] ; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood; [ The intent and meaning is obscure. Perhaps meaning black goat’s hair, used in weaving fabric. A plain physical interpretation comes from when there is considerable ash in the air as a result of fires the sun and moon appear to be red. Great signs in heaven and earth during this period of time. ]
13 And the stars of heaven [ Perhaps including satellites, airplanes, etc., in our day. ] fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind. [ John now jumps ahead to the Second Coming for a few verses. Caution, do not put the Second Coming in the sixth seal. See head- ings to Revelation 8 and 9 and Doctrine and Covenants 77:13. ]
14 And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places. [ IV: And the heavens opened as a scroll is opened when it is rolled together; and every mountain, and island, was moved out of its place. Literally moving the mountains and islands. One continent, one ocean again; D&C 133:22–24, Genesis 10:25. ]
15 And the kings of the earth, a [ Wicked political leaders. ] and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, [ All the wicked. ] hid themselves in the dens [ Caves. ] and in the rocks of the mountains; [ Like Isaiah said the wicked would do at the Second Coming; see Isaiah 2:19, and 2 Nephi 12:10, 19, 21. ]
16 And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him [ The Father; Revelation 5:1, 7, 13. ] that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath [ Anger. ] of the Lamb: [ Christ. ]
17 For the great day of his [ The Savior’s. ] wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand? [ Who will be able to survive the Second Coming]? [Answer: those living a terrestrial or celestial lifestyle. D&C 5:19 plus 76:81–85 and 88:100–101 tell us that those who live the wicked lifestyle of telestials, which includes lying, stealing, sexual immorality, and murder (and of course, sons of perdition) will be destroyed by the Savior’s glory at the Second Coming and will not be resurrected until after the Millennium is over. ]