Seal 6 - Rumor notes 31

 

Sixth Seal

I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood. The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind. The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. They told the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:12-17)

It is very tempting at this point to skip adhering to the second key from verse one of this book and insist that this is referring to literal events on earth. While I do not deny these may well be literal events, I want to cling to the principle of first looking for clues to unlock the symbolic meaning of each phrase before releasing it to apply to literal explanations. Otherwise it is all too easy to rush past vital revelations and thus make serious mistakes in our observations of how everything fits together in this book and how each one affects the flow and progression laid out. So I want us to turn our attention to potential meanings of each of these things relying on Scripture to be our primary medium for interpretation and remaining faithful to the Lamb as the only accurate revelation of the Father's heart.

If an earthquake can be symbolic, what might that look like? Well, what might the earth itself represent in the context of this war between light and darkness, truth and lies? We will soon see a key phrase that shows up repeatedly throughout this book that goes like this, all those who dwell on the earth. This is found to apply to all who resist the mercy and kindness of God designed to produce repentance, all who cling to fear and reliance on Satan's methods and who fight against the truth the Lamb brings to light. These are described by Jesus as He defines the true nature of judgment.

This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. (John 3:19-20)

If these are what is described in Revelation as those who dwell on the earth, then what might a mighty earthquake look like in that context?

Earth shaking just might be an symbol of a massive upheaval brought on by revelation of truth in the titanic struggle between truth and lies, light and darkness. The reverberations this could cause might upend everything we thought was settled and firm as everything is challenged. This may relate to the final shaking time that polarizes the world as motives and character becomes exposed.

The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair

Just as the sun is the main source of light for our planet, this could represent God or Jesus as the source of all life and truth. When the light brought to us by the Lamb becomes obscured by pervasive unbelief and distortions about God so thoroughly that it becomes nearly impossible to find truth, would that fit this symbol of the sun becoming black? And why might sackcloth made of hair be used as representing what darkens the sun? What might we learn from that symbol?

Let's connect available clues found primarily in this book but extending to other Scriptures when possible. Here is the only other reference in Revelation to sackcloth, and it gives important context to what this might refer to symbolically here.

I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:3)

Students of prophecy will know that this number 1260 was used in Daniel as well. It is most likely this refers to the prophetic period of 1260 years that covered what we call the dark ages, after Satan hijacked the movement Jesus began on earth and turned the gospel completely on its head. The result of the massive assault of dark lies, insinuations, assertions and hideous teachings about God that took over Christianity during those dark centuries nearly obliterated the glorious revelation exposed by the cross of Jesus. By forcing the narrative of the cross of Christ into the mold of trading and commerce principles, the light of truth was nearly extinct before the reemergence of a new dawn began in the 1800's and expands yet today.

I see this as a very good fit to help explain the sun being blackened by sackcloth as connecting to this verse in chapter 11. This is not to suggest that the same darkness might reoccur, maybe this time in literal days rather than prophetic time. As well, these events may also be exhibited through literal events in nature, yet I believe it is grave a mistake to insist this refers primarily to physical events instead of first seeking the symbolic application while leaving the door open for other possibilities.

the whole moon became as blood

The moon gives off reflected light. Appearing like blood could infer confusion caused by assertions that Scripture teachings related to blood sacrifices enforce ideas of punitive vengeance by God. Sun darkened, moon red, both of these are light obscuring, darkening the truth revealed in Jesus that has been blocked or perverted by those in His church on earth.

When the earth comes between the sun and the moon, the appearance of the moon is closest to looking like blood. This could symbolize our sinful world coming between the Sun of Righteousness and the people who are supposed to reflect that righteousness, distorting the light of the real meaning of the blood of Jesus to be distorted by appeasement allegations making God out to be a debt collector.

stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind

With the sun and moon obscured, the stars are the only light left, yet they too are fallen. Stars can represent angels, or leaders of God's people or any leaders that people look up to for guidance or from which to receive identity.

In chapter 12 we learn that the dragon, Satan, the devil, caused a third of the stars of heaven to be cast down with him. I don't think that should be isolated from this passage in the same book. If we allow Scripture to interpret itself, we should seriously consider what this might be saying to us here. In the trumpets we see two references to a major star falling from the sky. I believe it is important to take all of these into account when seeking to discern the meaning of how to interpret symbols in Revelation.

The third angel sounded, and a great star fell from the sky, burning like a torch, and it fell on one third of the rivers, and on the springs of the waters. (Revelation 8:10)

The fifth angel sounded, and I saw a star from the sky which had fallen to the earth. The key to the pit of the abyss was given to him. (Revelation 9:1)

Another sign was seen in heaven. Behold, a great red dragon, having seven heads and ten horns, and on his heads seven crowns. His tail drew one third of the stars of the sky, and threw them to the earth. The dragon stood before the woman who was about to give birth, so that when she gave birth he might devour her child. (Revelation 12:3-4)

An important clue needs to be included here as it relates to stars falling and it relates to the means by which this dragon accomplishes this with his tail.

Yet the people have not turned to him who struck them, neither have they sought Yahweh of Armies. Therefore Yahweh will cut off from Israel head and tail, palm branch and reed, in one day. The elder and the honorable man is the head, and the prophet who teaches lies is the tail. For those who lead this people lead them astray; and those who are led by them are destroyed. (Isaiah 9:13-16)

When we put all of these clues together, I find compelling reason to believe that the stars falling from the sky may somehow be related to massive deception of leaders who mislead others with lies that turn their hearts away from God. Stars, even in our secular terminology, are those we admire, want to emulate and in essence are those we worship, for worship involves looking to someone to identity with to feel good about ourselves and to imitate and give us our identity and sense of value.

like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs

This is an important clue we must not pass over lightly, for when prophecy tells us something is 'like' we need to explore what it is trying to convey to us in the metaphor being used. Let's look at some passages that might tell us important clues related to figs and fig trees.

