Revelation 6:5-8

Seals three and four were opened Revelation 6:5-8: The third seal revealed a rider on a black horse. John "heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine." The picture here is that of economic discrimination in a time of prosperity. A Christian man was allowed to buy only a meager amount of food for one person with his day's earnings. That left nothing for food for his family and other family needs. The persecution meant that Christians had nothing beyond the necessities of life. However, on life's other side Christians have abundance and those that persecuted them have nothing.

The fourth seal revealed a pale horse and a rider named Death and Hell followed him. The pale horse gave us a picture of death itself. Death killed and Hell (Hades the grave) followed to gather the slain. God's people are given hope because there is not a complete destruction. God limited how far the destruction could go. This fact is often seen in others visions. Christians should take courage. All is not lost!