Bible Verses [1] And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.	V.1 a. This is the beginning of the Second Thread about the Seven Angels or the Seven Churches. b.The first SEAL is for the Sabeans, as each of the other Seals will be for their religion in numbered order. c. This chapter also has the SECOND series in the thread about the Four (good) Beasts, this time dealing with each of the Four Beasts separately. d. each of the Four Beasts also introduce the short thread of the Four Horsemen, so we have at least three overlapping threads simultaneously going on here at the moment. e. It is the Lamb, which in this chapter (and the previous two) is The Bab (the first Manifestation of Christ in this Day and Age), opening all of the Seals. The first seal, associated with the Sabean Religion, the oldest religion and most anciently widespread among the native peoples of the earth, seems to be universal in its application. The 'first beast' (living creature representative of the four natures/souls of man and the four directions of the earth) says "come and see" meaning 'open your eyes and mind'. The Bab has been sent to open the minds and hearts of mankind for the arrival of the One to come (Baha'u'llah), and the arrival of the New Day. Their hearts are deprived of the power of true insight, and thus they cannot see, while those endowed with the eyes of the spirit circle like moths round the Light of Truth until they are consumed. It is for this reason that the Day of Resurrection is said to be the greatest of all days, yet it is like unto any other day. (The Bab, Selections from the Writings of the Bab, p. 79)
[2] And I saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer.	V.2 This is the first verse to begin the introduction of what are called the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. As with any archetype there is much that can be said about them and they are discussed at length in the Afterword of this Chapter - Chapter Six. There are positive and negative views of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse although most modern literature stresses only the negative view. In the positive sense, the white horse is a symbol of the strength and purity of the religions of the world, as going forth to conquer. This horse, and its rider with a crown, brings a message from God. The Sabean (Native) Faith was the beginning of a religious cycle. The rider goes forth to conquer, symbolizing the prophets who have come to continue to give their message from God to the peoples of the world. In a negative sense, the religions lose their purity and become dogmatic causing the very opposite of which is their true purpose. Thus in all the religions we see them bringing hatred and death, with burning of crosses and churches in the US to the slaughter by the Islamic State in the Middle East and the conflict between the Hindus and the Muslims. The evil of the age applies to all.
[3] And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see.	V.3 The second seal is associated with the Second Angel which is the Jewish Religion, but we are not going to dwell on the particular application of each of these qualities being described, as applying to a particular culture, because they actually apply to all the religions and cultures of the world. It is not wrong to hold the traditional views of the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse that the Red Horse is the horse of war. There is plenty in the Book of Revelation to support that view. So much so, that the Apocalypse is often the name given to the Book. However, those events will be dealt with in detail later in the book and it is also possible to see the Red Horse as being the horse of government and technology, which in their proper application bring order and advancement, but here death and destruction.
[4] And there went out another horse that was red: and power was given to him that sat thereon to take peace from the earth, and that they should kill one another: and there was given unto him a great sword.	V.4 The red horse of war, the horse showing a symbol for strength, while having universal significance certainly is relevant to the Jewish Faith and the tiny State of Israel which we today see completely surrounded by its enemies. There certainly has been no peace in the Middle East and we continuously observe the Muslims killing one another and we shall undoubtedly see all of humanity killing one another. The situation today forebodes a time of trouble also foretold elsewhere in the Bible by Jesus and Daniel. "great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be." Matthew 24:21 "a time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation even to that same time:" Daniel 12:1 (King James Bible)
[5] And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.	V.5 The Third Seal and the Third Angel is associated with the Hindu Faith. The horse of the Third Seal is black and again the horse is a symbol of great power. The rider has a pair of balances, which symbolize judgment. Some have viewed the horseman as coming to render the benefit of justice, but these scales of the law have become as much a burden on the poor people of the world as the swords of war, death and famine borne by the other riders. All the peoples of the world are concerned about justice, and many of the old systems are seen as deficient. The caste systems and customs of ancient India are seen to be non-applicable for the present day. These black robed judges of the black horse are faulty, as their balances are no longer balanced. While British law, based upon a foundation from the Old Testament and the Ten Commandments, a pure source, was taken to India, it is evident times have changed and the legal system in the Western world has strayed into strange and oppressive paths. The problem for the 'End of Times' is that justice in the law has become legalisms that are not effective. These are the appointed days which ye have been yearningly awaiting in the past -- the days of the advent of divine justice. Render ye thanks unto God, O ye concourse of believers. (The Bab Selections from the Writings of the Bab p.161)
[6] And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.	V.6 There is presently great concern among all the rulers regarding the economic situation. The specific values of currency and how it relates to the imbalance with other countries - some rich and some poor - are measures that need to be resolved. The present system has brought a threat to the world that there will be such great poverty and starvation that most will not be able to afford food or the other necessities of life in the midst of the GREAT blessings of bounty and plenty that the Lord has bestowed upon on this earth.
