Revelation 6:4
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.
REVELATION 6:4
The third seal introduces a black horse with a rider who holds a pair of balances. The image of balance scales conveys famine and scarcity—economic instability where basic provisions become precarious. The voice accompanying the scene proclaims, “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.” This line emphasizes scarcity for the common laborer while preserving the privilege goods for the wealthy. It highlights inequalities and the fragility of sustenance in a ruptured world. The balance imagery also invites readers to consider how value and necessity are calibrated in times of judgment.
This passage deepens the theme that judgment touches daily life—economic systems, food security, and social consequences of collective sin. It also highlights God’s justice, where basic necessities become scarce as a reminder of dependence on divine provision and the vulnerability of human institutions. The command to not harm oil and wine underscores the differential treatment of luxuries versus basics and hints at God’s mercy within judgment.
In times of economic strain, the passage invites practical wisdom: steward resources wisely, resist hoarding, and show generosity to those most affected by scarcity. It also challenges social systems to address inequities—how wealth is distributed, who bears the burden of hard times, and how communities can support one another rather than deepen divides. On a personal level, reframe your consumption: budget thoughtfully, prioritize essentials, and practice generosity toward neighbors in need.
Cross-References
- Amos 8:4-6
- Luke 12:15
- James 5:1-6
- Leviticus 19:9-10
- Proverbs 11:24-25