Yedi mhr

7 SEALS
By Lee Warren, B.A., D.D.
1998 PLIM, Inc. Retreat
Theme: Inner Journey, Part 4
(C) 1998 PLIM REPORT Vol. 7 No. 5
Feel free to copy and circulate this article for non-commercial purposes provided the Web
site and author are mentioned.
See Related Articles: REVELATION & END TIME PROPHECIES

This article summarizes a series of articles that have been written on the seven
seals (See the Revelation sections of the March/April 1993, May/June 1993,
July/August 1993, September/October 1993, November/December 1993,
January/February 1993 issues of the "PLI M REPORT").
Introduction
Now the Book of Revelation was a panoramic vision given to the Apostle John in
A.D. 96. The Messiah appeared and told him to write what he saw in a book and
send it to the seven assemblies in Asia (Rev. 1:19-21).
Revelation is one of the most symbolic books in the Bible. John describes the
images that he saw in a cryptic language and symbolism, which are very hard to
understand. Although the book of Revelation was disseminated in Greek, it requires
knowledge of Hebrew theology.
What is the intent of this article?

To give the correct interpretation of the Seven Seals with Biblical proof by showing that
the principles in the seven seals repeat themselves throughout the ages.

To show that there is a spiritual counterpart as well as a physical counterpart to each of
these seals.
What is the key to understanding the Book of Revelation?
Now the symbolism of Revelation lies with the knowledge of Hebrew theology, the
Law and the Prophets (Old Testament, Isa. 8:20), and the ancient Jewish culture.
Elohim showed Dr. H. C. Kinley in a vision (in 1931) that the Old Testament is the
key to understanding the mystery of Revelation. Moses vision saw the purpose
from beginning to end with the coming of the Messiah and the Apostle Johns
vision saw the purpose of Elohim from the end back to the beginning.
In fact, many future events that have been prophesied in Revelation are just repeats
of past events. For example, the seven plagues that will be poured out on Mystery
Babylon correspond with the seven last plagues that Moses and Aaron poured out
on Egypt (Ex. 8th - 12th chp.).
How do scholars interpret Revelation?
Many Biblical scholars have tried to interpret the vision of the Apostle John with
various methods, such as the contemporary historical method and the literary-
critical method according to the book Lectures on the Apocalypse.
Now scholars use these man-made methods to try to interpret a divine vision and
revelation given to the Apostle John. These methods will never explain the
interpretation for this comes by Spirit (2 Pet. 1:20-21).
The contemporary historical method believes that the Jewish apocalypses (i.e.
prophecies) are referring especially to the time or era of the writer. This method
also believes in the literal interpretation of prophecy and that no spiritual or
symbolical method should be used.
The literary-critical method believes that Revelation was a series of visions, written
at different times and places before and after the destruction of the temple at
Jerusalem.
What is the significance of the seals?
The word "seal" is often used figuratively for the act or token of authentication,
confirmation, proof, security or possession. The seal is also referred to in a
metaphor for secrecy. "A book that is sealed" is that which is beyond the
comprehension of the uninitiated (Isa. 29:11); compare the book with seven seals
(Rev 5:1).
An angel told Daniel to "shut up the words" of his prophecy "and seal the book,
even to the time of the end." This meant to keep his prophecy a secret until it would
be revealed (Dan 12:4,9; compare (Rev 10:4), according to the International
Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database 1996 by Biblesoft).

Where, when, and how are the 7 seals fulfilled?
Scholars and students of Revelation have debated among themselves for hundreds
of years over whether or not the first four seals (Horsemen) are past, present, or
future. In her book, The Apocalypse, Adela Yarbro Collins states the
following. "Beginning with chapter 6, it is very difficult to link the visions of the
Apocalypse with specific events and discern a detailed chronological outline (p.
41)."
The first four signs have occurred many times in the last two thousand years. They
represent principles that occur repeatedly bringing about a new order from disorder.
The new creation always comes out of darkness and chaos.
Did the Lamb (Jn. 1:29) loosen the seven seals?