The flowers appear on the earth. The time of the singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land. The fig tree ripens her green figs. The vines are in blossom. They give forth their fragrance. Arise, my love, my beautiful one, and come away." (Song of Solomon 2:12-13)

Were they ashamed when they had committed abomination? nay, they were not at all ashamed, neither could they blush: therefore shall they fall among those who fall; in the time of their visitation they shall be cast down, says Yahweh. I will utterly consume them, says Yahweh: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them. (Jeremiah 8:12-13)

Yet was she carried away. She went into captivity. Her young children also were dashed in pieces at the head of all the streets, and they cast lots for her honorable men, and all her great men were bound in chains. You also will be drunken. You will be hidden. You also will seek a stronghold because of the enemy. All your fortresses will be like fig trees with the first-ripe figs: if they are shaken, they fall into the mouth of the eater. Behold, your troops in your midst are women. The gates of your land are set wide open to your enemies. The fire has devoured your bars. (Nahum 3:10-13)

Seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came to see if perhaps he might find anything on it. When he came to it, he found nothing but leaves, for it was not the season for figs. Jesus told it, "May no one ever eat fruit from you again!" and his disciples heard it. (Mark 11:13-14)

The first reference has to do with love while others infer judgment. I suspect the two are connected.

They have deeply corrupted themselves, as in the days of Gibeah. He will remember their iniquity. He will punish them for their sins. I found Israel like grapes in the wilderness. I saw your fathers as the first ripe in the fig tree at its first season; but they came to Baal Peor, and consecrated themselves to the shameful thing, and became abominable like that which they loved. (Hosea 9:9-10)

The vine has dried up, and the fig tree withered; the pomegranate tree, the palm tree also, and the apple tree, even all of the trees of the field are withered; for joy has withered away from the sons of men. (Joel 1:12)

A more thorough study of fig trees reveals some fascinating implications. They seem to represent a sense of security as well as studiousness or serious pursuit of truth.

Judah and Israel lived safely, every man under his vine and under his fig tree, from Dan even to Beersheba, all the days of Solomon. (1 Kings 4:25)

Many nations will go and say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of Yahweh, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For out of Zion will go forth the law, and the word of Yahweh from Jerusalem; and he will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more. But they will sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and no one will make them afraid: For the mouth of Yahweh of Armies has spoken. (Micah 4:2-4)

Now Philip was from Bethsaida, of the city of Andrew and Peter. Philip found Nathanael, and said to him, "We have found him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, wrote: Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph." Nathanael said to him, "Can any good thing come out of Nazareth?" Philip said to him, "Come and see." Jesus saw Nathanael coming to him, and said about him, "Behold, an Israelite indeed, in whom is no deceit!" Nathanael said to him, "How do you know me?" Jesus answered him, "Before Philip called you, when you were under the fig tree, I saw you." Nathanael answered him, "Rabbi, you are the Son of God! You are King of Israel!" Jesus answered him, "Because I told you, 'I saw you underneath the fig tree,' do you believe? You will see greater things than these!" He said to him, "Most certainly, I tell you, hereafter you will see heaven opened, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of Man." (John 1:44-51)

We see in these and other passages how the fig tree figures into the symbolism of both security and safety as well as a sign of judgment and doom. Personally I have come to conclude that it is likely that the Tree of the Knowledge of Good and Evil may well have been a fig tree because of its significance throughout history and prophecy. It makes sense that our first parents would have attempted to take refuge from God when they heard Him approaching by trying to hide behind the leaves from the very tree they had just eaten from in disobedience.

The eyes of both of them were opened, and they knew that they were naked. They sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons. (Genesis 3:7)

The following may well correlate closely with the passage we are looking in in Revelation 6 as it appears to be connected to the Second Coming of Christ that overthrows the enemies of God bent on destroying His faithful children from the earth.

Is the seed yet in the barn? Yes, the vine, the fig tree, the pomegranate, and the olive tree haven't brought forth. From this day will I bless you.'" The Word of Yahweh came the second time to Haggai in the twenty-fourth day of the month, saying, "Speak to Zerubbabel, governor of Judah, saying, 'I will shake the heavens and the earth. I will overthrow the throne of kingdoms. I will destroy the strength of the kingdoms of the nations. I will overthrow the chariots, and those who ride in them. The horses and their riders will come down, everyone by the sword of his brother. In that day, says Yahweh of Armies, will I take you, Zerubbabel, my servant, the son of Shealtiel,' says Yahweh, 'and will make you as a signet, for I have chosen you,' says Yahweh of Armies." (Haggai 2:19-23)

Taken together, we might see how the fig tree represents love, security and safety and the loss of these things as being reflected in the condition of fig trees. So it only follows that this same symbolism is used in this prophecy of the final condition of the earth that has become devoid of love, security and honest seeking after truth by all who dwell on the earth.

shaken by a great wind

Besides the last passage quoted above from Haggai, I find one from the experience of Elijah relevant here as well as others.

He said, Go forth, and stand on the mountain before Yahweh. Behold, Yahweh passed by, and a great and strong wind tore the mountains, and broke in pieces the rocks before Yahweh; but Yahweh was not in the wind: and after the wind an earthquake; but Yahweh was not in the earthquake: and after the earthquake a fire; but Yahweh was not in the fire: and after the fire a still small voice.

