First seal with a white horse
Rev 6:2 And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.
The crown is στεφανος (stephanos) in the Greek and was a crown given to military victors coming home from a battle during the roman and Greek era. This stephanos, was given to victors who had full victory over their enemies and not a partial victory. This is emphasized in the words “he went out conquering and to conquer,” which means to defeat and overcome 100%. In addition, the rider is carrying a bow. This was one of the battle weapons used by military soldiers going to war. The soldier would shoot his arrow at the enemy, and if the enemy did not die from his wound, the soldier would go in for the kill with his sword and finish his victim off.
Where do we fit this white horse Rev 6:2 in prophecy?
This white horse with its rider is riding into battle. The battle is the last world war on earth called Armageddon. The rider is Jesus Christ, who is riding to conquer the nations of all unbelievers on the earth. Rev 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Who are these in the text? They are the wicked nations on the earth who do not believe in God and they are going into war against God´s people who keep the Ten Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17 14:12. This war is called Armageddon. Rev 16:12-16. This war occurs just before the Second Coming of Christ when the fate of every individual on this earth has been decided.
Word study on horses in the Bible
Rev 6:2 And I looked and behold a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went out conquering and to conquer. (The crown is stephanos στεφανος in the Greek and is a crown of victory given to military victors in war. In addition, the bow is used for battles and war in this context.)
Rev 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse. And he who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he judges and makes war.
Rev 19:12-15. His eyes where like flames of fire. And on His head were many crowns. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood, and His name is called the Word of God. And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed Him on white horses. Now of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it He should strike the nations. (This is without a doubt Christ going to war against all nations who do not believe in Him and he is using a battle sword)
Zechariah 1:8-11 I saw by night and behold a man riding on a red horse, and it stood among the myrtle trees in the hollow; and behind him were horses: red, sorrel, and white. Then I said, “My Lord what are these?” And the man who stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, “These are the ones whom the Lord has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth.” So they answered the Angel of the Lord, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, “We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting.” (These horses are not riding into battle and they do not appear to have weapons. They have walked to and fro throughout the earth and behold all the earth is resting. These horses appear to be scouting horses and watching out for the Lord, but they are not battle horses even though they have colors of white, red and sorrel. It is interesting to notice that there is an absence of the pale and black horses as written in Rev 6:)
Zechariah 6:1-8 Then I turned and raised my eyes and looked and behold, four chariots were coming from between the mountains, and the mountains were bronze. With the first chariot were red horses, with the second chariot black horses, with the third chariot white horses, and with the fourth chariot dappled horses-strong steeds. Then I answered and said to the angel who talked with me, “What are these, my lord?” And the angel answered and said to me, “These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth.
The one with the black horses is going to the north country, the white are going after them, and the dappled are going toward the south country. Then the strong steeds went out, eager to go, that they might walk to and fro throughout the earth. And He said, “Go, walk to and fro throughout the earth.” So they walked to and fro throughout the earth. And He called to me, and spoke to me, saying, “See, those who go toward the north country have given rest to My Rest in the north country.”
(The first thing to notice is the chariots with horses do not have riders riding them. The second point to notice is they do not have weapons, and the third point is they are walking and not riding fast. So it is hard to imagine they are battle horses going to war without weapons. Furthermore, these horses with the chariots are spirits walking throughout the earth, analyzing, investigating, watching, and reporting which country is at peace or which country is at war. The north country from Israel was Babylon, and the south country from Israel was Egypt. In addition, pale horses are not mentioned as in Rev 6:).
2 Kings 6:15.16. The context of these verses is that Elisha and his servant were taking refuge in the city of Dothan because the Syrian army were after them. Why? Because Elisha was receiving revelations from God as to the whereabouts of the Syrian army and giving the information to the Israelite king. The Syrian king wanted Elisha captured and so sent his army after Elisha.
Verses 15.16. And when the servant of the man of God arose early and went out, there was an army, surrounding the city with horses and chariots. And his servant said to him. “Alas, my master! What shall we do?” So he answered, “Do not fear, for those who are with us are more than those who are with them.” And Elisha prayed and said, “Lord, I pray, open his eyes that he may see.” Then the Lord opened the eyes of the young man, and he saw. And behold, the mountain was full of horses and chariots of fire all around Elisha.
The army of the Syrians had horses and chariots. So these are horses ready for battle. The horses and chariots from God up in the mountain were also battle horses because they were chariots of fire ready for battle.
Deuteronomy 17:16 (God´s command to Israelite kings) But he shall no multiply horses for himself, nor cause the people to return to Egypt to multiply horses, for the Lord has said to you, “You shall not return that way again.” Why? Deuteronomy 17:20 That his heart may not be lifted above his brethren, that he may not turn aside from the commandment to the right or to the left.