When the Messiah (the lamb-Jn. 1:29) opened His disciples understanding of the
scriptures and explained that they testified of Him, He loosened the seals of the
book about which Daniel and John wrote (Dan, 12:4, 9; Rev. 5:2). He said to His
disciples "And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you,
while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the
law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened
he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures, And said unto
them, Thus it is written, and thus it behoved The Messiah (Christ) to suffer, and to
rise from the dead the third day (Lk. 24:44-46)." He did this in fulfillment of
Daniels prophecies and the Law and Prophets (i.e., the Old Testament).
What do horses symbolize?
There is great deal of symbolism surrounding horses in the Bible. Quoting the
International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic Database ( 1996 by
Biblesoft) "4. Figurative and Descriptive: The horse is referred to figuratively
chiefly in Zechariah and Revelation. A chariot and horses of fire take Elijah up to
heaven (2 Kin 2:11). In <Ps 20:7; 33:17>; and <76:6>, the great strength of the
horse is recalled as a reminder of the greater strength of God. In (Job 39:19-25)
we have a magnificent description of a spirited war-horse."
Are horses used in other cultures visions?
Elohim has also used horses in other cultures visions to convey messages. An
American Indian Black Elk describes his visions when he was 13 years old. He saw
four types of horses: 12 black, 12 white, 12 buckskin, 12 sorrel and a bay, which
talked to him. These horses revealed the plight of his people at war with the white
Europeans. This is describes in Black Elks Speaks by John Neihardt (Chp. 3 "The
Great Visions" p. 17-39).
Do the 4 beasts around the throne compare to the 4 horses and their
riders?
As was stated, Revelation is a very symbolic book. Now the Apostle John said he
saw heaven open and around the throne of Elohim, he saw 4 beasts which he
described as follows. "And before the throne , and round about the throne, were
four beasts full of eyes before and behind. And the first beast was like a lion, and
the second beast like a calf, and the third beast had a face as a man, and the fourth
beast was like a flying eagle (Rev 4:6-7)."
These four beasts spoke as the first four seals were opened. They can be correlated
with the 4 points on the compass: East, West, North, South and four seasons of
Spring (Vernal Equinox), Fall (Autumn Equinox), Summer (Summer Solstice), and
Winter (Winter Solstice), according to (Chp. 7 Secrets of the Sphinx Andrew
Raymond; http://www.revealer.com/cherubim.htm)
Do these seals represent curses?
The Law of Moses (Torah) is the key to understanding these seals on the scroll.
This scroll contained curses that were prophesied in the Law and Prophets (Isa.
8:20). Moses wrote that if Israel would not obey the voice of Yahweh and
disobeyed his commandments, He would curse them with the plagues of Egypt
(Deu. 28:15-68). Zechariah had a vision of a flying scroll, which represented the
law that was a curse to everyone on the earth who did not obey it (Zec. 5:1-5).
Further Malachi, the last prophet in the Old Testament, wrote that Elohim would
send Elijah to Israel to turn their hearts lest "I [Elohim] come and smite the earth
with a curse (Mal 4:5-6)." Now Elijah did come as John the Baptist and Israel
killed him along with the Messiah (Mt. 17:10-13).
Do 7 seals correspond with the four sore judgements?
Basically the plagues that Elohim said He would pour on Israel can be grouped into
four classifications. Ezekiel grouped them thusly. "For thus saith Yahweh Elohim
(the Lord GOD); How much more when I send my four sore judgments upon
Jerusalem, the sword, and the famine, and the noisome beast, and the pestilence, to
cut off from it man and beast (Ezk. 14:21)?" In short, the seven seals (the four
horsemen) and the 7 last plagues of Egypt represent the sword, famine, noisome
beasts and pestilence.
Are the curses physical and spiritual?
There are both spiritual and physical curses under the New Testament. The same
physical plagues put on Israel will be put spiritually and psychologically on
Mystery Babylon. These spiritual plagues are despair, doubt, fear, anger, confusion,
depression, loss of compassion, etc. The Apostle John "heard another voice from
heaven, saying, Come out of her [Mystery Babylon], my people, that ye be not
partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues (Rev. 18:4; see Deut.
28:15-end)."
What is the purpose of the 4 horsemen?
The four horses described in Revelation are not the first time four horses are
mentioned in the Bible. Zechariah saw four horses and their riders in his vision, a
red, speckled, white, and bay (Zec. 1:8, 6:7). Zechariah asked an angel what these
horses meant? The angel said: "I will shew thee what these be. And the man that
stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom Yahweh (the
Lord) hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth (Zec. 1:9-10)." These angels
appear to be sent forth to look after Israel at the end of their 70-year captivity to
Babylon. Their exact duties are not clear. Some believe they are Watchers.
