When the Lamb opens the third seal, a rider on a black horse appears. The meaning of the black horse is famine. The natural result of war is famine, and the third horse is black horse, clearly intended to represent famine.
Famine was well-known in the Roman Empire in the late first century. In A. D. 90 there was such a glut of wine and lack of grain that Domitian issued an edict forbidding new vineyards and commanding the destruction of half of the present vineyards so the land could be converted to grain production (Aune 2:398-99; Seutonius, Domitian 7.2). Asia Minor protested this edict and it was eventually reverse in A.D. 93. It is possible John has this edict in mind with the time “do not damage the wine” (Aune does not think it is in the immediate background).
The rider is given set of scales used to measure grain and a voice declares a quart of wheat will cost one denarius. The English “quart” translates χοῖνιξ (chonix), a day’s ration for one person (BDAG). One denarius is about what an average working person could expect to earn for a day’s work. This means someone needs to work a whole day to earn enough to buy food for themselves for that day. If a man is supporting a family, his day’s labor will not feed his wife and children. Normally a denarius would buy as much as eight times the food. (Charles, 1:167; Aune 2:397).
A Roman soldier was issued thirty-two measures of wheat a month. According to Polybius, the standard ration was one “measure” for a man, and three for his horse (6.39.13). Barley is usually the grain given to animals, to feed one’s family with barley would be an indication of poverty.
Famine was an expected hardship in the ancient world. In 2 Kings 7:1 Elisha predicts merchants at the gates of Samaria will sell food at inflated prices: “a seah of fine flour shall be sold for a shekel, and two seahs of barley for a shekel.” Although the weight/price is different, the idea is the same. Because of war, Samaria experienced famine and inflated food prices.
Famine is also common in apocalyptic literature. In the second Sibylline Oracle, the writer predicts famine, pestilence and thunderbolts in the final generation.
Sib. Or. 2.20–24 Then there will be bloody precipitation from heaven, but the entire world of innumerable men will kill each other in madness. In the tumult God will impose famines and pestilence and thunderbolts on men who adjudicate without justice.
Later in the same oracle, famine is one of the signs of the end:
Sib. Or. 2.154–157 But whenever this sign appears throughout the world, children born with gray temples from birth, afflictions of men, famines, pestilence, and wars, change of times, lamentations, many tears.
In the third Sibylline Oracle “a sign to mortals of sword, famine, and death” (Sib.Or. 3.335) combines several of the images found in the four horsemen of Revelation 6. See also 3.317; 3.476). in fact, famine is mentioned often in the Oracles as a sign of God’s punishment. So too 4 Ezra 15:5, the Lord says ““I bring evils upon the world, the sword and famine and death and destruction.” In 4 Ezra 16:21, “the calamities shall spring up on the earth—the sword, famine, and great confusion.” In 2 Baruch 27.6 famine and drought are included as the appointed calamities before the coming of the messiah (cf., 2 Baruch 62:4). The Apocalypse of Abraham 30.5 lists pestilence and famine among the “plagues on the heathens.”
The irony of this famine is that the luxury items, the “oil and wine” are not in short supply. These things are plentiful, but the people cannot afford them since them must spend all their money on the day’s bread.
Greg Beale suggests the inflated prices for food has Christians specifically in mind (Revelation, 381). He argued the second horse was not war in general but rather persecution of Christians. So too the third horse refers to the economic difficulties faced by Christians suggested by Revelation 2:9. In addition, those who do not receive the mark of the beast will not be permitted to buy and sell, forcing them the pay inflated prices outside of the price-contrlled agora.
While it is clear the book of Revelation describes the economic effect of loyalty to Jesus (they cannot buy or sell, they hunger and thirst), to limit this famine to Christians does not do justice to the scope of the first four seals. The first rider is bent on conquest, which results in war; continual wars result in famine. Food shortages in the Roman world were not limited to Christians.
Always a pleasure to read sir!
why?
Because?
