Analysis of locations mentioned in the Book of Revelation

The Island of Patmos and surrounding area where most of Revelation takes place.[/caption]A delve into the Prophecy Map featuring the key locations and events that are mentioned in Revelation with relevant Bible verses that appear in the Book of Revelation written by St John the Divine almost 2000 years ago.

Any location, geographical feature or event that is tied up to a recognisable location, has been extracted from the Book of Revelation to see where the Prophecy that it contains is focused, and what area it actually covers. This is an important element of the Prophecy contained within this Book as it focuses the mind on the area and course of events and what geographical area this Book of Revelation takes place. It also helps to rule out places and locations especially in connection with Mystery Babylon.

The locations that are mentioned in the Book of Revelation are the Island of Patmos, The 7 Churches of Asia Minor, Sodom and Egypt, Mount Zion, Jerusalem, Babylon, The Euphrates River, Armageddon and Gog Magog. A closer look into these places and the relevant Bible verses that shed some further light are listed below.


LOCATIONS

Patmos

Rev 1:9. I John, who also am your brother, and companion in tribulation, and in the kingdom and patience of Jesus Christ, was in the isle that is called Patmos, for the word of God, and for the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Patmos is a Greek Island located in the Aegean Sea off the coast of Turkey and is famous for being the location where St John the Divine received his vision from Jesus. He was exiled by the Romans to this island because of his faith where John is said to have received his Revelation which was in a cave on that island. It has an area of just over 13 square miles. This island plays no role in the End Times Prophecy mentioned in this Book.

The 7 Churches
Rev 1:11. Saying, I am Alpha and Omega, the first and the last: and, What thou seest, write in a book, and send it unto the seven churches which are in Asia; unto Ephesus, and unto Smyrna, and unto Pergamos, and unto Thyatira, and unto Sardis, and unto Philadelphia, and unto Laodicea.

The infamous Seven Churches mentioned in the Book of Revelation include Ephesus, Smyrna, Pergamos, Thyatira, Sardis, Philadelphia, and Laodicea. On modern day maps these Churches are located on mainland Turkey. Some say these Churches are physical locations that John wrote to but are not physical buildings that we know today, as churches or the true church are a body of believers located at those locations stated. Others say that each church represents a particular age from the time that John wrote the Book of Revelation to the current day Church age that we live in now which would be Laodicea.

The 7 possible Church Ages with Name, Church Age and Time Period

Paul
Ephesus
53-170 AD

Ireneus
Smyrna
170-312

St Martin
Pergamos
312-606

Columba
Thyatira
686-1520

Luther
Sardis
1520-1750

Wesley
Philadelphia
1750-1906

Branham
Laodicea
1906-Present Day


Sodom and Egypt
Rev 11:8. And their dead bodies shall lie in the street of the great city, which spiritually is called Sodom and Egypt, where also our Lord was crucified.

This is referencing the two witnesses which are killed by the Beast and lay in the streets for 3.5 days untouched but are resurrected back to heaven much to the amazement of onlookers. Again another Biblical sign in the last days which has yet to happen. The identity of these two witnesses is fiercely, debated in Prophecy circles.......that is a another article in it's own right.

The Great City that is mentioned many say has to be Jerusalem which is confirmed in the last few words that state "where our Lord was crucified". The reference to Sodom and Egypt is more of a spiritual reference but those locations are mentioned in more detail in the corresponding video which is at the foot of this article. Some say that Jerusalem is the Mystery Babylon mentioned in Revelation 17 and 18 and not the popular Rome, Mecca or US that is mentioned heavily on the net. This verse, some say is confirmation of that fact, with Sodom and Egypt being the two events where God judged heavily in a manner that would be remembered for all time. Again whether Jerusalem is Mystery Babylon is another article in it's own right that cannot be covered here.

Mount Zion
Rev 14:1 And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on the mount Sion, and with him an hundred forty and four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

Again Mount Zion is located in the Jerusalem area, one of the many Mounts mentioned in the Bible which also include Temple Mount (where the 1st and 2nd Temples were located) and The Mount of Olives where the infamous Olivet Discourse by Jesus took place. The Lamb referenced in this Bible quote is obviously Jesus himself and although Mount Sion is spelt with an S in the King James Version of the Bible, it is spelt with a Z in other versions. Some examples of other versions of the Bible and how they spell it below

International Standard Version
Then I looked, and there was the lamb, standing on Mount Zion! With him were 144,000 people who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.

NET Bible
Then I looked, and here was the Lamb standing on Mount Zion, and with him were one hundred and forty-four thousand, who had his name and his Father's name written on their foreheads.

King James 2000 Bible
And I looked, and, lo, a Lamb stood on mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty-four thousand, having his Father's name written in their foreheads.

American Standard Version
And I saw, and behold, the Lamb standing on the mount Zion, and with him a hundred and forty and four thousand, having his name, and the name of his Father, written on their foreheads.

The 144,000 were mentioned earlier in Revelation 7 and again the identity of these is fiercely debated but for me personally the 144,000 are Jews that finally came to believe in Jesus made up of 12,000 each from the 12 Tribes of Israel.... which equates to the 144,000 mentioned which is confirmed by Revelation 7:3-4 below

Revelation 7:3-4
3. Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads.
4. And I heard the number of them which were sealed: and there were sealed an hundred and forty and four thousand of all the tribes of the children of Israel.

Jerusalem
Rev 21:2 And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband.

Jerusalem is mentioned yet again, only this time it is called New Jerusalem, this is the final destination after the Millenial Kingdom where those who believe in the Messiah will be for eternity. This is the closing stages of Revelation. It is mentioned as a Holy City that comes down from heaven but it is unclear where this city will be located, but the fact it is called New Jerusalem gives a strong hint where this Holy City will be ultimately located.


Babylon
Rev 18:10 Standing afar off for the fear of her torment, saying, Alas, alas that great city Babylon, that mighty city! for in one hour is thy judgment come.

Babylon is mentioned a number of times in the Book of Revelation and again was another city that was judged in the Old Testament. The Babylon that is mentioned in the New Testament Book of Revelation is named as Mystery Babylon as in this verse below.

Rev 17:5. And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH.

The only verse in the whole Bible that uses predominantly Capital letters, this Mystery Babylon is something many say didn't exist at the time hence why St John used the mystery tag. Others say Rome back in the time that Revelation was written was referenced as Babylon due to the idolatry that took place there.

The Euphrates River
Rev 9:14 Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

Rev 16:12 And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

The Euphrates is a major river that starts in Turkey and flows through Syria and Iraq and ends up flowing into the Persian Gulf. It forms yet another major indicator in Prophecy and a sign or confirmation of the Last Days. The Euphrates has been extensively dammed in recent years so the potential to dry the river up is there and some say it has dried up on some of the lower reaches, but it's when the river dries up in it's entirety BEHIND the dams then Revelation 16 Bible Prophecy would be staring us straight in the face in no uncertain terms.

Armageddon/Megiddo
Rev 16:16 And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.

A very short and to the point verse which mentions Armageddon. The "he" mentioned is the Beast and the "them" is his army basically the world which will number in the hundreds of millions at least.

Armageddon is a bit of a mystery but it is a location. Armageddon is a Hebrew word, although it does not occur in the Old Testament. Its meaning is not exactly clear, but it is best taken to mean Mount Megiddo, since "Har" in Hebrew means mountain and "Mageddon" is the place-name of Megiddo. Megiddo is located in the Northern area of Israel to the South West of Nazareth, a name that should be familiar. Megiddo appears a number of times in the Old Testament.

Many battles were fought at the location of Megiddo, Deborah and Barak defeated Sisera and his Canaanite army there (Judges 4-5), Gideon drove off the Midianites and Amalekites ( Judges 6 ), Saul and the army of Israel were defeated because of their failure to trust in God ( 1 Sam 31 ), and the Egyptian army under Pharaoh Neco killed Josiah, king of Judah ( 2 Kings 23:29 ).

The battle that is mentioned in Revelation will be Armageddon. Good V Evil, the Beast and The World that worship him against Jesus and The Saints. Megiddo is where many say it will take place. See the photo in the video. It certainly looks like a place where such a battle could take place.

Gog Magog
Rev 20:8 And shall go out to deceive the nations which are in the four quarters of the earth, Gog and Magog, to gather them together to battle: the number of whom is as the sand of the sea.

Again many say that Gog and Magog and Armageddon are the same battle. Some say Gog and Magog references the Anti Christ. Others say Magog is the equivalent to Modern Day Russia. Form your own opinion! Just like China is mentioned in Revelation (the 200 million strong army) Russia will also feature in End Times Prophecy and is mentioned by The Great Prophets in the Old Testament especially in Ezekiel.

