The Pale Horse of Revelation: What Death and Hell Teach Us About End-Time Urgency

Mary Banks
May 20
7 min read

7 And when he had opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth beast say, Come and see. 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. Revelation 6:7-8

When the Fourth Seal Is Opened

The Book of Revelation provides a sobering glimpse into the unfolding of end-time events. When the Fourth Seal is broken, we are introduced to one of the most fearsome figures of prophecy—the Pale Horse of Revelation, with Death as its rider and Hell (Hades) following close behind.

This passage captures a powerful warning—but also a reminder of the hope we have in Christ. Let’s take a closer look at this moment in Revelation and what it reveals for believers today.

Key Details of the Fourth Seal

🐎 The Pale Horse

The word “pale” in the original Greek is “chloros”, often used to describe a sickly, corpse-like color—a visual symbol of death, disease, and decay.

The Rider Named Death

Unlike the previous horsemen, this rider is explicitly named. Death takes the lead, and Hell follows, signifying the aftermath: the grave and eternal separation.

Pale Horse of Revelation

Apocalyptic scene depicting the Fourth Horseman of Revelation riding a pale horse through a fiery, crumbling landscape, with smoke, flames, skeletons, and a dark celestial vortex in the sky—symbolizing Death and Hell from Revelation 6:7-8.

🌍 A Fourth of the Earth Affected

This seal reveals a global scale of judgment, affecting one-fourth of the earth through various means:

Sword (violence or war)
Hunger (famine)
Death (possibly plague or pestilence)
Beasts of the Earth (natural threats or chaos)

What This Means for Believers

While the imagery is sobering, Revelation was never written to instill fear—it was given to strengthen, warn, and prepare the faithful. Here are a few takeaways that can help encourage and equip Christians today:

📖 Stay Rooted in the Word

Scripture equips us for times of uncertainty. Spend time daily in the Bible to remain spiritually alert and encouraged.

Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path” — Psalm 119:105.

🙏 Be Vigilant in Prayer

The battle is spiritual before it is ever physical. Jesus reminded His disciples to “watch and pray” (Matthew 26:41). Now more than ever, believers are called to pray for discernment, endurance, and wisdom.

Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation: the spirit indeed is willing, but the flesh is weak. Matthew 26:41

The Bible Teacher app explains the term “Watch and Pray”

Watching and praying are closely connected spiritual disciplines that are important for believers. The concept of "watching" refers to being alert, vigilant, and attentive in our relationship with God. The biblical texts highlight a few key aspects of watching and praying:

1. Watching and praying go hand-in-hand:

"Watch and pray, that ye enter not into temptation" (Matthew 26:41 KJV). Watching involves being spiritually alert and attuned to God, while praying is communicating with Him.

2. Watching involves being spiritually awake and aware:

"Be sober, be vigilant; because your adversary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour" (1 Peter 5:8 KJV). Watching means being on guard against spiritual attacks and distractions.

3. Watching and praying should be a continual lifestyle:

"Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints" (Ephesians 6:18 KJV). This is not just an occasional practice, but a consistent way of living.

In summary, the biblical texts teach that watching and praying are essential spiritual disciplines that keep us alert, connected to God, and open to His leading and revelation. It is a lifestyle of vigilance, communication, and dependence on the Lord.

💡 Walk in the Hope of Christ

Even in the midst of prophetic warnings, our confidence remains in Jesus, the victorious Lamb. Revelation does not end with judgment—it ends with redemption, restoration, and the reign of Christ.

Encouragement in the Midst of Judgment

It’s easy to be overwhelmed by the imagery of the Pale Horse. But remember, these seals are not just signs of what’s to come—they are also reminders of who holds the scroll: Jesus Christ. He alone is worthy to open it. He alone is the source of our peace and salvation.

Fear not; I am the first and the last: I am he that liveth, and was dead; and, behold, I am alive for evermore Revelation 1:17-18

If this message stirs your heart, Mary Banks will be teaching more on Bible Prophecy at our upcoming World Conference—a powerful opportunity to go deeper into Revelation and gain insight for the times we live in.

Prefer to watch? Here’s the full video.

A Call to Action

Watch the full teaching and explore our Revelation study series on theIn pursuit of understanding Bible Prophecy, consider these activities:

Watch the full teaching and explore our Revelation study series-“Understanding the book of Revelation”
Read the following study guides to gain deeper understanding on Bible Prophecy.
- Introduction to Bible Prophecy
- When will the Church be raptured?
Use the Bible Teacher App to understand key biblical terminologies and scripture.
Visit our link : Marybanks.net/bibleprophecy

Final Thoughts: Prepared, Not Panicked

The vision of the Pale Horse calls believers to be spiritually awake, prayerfully engaged, and anchored in eternal hope. As the world around us shifts, let us hold firm to the truth that God is sovereign over all things—including the future.