[7] And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see.	V.7 The Bab opened the fourth seal, specifically related to the Fourth Angel and the Zoroastrians, but as with all the others is universal in application. Zoroaster appeard in Persia and Persia appears to have a special role in the End Times. It is where The Bab and Baha'u'llah appeared of course, but in addition to also being where Zoroaster appeared it is the home of most of the remaining declared followers of the Sabean religion. Moreover, Iran, as it is known today, is the source and seat of the Shiite branch of Islam. Much of the Muslim activity of the Last Days,as we see in the next verse, has centered around Persia/Iran.
[8] And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with death, and with the beasts of the earth.	V.8 The horse, that he saw, has become pale and anemic. Persia the birthplace of the Zoroasterian Faith was at one time unrivaled in splendor. By the eighteenth century it had sunk to a deplorable condition. The glory had been lost. The food needed to satisfy its spiritual hunger is a return to spiritual attainment. The intolerance of each Muslim sect towards all other Muslim sects, and towards all other religions, has caused death and hell to spring forth in that part of the world. Continuously we hear of hangings, beheadings by the sword, even crucifixions and burning alive. Even shrines and the cemeteries for the dead cannot avoid destruction. It bothers many people that the Book of Revelation is a Holographic presentation - presenting the same subject repeatedly from different perspectives. Thus it is that we see the thread about the Seven Churches is repeated six times in the Book of Revelation, and we shall likewise see the theme presented by the Four Horsemen, presented more that once again. At this juncture we are wanting you to see that the qualities of the Horsemen like the qualities of the Beasts and many other archetypes, can be seen from a positive or negative point of view. The Yin and Yang of reality, if you will.
[9] And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:	V.9 With the opening of the Fifth Seal, associated with the Fifth Angel of the Buddhist Faith, John saw 'under the altar' all the souls of the martyrs of the past, those who have been killed because of their allegiance to their Faith wanting tolerance, justice and love of mankind. A custom of the Buddhist religion is what people of the West have referred to as ancestor worship. This concept has arisen regarding them because of the practice of many in keeping on the family altar or at the church altar the ashes from the cremated remains of their families. These are often kept in urns or packages wrapped in bright silk. When a family moves or changes their house of worship, they take the packages with them, and again are placed on shelves around and behind the altar. We only mention this because if one looks, how often a verse associated with a religion will have something associated only with that religion - and there is no way to change the order of the verses to make this happen. It is a proof that the religions are listed in a Divinely revealed order.
[10] And they cried with a loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth.	V.10 Universally, the 'last days' has been one of great religious martyrdom throughout the world. The fate of the Jewish religion, in relationship to the 'last days' is particularly known as regards the holocaust in Germany. But it is not just the Jewish, Christian and Islamic martyrs, but also the Hindus, and Buddhists by the millions in Tibet, China and elsewhere in the Far East. The Babi and Baha'i martyrs, have also received great recognition in their struggle with the forces of the dying previous systems to bring higher ideals of love, tolerance, justice, morality, and all the spiritual values to humanity. All the martyrs have asked when the justice that they have sought will be established. They are looking not for revenge but justification in the fulfillment of what they have stood for. They are asking, "How long before God establishes His Kingdom on Earth?" In their decay, the religions became the cause of religious fanaticism (the white horse), terrible wars (the red horse), unjust societies (the black horse), and economic oppression (the pale horse), which can also be viewed as lack of spirituality causing -intolerance (religious, national, racist), wars (local and world wide), tyranny (non-justice), and poverty (economic) and environmental imbalance world-wide.
[11] And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellowservants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.	V.11 The white robes are given unto them as a sign of their purity - which is a requirement for martyrdom. The martyrs of the past are told to wait for another season as there would be more martyrs to come. In their quest for religious freedom there have been many martyrs throughout the years, for Buddhists as well as martyrs of other Faiths. The Babi martyrs, 20,000 followers who were killed because they refused to recant their Faith, are added to those who have been martyred in previous religions. The Cause of the Bab, being next thus fulfills this verse. There have been martyrs in the past - and unfortunately, there will be many more in the future. The spiritual education of mankind is a long and difficult process and the tests and trials of those who work for the establishment of God's Kingdom on earth is a mark of their worthiness.