In another vision Zechariah saw four chariots that were red, black, white, and
grisled. An angel told him that these four represent "the four spirits of the heavens,
which go forth from standing before Yahweh (the Lord) of all the earth (Zec.
6:5)." These four horses, chariots, and riders in Zechariah serve as models for
understanding the four horses and their riders of Revelation. They show that
Elohim and his angels are carrying out His purpose.
Why did the White Horses rider have a bow and crown?
The lamb (i.e. Yahshua) opens the seven seals. He opened the first seal and the first
Beast, the Lion, told John to "come and see" what was in this seal. John said "And I
saw, and behold a white horse: and he that sat on him had a bow; and a crown was
given unto him: and he went forth conquering, and to conquer (Rev 6:2)."

Now the symbolism of the WHITE Horse (i.e. hippos leukos): represent "victory,
conquest and the bow represent conquering and to conquer" (Rev. 6:2; 19:11,14);
compare (Zec. 1:8; 6:3,6), International Standard Bible Encyclopaedia, Electronic
Database 1996 by Biblesoft)." The question is who is this rider?
What is the traditional interpretation of the White Horse and the rider?
Clarence Larkins book Revelation says the White Horses rider is Satans
superman or the Anti-Christ (p. 54). He is the head of the revived Roman Empire.
Most commentaries of Revelation are of this view. Note:Matthew Henrys
Commentary states this horseman is the Messiah conquering or destroying Satans
Kingdom as was prophesied by Daniels interpretation of Nebuchadnezzars dream
(Dn. 2:44-46).
What is the true interpretation?
Matthew Henry is correct. The White Horse and rider represent the Messiah who
conquers death and Satan by His death, burial and resurrection. Spiritually, those of
truth have already conquered death (Isa. 9:6). Paul wrote the following concerning
the overthrow of the Devil and his kingdom by Yahshua the Messiah. "Forasmuch
then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took
part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of
death, that is, the devil; And deliver them who through fear of death were all their
lifetime subject to bondage (Heb 2:14-15)." All power is given to the Messiah in
heaven and earth (Mt. 28:18).
The Messiahs apostles went out conquering Satans Kingdoms spiritually by the
preaching of the gospel and the working of miracles (Acts 4th chp.). This is a
spiritual war, not a physical war that the apostles are fighting. Paul said our
weapons of warfare are not carnal "but mighty through Elohim (God) to the pulling
down of strong holds;) Casting down imaginations, and every high thing that
exalteth itself against the knowledge of Elohim (God), and bringing into captivity
every thought to the obedience of The Messiah (Christ) (2 Cor 10:4-5)." Now all
physical wars fought for the last two thousand years have been waged by parts of
Satans kingdom divided against itself. All of the nations of the world will have to
bow to Yahshua the Messiah, who will rule them with a rod of iron (Rev. 12:5), for
he is the True Conqueror.
Did the Red Horses rider have a sword?
Now the lamb opened the second seal and the second Beast, the Calf, told John to
come and see. "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 (Rev 6:4)."
What is the traditional interpretation of the Red Horse?
Now the Red Horse (Greek: hippos purros) represents symbolically "war,
bloodshed ("slay one another," etc., (Rev. 6:4; compare Zec. 1:8; 6:2) according to
International Standard Bible Encylopaedia, Electronic Database ( 1996 by
Biblesoft)."
Again many commentators do not believe this horseman is the Messiah as Philip E.
Hughes states in his book The Book of the Revelation. "The blood thirsty-terrorist
or warmonger may seem to be all-powerful as he robs the people of peace and
security and causes them to engage in killing and destruction; but the control of
human affairs remains in Gods hands (p. 85)."
What is the true interpretation of the Red Horse and its rider?
The Red Horse and rider represent the Messiah who has power to remove peace
from the nations. Now the Messiah said in His ministry: "Think not that I am come
to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword Mt 10:34). [See
Mark 13:12; Isa. 9:6-7; 23:6; 45:7; 48:22]. John said a two-edge sword of truth
went out of the mouth of the Messiah (Rev. 1:16; Heb. 4:12). He gave peace to His
disciples (Jn. 14:27).