(1 Kings 19:11-12)

Therefore I will make the heavens tremble, and the earth will be shaken out of its place in the wrath of Yahweh of Armies, and in the day of his fierce anger. (Isaiah 13:13)

But immediately after the oppression of those days, the sun will be darkened, the moon will not give its light, the stars will fall from the sky, and the powers of the heavens will be shaken; (Matthew 24:29)

There will be signs in the sun, moon, and stars; and on the earth anxiety of nations, in perplexity for the roaring of the sea and the waves; men fainting for fear, and for expectation of the things which are coming on the world: for the powers of the heavens will be shaken. (Luke 21:25-26)

What is this referring to here, the 'powers of the heavens'?

For our wrestling is not against flesh and blood, but against the principalities, against the powers, against the world's rulers of the darkness of this age, and against the spiritual forces of wickedness in the heavenly places. (Ephesians 6:12)

For though we walk in the flesh, we don't wage war according to the flesh; for the weapons of our warfare are not of the flesh, but mighty before God to the throwing down of strongholds, throwing down imaginations and every high thing that is exalted against the knowledge of God, and bringing every thought into captivity to the obedience of Christ; (2 Corinthians 10:3-5)

See that you don't refuse him who speaks. For if they didn't escape when they refused him who warned on the Earth, how much more will we not escape who turn away from him who warns from heaven, whose voice shook the earth then, but now he has promised, saying, "Yet once more I will shake not only the earth, but also the heavens." This phrase, "Yet once more," signifies the removing of those things that are shaken, as of things that have been made, that those things which are not shaken may remain. Therefore, receiving a Kingdom that can't be shaken, let us have grace, through which we serve God acceptably, with reverence and awe, for our God is a consuming fire.

(Hebrews 12:25-29)

While I am not insinuating that all of these signs are not literal, we miss a great deal of edification when we rush to interpret these as literal and ignore the far greater revelations embedded in the symbols presented throughout this book. We must first unpack as much as we can before letting temporal applications rivet our attention if we want to receive the blessing of those who read this book promised at the beginning.

The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up

Again, if we try to force this to describe the literal sky instead of applying the key that everything is presented in symbols, we will find it difficult to explain how the sky can roll up since the literal sky is not even an object but rather the emptiness of space over our heads. Some might try to say it represents the clouds or the air, but still we will miss the bulk of what is intended to be conveyed if we don't allow Scripture to be our primary means of finding meaning in these prophecies instead of speculation or even modern science.

It is helpful to begin with the Bible's definition of the word sky.

God said, "Let there be an expanse in the middle of the waters, and let it divide the waters from the waters." God made the expanse, and divided the waters which were under the expanse from the waters which were above the expanse; and it was so. God called the expanse sky. There was evening and there was morning, a second day. (Genesis 1:6-8)

Note something compelling about this definition. It was an expanse designed to separate two different bodies of waters. This may well have changed significantly during the flood, but originally it is likely that there was considerable moisture in a very thick layer above an atmosphere of air that in some way suspended it like a canopy over the entire planet. Scientists believe this acted to distribute heat evenly all around the globe as well as shielding those at ground level from harmful rays from the sun and outer space. It also may well have served as a magnifying glass to amplify distant stars and planets, making them readily visible in great detail to the naked eye which is very different than what we see today.

What could be a prophetic interpretation of this symbolically? Waters are symbolic of masses of people. So if the sky or atmosphere originally was partly designed to separate waters, would this infer that something similar is in place to separate two distinct different classes of people today? What are the implications of this and how might it relate to the sky being rolled back like a scroll?

Mention of this scroll is likely linked to what this whole section is all about, the breaking open of seals holding a scroll closed. While there is yet one more seal to go, does this imply that there is enough open to begin glimpsing what is really inside the scroll in preparation for the final broking of the last seal? Something to ponder anyway.

Having said that, this indicates a rolling up of a scroll rather than an opening. This says the sky will be rolled up while we are waiting for the unrolling of the scroll taken from the hand of God. This may well have something to do with two different kinds of sealing that we will soon see has taking place, a marking of those who resist God's love and a sealing of God's people even while seals are being broken open by the Lamb. This sealing is the very next thing we will study.

Of old, you laid the foundation of the earth. The heavens are the work of your hands. They will perish, but you will endure. Yes, all of them will wear out like a garment. You will change them like a cloak, and they will be changed. (Psalms 102:25-26)

Come near, you nations, to hear! Listen, you peoples. Let the earth and all it contains hear; the world, and everything that comes from it. For Yahweh is enraged against all the nations, and angry with all their armies. He has utterly destroyed them. He has given them over for slaughter. Their slain will also be cast out, and the stench of their dead bodies will come up; and the mountains will melt in their blood. All of the army of the sky will be dissolved. The sky will be rolled up like a scroll, and all its armies will fade away, as a leaf fades from off a vine or a fig tree. (Isaiah 34:1-4)

But the day of the Lord will come as a thief in the night; in which the heavens will pass away with a great noise, and the elements will be dissolved with fervent heat, and the earth and the works that are in it will be burned up. Therefore since all these things will be destroyed like this, what kind of people ought you to be in holy living and godliness, looking for and earnestly desiring the coming of the day of God, which will cause the burning heavens to be dissolved, and the elements will melt with fervent heat? (2 Peter 3:10-12)

Every mountain and island were moved out of their places

Here is one link we just read from Isaiah 34. the mountains will melt in their blood

The great city was divided into three parts, and the cities of the nations fell. Babylon the great was remembered in the sight of God, to give to her the cup of the wine of the fierceness of his wrath. Every island fled away, and the mountains were not found. (Revelation 16:19-20)

We just read in Hebrews that some things will be shaken and removed while others cannot. Compare that with this next passage.

For the mountains may depart, and the hills be removed; but my loving kindness shall not depart from you, neither shall my covenant of peace be removed, says Yahweh who has mercy on you.

