Rev 6:1 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Rev 6:1-17: 6:1–16:21 Three sets of seven judgments—the seals, trumpets, and bowls—form the core of Revelation. Some suggest that the judgments form a chronological sequence from beginning to end, with each set of judgments flowing from the seventh judgment of the previous set for a total of twenty-one successive judgments. More likely, the relationship is cyclical (as in other Jewish apocalyptic works; cp. Dan 2 , 7 , 8 , 11 ), with each set conveying increasing intensity and adding new details of God’s judgment on those who rebel against him. In this perspective, all three cycles end at the same chronological point, with the return of Christ. Summary for Rev 6:1-8:1: 6:1–8:1 The Lamb breaks the seven seals to reveal the significance of history from God’s perspective. Summary for Rev 6:1-8: 6:1-8 The four horses and their riders (see Zech 1:8-11 ; 6:1-8 ) sum up the power structures of the world; their activities primarily lead to war, violence, economic imbalance, and death. It is pointless to put our hope in these power structures.

a6:1–16:21►

bDan 2►

c7►

d8►

e11►

f6:1–8:1►

g6:1-8►

hZech 1:8-11►

i6:1-8►

‏ Revelation of John 6:1

Summary for Rev 6:1-17: 6:1–16:21 ^a Three sets of seven judgments—the seals, trumpets, and bowls—form the core of Revelation. Some suggest that the judgments form a chronological sequence from beginning to end, with each set of judgments flowing from the seventh judgment of the previous set for a total of twenty-one successive judgments. More likely, the relationship is cyclical (as in other Jewish apocalyptic works; cp. Dan 2 ^b, 7 ^c, 8 ^d, 11 ^e), with each set conveying increasing intensity and adding new details of God’s judgment on those who rebel against him. In this perspective, all three cycles end at the same chronological point, with the return of Christ.
Summary for Rev 6:1-8:1: 6:1–8:1 ^f The Lamb breaks the seven seals to reveal the significance of history from God’s perspective.
Summary for Rev 6:1-8: 6:1-8 ^g The four horses and their riders (see Zech 1:8-11 ^h; 6:1-8 ⁱ) sum up the power structures of the world; their activities primarily lead to war, violence, economic imbalance, and death. It is pointless to put our hope in these power structures.