Summary
The Book of Revelation is something you can spend a lifetime reading and still never really understand it. It is billed as the "Mystery" Book in the Bible and I often liken it to Isaiah in the Old Testament which has many cross references linking to Revelation and yet again, can be baffling at best. BUT as you read over and over again, it does slowly reveal itself to those who persevere and more importantly to those who need to see and know.

What is made abundantly clear in this study is that The Book of Revelation takes place in The Middle East, just like most of the Bible does, so why should Revelation be any different. Israel is the focal point and Jerusalem is the Holy City where all compass points are set. If anything is coming from the North, East or South (mentioned by Revelation and other Major Prophets) you can be certain they are coming from those directions in relation to Jerusalem!

Is Mystery Babylon Rome, Mecca or the US?

Mystery Babylon in Revelation. Who are the three main candidates?

Who, what or where is Mystery Babylon that was mentioned by St John the Divine in the Book of Revelation Prophecy nearly 2000 years ago? There are many candidates for the title of Mystery Babylon but the main three that come up time and time again and seem to stand the test of time are:

1. Rome, Italy and The Vatican and the Roman Catholic Church
2. Mecca, Saudi Arabia and Islam
3. New York or Washington DC or even maybe LA and/or the US/America.

There is a fourth which is quoted by many and that is Jerusalem and Israel, but this is not up for consideration at this time. The three that will be focused on are the three most consistently popular theories out there that are backed by scripture in various shapes or forms and to varying degrees. These three possiiblities for Mystery Babylon are very different animals indeed, that appear in vastly different locations and embracing totally different cultures. This is yet another topic that results in some extremely heated debate, but which one of these three is it and does the Book of Revelation scripture and Prophecy contain the key to narrow it down very clearly to just one candidate?


This article is a follow on from two previous articles that looked at Who or What Mystery Babylon is.The main body of the research is contained in the video from The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel which appears at the foot and end of this article.

Where Mystery Babylon appears in Scripture.
Mystery Babylon is mentioned in the Book of Revelation in Chapters 17 and 18 and the beginning of Chapter 19, so quite a large portion of Revelation Prophecy is tied up with this entity, which tends to suggest that it is of some significant importance in the Revelation timeline.

Who or What or Where is Mystery Babylon.
The scripture of Revelation makes it quite clear that Mystery Babylon is initially depicted as a woman in the form of a Harlot that rides "The Beast", and the Beast and this Harlot seem to be closely linked. The mention of Mystery Babylon and it's status as a woman is merely symbolic in the earlier stages of the relevant Chapters and is explained in greater detail as the scripture progresses. It is made quite clear that it is not a Woman or even a person, but a location and more to the point a city mentioned as a "Great City". It is also possibly an organisation, establishment or institution or something with religious connotations that is instantly recognised around the world.

The What is Mystery Babylon is the easy part of the puzzle to solve as it is mentioned quite clearly in Revelation Scripture but it is the What and Where is where things are not so clear and where the heated debate starts.

What is Mystery Babylon Bible Verses
These are the verses that clearly state WHAT Mystery Babylon is and a clue is given to where this entity is located. This city has dealings with many nations and the city is located on or near "Seven Mountains" which in some versions of the Bible is mentioned as "Seven Hills"

Rev 17.1 And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will shew unto thee the judgement of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters

Rev 17.9 And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains on which the woman sitteth.

Rev 17.15 And he saith unto me, The Waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues


What role does Mystery Babylon play in the End Times?
Mystery Babylon plays quite a significant role in End Times Prophecy as it has a devastating effect on Christians as mentioned in the following two verses

Rev 17:6 And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration.

Rev 18:24 And in her was found the blood of prophets, and of saints, and of all that were slain upon the earth.


What are Christians advised to do with regard to Mystery Babylon?
It is made very clear above that Mystery Babylon is an adversary to Christians and "The Church" mentioned in the New Testament many times. So much so that anybody that is part of this Mystery Babylon in any shape or form are advised strongly to leave, otherwise you will be subjected to the same judgement as Mystery Babylon itself. This is a strong indicator that Mystery Babylon could be a False Church which would rule out Islam and Mecca as one of the candidates for Mystery Babylon. As is revealed in the video though, Mecca ticks many boxes in the prophecy contained in Revelation including some interesting cross references, so things are not so clear cut.

Rev 18:4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues

The video below from The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel doesn't claim to have the definitive answer, but it does attempt to make things clearer who this mysterious "Mystery Babylon" is? It really is narrowed down to just two candidates!

Video: Mystery Babylon in Revelation. Is it Rome, Mecca or US?

20 key Bible verses in the Book of Revelation reveal Mystery Babylon is either Rome, Mecca or the US. An in depth study to try to solve the Mystery Babylon puzzle to see who, what and where is Mystery Babylon mentioned in the Bible Prophecy contained in the Book of Revelation. What role does Mystery Babylon play in End Times Prophecy and why it is of significant importance in the Revelation Timeline.

Recommended Articles

Mystery Babylon revealed and Revelation 18 Fulfilled?

Where is Mystery Babylon mentioned in the Book of Revelation

The Ten Possible Rapture Points in Revelation?

The Ten Possible Rapture Points in Revelation?

This is a different and refreshing approach to the massive and incredibly important topic of the Rapture, something that is very special to Christians. This will not be trying to prove a particular rapture theory correct, nor will it be trying to disprove any particular rapture theory either. The Rapture will be looked at in a neutral and objective manner, trying to assess ALL the possibilities of where the Rapture could take place on the time line in line within Bible Prophecy. What does the scripture say rather than what other people or myself have to say.

This is a complex topic, but the ultimate goal is to keep this as simple as possible with no complex information or presentations, but some explanatory diagrams do creep into the video (below) due to the complex nature of the topic.

In the video featured at the end of this article

1. Will firstly look at the main Bible verses that mention the Rapture, which come mainly from The Apostle Paul and John, which are straight out of the New Testament in the Bible

2. What are the Four Main Rapture Time line Theories out there. At present they are Pre Tribulation Rapture, Mid Tribulation Rapture, Pre Wrath Rapture and the Post Tribulation Rapture and a demonstration where they appear on the Book of Revelation Prophecy Timeline.

3. A look at TEN possible rapture points that appear on the Book of Revelation Time line covering a whole spectrum of chapters. An analysis of the relevant Bible verses using Xiphos Bible Software to see what they have to say in relation to a possible rapture at that time. Do they fit the description of a Rapture, or are they mentioning something else.

4. Some personal views on the rapture and the things I have seen out there and some further scripture, which you can FYOO (Form Your Own Opinion) on and DYOFR (Do Your Own Further Research)

Rapture Theories and Analysis
The very essence of The Twelve Gates website is based primarily on The Book of Revelation and the Bible Prophecy it contains. To get to the very bottom of the Rapture conundrum we have to FIRSTLY look at the two main verses that The Apostle Paul and John mention to get the background on what shape and form the rapture will take and how it will affect Christians in the last days.

THE 2 MAIN RAPTURE VERSES

1 Corinthians 15:52
In a moment, in the twinkling of an eye, at the last trump: for the trumpet shall sound, and the dead shall be raised incorruptible, and we shall be changed.

1 Thessalonians 4:16
For the Lord himself shall descend from heaven with a shout, with the voice of the archangel, and with the trump of God, and the dead in Christ shall rise first.

Once you have the HOW information on the Rapture contained in these verses and see what the Rapture actually is and what form it will take, then you can start to approach the topic of the WHERE and WHEN on the prophecy time line. This is NOT abundantly obvious on the first or subsequent readings from the above 2 scriptures.

THE REVELATION TIMELINE

Michael Svigel of retrochristianity.org states

"One must ask where the Rapture is found in the Revelation before one asks the question of when the Rapture is said to take place, if indeed the timing of the event is even asserted by the context"

This is a very valid and important statement as the Rapture and the Last Days are interconnected and the Book of Revelation in no uncertain terms is all about the last days. So if there is a Rapture then the Prophecy contained within the Book of Revelation will give a sure fire indicator whether there is one or not and possibly when it will occur?


The Ten Possible Rapture Points according to Keith H Esse of The Masters Seminary
The backbone of this study into the Rapture and when it could possibly occur appears in "the rapture and the book of revelation" part of The Masters Seminary Journal by Keith H Essex who is Assistant Professor of Bible Exposition. He comes up with the following ten possible rapture points throughout the Revelation Time Line they are as follows:

1. Rev 3:10-11
2. Rev 4:1-2 and 4
3. Rev 5:9-10
4. Rev 6:2
5. Rev 7:9-17
6. Rev 11:3-12
7. Rev 11:15-19
8. Rev 12:5
9. Rev 14:14-16
10 Rev 20.4

I have picked this particular study, as the angle he approaches the Book of Revelation in Rapture Prophecy terms is refreshing and open minded and starts right at the beginning to let the Bible reveal the truth instead of arriving with some pre-conceived notions of when the rapture will take place and using the Bible to provide the answer to that pre-conceived notion, which will always lead to the wrong result.