(Isaiah 54:10)

Truly in vain is the help that is looked for from the hills, the tumult on the mountains: truly in Yahweh our God is the salvation of Israel. (Jeremiah 3:23)

I saw the earth, and, behold, it was waste and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I saw the mountains, and behold, they trembled, and all the hills moved back and forth. I saw, and behold, there was no man, and all the birds of the sky were fled. I saw, and behold, the fruitful field was a wilderness, and all the cities of it were broken down at the presence of Yahweh, and before his fierce anger. (Jeremiah 4:23-26)

Behold, I am against you, destroying mountain, says Yahweh, which destroys all the earth; and I will stretch out my hand on you, and roll you down from the rocks, and will make you a burnt mountain. (Jeremiah 51:25)

For in my jealousy and in the fire of my wrath have I spoken, Surely in that day there shall be a great shaking in the land of Israel; so that the fish of the sea, and the birds of the sky, and the animals of the field, and all creeping things who creep on the earth, and all the men who are on the surface of the earth, shall shake at my presence, and the mountains shall be thrown down, and the steep places shall fall, and every wall shall fall to the ground. I will call for a sword against him to all my mountains, says the Lord Yahweh: every man's sword shall be against his brother. With pestilence and with blood will I enter into judgment with him; and I will rain on him, and on his hordes, and on the many peoples who are with him, an overflowing shower, and great hailstones, fire, and sulfur. I will magnify myself, and sanctify myself, and I will make myself known in the eyes of many nations; and they shall know that I am Yahweh. (Ezekiel 38:19-23)

The mountains quake before him, and the hills melt away. The earth trembles at his presence, yes, the world, and all who dwell in it. (Nahum 1:5)

He stood, and shook the earth. He looked, and made the nations tremble. The ancient mountains were crumbled. The age-old hills collapsed. His ways are eternal. (Habakkuk 3:6)

Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low. The uneven shall be made level, and the rough places a plain. (Isaiah 40:4)

Who are you, great mountain? Before Zerubbabel you are a plain; and he will bring out the capstone with shouts of 'Grace, grace, to it!'" (Zechariah 4:7)

His feet will stand in that day on the Mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east; and the Mount of Olives will be split in two, from east to west, making a very great valley. Half of the mountain will move toward the north, and half of it toward the south. You shall flee by the valley of my mountains; for the valley of the mountains shall reach to Azel; yes, you shall flee, just like you fled from before the earthquake in the days of Uzziah king of Judah. Yahweh my God will come, and all the holy ones with you. (Zechariah 14:4-5)

Jesus answered them, "Most certainly I tell you, if you have faith, and don't doubt, you will not only do what was done to the fig tree, but even if you told this mountain, 'Be taken up and cast into the sea,' it would be done. (Matthew 21:21)

This last verse gives us a very strong clue for putting all the pieces together here. When Jesus comes it will be the faith of Jesus that will demolish every resisting mountain that has risen up against a knowledge of the love of God. Literal mountains disappearing are nothing in comparison to this most important strategy for overcoming the diabolic power of evil in the universe.

 

[Note: some time after compiling these notes I revisited this seal with further information leading to a somewhat different conclusion than what this paper presents. That is not to negate what is written here but rather an alternative way of viewing this from a different perspective.]

Seals 5 and 6 - Rumor notes 30

 

As discussed in the previous chapter, I believe the best way to view the nature of these seals, given the context of how they appear in the flow of this narrative, is that they most likely represent a perfect (7) system of compelling lies and insinuations crafted by the most brilliant created mind to distract and derail attention from, and dependence on God as the source of all life, wisdom and knowledge. Because this attack has resulted in a serious erosion of trust in God's system of governing, the evidence desperately needed to diffuse the power of these charges must be publicly exposed. Yet the lies themselves are designed to reinforce each other and keep truth covered up, making this matrix of complex lies so effective that it can appear God's reputation might never be restored fully.

We might assume we are safe interpreting this last horseman as clearly being connected to the enemy, and we could be right. However, we can still be in danger of subtle deception if we continue to harbor beliefs that at times God will resort to using some or all of these things to manipulate or punish those who resist His will. Because this war is primarily over methods and motives, we must be very alert to the reality that what we believe about God is the focal point of contention. This war is primarily one putting God on trial, not us. Only from this perspective can we see how everything fits together perfectly and that those who follow the Lamb will not participate in accusing God of ever employing tactics or having motives like those of His enemies.

[Explore how the East is the location of the only gate into the sanctuary. The East is represented by the Lion which represents emotions/feelings. Thus, when feelings become the primary motivation behind the use of our will, that divine piece of authority entrusted to us by God, we become susceptible to be fully manipulated by the enemy who captures our authority which he turns against us to erode our very ability to make free choices until we become so hardened by sin that it becomes impossible to repent.

We were not designed to rely on our emotions to be the deciding factor in our character development. While feelings and emotions compose an important aspect of our makeup, they will prove fatal to our eternal salvation if we allow them to capture the ascendancy over our will. Our intellect and objective capacity to think, reason and make decisions based on truth apart from feelings is the critical point where freedom is either used in our restoration or is given up and destroyed through self-indulgence and lower passions, transforming us into habitations of demons. This is the last great deception of Satan he is relying on now to take control over all who dwell on the earth, all who give themselves over to their feelings instead of surrendering their will back to their rightful Creator.]

When sword, famine, death or exposure to violent wild animals come, it is a temptation to imagine God is at work in punishing them. We can easily get sucked into assuming His motives are similar to how He is portrayed to by the enemy of souls. Yet this is precisely why the Lamb of God was sent to take away the sin of the world, for the sin of the world is distrust of God resulting from lies we believe. These kinds of attitudes about how God treats His enemies are what has given sin such power to influence not only our perceptions about Him, but have also affected unfallen beings who likewise needed their perceptions corrected to see God in a true light.

Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all [people] to myself. (John 12:32)

First we must realize that any word inserted after the all here does not originate in the original language. It comes from translators who think they know what Jesus meant to say and don't allow it to read the way He actually intended. This is because of our self-focused obsession with making sinners the center of the war instead of God. The influence of Lucifer's subtle deceptions that instigated the original rebellion in heaven before this world was even created caused enormous damage to God's reputation, and that damage is still being remedied through the ever increasing light of truth brought to view by the Son of God whose main purpose is to restore complete confidence in God, not just among humans but throughout the entire universe of intelligent beings far beyond our tiny planet.

What we are witnessing in Revelation is merely what is being acted out on the main stage that the whole universe is intently watching. For it is on this stage that the contest between the truth and the lie about God are confronting each other with increasing intensity. What the Lamb is exposing in this first wave of His assault is the enemy's concentration of lies saturated on our planet that fill the minds and hearts of humans. This world is the primary location of this war, but its influence extends far beyond the confines of humans alone, which is why Jesus often addressed far more than mere humans when He spoke at times. He was addressing not only supernatural forces directly involved in various situations but also had vital revelations of truth directed at heavenly watchers and other observers with a keen interest in clearing up every last doubt about the true nature of God's character.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:10-12)

Fifth Seal

When he opened the fifth seal, I saw underneath the altar the souls of those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had. They cried with a loud voice, saying, "How long, Master, the holy and true, until you judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?"

A long white robe was given to each of them. They were told that they should rest yet for a while, until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course. (Revelation 6:9-11)

First a reminder that we are dealing with symbols. This is one of the keys we are to use consistently in our study of this book so as to remain tuned to understand the real intent and receive the blessing from reading promised at the beginning. This passage is not proof that people's souls live on after death in some form of intelligent activity, for that contradicts the clear teachings of Scripture. Rather, what we find here is an analogy of how living people in the present perceive the history of God's dealings with those in the past and how that affects our thinking about what is transpiring in history and what God is like. The expression of souls as being seen under the altar really relates to our imagination when we rehearse what happened to God's loyal followers in the past that often seems so unsettling because it appears that God's enemies have gotten off with murder without due punishment.

By using this analogy of souls martyred for clinging to allegiance to God, what is exposed here is not only the attitude of those who died, but more importantly a mindset, both in some martyrs as well as in many of us resulting from faulty concepts of what God is supposed to do about injustice and crimes committed against Him through the deaths of His children. This seal is really an alert intended to expose one of the most deeply embedded lies that continues to affect the thinking of God's followers. This is why the Lamb alone has the power and credibility to expose and dispel this lie, for the disposition of the Lamb alone fully reveals the heart of the Father like no other, and the heart of God is a heart free of any contamination by desires for revenge.

I believe the key to understanding the true intent of this metaphor is to contrast the desires of these martyrs for retribution on those who killed them, with the disposition and attitude of the Lamb when He suffered a fate similar to what they experienced. We must keep in mind here that it is the Lamb who is opening these seals, so the light from the Lamb is what we must use for every seal as our only means of interpretation. If we rely on any other venue to interpret these symbols, we will lose sight of what this is really about and fall into the snares of Satan whose greatest weapon are subtle insinuations and lies about God's motives and methods causing us to likewise desire what these souls are represented as desiring – judgment and vengeance worldly style. This desire merely exposes how deep the infection of commerce permeates our thinking. Only the Lamb has the credibility to expose and heal this sinister infection that continues to retain such control over our thinking.

Let's begin by unpacking the clues from the symbols found here. We start with the altar as the location of these souls and allow Scripture to provide important clues as we assemble evidence in a way that can make sense out of what we are reading here.

The altar of sacrifice was where things are mentioned as being under the altar. The life blood from the following sacrifices were instructed to be poured out at the base of this altar:

A bull used to dedicate the priests (Ex 29:1; Lev 8:14)

A calf on the eighth day of this dedication offered as a sin offering of atonement for the high priest (Lev 9:1-2,7-8)

A bull for sin of a priest bringing guilt on the people (Lev 4:3)

A bull for unintentional sin by the whole assembly of Israel (Lev 4:13-15)

A male goat for unwitting sin by a ruler (Lev 4:22-23)

A female goat for unwitting sin by a common person (Lev 4:27-28)

A female lamb for unwitting sin by a common person (Lev 4:32)

For miscellaneous sins of a person, blood from a female lamb or goat, or for the very poor a turtledove or young pigeon (Lev 5:1-7)

Contrast this with the the purpose of the only other altar, the Altar of Incense which represents communication with God by His followers and is witnessed in chapter 8.

Another angel came and stood over the altar, having a golden censer. Much incense was given to him, that he should add it to the prayers of all the saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. (Revelation 8:3)

those who had been killed for the Word of God, and for the testimony of the Lamb which they had

This coupling is a key for connecting the dots of an important thread found in this book. I believe we can see how God is nudging His children to progress through various stages of maturing their understanding of His true character until they finally come to embrace the complete truth about Him and their reflection of Him finally is free of all taint of the lies of the enemy.

The dragon grew angry with the woman, and went away to make war with the rest of her seed, who keep God's commandments and hold Jesus' testimony. (Revelation 12:17)

Who are the rest of her seed mentioned here? This correlates to what is mentioned in the fifth seal.

until their fellow servants and their brothers, who would also be killed even as they were, should complete their course

This war is over what we will believe about God, and the Lamb alone provides clear revelation of this truth. What happens throughout this book is God moving His followers from immature perceptions about Him into better understanding and appreciation of His true character until they come to embrace His motives alone and let go of every false notion about what we think God should do to overcome evil. This is seen clearly in the opening of this seal. After exposing the four facets of the enemy who controls this world through the 4 horsemen, the Lamb now shifts our attention to the children of God who need to upgrade their opinions about how the war should be fought and what it will require to bring closure to the reign of evil.

