This is a fallen world that is marred by evil and defiled by the destruction and corruption of sin and selfish ambition. God has allowed this evil to continue for thousands of years and he has given mankind ample opportunity to accept the saving blood shed by Jesus and to choose righteousness.  Sadly, many choose to continue in the pursuits of sin and corruption.  But, God has promised that the time will come when his wrath against the forces of evil will be held back no more.  As Jesus opens the seals, we are given a glimpse into future events known as the judgements. 

The 4 Horsemen:

Seal 1: “And I looked, and behold, a white horse! And its rider had a bow, and a crown was given to him, and he came out conquering, and to conquer.” (v2)

Many commentaries believe that the rider on the white horse represents the antichrist. The bow represents rapid and far reaching conquests. White symbolizes righteousness and this rider on a white horse will come in the false guise of promising peace and righteous deeds. Many will be deceived by this imposter as he claims a powerful position of leadership. 

Seal 2: “And out came another horse, bright red. Its rider was permitted to take peace from the earth, so that people should slay one another, and he was given a great sword.” (v4)

Red represents blood and in this case depicts the blood of war.  History has shown us through WW1 and WW2 that war can take place on a huge scale as nations compete for dominance and world power. 

Seal 3: “When he opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” And I looked, and behold, a black horse! And its rider had a pair of scales in his hand. And I heard what seemed to be a voice in the midst of the four living creatures, saying, “A quart of wheat for a denarius, and three quarts of barley for a denarius, and do not harm the oil and wine!"' (v5-6)

Black represents oppression and mourning.  The byproducts of war will cause major financial and economic changes.  The example of buying the wheat and barley equated in Bible times to paying a days' wages or about 16 times the usual amount for commonly needed supplies. 

The pale horse represents death, sickness, devastation.  Think of 1/4 of the Earth being destroyed by varying epidemic tragedies and catastrophic circumstances.

Seal 5: “When he opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the witness they had borne.” ( V9)

We now have a different focus - a time of persecution for those who profess Christ. Those special martyrs who were killed because of their testified allegiance to Christ are crying out for vengeance but have to wait because even more martyrs will be killed before the final victory scene.

Seal 6: “When he opened the sixth seal, I looked, and behold, there was a great earthquake, and the sun became black as sackcloth, the full moon became like blood, and the stars of the sky fell to the earth as the fig tree sheds its winter fruit when shaken by a gale. The sky vanished like a scroll that is being rolled up, and every mountain and island was removed from its place.” (v 12-14). 

These final events will affect society on a grand scale and will be so extreme that even those who have held positions of power and prosperity will realize that God is ultimately in power and they will fear having to face the fury of his righteous judgement. They will be "‭calling to the mountains and rocks, “Fall on us and hide us from the face of him who is seated on the throne, and from the wrath of the Lamb,”

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These judgements seem terrible and perhaps fear provoking.  Remember that God is ultimately in control and his wrath is against evil.  These events will be a necessary purging and conquest over evil so that we can know the full joy and peace of God's reign and all that He has promised to those who love him and put their trust in Him. 

"He will wipe every tear from their eyes. There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, for the old order of things has passed away.” Rev 21:4