These horses, which a king should not purchase from Egypt, were battle horses because king Solomon disregarded this commandment and bought these horses from Egypt. 1 kings 10:26.28. And Solomon gathered chariots and horsemen; he had one thousand four hundred chariots and twelve thousand horsemen, whom he stationed in the chariot cities and with the king in Jerusalem.
Deuteronomy 20:1 When you go out to battle against your enemies, and see horses and chariots and people more numerous than you, do not be afraid of them, for the Lord your God is with you – – -. (Battle horses).
Psalm 20:7 Some trust in chariots, and some trust in horses; But we will remember the name of the Lord our God. (Battle horses).
Jeremiah 8:6 as the horse rushes into battle.
Joel 2:1.4. (Day of the Lord) People coming to Jerusalem like horses and chariots. Verse 5 like a strong people (Babylon) set in battle array. (Battle horses).
Zechariah 9:10 I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem; the battle bow shall be cut off. He shall speak peace to the nations. (Battle horse).
Rev 6:2 (White horse) He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him and he went out conquering to conquer. (Battle horse and a rider with a crown of victory as used in the military).
Rev 6:4 (Fiery red horse) And it was granted to the one who sat on it to take peace from the earth, and that people should kill one another, and there was given to him a great sword. (Battle horse).
Rev 6:5.6. (Black horse) He who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “— do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Battle horse).
Rev 6:8 (Pale horse) And the name of him who sat on it was Death, and Hades followed with him. And power was given to them over a fourth of the earth, to kill with sword, with hunger, with death, and by the beasts of the earth. (Battle horse).
Rev 9:7 The shape of the locusts were like horses prepared for battle.
Rev 9:17.18. I saw the horses in vision: those who sat on them had breastplates of fiery red – – – and out of their mouths came fire, smoke and brimstone. By these plagues a third of mankind was killed. (Battle horses).
Rev 19:11 Now I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithfull and True and in righteousness He judges and makes war. (This white horse is a battle horse).
Rev 19:14 And the armies in heaven, clothed in fine linen, white and clean, followed him on white horses. (White horses are battle horses).
Rev 19:19 And I saw the beast, the kings of the earth, and their armies, gathered together to make war against Him who sat on the horse and against His army. This white horse is a battle horse).
Rev 19:21 And the rest were killed with the sword which proceeded from the mouth of him who sat on the horse. (Battle horse).
Conclusion
Horses in the Bible are used and related to war, battle, army, to conquer, to kill, death and hades, hunger, plagues, judgment, military and a new king should not multiply horses but trust in God. In addition, horses without riders and weapons, were used by God to search the earth and see what the nations were planning. Fx. Zechariah 1: 6:
Word study on the word “bow.”
In the Greek the word bow is τοξον and in the Hebrew qesheth.
Genesis 27:3 Please take your weapons, your quiver and your bow, and go out to the field and hunt game for me.
Genesis 49:24 But his bow remained in strength, and the arms of his hands were made strong.
Joshua 24:12 I sent the hornet before you which drove them out from before you, also the two kings of the Amorites, but not with your sword or with your bow.
1 Samuel 2:4 The bows of the mighty men are broken.
1 Samuel 18:4 Jonathan took off the robe that was on him and gave it to David, with his armor, even to his sword and his bow and his belt.
2 Kings 9:24 Jehu drew his bow with full strength and shot Jehoram between his arms; and the arrow came out at his heart, and he sank down in his chariot.
Psalm 7:12 (God is angry with the wicked) He will sharpen His sword; He bends His bow and makes it ready.
1 Chronicles 5:18 To shoot with bow and skillful in war.
Isaiah 21:15 For they fled from the swords, from the drawn sword, from the bent bow, and from the distress of war.
Jeremiah 9:3 And like their bow they have bent their tongues for lies – – -.
Jeremiah 49:35 Behold I will break the bow of Elam, the foremost of their might.
Ezekiel 39:9 Then those who dwell in the cities of Israel will go out and set on fire and burn the weapons, both the shields and bucklers, the bow and arrows, the javelins and spears – – -.
Hosea 1:4.5. I will bring an end to the kingdom of the house of Israel. I will break the bow of Israel in the Valley of Jezreel.
Hosea 1:7 Yet I will have mercy on the house of Judah, will save them by the Lord their God. And will not save them by bow, nor by sword or battle, by horses or horsemen.
Hosea 2:18 Bow and sword of battle I will shatter the earth.
Hosea 7:16 they are like a deceitful bow.