Those referenced as relying on the same two sources as these martyrs, the rest of those to be killed, are ones who at the end of time are willing to have their views of God upgraded beyond what those in the past have presumed about Him. We see increasingly as we near the end of this book how God is refining all who are willing to cooperate to reflect only the purist reflection of God like the Lamb exhibits. This will require discarding our desires for vengeance to rely on the Lamb alone to define the motives and methods defining a true overcomer. These will be people who complete the course, for they mature beyond those in the past who, though loyal to God, failed to fully grasp the true nature of how God defeats evil with good, not through Satan's kind of justice.

While it is true these martyrs were killed for their testimony of the Lamb, their testimony was not based on a mature understanding of the truth revealed by Jesus. Today many remain deeply infected by similar immature ideas about the testimony of the Lamb, which is why God invites us to also come up higher to see things from heaven's perspective as offered us through this book.

A long white robe was given to each of them.

From our previous study of white garments we know this refers to righteous acts of the saints. Yet does this infer that these souls under the altar were not righteous when they were alive? Or does this imply a certain validity of false theories promoting notions that the righteousness of Jesus is currency we need to pay a debt God holds against us, because nothing we can do has enough value to satisfy Him? No, we must refuse to indulge in such base thinking about God. Rather, we need to see God through the revelation of the Lamb alone in order to get these things into proper perspective.

Consider this angle for understanding these phrases. When martyrs in the past were killed, it was often done by people insisting that those being martyred were the ones in the wrong. They portrayed their victims as requiring punishment and that God was furious with them for disrupting long-held religious tradition. The martyrs were viewed as disruptive to peace and harmony. In other words, their choice to be loyal to God more than religion put them at odds with those viewing them as deserving of punishment for daring to defy traditions of religion, so their deaths were intended to defame or destroy their reputations and to make them despicable in the minds of everyone around. This was just as much an attack on their reputation as on their lives, which is just what Jesus experienced.

What I see this describing is rehabilitation of the reputation of all who have been martyred for clinging to the truth as they knew it, truth about the goodness of God even while it was an immature truth. Their reputation was not to be left in the dirt like those who killed them intended, but needs to be exonerated for their allegiance to God. However, that does not vindicate their testimony as being mature enough to be embraced by future generations. Remember that Jesus pointed this out to the bigoted religious leaders of His day who later killed Him just as their ancestors had killed the prophets. What He was sharing with them and us, is that just because we might honor martyrs in the past does not mean we are free of the same spirit as those who killed them. Simply honoring saints of the past who suffered at the hands of religious intolerance does not put us on the right side.

Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you build the tombs of the prophets, and decorate the tombs of the righteous, and say, 'If we had lived in the days of our fathers, we wouldn't have been partakers with them in the blood of the prophets.' Therefore you testify to yourselves that you are children of those who killed the prophets. Fill up, then, the measure of your fathers. You serpents, you offspring of vipers, how will you escape the judgment of Gehenna?

Therefore, behold, I send to you prophets, wise men, and scribes. Some of them you will kill and crucify; and some of them you will scourge in your synagogues, and persecute from city to city; that on you may come all the righteous blood shed on the earth, from the blood of righteous Abel to the blood of Zachariah son of Barachiah, whom you killed between the sanctuary and the altar. Most certainly I tell you, all these things will come upon this generation.

Jerusalem, Jerusalem, who kills the prophets, and stones those who are sent to her! How often I would have gathered your children together, even as a hen gathers her chicks under her wings, and you would not! Behold, your house is left to you desolate. (Matthew 23:29-38)

Jesus here contrasts the difference between His methods and those relied on by religion. Religion presumes God must resort to violence to settle the debt of sins committed by those who defy Him, and this results in persecuting and killing those who refuse to embrace that view. Why? Because we ultimately reflect the kind of God we believe Him to be in our mind and act out accordingly.

This is another reason to not identify too much with, or depend on emulating former martyrs as our example. What we see here are immature views of God held by former martyrs. But using them as our example will not free us from the infection of desire for vengeance that is seen in their level of maturity. It might have been plausible for them in their immature ignorance of the revelation of God brought to light by the Lamb, but to emulate them instead of following the Lamb alone ourselves can turn us into persecutors while imagining that we are honoring God.

These things have I spoken to you, so that you wouldn't be caused to stumble. They will put you out of the synagogues. Yes, the time comes that whoever kills you will think that he offers service to God. (John 16:1-2)

they should rest yet for a while

Notice how the message given to these souls does not comply with what they demand. This is consistent with the nature of the New Song which is a major element brought to light in this book. The New Song is our only antidote with sufficient power to lift us all the way out of darkness, because this song is like the Tree of Life – there is no darkness in it at all, it is only life-giving.

Instead of censuring these martyrs for not seeing God properly, they are told what can satisfy them most – entering into God's rest. This is the theme of the book of Hebrews and is close to the core of what is fought over in this war. Rest means choosing to let go of everything that creates tension, worry, doubt and fear. Rest means choosing to trust God's heart beyond what we can imagine as possible, resting in the Lamb's version of God instead of the immature version of Moses. This is why there is a difference between the Song of Moses and the Song of the Lamb. It is the Lamb who alone gives us the true rest that can result in experiencing peace beyond understanding.

There remains therefore a Sabbath rest for the people of God. For he who has entered into his rest has himself also rested from his works, as God did from his. Let us therefore give diligence to enter into that rest, lest anyone fall after the same example of disobedience. (Hebrews 4:9-11)

Keep yourselves in the love of God, looking for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life. (Jude 1:21)

I saw when he opened the sixth seal, and there was a great earthquake. The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair, and the whole moon became as blood. The stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind. The sky was removed like a scroll when it is rolled up. Every mountain and island were moved out of their places.

