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
