A Great Sword And A Great War

REVELATION 6:3-4

SUBJECT: TRIBULATION SEAL JUDGMENTS

THEME: The Lamb breaks the second of six seals sending God's judgments upon the earth.

And when he had opened the second seal, I heard the second beast say, Come and see. 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. (Rev 6:3-4, KJV)

As we study these action-filled chapters in the Revelation, try to remember that John wrote to encourage God's people in every age of history. He was not only writing prophecy that would be fulfilled in the end times; but he was also writing great theology dramatically revealing the character of God and the principles of His kingdom. These chapters describe the cosmic conflict between God and Satan, the New Jerusalem and Babylon; and no matter what "key" we use to unlock Revelation, we cannot help but see the exalted King of kings as He vindicates His people and gives victory to His overcomers. With this in mind, let us consider closely what happens when the Lamb of God opens the Second Seal.

THE SECOND SEAL IS BROKEN: WORLDWIDE WAR (Rev. 6:3-4)

Bloodshed and rebellion are the features of this seal judgment. When the second seal was opened, John saw a rider on a red horse, who will bring war upon the earth. The peace of the Antichrist will prove counterfeit and temporary.

   1.  The Administrator. 

The Lord Jesus again is the Lamb who is fulfilling the role of the divine judge. Christ is infinitely qualified to break the seals on the scroll and unleash these judgments upon the earth.  Again He is qualified by His wisdom, by divine decree (Jn. 5:22, 27), by personal excellence, and by His achievement at Calvary. In addition, as the Creator He can chasten, correct, and condemn creation.

John 5:22, For the Father judgeth no man, but hath committed all judgment unto the Son:

John 5:27, And hath given him authority to execute judgment also, because he is the Son of man.

   2.  The Announcer (6:3):

The second living creature announces this judgment–this is most likely the calf like beast (Rev. 4:7).

   3.  The Action (6:4)

Antichrist's conquest begins in peace, but soon he exchanges the empty bow for a sword.

         A.  John Sees a Red Horse (6:4 a).

               1.  The Color Red Symbolizes Terror and Death.

The color red is often associated with terror and death: the red dragon (Rev 12:3), the red beast (Rev 17:3).

               2.  The Seal Pictures Great Bloodshed Through War.

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.

Its blood-red appearance speaks of the holocaust of war (Matt. 24:7). War has been a part of man's experience since Cain killed Abel, so this image would speak to believers in every age, reminding them that God is ultimately in control, even though He is not responsible for the lawless deeds of men and nations.  Some believe that this is the eastern war (Russia, her allies, and Israel) spoken of in Ezek. 38 & 39 where five sixths of the northern army will be destroyed.

         B.  John Sees a Rider with a Great Sword (6:4 b).

              1.  The Rider Is Given Power “to take peace from the earth.”

God will grant this horse and its rider the power to create worldwide war. But as horrible as this judgment is, it will be only the birth pangs, the “beginning of sorrows” of God’s wrath (Matt. 24:8; Mark 13:7, 8; Luke 21:9).

              2.  The Rider Has a “Great Sword.”

The “sword” is clearly a symbol of war.  In contrast with the first rider who has a bow without an arrow this second rider carried “a great sword.” This sword probably would have been about five feet long and would have weighed about twenty-five pounds. Strong warriors would swing it while on horseback to kill foot soldiers. This again was a picture of political power with the rider as the world ruler.

              3.  The Rider Also Brings Violent Slaughter to New Highs.

The picture here is of warfare and violent slaughter which will become commonplace worldwide.  Even multiple civil wars around the globe are probable because people will slaughter “one another.”

              4.  QUOTE: “Throughout history, conquest has led to civil war. For example, after Alexander the Great conquered the world, he died in his early thirties. For the next two hundred years, his generals fought each other in an attempt to gain superiority. The conquests of Alexander led to two centuries of civil war. In addition, Rome was nearly destroyed by a civil war in A.D. 68-69, after the death of Nero. In that one year, there were three contenders to the imperial throne. The rider on the white horse went out as a conqueror to conquer, and in his wake came warfare. The color of this horse, red, symbolizes great bloodshed upon the earth.”—Life Application Bible Commentary

APPLICATION:  This indicates clearly that methods of international agreement and diplomacy will not bring lasting peace. Only the Lord Jesus Christ the Prince of peace will bring this world real lasting peace.

Isaiah 9:6-7, For unto us a child is born, unto us a son is given: and the government shall be upon his shoulder: and his name shall be called Wonderful, Counsellor, The mighty God, The everlasting Father, The Prince of Peace. [7] Of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end, upon the throne of David, and upon his kingdom, to order it, and to establish it with judgment and with justice from henceforth even for ever. The zeal of the Lord of hosts will perform this.

Col. 1:20-21, And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, I say, whether they be things in earth, or things in heaven. [21] And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in your mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

2 Thes. 3:16, Now the Lord of peace himself give you peace always by all means. The Lord be with you all.

John 14:27, Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.

The Lord Jesus is the Prince of peace who will usher in an age of never ending peace because He secured spiritual peace through His cross. He is the Lord of peace giving His peace to believers who rest in His wisdom, love, and power. Complete peace (political, spiritual, and interpersonal) will only come when Christ returns. The picture in Revelation of the coming persecutions and natural disasters is gloomy, but ultimately it is cause for great joy. When the believers of that time see these events happening, they will know that Christ’s return to the earth is coming soon, and they can look forward to his future reign of justice and peace. For us today, rather than being terrified by what is happening in our world, we should confidently await Christ's return for us in the Rapture. His second advent will include political peace when He brings justice and restoration to his people. Real peace in any form whether political, spiritual, eternal is always administered through the Lord Jesus Christ.  Make Him your central focus and you too will know peace through all the turmoil life may throw at you.