After conducting this study Keith H Essex then comes to the conclusion that only one of these Ten Rapture Windows could possibly be the rapture, which will be revealed at the end of this study in the video.

Watch the video The Ten Possible Rapture Points on the Revelation Prophecy by The Twelve Gates at You Tube for a full in depth analysis and some personal conclusions on this and other rapture theories and the possible timings and form your own conclusions.

Is there a similarity between the Ten Plagues of Egypt and the 21 Judgements of Revelation?

The Ten Plagues of Egypt and the 21 Judgements of Revelation?

Is there a similarity to the Ten Plagues of Egypt mentioned in the Book of Exodus all those thousands of years ago in the times of Moses and the future calamities and Prophecy mentioned in the Book of Revelation.

Is there something to be learned from the Ten Plagues of Egypt and their possible similarities to the Book of Revelation and the 21 Judgements of The Seals, The Trumpets and The Vials? Do the judgements of God change over time in line with changes in different civilisations, or is it a case that times change but God's judgements remain the same, but just demonstrate a slight variation to an already tried and trusted theme?

Something I think about a lot, maybe others do as well.......... hence this article.

The Ten Plagues of Egypt mentioned in Exodus
God gave Pharaoh ten chances to allow the children of Israel to leave Egypt so they could worship their God freely and come out of slavery. The Pharaoh of Egypt and his people were subjected to the Ten Plagues which affected all in Egypt as he would not release the ill treated children of Israel from their bond with Egypt.

According to the Book of Exodus, God hardened Pharaoh's heart so he would be strong enough to persist in his unwillingness to release the people, so that it would serve as a benchmark from which other people would discuss for generations to come. The Pharaoh gave in after the tenth plague, which was the triggering the Exodus of the release of the Hebrew people and their Exodus, hence the name of that particular Book in the Bible.

The Ten Plagues of Egypt are listed below and also the possible parallel verses in the Book of Revelation that either tie up moderately or precisely

1. Water into blood: Ex. 7:14–24. Parallel Rev 8:8-9 Rev 11;6  Rev 16:3-6

2. Frogs: Ex. 7:25–8:15. Parallel Rev16:13-14 But not mentioned as a judgement

3. Lice: Ex. 8:16–19. No real mention in Revelation apart from a possibility in Rev 6:8 as "The Beasts"

4. Flies: Ex. 8:20–32. Possible Parallel Revelation 6:8 "The Beasts"

5. Diseased Livestock (Animal Pestilence:) Exodus 9:3-4   Rev 6:8
6. Boils: Ex. 9:8–12. Parallel Rev 16:2

7. Thunderstorm of hail : Ex. 9:13–35. Parallel Revelation 8:7

8. Locusts: Ex. 10:1–20. Parallel Rev 9:3-4

9. Darkness for three days Ex. 10:21–29. Parallel Rev 8:12 Rev 16:10

10. Death of firstborn sons: Ex. 11:1–12:3. Parallel  Rev 19:19-21

Exodus and Revelation Bible Quotes comparison

Exodus 7:17-18 Rivers to Blood Parallel Revelation 8:8-9

Exodus 7:17-18
17. Thus saith the LORD, In this thou shalt know that I am the LORD: behold, I will smite with the rod that is in mine hand upon the waters which are in the river, and they shall be turned to blood.

18. And the fish that is in the river shall die, and the river shall stink; and the Egyptians shall lothe to drink of the water of the river.

Revelation 8:8-9
8. And the second angel sounded, and as it were a great mountain burning with fire was cast into the sea: and the third part of the sea became blood;

9. And the third part of the creatures which were in the sea, and had life, died; and the third part of the ships were destroyed.

Frogs: Exodus 8:6. Parallel Revelation 16:12-14
Exodus 8:6 And Aaron stretched out his hand over the waters of Egypt; and the frogs came up, and covered the land of Egypt.

Revelation 16:12-14
 12. And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

Lice: Exodus 8:16-17.  Parallel No direct mention to Lice in Revelation but see Revelation 6:8

Exodus 8:16-17
16. And the LORD said unto Moses, Say unto Aaron, Stretch out thy rod, and smite the dust of the land, that it may become lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

17. And they did so; for Aaron stretched out his hand with his rod, and smote the dust of the earth, and it became lice in man, and in beast; all the dust of the land became lice throughout all the land of Egypt.

Possibly Revelation 6:8
8. 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.

Flies: Exodus 8:21-22 Parallel Rev 6:8 "The Beasts"

Exodus 8:21-22
21. Else, if thou wilt not let my people go, behold, I will send swarms of flies upon thee, and upon thy servants, and upon thy people, and into thy houses: and the houses of the Egyptians shall be full of swarms of flies, and also the ground whereon they are.

22. And I will sever in that day the land of Goshen, in which my people dwell, that no swarms of flies shall be there; to the end thou mayest know that I am the LORD in the midst of the earth.

Revelation 6:8
8. 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.


Pestilence on Cattle Exodus 9:3-4.  Parallel remotely Rev 6:8

Exodus 9:3-4
3. Behold, the hand of the LORD is upon thy cattle which is in the field, upon the horses, upon the asses, upon the camels, upon the oxen, and upon the sheep: there shall be a very grievous murrain.

4. And the LORD shall sever between the cattle of Israel and the cattle of Egypt: and there shall nothing die of all that is the children's of Israel.

Revelation 6:8

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.

Boils Exodus 9:8-9. Parallels Rev 16:2 Grievous Sore

Exodus 9:8-9
8. And the LORD said unto Moses and unto Aaron, Take to you handfuls of ashes of the furnace, and let Moses sprinkle it toward the heaven in the sight of Pharaoh.

9. And it shall become small dust in all the land of Egypt, and shall be a boil breaking forth with blains upon man, and upon beast, throughout all the land of Egypt.



Revelation 16:2
2. And the first went, and poured out his vial upon the earth; and there fell a noisome and grievous sore upon the men which had the mark of the beast, and upon them which worshipped his image.

Hail: Exodus 9:23-26. Parallel Revelation 8:7

Exodus 9:23-26
23. And Moses stretched forth his rod toward heaven: and the LORD sent thunder and hail, and the fire ran along upon the ground; and the LORD rained hail upon the land of Egypt.

24. So there was hail, and fire mingled with the hail, very grievous, such as there was none like it in all the land of Egypt since it became a nation.

25. And the hail smote throughout all the land of Egypt all that was in the field, both man and beast; and the hail smote every herb of the field, and brake every tree of the field.

26. Only in the land of Goshen, where the children of Israel were, was there no hail.

Revelation 8:7
7. The first angel sounded, and there followed hail and fire mingled with blood, and they were cast upon the earth: and the third part of trees was burnt up, and all green grass was burnt up.


Locusts: Exodus 10:13-15. Parallels Rev 9:3-4

Exodus 10:13-15
13. And Moses stretched forth his rod over the land of Egypt, and the LORD brought an east wind upon the land all that day, and all that night; and when it was morning, the east wind brought the locusts.

14. And the locusts went up over all the land of Egypt, and rested in all the coasts of Egypt: very grievous were they; before them there were no such locusts as they, neither after them shall be such.

15. For they covered the face of the whole earth, so that the land was darkened; and they did eat every herb of the land, and all the fruit of the trees which the hail had left: and there remained not any green thing in the trees, or in the herbs of the field, through all the land of Egypt.

Revelation 9:3-4
3. And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.

4. And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.

Darkness: Exodus 10:21-23 Parallel  Rev 8:12 & 16:10

Exodus 10:21-23
21. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.

22. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days:

23. They saw not one another, neither rose any from his place for three days: but all the children of Israel had light in their dwellings.

Revelation 8:12
And the fourth angel sounded, and the third part of the sun was smitten, and the third part of the moon, and the third part of the stars; so as the third part of them was darkened, and the day shone not for a third part of it, and the night likewise.

Revelation 16:10

And the fifth angel poured out his vial upon the seat of the beast; and his kingdom was full of darkness; and they gnawed their tongues for pain,

SUMMARY

The Book of Revelation contains 21 judgements and some but not all bear more than a passing resemblance to one of the ten plagues mentioned in Exodus 7-11. This is surely no coincidence.

It has been noted throughout the Bible that four judgements keep recurring and that is The Beasts, The Sword, Pestilence and Famine. The Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse mentioned in Revelation 6 as the Fourth Seal of Revelation contains all four of these Judgements in some shape or form, again this is no coincidence.