Moses wrote that if Israel did not obey the Law of Moses, Elohim said they would
not have peace (Deu. 29:18-21). The Messiah put enmity among Israel such as
between a mother and her daughter-in-law and a father against his son. Clearly, this
horseman is plaguing those that are disobedient to the words of Yahshua. Anyone
can see that in the world today there is no peace between nations or individual
humans, showing that this is Satans kingdom divided against itself (Mk. 3:24-26).
What is the traditional Interpretation of the Black Horse and rider?
Now the lamb opened the third seal and the third beast, the Man, told John to come
and see. John saw: "And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had
a pair of balances in his hand. And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts
say, 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 (Rev. 6:6-7)."
Now the "black horse" (Greek: hippos melas) symbolically represents famine. The
rider with the balance and a measure of wheat shows forth the ration of wheat and
barley for a days wages (Rev. 6:5-6; compare Zec. 6:2,6). A penny for a measure of
wheat and 3 measures of barley is the "days wage" for food [See "PLIM
REPORT" July/Aug. 1993 p. 35-36]. Now a measure of wheat is equal to about a
dry quart.
There were many famines in the Old Testament, beginning with Abraham (Gn
12:10) and the Children of Israels migration into Egypt looking for food (Gn.
42:5-6). Now many Bible scholars have trouble with the rider on this horse being
the Messiah.
What is the true interpretation?
The Black Horse and its rider represent both the physical and spiritual famine (Deu.
8:3; Amos 8:11; Jn. 6:51-67). We have had countless famines over the last 2,000
years, which show that this plague constantly repeats itself on mankind.
The Messiah spoke to Israel in parables. He said that He was the living bread (Jn.
6:28), living water, and His flesh was food (Jn. 6:51-62). He told them: "It is the
spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you,
they are spirit, and they are life (Jn. 6:63)." Those who refused to eat His words
are in a spiritual famine.
Now the nations of the world are in spiritual famine already, which they do not see.
As part of the world is already suffering from famines, there will be great physical
famine coming on the whole world likened unto Egypt when Yahweh plagued it.
Is the Pale Horses rider called Death and Hell?
Now the lamb opened the fourth seal and the fourth beast, the Eagle, said to John
come and see. He said: "And I looked, and behold a pale horse: and his name that
sat on him was Death, and Hell followed with him. And power was given unto them
over the fourth part of the earth, to kill with sword, and with hunger, and with
death, and with the beasts of the earth (Rev 6:8)."
What is the true interpretation?
The Pale Horse and rider represents Death and Hell both from a spiritual and
physical standpoint (Hos. 13:14; Isa. 29:22). For example, the Death Angel in
Egypt killed first-born man and beast (Ex. 12th chp) and Adam and Eve were killed
in the Spirit (Gen. 3rd Chapter). The Death Angel killed many in Jerusalem, for
King Davids disobedience (1 Chr. 21:1, 15). Elohim sent these death angels to
punish the disobedient. [See the "PLI M REPORT" July/Aug.93 p. 36-37]. Many
students of the Bible fail to understand that Elohim is all things, the Creator,
Preserver, and Destroyer.
Under which altar are the souls in the 5th Seal?
Now when the lamb opened the fifth seal, John did not see or hear the beast
anymore. He said "I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the
word of Elohim (God), and for the testimony which they held: And they cried with a
loud voice, saying, How long, O Lord, holy and true, dost thou not judge and
avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth (Rev 6:9-10)?"
Those souls under the altar represent the resurrected or redeemed. There are two
altars in the tabernacle and temple: the golden altar of Incense in the Holy Place
and the brazen altar of sin sacrifice in the Court Round About (Lv. 4:7). The act of
giving white robes to the souls under the altar signifies that this one was the golden
altar of incense, for the priest kept these garments in the Holy Place under the Law
of Moses (Ezk. 44:17). [Sept./Oct1993 "PLIM REPORT" p. 34-35]. It should be
noted that angels appear in white robes (Jn. 20:12).
These souls were crying for vengeance likened unto Abels soul crying for
vengeance after his brother Cain slew him (Gn.4:10; See also Gn. 18:20; Ex. 2:7; II
Kgs. 9:6; Isa. 5:7). The Messiah told His disciples that they too would be killed and
persecuted (Mt. 24:9-14).
