1. Now I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals; and I heard one of the four living creatures saying with a voice like thunder, “Come and see.” 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. (Rev. 6:1, 2)
The White Horse – Germany
Germany was the first nation to commence World War II when it invaded Poland on September 1, 1939. This act of aggression led Britain and France to declare war on Germany, marking the official start of the global conflict. The invasion was carried out using Blitzkrieg tactics, a strategy of rapid, overwhelming force that combined air strikes, mechanized infantry, and armored divisions.
Historical Connection to the Ottoman Empire
The Ottoman Empire, which had a long history of military innovation, was known for its use of compound bows in battle. These bows were highly effective due to their powerful draw and compact design, allowing Ottoman warriors to strike from a distance with precision. The Ottoman military influence extended into Europe, particularly through alliances and military exchanges.
During the late 19th and early 20th centuries, Germany and the Ottoman Empire developed a close military relationship. Germany provided military technology and strategic guidance to the Ottomans, particularly during World War I. This partnership influenced Ottoman military tactics, including the use of long-range weaponry and strategic warfare.
White Representing Germany
· Germany is historically associated with Caucasian identity, which aligns with the white horse.
· The crown suggests authority and rulership, which fits Germany’s rise to imperial and military dominance.
· "Conquering and to conquer" reflects Germany’s military campaigns during World War I and World War II.
The Red Horse – China in World War II
3. When He opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature saying, “Come and see.” 4. Another horse, fiery red, went out. 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. (Rev. 6:3,4)
Red Representing China
· China has long been associated with the color red, particularly in its modern history. The term "Red China" became widely used after the Communist revolution, symbolizing Communism, revolution, and militant upheaval.
· The Red Horse in Revelation is described as bringing war and internal conflict, which aligns with China’s experience during World War II.
China’s Role in World War II
During World War II, China was engaged in a brutal conflict both internally and externally:
- The Second Sino-Japanese War (1937–1945): China was invaded by Imperial Japan, leading to widespread destruction and loss of life. The war was marked by atrocities such as the Nanjing Massacre, where hundreds of thousands of civilians were killed.
- Internal Civil War: While fighting Japan, China was also divided between the Nationalists (Kuomintang) and the Communists (led by Mao Zedong). This internal struggle led to infighting and political instability, fulfilling the prophecy that "people should kill one another."
- The Great Sword – Military Conflict: China suffered millions of casualties, both from Japanese aggression and internal purges. The Communist forces and Nationalist armies fought bitterly, even as they attempted to resist Japan.
How This Links to the Red Horse
· "Fiery red" matches China’s national symbolism and the bloodshed of its wartime struggles.
· "Taking peace from the earth" reflects China’s internal and external conflicts, which destabilized the region.
· "People should kill one another" aligns with the civil war between Nationalists and Communists.
· "A great sword" represents the massive military campaigns and violence that engulfed China during this period.
The Black Horse – The United States and Economic Control
5. When He opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come and see.” So I looked, and behold, a black horse, and he who sat on it had a pair of scales in his hand. 6. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four living creatures saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius; and do not harm the oil and the wine.” (Rev. 5, 6)
Black Representing the United States
· The color black is linked to America's control over oil markets, particularly in the Gulf War and other Middle Eastern conflicts.
· The United States has strategically influenced oil production, either through diplomatic negotiations or military intervention.
· Historically, black has also been associated with African American slavery, which built America’s early wealth through agriculture, particularly wheat and barley.
The Scales – Symbolizing the U.S. Justice System
· The rider holds a pair of scales, mirroring Lady Justice, a well-known U.S. legal symbol.
· While intended to represent fairness, the justice system often upheld racial and economic inequality, reinforcing structures that exploited Black labor.
· The passage suggests judgment and economic regulation, tying into the nation’s legal and financial systems.
Economic Disparity and Biblical Symbolism
· "A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius" reflects economic disparity between laborers and elite wealth.
· Enslaved individuals worked in wheat and barley fields but received no wages, contributing to the nation’s economic rise.
· Oil symbolizes control over global energy markets, including Middle Eastern interventions.
· Wine represents America’s self-identification as a Christian nation, though its actions often contradicted Jesus’ teachings on justice, mercy, and humility.
How This Links to the Black Horse
· Black represents America’s economic rise through slavery and oil control.
· The scales reflect justice, but also the imbalance of power.
· Measured wages symbolize disparity between labor and compensation.
· Oil and wine represent America’s military and religious influence.
The Pale Horse – Adolf Hitler and the Global Conflict
7. When He opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature saying, “Come and see.” 8. So I looked, and behold, a 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. (Rev. 7, 8)
Pale Representing Hitler and His Influence
· The color pale is tied to Palestine, where Jewish settlement was strongly opposed.
· Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, shared Hitler’s views against Jewish migration, reinforcing the symbolism of the Pale Horse.
Death and Hades – Hitler’s Role in World War II
· "Death" is assigned to Hitler for the mass genocide of the Jewish people during the Holocaust.
· "Hades" refers to the grave, aligning with Hitler’s mass burial pits and his own suicide, further linking him to death and the grave.
The Beasts of the Earth – Nations at War
· The phrase "beasts of the earth" represents nations at war, aligning with World War II.
· In Daniel, beasts symbolize kingdoms, reinforcing the idea that Hitler’s actions led to global conflict.
How This Links to the Pale Horse
· Pale represents Palestine, where opposition to Jewish settlement was strong.
· Amin al-Husseini, the Grand Mufti of Jerusalem, was a key figure opposing Jewish migration into Palestine. He aligned with Adolf Hitler, advocating against Jewish resettlement in the region. Their shared opposition reinforces the meaning behind the Pale Horse, linking it directly to Palestine’s contested status.
· Death is assigned to Hitler, reflecting his role in the Holocaust and mass killings.
· Hades symbolizes the grave, aligning with Hitler’s use of mass burial pits and his own suicide.
· The beasts of the earth represent nations at war, fulfilling the prophecy through World War II.
· The connection to Daniel strengthens the meaning, as beasts symbolize kingdoms engaged in conflict.
Estephan Leuese