The last plague The Torah describes God as actually passing through Egypt to kill all firstborn children and cattle, but passing over the houses which have the sign of lambs' blood on the doorpost and leaving them unaffected, hence the Jewish festival of Passover. A similar situation exists in Revelation but this time the distinguishing mark is in and on the person and not externally on a building.

Revelation 9:4
They were commanded not to harm the grass of the earth, or any green thing, or any tree, but only those men who do not have the seal of God on their foreheads.

This distinction was made throughout the ten plagues of Egypt where Moses and The Children of Israel remained unaffected by any one of the ten plagues. In Revelation a similar distinction is made but this time it will be Christians who will be unaffected either by being ruptured out before the tribulation and being present during some of it and being unaffected.

The Locusts in Exodus were real live locusts that destroyed every green thing, but the locusts mentioned in Revelation sound completely different where they are told not to touch vegetation but to seek those with the mark of the beast. They also sound like either helicopters or drones?

The similarities between Exodus and Revelation are not 100% but they are compelling enough to see that there are similarities there that cannot be ignored or denied.

Why is this? It's because the source is constant. It's just another illustrator that times change but God does not change and neither do his judgements, they seem to have an uncanny similarity throughout the Old Testament and seem to repeat themselves in the last book of the New Testament the Book of Revelation but with some updated  new additions with a few twists and turns thrown into the mix to keep people on their toes but the source will never be in denial.

The Rise of China and Bible Prophecy?

What role does China have to play in Revelation Prophecy

The rise of China and Bible Prophecy. While most of the World is focusing on America, Russia and the Middle East or even North Korea for any signs of the beginnings of World War 3 or Armageddon, there is a massive nation that is quietly moving strategically in military terms and expanding it's horizons beyond it's own shores. This has been happening especially in the last decade or so. That Nation is China.

Currently the worlds No2 only topped by the US, but the gap is narrowing at a frightening rate and increasingly in some respects China is the Worlds No1. With the recent headlines demonstrating that China is branching out beyond it's shores and laying claim to the South China Seas building man made islands. The even later headlines lay claim that China has almost completed a military base in Africa, the purpose of this base remains unclear but a China military expansion overseas seems to be the reason.

China has indeed awakened from a centuries old economic sleep induced by communism and woken up by Westernisation. With the increased Westernisation of the Economy these are giving rise to indications within the Nation itself that an economic No1 power house is in the making that will eclipse the US very soon. Of the ten tallest buildings in the world, seven of them are in China! City building in China is also progressing at a rapid rate and China's exports are renowned for flooding the world market with products at such a low price they stifle all global competition. Take a look on eBay to see this in action. China is also one of the largest purchasers of US debt in effect propping the US economy and keeping confidence in the US Dollar. What would happen if China ceased doing this is something that Western economists fret over daily. An economic war is already underway and it looks like China is starting to focus increasingly on strengthening it's already considerable military might.

BUT is China mentioned in Bible Prophecy as one of the countries that could feature in a World War 3 situation. Book of Revelation Prophecy and especially Ezekiel which actually names the countries that will be involved in a potential World War 3 scenario, but most if not all are focused on countries in the Middle East region or surrounding area. So does China feature in Bible Prophecy? Is the recent military muscle flexing an indication of that fact, or are the recent China military headlines of no Biblical Prophetic interest whatsoever?

Revelation 9:14-18 is often quoted as the Bible verse that hints a strong possibility of the might of the Chinese military which surpasses anything on this planet that is land based.

Revelation 9 The Sixth Trumpet
14. Saying to the sixth angel which had the trumpet, Loose the four angels which are bound in the great river Euphrates.

15. And the four angels were loosed, which were prepared for an hour, and a day, and a month, and a year, for to slay the third part of men.

16. And the number of the army of the horsemen were two hundred thousand thousand: and I heard the number of them.

17. And thus I saw the horses in the vision, and them that sat on them, having breastplates of fire, and of jacinth, and brimstone: and the heads of the horses were as the heads of lions; and out of their mouths issued fire and smoke and brimstone.

18. By these three was the third part of men killed, by the fire, and by the smoke, and by the brimstone, which issued out of their mouths.

Countries mentioned in Ezekiel 38 and 39 mentioned in the KJV include Gog, Magog, Rosh, Meshech, Tubal (verse 1), Persia, Ethiopia, Libya (verse 5), Gomer, and Togarmah (verse 6). Most Bible scholars agree Rosh and Magog = Russia and its satellites; Meshech and Tubal = Russia or Turkey; Persia = Iran, Cush = Sudan; Put = Libya; Gomer and Togarmah = Turkey. The leading nations mentioned are the grandsons of Noah through his son Japheth mentioned in Genesis 10:1-2. Magog is the 2nd son; Tubal the 5th; and Meshech is the 6th.

There is reference to something that vaguely could be China in the Old Testament that includes from the very beginning of the Bible in Genesis and also by one of the major Prophets as in Isaiah.

Some Bible scholars state that China is mentioned as "the Sinite" and are referred to in Genesis 10:17

17. And the Hivite, and the Arkite, and the Sinite,

China is also possibly mentioned again in Isaiah 49:12 as where the "land of Sinim" is located.

12. Behold, these shall come from far: and, lo, these from the north and from the west; and these from the land of Sinim.

The "Sinites" along with other races settled in the what we call today the East which is today called China. These people became scattered after the destruction of the Tower of Babel mentioned in Revelation 11:1-9 (see foot of article)

BUT it is in The Book of Revelation where we find a much more solid reference to something that is coming from the "The East"

Revelation 16 The Sixth Vial (Bowl)
12. And the sixth angel poured out his vial upon the great river Euphrates; and the water thereof was dried up, that the way of the kings of the east might be prepared.

13. And I saw three unclean spirits like frogs come out of the mouth of the dragon, and out of the mouth of the beast, and out of the mouth of the false prophet.

14. For they are the spirits of devils, working miracles, which go forth unto the kings of the earth and of the whole world, to gather them to the battle of that great day of God Almighty.

15. Behold, I come as a thief. Blessed is he that watcheth, and keepeth his garments, lest he walk naked, and they see his shame.

16. And he gathered them together into a place called in the Hebrew tongue Armageddon.


The River Euphrates is mentioned in both the Sixth Seal and the Sixth Vial of Revelation. Some say these two judgement events run parallel at similar times, others say they are approx 3.5 years apart due to the chronology of Revelation which again some agree with and some do not. The River Euphrates has always been a border between East and West and is one of the first four rivers mentioned in the Bible in the Garden of Eden which gets mentioned again in Revelation above.

Genesis 2:14. And the name of the third river is Hiddekel: that is it which goeth toward the east of Assyria. And the fourth river is Euphrates.

The symbol of the nation of China by no coincidence is the Dragon and the nation has always embraced religions such as Taoism, Confucianism and Buddhism which fly in the face of Christianity. The recent headlines showing an increase in Christian persecution in recent years reinforces this view in post communist China.

Here are some rules enforced on Christians in China which number below 1% of the population.

1. Christians are consistently forbidden the right to do any public evangelism of any kind. Private worship is reluctantly permitted but gospel preaching is banned. (Russia is following this lead)
2. Directives to the state-controlled churches warn pastors not to preach the message of Revelation.
3. Sunday School teachers are not allowed to discuss the "day of the Lord" predicted in both the Old and New Testaments.
4. The Olivet Discourse, recorded in three of the four Gospels is forbidden (the most important outline of prophecy in Scripture).
Information courtesy The Prophetic Significance of the rise of China as a World Power http://according2prophecy.org

Conclusions:
China is not directly referenced or mentioned in the Bible in the Old or New Testament, but it is mentioned a number of times indirectly and looks possibly to be part of the Battle of Armageddon. Certainly the nations movements and actions and increased military focus look to be moving towards fulfilling Bible Prophecy and China is a nation that cannot be ignored in global terms nor in Biblical Prophecy terms either.


Further reading:
The Prophetic Significance of the rise of China as a World Power http://according2prophecy.org


Bible Quote:
Genesis 11:1-9 The Destruction of the Tower of Babel
1 And the whole earth was of one language, and of one speech.

2 And it came to pass, as they journeyed from the east, that they found a plain in the land of Shinar; and they dwelt there.

3 And they said one to another, Go to, let us make brick, and burn them thoroughly. And they had brick for stone, and slime had they for morter.

4 And they said, Go to, let us build us a city and a tower, whose top may reach unto heaven; and let us make us a name, lest we be scattered abroad upon the face of the whole earth.