Zechariah 10:3.4. For the Lord of hosts will visit His flock, the house of Judah, and will make them as His royal horse in battle. From Him comes the cornerstone, from Him the tent peg, from Him the battle bow, from Him every ruler together. (This is a Messianic text from Zechariah. It is referring to Christ the Messiah who is the cornerstone. He is the one who will go into battle and fight our enemies verse 5).
Conclusion
The word bow is related to the following: weapons, strength, skillful in war, battle bow, and hunting game. (Nowhere in the Bible is the bow related to spreading of the gospel).
The white horse is a battle horse because he has a weapon: a bow. The only other white battle horse found in the New Testament is in Rev 19:11-15. Now I saw heaven opened and behold a white horse. And He who sat on him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness He judges and makes war. His eyes were like flames of fire. He was clothed with a robe dipped in blood. And the armies in heaven – – – followed Him on white horses. Now out of His mouth goes a sharp sword, that with it to strike the nations.
These two white horses in Rev 6:2 and Rev 19:11-15 have the same rider.
Who is the rider on this white horse?
It is without a doubt Jesus Christ. Rev 3:14 He is the Faithful and True Witness. Rev 2:18 These things says the Son of God, who has eyes like a flame of fire. Rev 2:12 These things says He who has the sharp two-edged sword. Rev 19:16 And He has on His robe and on His thigh a name written: KING OF KINGS, AND LORD OF LORDS. When Christ uses this name it means He is going to war to defend his people on this earth.
Where do we fit this white horse in Rev 6:2 in prophecy?
This white horse with its rider is riding into battle. The battle is the last world war on earth called of Armageddon. The rider is Jesus Christ, who is riding to conquer the nations of all unbelievers on the earth. Rev 17:14 These will make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb will overcome them, for He is Lord of lords and King of kings. Who are these in the text? They are the nations on the earth who do not believe in God and they are going into war against God´s people who keep the Ten Commandments of God and the Faith of Jesus Christ. Rev 12:17 14:12. This war is called Armageddon. Rev 16:12-16. This war occurs at the Second Coming of Christ when the fate of every individual on this earth has been decided.
This war of Armageddon is between the beast, the false prophet, the seven false churches of the earth and all the nations of the world, against Gods people who keep the commandments God and the faith of Jesus Christ. Who wins this last great war on earth? It is God´s people because they are led by the Lamb: Jesus Christ.
Ellen G. White Comments related to the word conquer
“He knew that truth armed with the omnipotence of the Holy Spirit would conquer in the battle with evil – – -.” ((1))
“In vision, I saw two armies in terrible conflict. One army was led by banners bearing the world´s insignia; the other was led by the blood stained banner of Prince Emmanuel – – – a mighty general cried out with a loud voice, “Come into line. Let those who are loyal to the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ now take their position. The battle raged – – -. The Captain of salvation – – -. He taught them terrible things in righteousness as He led them on step by step, conquering and to conquer.! ((2)) (Describes events before the Second Coming of Christ).
“Clad in the armor of Christ´s righteousness, the church is to enter upon her final conflict – – – she is to go forth into all the world, conquering and to conquer.” ((3))
“In the power of him, who rides fourth conquering and to conquer, weak finite man may gain the victory.” ((4)) (The context of this passage is: He shall send his angels with a great sound of a trumpet, and they shall gather together his elect from the four winds, from one end of heaven to the other at the Second Coming of Christ).
“Christ is the Lamb slain from the foundation of the world, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the one who is soon to ride forth conquering and to conquer. John describes the impression made upon him by the vision of his Lord.! ((5)) (Christ is the Lamb slain is taken from Rev 5:6. The Lion of the tribe of Judah is taken from Rev 5:5. The one who is soon to ride forth conquering and to conquer is taken from Rev 6:2. This is the only text in the Bible where it mentions “conquering to conquer.” Christ is the Lamb. Christ is the Lion of the tribe of Judah. Christ is the one who rides the white horse conquering and to conquer. This manuscript was written in 1902, so the rider of the white horse cannot ride before this date, only after this date).
Therefore, the white horse in Rev 6:2 fits in perfectly with the white horse at the Second Coming of Christ in Rev 19:11, at the last world war Armageddon.
- Ellen G. White, Acts of the Apostles (Mountain View, California: Pacific Press Pub., Assoc., 1911), 20. 21.
- White, Christian Experience and Teachings (www.whiteestate.org), 228.
- White, Prophets and Kings (Mountain View, California; Pacific Press Pub., Assoc., 1943), 725.
- White, Sons and Daughters of God (www.whiteestate.org),358.
- White, Manuscript 136. 1902.