With this now being the third horseman I am studying for these forum posts, I am beginning to see a strong correlation to all of these being used for Roman imagery, and in the case of the Black rider, famine to that will soon come upon the Roman empire.
Before studying the horseman, I thought there was no way the riders could represent Rome/Roman leaders and events, due to John describing the events that are taking place in heaven. However, I now think there are too many correlations between the riders and Roman culture to ignore. Blackwell states, “death and disease represented by the horsemen are experiences with which John’s readers would have been very familiar” (Blackwell 70), and this includes his readers making the correlation between the horsemen and the Roman empire.
Furthermore, with the black horseman almost undisputedly representing famine, this add credibility to the rider on the white horse not being Christ and the rider on the red horse not being the anti-Christ. The horsemen all seem to be in correlation with one another, focusing on the aspects of war. The rider on the black horse, famine, is a clear result and occurrence of war.
Bibliography:
Blackwell, Ben C. and Goodrich, John K. Reading Revelation in Context: John’s Apocalypse and Second Temple Judaism. Grand Rapids, MI; Zondervan. 2019.
Within Revelation 6, a black rider appears after the Lamb opens the third seal (Rev. 6:5). The black rider appears after the white horse and red horse who “was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other” (Rev. 6:4). Thus, the black rider begins with a negative image, as the two riders before him were sent on paths of conquest and destruction. The black rider is “holding a pair of scales in his hand” (Rev. 6:5). The Greek word used here for ‘black’ is μέλας, translated as either ‘black’ or ‘ink’ (Souter 154).
John then hears a voice from heaven proclaiming the earnings for day’s wages (Rev. 6:6), this could be due to the black rider having the power to tax the population or cause a food shortage on the earth. However, this is unclear.
When a famine would hit society in ancient culture, the products that became harder to farm drastically increased in price. Furthermore, the pay for day’s wages would not increase, causing many honest families that were too large to starve on a day’s income. Furthermore, no new vineyards were allowed to be produced during the times of famine, and half of the present vineyards would be destroyed and converted to grain production (Aune 2:398-99; Seutonius, Domitian 7.2).
Bibliography:
Souter, Alexander. A Pocket Lexicon to the Greek New Testament 1917.
The third seal opened by the lamb is the black horse which represents famine which ultimately means a scarcity of food. This is very interesting to me because why the black horse represents this and what does it mean? Famine was a pretty common thing back then, farming was much harder than it is today so maintaining a stable source of food was tough. What was very interesting to me was that the black horse rider rode around with scales to measure grain which would measure to one quart that would cost one denarius. What is very mind blowing is that one denarius is equal to about one full day’s work, which means that a man could only afford to feed for himself and not his wife and children. It is unfortunate that this was a thing and we often forget how nice we live our lives today, especially in the U.S. Places around the world still struggle with famine and we pray for these people that they can overcome these tough tasks in life and become strong. God is the way to living a good life so making sure your relationship is well with Him is always important, especially when you are looking for answers.
The third seal begins with the Black horseman, this horseman represents famine. I really enjoy this part of Revelation that talks about the horseman. This is my favorite part of the Book of Revelation. I thought that the post did a great job of showing the economic impact of famine in Revelation. It is very interesting how war can affect food and many daily struggles by people in this time. This post allowed me to realize how famine is portrayed as a sign of divine judgment in many texts, this gave me more knowledge about this topic in the Book of Revelation. I think that Greg Beal’s idea about famine targeting Christians is very interesting to think about. Even though this is a very interesting idea, the argument that is made in the post about the societal impact of famine is definitely thought-provoking. Thinking about history, literature, and theological points that were given to the readers in this blog post allows us to understand Revelation better.