5 And the Lord came down to see the city and the tower, which the children of men builded.

6 And the Lord said, Behold, the people is one, and they have all one language; and this they begin to do: and now nothing will be restrained from them, which they have imagined to do.

7 Go to, let us go down, and there confound their language, that they may not understand one another's speech.

8 So the Lord scattered them abroad from thence upon the face of all the earth: and they left off to build the city.

9 Therefore is the name of it called Babel; because the Lord did there confound the language of all the earth: and from thence did the Lord scatter them abroad upon the face of all the earth.

The Seventh Seal of Revelation and the significance of the Number 7?

An in depth look at the Seventh Seal of Revelation, the final seal that is opened mentioned in the Book of Revelation at the beginning of Chapter 8 that states there was silence in heaven for about half an hour. This final seal is opened before the next group of judgements commence (the 7 Trumpet judgements) which again are 7 in number.

This one infamous verse contains just 20 words

Revelation 8:1
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

That is it!

To most people this verse is self explanatory and states that there was silence in heaven for approximately half an hour after the opening of the seventh seal, END of analysis. BUT there are some significant things mentioned in this Bible verse and as with most Bible verses the meanings can run deeper than the initial first impressions.

An in depth analysis of this Bible Verse at The Twelve Gates You Tube



This Seventh Seal follows after the Sixth Seal which includes dramatic signs in the Cosmos and here down on earth and the Seventh is a complete contrast to the preceding Sixth Seal.

According to my Hard copy of the KJV Bible, this verse has just one cross reference and that is Revelation 6:1

And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.

This is in relation to the First Seal of Revelation and quotes a "noise of thunder" upon the opening of this seal which is in direct contrast to the seventh seal which is "silence in heaven". Is this silence a pre-judgement or pregnant pause before the Trumpet judgements begin? Does this signify "Prayers in heaven" before the Trumpet judgements commence. Is it a pause for people to consider and repent of their sins on this earth? There are a multitude of questions that this raises.

To get a greater understanding of what the Seventh Seal is all about the key words of this verse need to be analysed closer which are the following:

"he", "seventh", "silence" and "half an hour". Heaven is the other prominent word but in the context of this verse is self explanatory.

1. Who is the "He" that is mentioned in Revelation 8:1

"He" is the only person that was worthy to open the Seven Seals on the Scroll or Book mentioned in Revelation 5 and that is the "Lamb" as in Jesus himself.

2. What is the significance of the "half hour" mentioned in Revelation 7:1
A prophetic Week is 7 years as in Daniels 70 weeks Prophecy Daniel 9:24-27 refers to the seven year tribulation period as in the final week being a prophetic week, and Revelation 6 begins the seven years of judgement.

A prophetic Day = 1 Year

A prophetic Hour = 1/24 of 1 year which is just over 2 weeks depending on which calendar you use

A prophetic half hour = 1 week or just over

3. What is the significance of the "Silence"?

Silence is a powerful tool and especially after the turmoil of the first six seals of Revelation. A moment of silence, even very short, is like a holy stop, a sabbatical rest and in this situation this "silence in heaven for half an hour" which could mean a prophetic half hour as in just over a week down here on earth gives time for contemplation about what has happened previously and more important what is next on the horizon.

Three Bible quotes below summarise Silence in Biblical terms

Job 29:21 - Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel.

Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him.

Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed, and he was afflicted, yet he opened not his mouth: he is brought as a lamb to the slaughter, and as a sheep before her shearers is dumb, so he openeth not his mouth.

3. The Significance of the Seventh Seal and the Number 7 in the Bible

Numerology is not part of the Christian faith BUT the Number 7 does appear an incredible number of times and this is not by accident. The Number Seven appears 735 times in the Bible and 54 times in the Book of Revelation. It is a very significant number in the Bible, and is mentioned many times throughout the Old and New Testament. No more so than the Book of Revelation which mentions the number 7 more than the whole of the other Books in the New Testament combined.

The Number Seven in the Old Testament

If we go back to the very beginning of the Old Testament where God created the world. From the very beginning in Genesis God created this earth and all that dwells in it. He did this in six days and rested on the seventh.

Genesis 2:1-3
1. Thus the heavens and the earth were finished, and all the host of them.
2. And on the seventh day God ended his work which he had made; and he rested on the seventh day from all his work which he had made.
3. And God blessed the seventh day, and sanctified it: because that in it he had rested from all his work which God created and made.

The Sabbath Day as mentioned in Deuteronomy 5:12
Keep the sabbath day to sanctify it, as the LORD thy God hath commanded thee.

The Sabbath Day is for those who follow the "Law" or "The Old Covenant" as in the Jewish people, is the 7th day and is also a day of rest. The number seven has always been regarded as representing fullness or completion and the Sabbath Day in the Jewish Faith represents the completion of a week.

Another example of the number Seven is again in Genesis in the Times of Noah just before the flood. Noah was instructed to take every clean beast and fowls. male and female by "sevens" and pairs and not clean by "twos". The most important statement was Noah had to be inside the Ark for 7 days prior to the flood not a day sooner or later, before the floods came which would last 40 days and 40 nights.

Noah Genesis 7:1-4

1. And the LORD said unto Noah, Come thou and all thy house into the ark; for thee have I seen righteous before me in this generation.
2. Of every clean beast thou shalt take to thee by sevens, the male and his female: and of beasts that are not clean by two, the male and his female.
3. Of fowls also of the air by sevens, the male and the female; to keep seed alive upon the face of all the earth.
4. For yet seven days, and I will cause it to rain upon the earth forty days and forty nights; and every living substance that I have made will I destroy from off the face of the earth.

Joshua is another instance of the Number 7 in action in the Old Testament where he and the Israelites marched round Jericho for Six days and on the seventh day he made seven circuits and then seven priests blew seven trumpets outside the Jericho city walls before the city fell. Not six, not eight but SEVEN

Joshua 6:3-4
3. And ye shall compass the city, all ye men of war, and go round about the city once. Thus shalt thou do six days.
4. And seven priests shall bear before the ark seven trumpets of rams' horns: and the seventh day ye shall compass the city seven times, and the priests shall blow with the trumpets.

The law for animal sacrifice for the Jews is they must be at least seven days old

Exodus 22:30 command for animals to be at least seven days old before being used for sacrifice

Also the Number Seven is referenced when it comes to punishment for sins under the Law in the Old Testament

Leviticus 26:18
And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins.

There were seven stems on the lamp stand in the tabernacle
Exodus 25:37. And thou shalt make the seven lamps thereof: and they shall light the lamps thereof, that they may give light over against it

The Number 7 in the New Testament

Jesus performed seven miracles on God's holy Sabbath Day including healing a mans the withered hand (Matthew 12:9), casting out an unclean spirit that possessed a man (Mark 1:21), healing of Peter's wife's mother of a fever (Mark 1:29)a woman made sick by a demon for eighteen years, is freed from it (Luke 13:11), heals a man with dropsy (Luke 14:2) heals a disabled man who cannot walk (John 5:8) heals a blind man (John 9:14)


With the line beginning "Woe unto you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites!" mentioned 7 times in Matthew 23 Jesus mentions seven woes (or judgements) on those who refuse to repent (Matthew 23 Verses 13,14,15, 23, 25,27,29). There are also seven parables mentioned in Matthew 13.

There were seven divine qualities or attributes of the Messiah mentioned in Isaiah 11:2 mentioned below (numbers in brackets inserted)

Isaiah 11:2 And the (1) spirit of the LORD shall rest upon him, the spirit of (2) wisdom and (3) understanding, the spirit of (4) counsel and (5) might, the spirit of (6) knowledge and of the (7) fear of the LORD;

Seven is mentioned numerous times in the Book of Revelation including seven churches, seven Spirits, seven golden lamp stands, seven stars, seven lamps, seven seals, seven horns, seven eyes, seven angels, seven trumpets, seven thunders, seven heads, seven crowns, seven angels, seven plagues, seven vials or bowls, seven mountains, seven kings.

A total of over 50 times the number "seven" is mentioned giving the overall theme of the last Book of the New Testament and the Bible itself of completion and perfection but also judgement.


Summary

The Number Seven is used more than 700 Hundred Times in the Bible. The number seven in the Bible represents divine perfection, totality or completion. Six is representative of Mankind and gives an indication of 1 short of perfection. The Book of Revelation is the summary of many great climatic events that will bring God’s work to completion and perfection and the mention of the Number 7, fifty four times reinforces that message.

So looking at Revelation 8:1 again
And when he had opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven about the space of half an hour.