The kings of the earth, the princes, the commanding officers, the rich, the strong, and every slave and free person, hid themselves in the caves and in the rocks of the mountains. They told the mountains and the rocks, "Fall on us, and hide us from the face of him who sits on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb, for the great day of his wrath has come; and who is able to stand?" (Revelation 6:12-17)

It is very tempting at this point to step away from reliance on the second key from verse one of this book and insist that this is referring to literal events on earth. While I do not deny these may well be literal events, I cling to the principle of first doing everything possible to unlock the symbolic meaning of each phrase before releasing it to apply to literal explanations. Otherwise it is all too easy to rush past vital revelations and thus make serious mistakes in our observations of how everything fits together in this book and how each one affects the flow and progression laid out. So I want us to turn our attention to potential meanings of each of these things relying on Scripture to be our primary medium for interpretation and remaining faithful to the Lamb as the only accurate revelation of the Father's heart.

If an earthquake can be symbolic, what might that look like? Well, what might the earth itself represent in the context of this war between light and darkness, truth and lies? We will soon see a key phrase that shows up repeatedly throughout this book that goes like this, all those who dwell on the earth. This is found to apply to all who resist the mercy and kindness of God designed to produce repentance, all who cling to reliance on Satan's methods and who fight against the truth the Lamb brings to light. These are described by Jesus when He defined the true nature of judgment.

This is the judgment, that the light has come into the world, and men loved the darkness rather than the light; for their works were evil. For everyone who does evil hates the light, and doesn't come to the light, lest his works would be exposed. (John 3:19-20)

If these are what is described in Revelation as those who dwell on the earth, then what might a mighty earthquake look like in that context?

Shaking the earth just might be an symbol of a massive upheaval brought on by revelation of truth in the titanic struggle between truth and lies, light and darkness. The reverberations this could cause could upend everything we long thought was settled and firm as everything is challenged. This may well relate to the final shaking time that polarizes the world as motives and character becomes exposed.

The sun became black as sackcloth made of hair

Just as the sun is the main source of light for our planet, it can represent God who is the source of all life and truth. When the light of the world brought to us by the Lamb becomes obscured by pervasive unbelief and distortions about God so thoroughly that it becomes nearly impossible to find truth, would that fit this symbol of the sun becoming black? And why might sackcloth made of hair be used as representing what darkens the sun? What might we learn from that symbol?

Let's connect available clues found primarily in this book but extending to other Scriptures when possible. Here is the only other reference in Revelation to sackcloth, and it gives important context to what this might refer to symbolically here.

I will give power to my two witnesses, and they will prophesy one thousand two hundred sixty days, clothed in sackcloth. (Revelation 11:3)

Students of prophecy will know that this number 1260 was used in Daniel as well. It is most likely this refers to the prophetic period of 1260 years that covered what we call the dark ages, after Satan hijacked the movement Jesus began on earth and turned the gospel completely on its head. The result of the massive assault of dark lies, insinuations, assertions and hideous teachings about God that took over Christianity during those dark centuries nearly obliterated the glorious revelation exposed by the cross of Jesus. By forcing the narrative of the cross of Christ into the mold of trading and commerce principles, the light of truth was nearly lost entirely before the reemergence of a new dawn began in the 1800's and continues to expand yet today.

I see this as a very good fit to explain the sun being blackened by sackcloth as connected by this verse in chapter 11. This is not to suggest that the same thing might happen again, maybe this time in literal days rather than prophetic time. So too, these events may well be exhibited in literal events in nature, but I believe it is a mistake to insist this refers primarily to physical events instead of sticking with seeking first a symbolic application and leaving the door open for other applications to apply secondarily.

the whole moon became as blood

Moon gives off reflected light. Appearing like blood could infer confusion assuming that Scripture confirms ideas about punitive vengeance by God or evolution discrediting humanity's design to reflect God's character. Sun darkened, moon red, both are light obscuring, darkening the truth revealed in Jesus that has been blocked or twisted by those in His church on earth.

stars of the sky fell to the earth, like a fig tree dropping its unripe figs when it is shaken by a great wind

With the sun and moon obscured, the stars are the only light left, yet they too are fallen. Stars can represent angels, leaders of God's people or any leaders that people look up to for guidance or identity.

Seal 4 - Rumor notes 29

 

When he opened the fourth seal, I heard the fourth living creature saying, "Come and see!" And behold, a pale horse, and he who sat on it, his name was Death. Hades followed with him. Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the sword, with famine, with death, and by the wild animals of the earth was given to him. (Revelation 6:7-8)

This is likely announced by the creature looking like a flying eagle. Given the global nature of this event that would make sense. As a flying eagle has greater perspective than any of the other creatures, thus able to better expose the diabolical nature of the great imposter who has been implementing his plans to destroy the most people.

He who sat on it...

Each of these horses has a rider. Compare these to what we find at the end of Revelation related to horses and riders.

I saw an angel standing in the sun. He cried with a loud voice, saying to all the birds that fly in the sky, "Come! Be gathered together to the great supper of God, that you may eat the flesh of kings, the flesh of captains, the flesh of mighty men, and the flesh of horses and of those who sit on them, and the flesh of all men, both free and slave, and small and great." (Revelation 19:17-18)

I see this as a strong clue relating to all of these horses and riders who are on the opposing side from the Lamb. Their purpose, whether openly or secretly, is to deceive in order to steal, kill and destroy, or to openly exploit and subjugate all who resist them. This is the pattern of Satan's kingdom, to begin with subtle deceptions and enticements in order to seduce people into handing over their authority, and when that fails to accomplish their designs the next step is to threaten and coerce all who resist conforming. This is the method of the dragon, but it is in sharp contrast to the true methods exercised by the Lamb and all those who follow Him. Remember, the key to appreciating these symbols is to ever keep in mind that the war is over methods and motives, not over winning through raw force and power.