[12] And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;	V.12 The sixth seal, of the Sixth Angel of Christianity, is now open. Earthquakes are mentioned and again in Rev.8:5, Rev.11:13, Rev.11:19, and Rev.16:18. Earthquakes were also particularly pointed out as a sign of the "time of the end" by Jesus in Matthew, Mark 13:8, and Luke 21:11. Matthew 24:7 For nation shall rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom: and there shall be famines, and pestilences, and earthquakes, in divers places. People have often seen external events as fulfillment of these prophetic signs. For example, a dark day happened on May 19, 1780 at 10 a.m., (and in other years as well) which created quite a stir, as people at that time were aware of this prophecy. A great earthquake happened in Lisbon, Portugal in 1775, killing over 60,000 people, and was widely related to this Bible prophecy. A longer historical view may well give new external meanings to the prophecies but we must always remember that it is the internal meanings that are of the greater significance. Earthquakes in the prophecies spiritually symbolize major disrupting changes causing trials and temptations in the social and religious orders, and the Sun and Moon often symbolize Powers and Institutions both Heavenly and earthly. Nevertheless, if some of these mentionings of earthquakes, from the Book of Revelation's holographic structure, refer to the Rev.16:18 earthquake, that one does say that it is unique and like nothing in humanity's history.
[13] And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.	V.13 In 1833 there was a greater shower of falling stars than was ever recorded in the past or since. These heavenly events have both external and spiritual meanings. They were noted also at the time of Jesus with the star of Bethlehem. 'Have the stars fallen?' Say: 'Yea, when He Who is the Self-Subsisting dwelt in the Land of Mystery (Adrianople). Take heed, ye who are endued with discernment!' All the signs appeared when We drew forth the Hand of Power from the bosom of majesty and might. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 132) However, as always it is the internal spiritual meanings that are of the greater significance. O King! The stars of the heaven of knowledge have fallen, they who seek to establish the truth of My Cause through the things they possess, and who make mention of God in My Name. And yet, when I came unto them in My glory, they turned aside. They, indeed, are of the fallen. This is, truly, that which the Spirit of God (Jesus Christ) hath announced, when He came with truth unto you, He with Whom the Jewish doctors disputed, till at last they perpetrated what hath made the Holy Spirit to lament, and the tears of them that have near access to God to flow. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 48) The path hath become smooth, the way straightened, the carpet of the Kingdom is spread, the Tabernacle hath been elevated upon the Hill of Might, the powers of heaven have been shaken, the corners of the earth have quaked, the sun has been darkened, the moon ceased to give light, the stars have fallen, the nations of the earth have lamented, and the Son of Man hath come upon the clouds of heaven with power and great glory, and He hath sent His angels with the sound of the great trumpet, and no one knows the meaning of these emblems save the wise and informed. ('Abdu'l-Baha, Tablets of 'Abdu'l-Baha v1, p.145)
[14] And the heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together; and every mountain and island were moved out of their places.	V.14 The heaven departed as a scroll when it is rolled together, is telling us that the old world order will be replaced by a new order. Hereby we bear witness, that the path is lifted up in truth, the balance is laid in Justice,...the heavens rolled together as a scroll..." (Baha'i Scriptures, p. 203) Not that it can't refer to the previously mentioned earthquake, every mountain and island being moved out of their places, indicates that institutions, which are like mountains will be changed, and the islands which divide us, such as traditions and denominational differences, which are causing confrontation, will also be moved out of their places. 'Yea, more; the mountains have been scattered in dust; by Him the Lord of attributes!' (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p. 132) "As you see the mountains and think of them as solid, but they shall pass away as the passing of the clouds." (Qur'an (Koran) 78:20) The world is in a state of transition, and whatever events take place in the external world - it is the internal spiritual significance that is important.
