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Commentaries:
People's Commentary (NT)
Revelation 6:2
And I saw, and behold, a white horse. Let the reader note
particularly what John saw, and then remember that it is symbolical,
and that instead of looking for a literal fulfillment, we are to ask
the meaning of the symbols. There are several features of the vision
that fix our attention: (1) The horse; (2) his white color; (3) the
armed warrior; (4) his crown; (5) his bow; (6) his mission. It is
certain that none of these features would have been named if they did
not possess a significance. What do each of these symbols mean? I will
consider them in order:
(1) THE HORSE. He was never used by the Jews or Orientals as a beast
of burden. The ox and the ass were devoted to that office, and the
horse was reserved for war. Whenever the horse is mentioned by the
prophets it will be found in connection with warlike employments. That
the horse is always associated with war can be seen by consulting
Job 29:25 Ps 76:6 Pr 21:31 Jer 8:6 Eze 26:10. Hence this symbol
points to a period of war, though it alone does not declare whether the
conflict is carnal or spiritual, is triumphant or disastrous.
(2) THE WHITE COLOR. As there are three more horses in succession
under the three following seals, each of different colors, the color
must have a meaning. White must have a different significance from red,
or black, or pale. What is indicated by the color of the first horse?
White is the color of prosperity, of happiness, and triumph. Whenever a
Roman General was given a triumph his chariot was drawn by milk-white
horses. In Revelation 19:11 the Mighty Conqueror who wears many crowns is
seen riding on a white horse. Commentators are agreed that the white
horse signifies prosperous, victorious wars.
(3) THE RIDER. His significance is due to his arms, his crown, and
the white horse he rides. It is enough to state here that he represents
either some conqueror, or a conquering age.
(4) THE CROWN. "A crown was given to him". This crown is not "the
diadem" ("diadema") but the "garland crown" ("stephanos"). The last was
the crown given as a reward for victory in battle, for great
achievements or for victory in games. The Hero of chapter 19 wears many
diadems, kingly crowns (Revelation 19:12), but this rider wears the garland
crown, the "stephanos". It is important to note this distinction.
(5) THE BOW. He is armed with a usual weapon of war in that age. The
bow may signify that the rider is a great, warlike figure, or there may
be a special significance in the fact that he is armed with a bow
instead of a sword or spear.
Other commentary entries containing this verse:
Revelation 6:4
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