This on the surface simple Bible verse contains a very powerful statement within it when scrutinised more closely. The Silence is possibly a contemplative period and/or possibly a period of rest just as God rested on the seventh day after the 6 days of creation mentioned in Genesis. The Seventh Seal represents divine perfection and completion as represented countless times throughout the Old and New Testament and is part of the first group of SEVEN judgements called "The Seals". The seventh itself is not a judgement but instead Silence and represents the opposite of the First Seal (sound of Thunder) and also the silence is the exact opposite of which is to follow which is the 7 Trumpet judgements. It could possibly represent silence via prayer in heaven of the Saints?

The time period on first inspection looks to be as stated in Revelation 8:1 to be "about the space of half an hour" but this could be a "Prophetic Half Hour" in Heaven which equates down here in earth time to just about over a week. A minutes silence when observed seems like a long time, a half hour would be incredibly more so, but a week would seem like an eternity. Just like everything in the Book of Revelation, the signs and wonders and events that occur are stated as things that have never been seen before and will never be seen again as mentioned in Matthew 24:21

For then shall be great tribulation, such as was not since the beginning of the world to this time, no, nor ever shall be.

These events which will form the Tribulation are designed to make the world sit up and take notice and take action before it is too late. They cannot be normal everyday events, they have to be something unmistakable that is mentioned in the Bible. The silence you could say is a pause and warning of more to come and the fact that it is prolonged gives ample time to think, reflect and take corrective action before the next round of judgements begin which are the very loud and even more dramatic 7 Trumpet Judgements.

The Fifth Seal of Revelation Prophecy and Martyred Christians

The Fifth Seal of Revelation is one of the last three seals that come after the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse and is contained in 3 verses in Revelation Chapter 6 Verses 9-11 listed below. This article will go into detail on what this Fifth Seal represents and how it differs from the others, but it will be kept simple and to the point because this topic has the potential to balloon into an article that is absolutely monumental in size.

The First Four Seals are according to my interpretation dark forces released onto the earth in the form of the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. They take place right here on earth. There are a vast number of other interpretations out there, but these are what I think these Horseman represent. The Sixth Seal heralds natural disasters on this earth and the effects on certain groups of people (elite non believers) and unmistakable signs in the Cosmos. The seventh seal is out there on it's own and is purely "silence in heaven" and needs no further explanation.

After the Fourth Seal, there's no announcement by any beast or animal or power for the Fifth, Sixth, or Seventh Seal of Revelation and it's the fifth Seal that is the focus of this article.



The Fifth Seal has very strong connotations in relation to Christians on first reading, but is it? This fifth seal also brings up other possible topics such as the Rapture especially the Pre-Tribulation Rapture which again is another whole topic entirely. See Is the Rapture Pre or Post Tribulation. It also ties up with Mystery Babylon but again that is a separate topic. See Who or What is Mystery Babylon. The main theme on first reading of the Opening of the Fifth Seal which is being opened by the Lamb (Jesus) himself is the Bible promises us that large-scale persecutions and martyring of the saints will take place before Christ's return. No numbers are mentioned here but Martyrs in the millions looks to be the general indication.

The Fifth Seal also raises the question whether the souls that were slain under the altar are the result of Jesus opening the fifth seal or were the result of the Four Seals or Four Horseman of the Apocalypse that were opened preceding this Fifth Seal. The main emphasis of the First Four Seals are death by famine, war, pestilence and the Beasts it is not made clear whether Christians are targeted during the First Four Seals.

Here are the three infamous verses that reveal what the Fifth Seal of Revelation is all about.

Revelation 6:9-11 The Fifth Seal of Revelation
9. And when he had opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of them that were slain for the word of God, and for the testimony which they held:
10. 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?
11. And white robes were given unto every one of them; and it was said unto them, that they should rest yet for a little season, until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled.

This has strong parallels with Matthew 24:9-10 mentioned during the Olivet Discourse and these are the words of Jesus to his disciples saying what will happen before his Second Coming

9. Then shall they deliver you up to be afflicted, and shall kill you: and ye shall be hated of all nations for my name's sake.
10. And then shall many be offended, and shall betray one another, and shall hate one another.

Afflicted and kill are the words that stand out in these two verses.

Questions that the Fifth Seal raises within these three verses mentioned in Revelation 6:9-11

1. What is the Fifth Seal about in General.
2. Who are the souls slain for the word of God and what is the altar?
3. Why do these souls sound unchristian and ask God when will their blood be avenged?
4. What is the significance of the White Robes.
5. What is meant by the term "they should rest for a little season" and how long is that in time terms?
6. Who are the fellow servants and their brethren that will get killed just as they were?

This article will attempt to answer those questions.


Question 1 Answer: What is the Fifth Seal all about?
The fifth seal in no uncertain terms makes it clear that mankind will go through a great test and this will apply to believers and non believers alike. The growing anti-sentiment towards Christianity and probably Jews as well (Anti Semitism) will give rise to an increase in Persecution (which we are seeing now) Those who truly believe will choose something more precious than life and will be willing to lose their life for their faith and testimony of Jesus. Those loyal to God and His Word will choose death rather than submit to anything else. The saints will do this because their faith in God will be more important than their love for life as demonstrated in Revelation 12

Revelation 12:11 And they overcame him by the blood of the Lamb, and by the word of their testimony; and they loved not their lives unto the death.

Death, Loved not their lives and the "word of their testimony" being paramount here.

Testimony can be further summed up in Luke 21 where it is mentioned the destruction of the temple and what will happen in the End Times .

Luke 21:12-19
12. But before all these, they shall lay their hands on you, and persecute you, delivering you up to the synagogues, and into prisons, being brought before kings and rulers for my name's sake.
13. And it shall turn to you for a testimony.
14. Settle it therefore in your hearts, not to meditate before what ye shall answer:
15. For I will give you a mouth and wisdom, which all your adversaries shall not be able to gainsay nor resist.
16. And ye shall be betrayed both by parents, and brethren, and kinsfolks, and friends; and some of you shall they cause to be put to death.
17. And ye shall be hated of all men for my name's sake.
18. But there shall not an hair of your head perish.
19. In your patience possess ye your souls.

Question 2 Answer: Who are the souls slain for the word of God under the Altar and what is the altar?

In Revelation 6:9 the souls mentioned are underneath the altar. Some say The word “souls” is to be taken as the equivalent of “lives”; the vision tells that their lives had been sacrificed. Some say this possibly suggests that sacrifices were killed on the altar that is located in Heaven. Is this the case? and who were the souls?

There are many interpretations for these souls that are under the altar mentioned in Revelation 6:9. Sacrifices were made frequently as part of the Jewish faith and were part of the law that the Jews were under under in the Old Covenant mentioned in the Old Testament in Leviticus but this was in relation to animal sacrifices.

Leviticus 4:7. And the priest shall put some of the blood upon the horns of the altar of sweet incense before the LORD, which is in the tabernacle of the congregation; and shall pour all the blood of the bullock at the bottom of the altar of the burnt offering, which is at the door of the tabernacle of the congregation.

When an animal sacrifice was killed on the altar, its blood flowed down to the bottom of the altar and under it. The soul of the flesh is in the blood as mentioned in Leviticus 17

Levticus 17:11. For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you upon the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that maketh an atonement for the soul.

What Revelation 6:9 implies is that the Martyred Saints all were offered to God as sacrifices on the altar in heaven and that their blood, their life, was shed there and the result is their position is under the altar.

An altar is mentioned an additional seven times in the book of Revelation, and in six of them, it refers to the golden incense altar that stands before the throne of God in heaven (see Revelation 8:3-5; 9:13; 14:18; 16:7). The only exception to this appears in Revelation 11:1.

And there was given me a reed like unto a rod: and the angel stood, saying, Rise, and measure the temple of God, and the altar, and them that worship therein.

This interpretation leads to the possibility that these under the Altar may have been Jewish or Jews that turned to and believed in Jesus? However there is one indication that runs contrary to this theory that sacrifices were made in heaven and that is Revelation 6:10

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?

Avenge our blood on them that dwell on the earth suggests that they were Martyred for their belief and faith on earth and not in heaven which is the conclusion which would be reached if Revelation 6:9 was read in isolation.

Moving onto the souls that were slain. Before martyrdom sets in; persecution must have started to occur. In our present times professing Christians are suffering and dying for their beliefs in predominantly Muslim and Communist nations. This will spread when the Fifth Seal is opened and will become global. Current headlines are suggesting that this seal is close to be being opened or is slowly being opened now. The view that Souls in the vision of Revelation equates to "lives" has an element of truth here.

The question that is raised is, are these souls slain for the Word of God under the altar actually Christians or Jews? Why were these people slain? They were killed or sacrificed for their belief in the Word of God, and for the testimony which they held. Some say these are the saints awaiting the resurrection prior to the opening of the Fifth Seal but in reality it is difficult to fathom who these souls really are.