[15] And the kings of the earth, and the great men, and the rich men, and the chief captains, and the mighty men, and every bondman, and every free man, hid them selves in the dens and in the rocks of the mountains;	V.15 Great fear will come to the leaders and those in high places, as well as to every person. Many fear the loss of wealth and belongings, and life itself. One can have expectations such as they will. Some may see that people will have to hide for the fear of radiation or nuclear weapons. We always understand prophecies better - after they are past. Whatever the meaning, it is said that the people of the earth including those of influence will experience tremendous fear, and will hide in terror. The Plain is disclosed, and mankind is sore vexed and fearful. Earthquakes have broken loose, and the tribes have lamented, for fear of God, the Lord of Strength, the All-Compelling. (Baha'u'llah, Epistle to the Son of the Wolf, p.131) In the Book of Isaiah it is written: "Enter into the rock, and hide thee in the dust, for fear of the Lord, and for the glory of His majesty." No man that meditateth upon this verse can fail to recognize the greatness of this Cause, or doubt the exalted character of this Day -- the Day of God Himself. This same verse is followed by these words: "And the Lord alone shall be exalted in that Day." This is the Day which the Pen of the Most High hath glorified in all the holy Scriptures. There is no verse in them that doth not declare the glory of His holy Name, and no Book that doth not testify unto the loftiness of this most exalted theme. Were We to make mention of all that hath been revealed in these heavenly Books and holy Scriptures concerning this Revelation, this Tablet would assume impossible dimensions. It is incumbent in this Day, upon every man to place his whole trust in the manifold bounties of God, and arise to disseminate, with the utmost wisdom, the verities of His Cause. Then, and only then, will the whole earth be enveloped with the morning light of His Revelation. (Baha'u'llah, X. Gleanings from the Writings of Baha'u'llah)
[16] And said to the mountains and rocks, Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him that sitteth on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb:	V.16 They want the rocks to fall, to surround them from danger. The chastisement of God will be recognized as just that. Finally people will understand that God is All Powerful and many will wish to escape from the power of His wrath. Milestones of historic significance have been successively reached and rapidly left behind. A still stonier stretch of road now lies before them. Rumblings of catastrophes yet more dreadful agitate with increasing frequency a sorely stressed and chaotic world, presenting a challenge to grapple with the unfinished tasks, a challenge graver and still more pressing than any hitherto experienced. (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 60) ...the overwhelming accretion of strength to the arch enemy of the system championed by the American Union in consequence of the re-alignment of the powers in the Asiatic continent and particularly in the Far East -- these have, moreover, contributed their share, in recent years, to the deterioration of a situation which, if not remedied, is bound to involve the American nation in a catastrophe of undreamed-of dimensions and of untold consequences to the social structure, the standard and conception of the American people and government. (Shoghi Effendi, Citadel of Faith, p. 126) The present world unrest, symptom of a world-wide malady, ... must needs culminate in that world catastrophe out of which the consciousness of world citizenship will be born, a consciousness that can alone provide an adequate basis for the organization of world unity, on which a lasting world peace must necessarily depend, the peace itself inaugurating in turn that world civilization which will mark the coming of age of the entire human race. (Shoghi Effendi, Messages to America, p. 22)
[17] For the great day of his wrath is come; and who shall be able to stand?	V.17 The 'Great Day of Wrath' will come. The world can not go on in its present state. "In the beginning of every Revelation adversities have prevailed, which later on have been turned into great prosperity." "Say: O people of God! Beware lest the powers of the earth alarm you, or the might of the nations weaken you, or the tumult of the people of discord deter you, or the exponents of earthly glory sadden you. Be ye as a mountain in the Cause of your Lord, the Almighty, the All-Glorious, the Unconstrained." "Say: Beware, O people of Baha, lest the strong ones of the earth rob you of your strength, or they who rule the world fill you with fear. Put your trust in God, and commit your affairs to His keeping. He, verily, will, through the power of truth, render you victorious, and He, verily, is powerful to do what He willeth, and in His grasp are the reins of omnipotent might." "I swear by My life! Nothing save that which profiteth them can befall My loved ones. To this testifieth the Pen of God, the Most Powerful, the All-Glorious, the Best Beloved." "Let not the happenings of the world sadden you. I swear by God! The sea of joy yearneth to attain your presence, for every good thing hath been created for you, and will, according to the needs of the times, be revealed unto you." "O my servants! Sorrow not if, in these days and on this earthly plane, things contrary to your wishes have been ordained and manifested by God, for days of blissful joy, of heavenly delight, are assuredly in store for you. Worlds, holy and spiritually glorious, will be unveiled to your eyes. (Baha'u'llah, The Advent of Divine Justice, p. 81, 82)