The Book of Revelation is filled with powerful visions that describe the end times, and one of its most important sections is the opening of the seven seals. Found in Revelation chapters 5 to 8, these seals are opened one by one by the Lamb of God (Jesus Christ), and each unleashes a significant event on earth.
The phrase “Under 7 Seals” refers to the divine judgments and revelations hidden within these seals. From the 1st Seal releasing the white horse to the 7th Seal ushering in silence and the preparation for the trumpets, the seals symbolize God’s plan unfolding step by step.
In this article, we’ll examine each seal in detail, uncovering what the Bible reveals and what these events may symbolize.
Understanding the Seven Seals
The vision begins when John sees a scroll sealed with seven seals, which no one can open except the Lamb (Jesus Christ). The scroll represents God’s ultimate plan for judgment and redemption.
Each seal broken by the Lamb sets in motion an event that impacts humanity, nature, and the spiritual world. The seals are not just judgments—they are revelations of God’s justice and His sovereignty over history.
Let’s explore what happens under the 7 seals, one by one.
The 1st Seal: The White Horse
The 1st Seal reveals a rider on a white horse:
“I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest.” (Revelation 6:2)
Interpretations vary, but many believe the rider represents conquest—whether through political power, false messiahs, or even the spread of the Gospel. The 1st Seal marks the beginning of events that will reshape the world.
The 2nd Seal: The Red Horse
The 2nd Seal unleashes the red horse and its rider:
“Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.” (Revelation 6:4)
This rider symbolizes war and bloodshed. Under the 2nd Seal, peace is removed from the earth, and conflict spreads globally. It reminds us of the destructive power of human violence when separated from God’s peace.
The 3rd Seal: The Black Horse
The 3rd Seal reveals the black horse:
“I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand.” (Revelation 6:5)
The rider represents famine and economic hardship. The scales suggest food will be measured carefully, symbolizing scarcity. Under the 3rd Seal, basic necessities become costly, showing the fragility of human systems when divine judgment falls.
The 4th Seal: The Pale Horse
The 4th Seal introduces one of the most chilling images:
“I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him.” (Revelation 6:8)
The rider represents death itself, bringing plague, famine, and sword. A fourth of the earth’s population is affected. The 4th Seal illustrates the devastating consequences of humanity’s sin and the certainty of mortality.
The 5th Seal: The Cry of the Martyrs
The 5th Seal shifts the focus to heaven:
“I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain because of the word of God and the testimony they had maintained.” (Revelation 6:9)
Here, martyrs cry out for justice. They are given white robes and told to wait until the full number of their fellow servants are killed. Under the 5th Seal, we see the suffering of God’s people and the promise of ultimate vindication.
The 6th Seal: Cosmic Disturbances
The 6th Seal brings dramatic events in the heavens and on earth:
“There was a great earthquake. The sun turned black like sackcloth, the whole moon turned blood red, and the stars in the sky fell to earth.” (Revelation 6:12–13)
Under the 6th Seal, the natural world is shaken. Kings, rulers, and people of every class hide in fear, recognizing the great day of God’s wrath has come. This seal emphasizes that no earthly power can stand against divine judgment.
The 7th Seal: Silence in Heaven
The 7th Seal is the final and most mysterious:
“When he opened the seventh seal, there was silence in heaven for about half an hour.” (Revelation 8:1)
This silence marks a pause before the next series of judgments (the 7 Trumpets). Under the 7th Seal, the atmosphere is filled with awe, anticipation, and the weight of God’s coming actions. It is a powerful reminder that even heaven pauses in reverence at God’s plan.
Lessons from the Seven Seals
Studying what happens under the 7 Seals teaches us:
God is in Control – Only the Lamb can open the seals, showing Christ’s authority.
Judgment is Progressive – Each seal escalates in intensity, preparing for the final judgment.
Faithful Endurance is Required – The 5th Seal reminds us that believers may suffer, but justice will come.
Hope Beyond Judgment – The 7th Seal points toward God’s ultimate plan of restoration through Christ.
Final Thoughts
The events under the 7 Seals reveal a world shaken by conquest, war, famine, death, persecution, cosmic upheaval, and finally silence before the throne of God. Each seal reminds us of both the seriousness of judgment and the hope of redemption through Jesus Christ.
From the 1st Seal to the 7th Seal, Revelation calls believers to remain steadfast, knowing that God’s plan is unfolding according to His perfect timing.