Question 3 Answer: Why do these souls act unchristian like and ask God when will their blood be avenged?

On first impressions with the tone that these martyrs or souls under the altar cry out does not sound like Martyrs of the Christian Church. Christians are all about "Forgiveness" and would not cry to be "avenged". A good example of this is the First Christian Martyr mentioned in the Bible which is Stephen. If we take the situation of Stephen mentioned in Acts when he was stoned to death for his faith and this was witnessed by Paul (then named Saul) Stephen said these words before he died:

Acts 7:58-60
58. And cast him out of the city, and stoned him: and the witnesses laid down their clothes at a young man's feet, whose name was Saul.
59. And they stoned Stephen, calling upon God, and saying, Lord Jesus, receive my spirit.
60. And he kneeled down, and cried with a loud voice, Lord, lay not this sin to their charge. And when he had said this, he fell asleep.

Jesus at Calvary on the cross said a similar thing

Luke 23:34
Then said Jesus, Father, forgive them; for they know not what they do. And they parted his raiment, and cast lots.
In the Christian Faith this is called "Forgiveness" a major character trait of any Christian. However both Jesus and Stephen were on earth at the time and alive, the souls mentioned in the Fifth Seal of Revelation are not alive in human form and are in heaven and not on earth. Some say these cries from these souls are from Jews and not Christians. This is difficult to prove. The other side of the argument, many others say, these cries were from souls that knew their blood would be avenged but needed to know when their blood would be avenged. The fact remains we don't really know.


Question 4 Answer What is the significance of the White Robes?

White robes are a symbol of purity and of salvation. The souls that are crying out are not yet resurrected bodies but they are given White Robes none the less. According to Ellicotts Commentary

They are robes of righteousness (Revelation 19:8); they are robes of honour (Revelation 4:4), for those who wear them are like God, seeing Him as He is, reflecting His image; they are acknowledged to be His, as they have acknowledged Him to be their God. Persecuted on earth, they are honoured in heaven.

According to Benson Commentary white robes were given:
As a token of their justification, and favourable acceptance with God; of their victory and triumph over death, their joy and glory.


Question 5 Answer What is meant by the term "they should rest for a little season" and how long is that in time terms?

No one really knows how long a season or a little season is. Some say it could be months, others say it could be years. A season can mean many things but literally it can mean a period of 3 months as in the Seasons of the Year. Taking a "little season" literally could mean a month but taking into account the number implied by the statement "until their fellow servants also and their brethren, that should be killed as they were, should be fulfilled" mentioned in Revelation 6:11 which could mean millions, 1 month or so sounds a relatively unrealistic time period.

Question 6 Answer: 6. Who are the fellow servants and their brethren that will get killed just as they were?

Until their fellow servants also, and their brethren (Jews) that should be killed, as they were, should be fulfilled" mentioned in Revelation 6:11. Some say this promise is fulfilled in Rev. 20:4-6 and also seems to be indicated in Revelation 7:9 with the multitude that is mentioned there which are described as coming out of "great tribulation" 8see video). Some views say that these are those that are Raptured and not Martyred, others say this multitude were Martyred and not Raptured. These are the Saints that Daniel foresaw would receive the Kingdom in Dan. 7:27.

Daniel 7:27
And the kingdom and dominion, and the greatness of the kingdom under the whole heaven, shall be given to the people of the saints of the most High, whose kingdom is an everlasting kingdom, and all dominions shall serve and obey him.
Other theories include the mentioning of the word "avenged" in Revelation 19 in connection with Mystery Babylon mentioned in that Chapter.

Revelation 19:2
For true and righteous are his judgements: for he hath judged the great whore, which did corrupt the earth with her fornication, and hath avenged the blood of his servants at her hand.

There are other points throughout Revelation where "fellow servants" that get martyred could be applied including Revelation 13

Revelation 13:15. And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.

Those that would not worship the image of the beast it can be safely said must be Christians who were in the faith for some time or are new believers as a result of the Tribulation Period.

Summary

There are a huge number of interpretations for the Book of Revelation and even the Fifth Seal but most are in agreement that that Fifth Seal is the Martyring of the Saints. The opening of the Fifth Seal marks a watershed in the Christian faith between those that were martyred in the past and those that have yet to be martyred. It is difficult just by using the three verses of Revelation 6:9-11 to fathom whether the souls under the altar are Jews or whether they are Jews that became Christians and were martyred, or whether they are Martyred Christians from the past?

But the overwhelming evidence is that The Fifth Seal of Revelation is about the "sacrifice" of a persons life for the belief in God's word and having the "Testimony of Jesus". It is all about Martyrdom. This Bible verse sums up the Christian faith in a nutshell.

Luke 14:26. If any man come to me, and hate not his father, and mother, and wife, and children, and brethren, and sisters, yea, and his own life also, he cannot be my disciple.
If Jesus was the human sacrifice on the cross for our sins as in John 3:16 then it can be guaranteed that as Christians we are carrying our very own cross to our very own personal Calvary and we will become a sacrifice for our faith in God's Word and Witness and Belief in Jesus Christ.

John 3:16
For God so loved the world, that he gave his only begotten Son, that whosoever believeth in him should not perish, but have everlasting life.

Acts 1:8
8. But ye shall receive power, after that the Holy Ghost is come upon you: and ye shall be witnesses unto me both in Jerusalem, and in all Judaea, and in Samaria, and unto the uttermost part of the earth.

Who is the mysterious First Horseman of the Apocalypse?

Who or what is the mysterious rider on the white horse mentioned as the First Horseman of the Apocalypse in the Book of Revelation in Chapter 6? Not much is mentioned about this character which leaves this character wide open to all sorts of interpretation. There are just a few distinguishing signs but not much else. There are answers out there but none seem to nail this character.

This article will take an in depth look at the First Horseman of the Apocalypse which is the First Seal of Revelation to see who it is (if anybody), or what it is (maybe not a person). Also what does it represent and what does it bring. This is the First Horseman that is part of the other three that make up the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. Has the First Seal of Revelation been opened, or is it in the process of being opened, or is the seal still closed. Has it been opened recently or has it been opened in the past as in nearly 2000 years ago. Some say this First Seal was opened when the very beginnings of the Institutional Church was created?

The relevant Bible verse mentioned in Revelation Chapter 6 is as below

Revelation 6:1-2
1. And I saw when the Lamb opened one of the seals, and I heard, as it were the noise of thunder, one of the four beasts saying, Come and see.
2. 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.

This video from The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel goes into great detail on this character using Bible Software performing a Bible Study and Bible Prophecy Analysis.




This picture I think sums up who his character is. This rider rides on a White Horse and carries a bow and he uses this bow but without any arrows. He wears a crown and the picture seems to depict people at his feet seemingly in adoration?


The current theories on the First Horseman of the Apocalypse?
Some have the theory that this rider on the White Horse is Jesus because Jesus rides on a White Horse in Chapter 19 when he arrives as the Second Coming or The Return of the Messiah moments before the Battle of Armageddon and before the creation of the Millennial Kingdom. Others say it is the Anti Christ also known as The Beast. Others say it represents the Spirit or Force of the Anti Christ as in not him in person but the force or spirit of Anti Christ instead.

Yet others think it is something else completely different maybe the rise of False Prophets and False Preachers we are experiencing in our modern times. Some say it could be the False Prophet himself. Some say it could be the Institutional Church . Some say this rider comes in the name of peace, some others say he comes in the name of war, signified by the bow and the words conquer and conquering. Others say he comes in the name of deception and falseness. This article will take a look at all these possible theories, to see which theory ties in with scripture.

All these questions are tackled to see what the Bible says about this mysterious character and how this First Horseman of the Apocalypse represented by The First Seal of Revelation plays a crucial role in the Revelation Prophecy penned by St John the Divine and how it possibly relates to the Second Horseman of the Apocalypse and the rider on the Red Horse.

Who is the Rider on the White Horse?
There are many interpretations on the Book of Revelation out there on the web and in book and video form, each comes up with a convincing argument. Whether this is correct remains to be seen?

Very limited information is given about this rider on the White Horse which means it is open to all sorts of interpretation:

1. he has a bow but no arrows are mentioned?
2. He comes conquering and to conquer but there is no mention of war or killing.
3. He wears a single crown which suggests he has or is given authority over many people.
4. He rides on a White Horse which is very similar to the one that Jesus rides ,on his return or Second Coming mentioned in Revelation 19.

The key elements with this character are the "bow with no arrows" and the "single crown", the white horse and he comes "conquering and to conquer". Unlike the second horseman on the red horse which comes to remove peace and releases forces where "they shall kill one another", this rider on the white horse there is no mention of killings, war or anything associated but he does conquer but it appears not with war or force. This one I think uses a different kind of weapon which if you watch the video you will realise that it is deceit, lies and falseness.

