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Revelation's Black Horse & Global Famine: What the Third Seal Warns Believers Today

Updated: May 21


5 And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.  6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. Revelation 6:5-6 

Understanding the Black Horse of Revelation


The Third Seal, as unveiled in the Book of Revelation, introduces us to a black horse and its rider. This prophetic symbol has long captured the attention of believers seeking to discern the times and understand God’s divine plan. We will explore the clear biblical imagery and its practical implications for Christians today.


Let’s break down what the third seal reveals—and what it means for you today.


Key Elements of the Third Seal - Black Horse of Revelation


🐎 The Black Horse Rider


The black horse appears when the Lamb opens the third seal, and the rider holds balances (scales) in his hand. This figure is often associated with famine, economic strain, and scarcity.


⚖️ The Balances in His Hand


Balances symbolize weighing and rationing, a reflection of meticulous food distribution—often seen during times of shortage and inflation.



The Black Horse Rider

Revelation Black Horse rider image with scales, symbolizing famine, economic collapse, and end-time prophecy in the Bible.


💰 “A Measure of Wheat for a Penny”


This phrase describes a time when basic necessities become costly. A "penny" in biblical times represented a day’s wage (Matthew 20:2), meaning a full day’s labor would afford just one measure of wheat—barely enough to survive.


And when he had agreed with the labourers for a penny a day, he sent them into his vineyard. Matthew 20:2

🛢️ “Hurt Not the Oil and the Wine”

I

nterestingly, the voice from the midst of the four living creatures commands: “See thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”This suggests that while scarcity affects staples, certain symbolic resources remain untouched.



Prefer to watch? Here’s the full video.


How Should Believers Respond?


Even as Revelation paints a sobering picture, it’s important for believers to be both watchful and spiritually grounded. Here are some practical ways to apply biblical wisdom in uncertain times:


  • Trust in God’s Provision – Just as God provided manna in the wilderness (Exodus 16:4), He remains our provider in all seasons.

4 Then said the LORD unto Moses, Behold, I will rain bread from heaven for you; and the people shall go out and gather a certain rate every day, that I may prove them, whether they will walk in my law, or no. Exodus 16:4 

  • Be Spiritually Prepared – Stay rooted in Scripture and prayer. Strengthen your faith now, not out of carnal fear, but the fear of the Lord in obedience and readiness.

16 That he would grant you, according to the riches of his glory, to be strengthened with might by his Spirit in the inner man; 17 That Christ may dwell in your hearts by faith; that ye, being rooted and grounded in love, Ephesians 3:16-17

  • Keep an Eternal Perspective – Though earthly economies may shake, God’s Kingdom remains unshaken.


28 Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Hebrews 12:28

The Bible Teacher App explains Hebrews 12:28 


This verse comes after the passage describing how God will shake and remove the things that can be shaken, so that the things which cannot be shaken may remain (Hebrews 12:26-27). 


The key points we can gather from this verse and the surrounding context are:


1. We are receiving a kingdom that cannot be moved or shaken. This refers to the unshakable, eternal kingdom of God that believers have been brought into through faith in Christ.


Hebrews 12:22-23 describes this kingdom as "the heavenly Jerusalem" and "the general assembly and church of the firstborn."


2. Since we have received this unshakable kingdom, we are exhorted to "have grace" or hold fast to God's grace. 


This grace enables us to "serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear." The grace of God empowers us to worship and serve Him rightly, with the proper attitude of reverence and awe.


3. The shaking and removing of the things that can be shaken is meant to purify and strengthen our faith, so that only the unshakable kingdom of God remains. 


This requires us to hold fast to God's grace and serve Him wholeheartedly, without being swayed by the temporary, passing things of this world.


In summary, Hebrews 12:28 encourages believers to firmly grasp the unshakable kingdom of God they have received through Christ, and to serve God with reverence and godly fear, relying on His empowering grace


Encouragement Amid the Storm


As believers, we are not called to panic but to stand firm in faith. The black horse may represent hardship, but God is still on the throne. These prophetic glimpses are not just warnings; they are calls to deeper faith, greater love, and unwavering hope.

In a world where news of instability, inflation, and uncertainty seems constant, this passage in Revelation reminds us: our hope is in Christ alone.


A Call to Action


🔥 Ready to go deeper?, consider these activities:


Final Thoughts: A Kingdom That Cannot Be Shaken


The Black Horse reveals a world entering a time of economic trial—but we are not of this world’s system. We belong to a Kingdom that cannot be shaken.


Wherefore we receiving a kingdom which cannot be moved, let us have grace, whereby we may serve God acceptably with reverence and godly fear: Hebrews 12:28

Now more than ever, God is calling His people to walk in wisdom, live by faith, and be a light in darkness.


For ye were sometimes darkness, but now are ye light in the Lord: walk as children of light... proving what is acceptable unto the Lord.  Ephesians 5:8–10

As part of that preparation, Mary Banks will be teaching more on Bible Prophecy at our upcoming World Conference, offering deeper insights into these timely truths and how believers can stand strong in the days to come.



Download your study guide today for deeper insights on Bible prophecy.


Questions you may ask


What does the phrase “a measure of wheat for a penny” in Revelation 6:6 reveal about the conditions during the opening of the Third Seal?








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