The study of Revelation six and what is prophesied during this time makes me think about the punishment that is coming to this world after the rapture. The punishment that this horseman brings is inflation, war, and famine. death is a major result from the black horse. The Christians alive at this time will be experiencing major famine and economic hardship, as will the rest of the world. During this time, those who do not take the mark of the beast will be unable to buy and make transactions. There will not only be a famine for the entire world but there will also be extreme hardships for the Christians. As I read Revelation six there and I study the black horseman there is clear implication of the punishment that is intended for this time. It is interesting however that there will be an abundance of wine and oil. Bread will be scarce, but oil and wine will be abundant. This will not mean anything though because no one will have the money to buy them. “And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine” (Revelation 6:6 ESV). The punishment that this horse inflicts will be worse than anything the reader could imagine. The wrath of God will be poured out on Earth, I pray that my interpretation of Revelation is correct, and I do not have to experience that if I am alive during the end times.
In this article, I found it interesting that a black horse indicates famine. This would surely mean a great deal of devastation to any people but specifically mean a lot when it would affect people that were already familiar with it. I also found interesting the background information on the significance of the scales, the wheat, and the denarii. The scales were a symbol of increased grain price. The threat of a famine could also have a connection to what Domitian would do in A.D. 92. A famine would cause inflation due to scarcity. As both this article and the ESVSB mention (p. 2472) oil and wine would not be affected by this famine, possibly predicting that the rich people of the world would not be affected. Famines would not be a new idea to anyone, but especially not God’s people. The Old Testament is littered with many stories about famines, such as the one that plagued Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, and Ruth. I am not quite sure if I agree with Beale’s interpretation that the famine should pertain to Christians specifically. He connects this with the mark of the beast, which could mean famine for Christians, as we would be unable to buy or sell without it. As mentioned later in the article, I agree that I don’t think that the famine will only affect Christians. Context is an important thing to have and apply when we look at Scripture, and this is no exception. I believe that the famine will affect many people in the world, not just Christians.
Looking at the wages for the average day to day work and how much they can make I think it is rather a depressing thing to think about. I can see how people during the great depression may have thought that they were living in the time of the second horse after the first world war. Even now I know people who are well below the poverty line here in America but they still have “bread on the table.” Right now a days wage can still feed for more than a day in America. If it is the case that this will affect the whole world during the end I think the Revelation may prove to be more clear, original context aside. I find it interesting that Ian Paul compares the calamity of horsemen, death included, as being different from how God acts in 2 Maccabees. The intertestamental book shows God sovereignly acting, while in Revelation God is using a mediator for the unleashing of the horsemen (70). When reading both these pictures of God I think it can cause some debate as to how God himself is not responsible for the destruction in these apocalyptic scenarios, while also remaining blameless. I think a good appeal that could be made would be that God is under no obligation to be merciful toward sinners but he has sovereignly decreed that those who are in his son are able to receive both his grace and mercy, and sin still must go punished in order that God be righteous. Hence this different portrayal as the horsemen are unleashed.
I know for a fact that as an American it can be so easy to forget how blessed I am to live in this nation. When I go on mission trips and see how people live and how little they make. Poverty is something that has plagued our world and something that a lot of people who are not experiencing it do not think about. When I was fundraising for a school event we had it was so heartbreaking. It was for buying Christmas presents for families who could not afford them. In my mind, they wouldn’t be where I live or anywhere near where I live because there are no people who are financially struggling in Hudsonville. Well, that day I was proven wrong. These were people who lived just down the street from me and I would have never known. That is just a small degree of poverty. In third-world countries, the last thing they are worried about is gifts. They are worrying that their kids haven’t eaten and that they will literally starve if they don’t find food. I think it definitely could be applied only to Christians in that context, but I think that when it comes to Revelation and knowing the scale of war that will be taking place it will be worldwide. The judgment of God will fall on everyone and even if you have the mark of the beast and can buy and sell I still think you will be scavenging for food and struggling to live.