The weapon he uses is the "Bow" which is mentioned many times in the Bible but the Bow always seems to have negative connotations rather than positive, whereas the sword is associated with war, God's judgement and righteousness. Here are a couple of examples below of the bow mentioned as a weapon as "a deceitful bow":

Psalms 78:57
But turned back, and dealt unfaithfully like their fathers: they were turned aside like a deceitful bow.

Hosea 7:16
They return, but not to the most High: they are like a deceitful bow: their princes shall fall by the sword for the rage of their tongue: this shall be their derision in the land of Egypt.

See the video for 5 more examples.

PART 1. Is the First Seal of Revelation Jesus?
Many say that this First Horseman could be Jesus but many Bible verses say otherwise.

During the Return of Jesus or the Second Coming, Jesus is described as below.

Revelation 19:11-12
11 And I saw heaven opened, and behold a white horse; and he that sat upon him was called Faithful and True, and in righteousness he doth judge and make war.
12. His eyes were as a flame of fire, and on his head were many crowns; and he had a name written, that no man knew, but he himself.

Revelation 19:14-15
14. And the armies which were in heaven followed him upon white horses, clothed in fine linen, white and clean.
15. And out of his mouth goeth a sharp sword, that with it he should smite the nations: and he shall rule them with a rod of iron: and he treadeth the winepress of the fierceness and wrath of Almighty God.

In contrast the Rider on the White Horse that is the First Horseman of the Apocalypse comes on his own, with no army, no sharp sword but instead a bow and no arrows and wears one crown instead of multiple crowns. Jesus comes to judge and make a righteous war. This First Horseman of the Apocalypse comes conquering and to conquer and no war is mentioned and he has no army. This rider on the white horse is also part of the other 3 riders that make up the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse. These Four Horseman are not actual events but demonic forces unleashed onto the earth. Would Jesus be riding or leading these 3 other Horseman?

This is a first major indicator that this First Horseman of the Apocalypse is not Jesus.

The second indicators are mentioned below:

Revelation 5:1-3 & 6-7 before the opening of the Seven Seals
1. And I saw in the right hand of him that sat on the throne a book written within and on the backside, sealed with seven seals.
2. And I saw a strong angel proclaiming with a loud voice, Who is worthy to open the book, and to loose the seals thereof?
3. And no man in heaven, nor in earth, neither under the earth, was able to open the book, neither to look thereon.

Who was worthy to Open the Seals?

Revelation 5:6-7
6. And I beheld, and, lo, in the midst of the throne and of the four beasts, and in the midst of the elders, stood a Lamb as it had been slain, having seven horns and seven eyes, which are the seven Spirits of God sent forth into all the earth.
7. And he came and took the book out of the right hand of him that sat upon the throne.

The Lamb (Jesus) is the only one worthy that can open the Seven Seals and he opens the First Seal and releases the First Horseman of the Apocalypse and the three others onto the earth, he does this whilst in heaven. If the First Horseman of the Apocalypse is Jesus how can be going forth conquering and to conquer here down on earth if he is opening the other six seals in heaven?

The First Horseman of the Apocalypse quite clearly is not Jesus in any shape or form, but possibly could be a misleading or counterfeit representation of him.

PART 2: Is the First Seal of Revelation The Anti Christ?
There is no mention of the Anti Christ often referred to as "The Beast" until Revelation 13. The opening of the Seals of Revelation takes place in Chapter 6.

Here are two Bible verses that give a good indicator of the character of the Beast or Anti Christ.

Revelation 13:6-7
6. And he opened his mouth in blasphemy against God, to blaspheme his name, and his tabernacle, and them that dwell in heaven.
7. And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.

The Beast blasphemes God and makes war with the Saints and he achieves global power through what sounds like force. Power was given unto him.

In contrast here is The First Horseman of the Apocalypse Bible Verse

Revelation 6: 2. 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.

In contrast this character on the White Horse above that appears after the opening of the First Seal of Revelation comes conquering and to conquer, but no force or power is mentioned possibly signified by the Bow with no arrow. This character seems to either conquer via peaceful methods or by some other means but force and war and certainly power are not mentioned here.

There is mentioned something about Peace in connection with the Second Horseman of the Apocalypse below.

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.

There is mention of a "Peace" that this Second Horseman takes by unleashing the forces of war which possibly suggests that the First Horseman does in fact come in "Peace" and Conquers via peaceful methods?

So is this First Horseman of the Apocalypse the Anti Christ? It certainly bears no relation to the Beast mentioned in Revelation 13 but it could be the Anti Christ arriving with a Christ like appearance to fool and deceive many?

PART 3 Is the First Seal of Revelation the Spirit or Force of Anti Christ
This is a third theory that is out there in Prophecy Circles at present and that is The First Horseman of the Apocalypse is the Spirit of Anti Christ. If you subscribe to the theory that the Four Horseman of the Apocalypse are dark forces released onto the earth that are creeping in nature and are not actual events then this First Horseman the Rider on the White Horse could be the dark forces of Deception going forth conquering not with force or war but with more peaceful methods such as falseness, lies and deceit signified by the weapon he is carrying......the Bow.

Two Bible Verses from the New Testament focusing on Matthew 24 which form part of the Olivet Discourse give a possible hint as to who this character could be. These are the words of Jesus answering his disciples when they asked him when they would know of his return


Matthew 24:5 & 11
5. For many shall come in my name, saying, I am Christ; and shall deceive many.

11. And many false prophets shall rise, and shall deceive many.

Both verses contain the word "and shall deceive many". Could it be that this rider on the White Horse actually comes in the name of Jesus, but is not Jesus but a false representation of him. Is this a Force of deception rather than a bodily person as in The Anti Christ?

2 Thessalonians 2:3
Let no man deceive you by any means: for that day shall not come, except there come a falling away first, and that man of sin be revealed, the son of perdition;

Some are saying that this First Rider on the White Horse represents falseness, lies, deceit and could indeed be "the man of sin" but does not reveal himself until Chapter 13 in Revelation. Some say that he is the Dark Force or Spirit of Anti Christ and not the Anti Christ himself and is represented by False Prophets, False Preachers and False Teachings which we see in abundance today which will cause a falling away in the Christian faith. Some even say it could be "THE False Prophet" that is also mentioned in Revelation 13.

Second Thessalonians further on in the same Chapter goes onto say this

2 Thessalonians 2:11
And for this cause God shall send them strong delusion, that they should believe a lie:

Conclusions:
The Book of Revelation has many interpretations and you can spend a lifetime trying to understand it(many do and still don't understand it). Many have written books that claim to have the "correct interpretation" but in reality the only entities that have the correct interpretation are St John the Divine who received the vision and wrote the Book of Revelation and The Lord who gave him the Vision in the first place.

Above are just my views, opinions and interpretation of what I think the First Horseman of the Apocalypse could be. It can be safely said that Jesus is not The First Horseman of the Apocalypse. Too much in the way of scripture as noted above says otherwise, but that notion cannot be dismissed entirely.

It could be The Anti Christ, but in my opinion (and it is just an opinion) this First Horseman of the Apocalypse represents the Force or Spirit of Anti Christ, which is deceit, falseness and lies represented by False Prophets, False Preachers and False Teachings. The conquering that takes place is by peaceful means but again the peace is deceitful. The weapon is deceit and I think it is aimed at Non Believers and Christians alike but especially focused on breaking up "The Church" and causing either a "falling away" or "believing a lie". The warfare that he brings his spiritual warfare. There are no physical deaths but instead "spiritual deaths" where people end up as stated in 2 Thes 2:11 above "that they should believe a lie".

This I think paves the way for the Anti Christ who appears later in Chapter 13 as "The Beast" and makes his job easier to achieve is ultimate aim and that is to declare himself as God (abomination of desolation) so everybody worships him and he takes control of the earth. In some ways the arrival of this mysterious First Horseman Character could be likened to a False Second Coming. The White Horse gives the appearance of Righteousness but the absence of the sword and the weapon of choice being a Bow, is the giveaway that something is amiss.

Has this First Seal of Revelation been opened? I would say it most definitely has!

Catch the video below on the First Horseman which goes into great detail using Bible Software. See the other related videos also.



The Twelve Gates You Tube Channel Related Videos:

Who is the First Horseman of the Apocalypse? The First Seal of Revelation Explained


War and The Second Seal of Revelation Prophecy


Famine and The Third Seal of Revelation Prophecy


The Fourth Horseman of the Apocalypse The Fourth Seal of Revelation Bible Prophecy Explained


The Sixth Seal of Revelation and Bible Prophecy Explained