This describes a heyday of death and hades in sharp contrast to their own defeat and demise in Revelation 20:14 when they are exposed by the full revelation of truth in the books. This parallels what Jesus experienced during the last hours of His life described as being in the heart of the earth.

When I was with you in the temple daily, you didn't stretch out your hands against me. But this is your hour, and the power of darkness. (Luke 22:53)

his name was Death. Hades followed with him

This is the first bookend with its counterpart found near the other end of the book. Through breaking this lie-seal open, the Lamb reveals who is the instigator of death and the grave – and it is not God. This begins to introduce the grand originator of death onto the scene. It is important to note that the counterpart of this introduction is linked with the opening of a scroll/book, very similar to how all this will meet their demise through exposure of what is revealed in the opening of other books in the context of the lakes of fire.

I saw the dead, the great and the small, standing before the throne, and they opened books. Another book was opened, which is the book of life. The dead were judged out of the things which were written in the books, according to their works. The sea gave up the dead who were in it. Death and Hades gave up the dead who were in them. They were judged, each one according to his works. Death and Hades were thrown into the lake of fire. This is the second death, the lake of fire.

(Revelation 20:12-14)

Authority over one fourth of the earth, to kill with the (1) sword, with (2) famine, with (3) death, and by the (4) wild animals of the earth was given to him

What might this 1/4 mean? We will discover later that 1/3 constitutes a trademark linking activities as originating with Satan. We learn that 4 generally indicates having to do with his earth and humanity. If we correlate 1/3 as meaning a divisive opposite of the perfect number 3 denoting the composition of the Godhead, 1/4 could be a divisive opposite of what God's original design was for humanity on this planet.

What is identified here are the natural outcomes of the infection Satan brought in when sin took control of how things operate in our world. Listed here are 4 ways of killing. This is counter to our original design to be only about life, receiving life from the Tree of Life and generously giving life outside the parameters of trading and expectations of return.

By the abundance of your trade You were internally filled with violence, And you sinned; Therefore I have cast you as profane From the mountain of God.... (Ezekiel 28:16 NAS95)

These four ways of killing might also possibly correspond with the 4 horsemen themselves.

Horseman 1 carried a bow, a weapon for killing; horseman 2 carried a great sword; horseman 3 inferred famine and now horseman 4 might summarize and finalize this grouping.

Note that wild beasts in Scripture allude to demonic harassing spirits, not merely physical beasts.

Again, the way authority really functions is that it is derived from the willing choices of those coming under authority. Humans through exercise of their will give permission to one or the other side to have authority in their lives. If we refuse to give our will to God and cooperate with His will for us, we give permission for the enemy to control our thoughts, our impulses, our desires and ultimately squeeze us into reflecting his image rather than that reflected by the Lamb.

We might assume we are safe interpreting this last horseman as clearly being connected to the enemy, and we could be right. However, we can still be in danger of subtle deception if we continue to harbor beliefs that at times God will resort to using some or all of these things to manipulate or punish those who resist His will. Because this war is primarily over methods and motives, we must be very alert to the reality that what we believe about God is the focal point of contention. This war is primarily one putting God on trial, not us. Only from this perspective can we see how everything fits together perfectly and that those who follow the Lamb will not participate in accusing God of ever employing tactics or having motives like those of His enemies.

When sword, famine, death or exposure to violent wild animals come to people, it is often a strong temptation to imagine God is directly at work to punish, and we can easily get sucked into assuming His motives are similar to how He is portrayed to by the enemy of souls. This is precisely why the Lamb of God was sent to take away the sin of the world, for the sin of the world is distrust of God resulting from lies we believe. These kinds of attitudes about how God treats His enemies are what has given sin such power to influence not only our perceptions about Him but have also affected many of the unfallen beings who likewise needed their perceptions restored to see God in a true light.

Now is the judgment of this world. Now the prince of this world will be cast out. And I, if I am lifted up from the earth, will draw all [people] to myself. (John 12:32)

First we must realize that any word inserted after the all here does not originate in the original language. It comes from translators who think they know what Jesus meant to say and don't allow it to read the way He actually intended. This is because of our self-focused obsession with making sinners the center of the war instead of God. The influence of Lucifer's subtle deceptions that instigated the original rebellion in heaven before this world was even created caused enormous damage to God's reputation, and that damage is still being remedied through the ever increasing light of truth brought to view by the Son of God whose main purpose is to restore complete confidence in God, not just among humans but throughout the entire universe of intelligent beings far beyond our tiny planet.

What we are witnessing in Revelation is merely what is being acted out on the main stage that the whole universe is intently watching. For it is on this stage that the contest between the truth and the lie about God are confronting each other with increasing intensity. What the Lamb is exposing in this first wave of His assault is the enemy's concentration of lies saturated on our planet that fill the minds and hearts of humans. This world is the primary location of this war, but its influence extends far beyond the confines of humans alone, which is why Jesus often addressed far more than mere humans when He spoke at times. He was addressing not only supernatural forces directly involved in various situations but also had vital revelations of truth directed at heavenly watchers and other observers with a keen interest in clearing up every last doubt about the true nature of God's character.

Concerning this salvation, the prophets sought and searched diligently, who prophesied of the grace that would come to you, searching for who or what kind of time the Spirit of Christ, which was in them, pointed to, when he predicted the sufferings of Christ, and the glories that would follow them. To them it was revealed, that not to themselves, but to you, they ministered these things, which now have been announced to you through those who preached the Good News to you by the Holy Spirit sent out from heaven; which things angels desire to look into. (1 Peter 1:10-12)