Was there a great earthquake and darkened sun in the 6th Seal?
Now the lamb opened the sixth seal. John wrote: " lo, there was a great
earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became
as blood; And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her
untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind (Rev. 6:12-13)."
These events always occur at the end of an age, which bring about a New Order.
For example, at the close of the Ante-Diluvian Age the fountains of the deep broke
up during a great earthquake. The flood and darkness covered the earth for the 40
days and nights that it rained (Gn. 7:11-12). According to Moses vision in
Genesis, the beginning of creation, there was darkness and great earthquakes as the
waters rolled back and dry land appeared Gn. 1:1-3).
The Messiahs death was at the end of the Post-Diluvian Age. There was a great
earthquake at Yahshuas resurrection and it turned dark from noon to 3 p.m. (Mt.
27:45, 51-52; See the darkness in Egypt--Ex. 10:21). Men were fearful for their
souls when these signs occurred during the Messiahs resurrection (Mt. 27:54).
From the scriptures, it appears that the signs that occurred during the 6th seal repeat
themselves over and over through the ages. John said at the end of this age there
will be darkness before the new heaven and earth is revealed (Rev. 16:10).
Why was there a silence in heaven for half an hour at the 7th Seal?
The lamb opened the seventh seal. John said "there was silence in heaven about
the space of half an hour. And I saw the seven angels which stood before Elohim
(God); and to them were given seven trumpets. And another angel came and stood
at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given unto him much incense,
that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints upon the golden altar which
was before the throne (Rev 8:1-3)."
What is the interpretation of the 7th seal?
Now this half-hour of silence occurred before the seven trumpets began to sound.
There is great mystery about this half-hour of silence. It is prophetic calculation
wrapped in an enigma. 1 year = 1 Day; 360 days = 24 hours so 1 hour = 15 days;
1/2 hour = 7.5 days or 1 week. So this half-hour corresponds with a week. Now this
half-hour period of silence in heaven before the sounding of the seven trumpets
represents the herald giving the final warning before judgment.
The significance of this week and silence can be better understood with examples
in the Bible. When Job was afflicted, his three friends came and sat by him for a
week before they spoke to him (Job 2:3). They were silent for about seven days.
Noah was in the Ark seven days before it started to rain (Gn. 7:10). Finally, when
Yahweh was in his holy temple he said let all the earth keep silence before him
(Hab. 2:20; Zp. 1:7,15, 17-18).
There was also a seven-week silent period between Yahshuas resurrection and the
outpouring of the Holy Spirit. There was no gospel being preached to Israel until
the day of Pentecost, when the apostles began to preach (Acts 2:1-4).
The angels at the golden altar offering up incense for the sons are performing the
same ritual that the priests under the law performed in the tabernacle and the
temple. The priests burned the incense in the Holy Place at the golden altar at the
time of prayer 9:00 a.m. and 3:00 p.m. The priests typified the Holy Spirit working
within mens hearts and minds.
Conclusion
The seven seals are a summary of the Old Testament, which include both curses
and blessings written in the book. These curses repeat under the New Covenant
(Heb. 8th Chapter). The seven seals show the purpose of Elohim including His
death, burial, and resurrection. These seals also show the principle of Elohims
retribution on the wicked and explain how ages are closed out. It is a sad
commentary that Christianity has not been able to interpret these seals in 2000
years.
Bibliography
Larkin, Clarence, The Book of Revelation ( 1919 Rev. Larkin Est.)
Charles, R. H., D.Litt., D.D., Lectures on the Apocalypse ( 1922 Oxford
University)
Collins, Adela Yarbro, The Apocalypse
Hughes, Phillip G., Ph.D., The Book of Revelation ( 1990 William B. Eerdmans
Publishing)
Henry, Matthew, Commentary of the Bible (Biblesoft)
Kinley, Henry C,. Elohim, The Archetype Pattern of the Universe ( 1961
Institute of Divine Metaphysics Research)
Lindsey, Hal, The Late Great Planet Earth ( 1977 Zondervan Books)
Spicer, W.A., Beacon Lights of Prophecy ( 1935 Review and Herald Publishing
Association)

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