Despite what other scholars may believe regarding how this may be a reference to how Christians may be able to not purchase sell because they are not taking the mark of the beast, I agree with Long’s (2020) statement how famines coma as result of wars, pestilence, and effects all peoples, Christians alike. Therefore, it seems unlikely Famine would be a unique only to Christians. Christians may have a harder time because of the persecution that they are receiving to get food than others in the famine, however, it is not something that would be unique only to them. Although food is in short supply, Wine and oil, things that are luxurious in their Greco Roman world, are in abundance (Rev 6:6), although the price for food is so high one is unable to purchase these luxuries (long, 2020). When reading this passage, I am reminded of during COVID how meat was so expensive and how everyone was trying to grab it because of the short Supply. I also heard that during covid because so many people were working at home, or lack of work and social distancing alcohol consumption increased. Famines were usually meant to be showing of how one should come to repentance and punishment for sin.
When we look at all of these riders on these horses coming during the end times, it is almost so easy to see these disasters such as famine within any situation that has happened in history. Famine especially would have been one of the biggest hardships and challenges in the past. Of course it talks about this natural consequence from war, and this representation of true judgment on the world from natural consequences. These things would all be scary in some way. When we think about famine, it would be understandable that many people would believe that these trials would be a sign of a horrible time coming. Another interesting part of these passages is that idea that luxury things are abundant! There is irony here, begging for things that are in offensive abundance, but no earthly way to attain them due to the poverty they are facing to simply stay alive. This idea of the economic effects for Christians in the end times is a very real and very scary truth to come to grips with
i found this story to be very interesting especially the black horse, I think it’s important to view the context of the messages throughout the bible. it is could be seen throughout the bible, that famine was because of the sinful nature of someone or multiple people, pharaoh being an example. in addition I found it interesting how the passage stated the luxury thing were still available but because of the cost of the ” wine and oil ” it was not accessible because one day of pay could only do so much… so in essences food was still available but because of the cost it was unavailable to those of a lower social class. Furthermore this is a class act of history repeating it self multiple times (american great depression/ 2008 recession). As far this being a sign for end times, its hard to say because famine doesn’t mean we are at the end of the world but I believe that these things can be God wanting someone to repent or to get their attention.
In Revelation 6:5b-6, the third horseman, holding scales, represents famine, allowing the Antichrist to control food wages and provide little for people to survive. The Book of Revelation, specifically in verses 6:5-6. This horseman is depicted as a rider on a black horse, holding a pair of scales in his hands. The black horse and its rider are generally interpreted as symbols of famine. The black horse and its rider are seen as representing a time of scarcity and famine on Earth. The scales held by the rider are often interpreted as a symbol of the rationing and measuring of food that would occur during a period of famine. This interpretation is based on the text of Revelation 6:6, which mentions a mount of cereal for a penny and three measures of barley for a penny but also warns not to harm the oil and the wine. This suggests a time of economic disparity where basic foodstuffs are expensive and scarce, but luxury items like oil and wine are still available. The role of this character in the unfolding drama of the Book of Revelation is significant. As one of the four horsemen, the rider on the black horse is part of the initial stages of the Tribulation, a period of suffering and destruction that precedes the end of the world. The appearance of this horseman, along with the other three, marks the opening of the first four seals by the Lamb (Jesus), setting in motion the events of the Tribulation. The famine represented by this horseman serves to give the Antichrist more control over the people, as they will be desperate and struggling to survive. In this way, the rider on the black horse contributes to the overall narrative of the Book of Revelation, which depicts the struggle between good and evil and the ultimate triumph of God’s kingdom.
The interpretation of the third seal in Revelation, which is a picture of a rider on a black horse symbolizing famine. Symbolizing a scarcity of food, but with an abundance of luxury items, points out the economic hardships to be faced. It is interesting to think about how there is a famine, but there is an abundance of things that no one can afford, because they cannot even afford the things that they need just to stay alive. This imagery reaches out to the audiences familiar with the natural consequences of war. It is a scary thing to think about. Thinking about the economic effects that will happen during the end times. To think about having to figure out how to get the necessities just to stay alive. However, it is also important to trust in the Lord, and while that is easier said than done now; it needs to be something we always do.