BBP: 18 The Unprecedented Catastrophes in The Beginning of Birth Pains

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Chapter 18

The Unprecedented Catastrophes in The Beginning of Birth Pains

A) An introduction to the Seals of Preparation

B) Wars during The Beginning of Birth Pains The 2nd Seal

C) Famines during The Beginning of Birth Pains The 3rd Seal

D) Other catastrophes during The Beginning of Birth Pains The 4th Seal

E) The ongoing but limited effect of The Beginning of Birth Pains

Primary Points

Christ’s Revelation confirms the substance and sequence of the catastrophic events in The Beginning of Birth Pains Jesus spoke of in His Endtimes Teaching.
It seems the riders on the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” may be portraying the Antichrist in all of his deceptive and destructive activities during The Beginning of Birth Pains.
The Beginning of Birth Pains will occur in a typical pattern of war leading to famine which leads to plagues.
Correctly understanding Revelation 17-18, and the identity and destruction of Babylon the Great is vitally important. It will be argued in the book, Endtime Babylon that this prophecy is predicting the destruction of America with nuclear weapons.
Scripture predicts Endtime wars, from The Beginning of Birth Pains to the world-wide rebellion at the end of Christ’s 1,000-year Reign.
Endtime plagues may kill more people than anything else during The Beginning of Birth Pains.
Death by wild beasts of the Earth will not be as odd as it may seem.
The effect of the opening of a particular Seal of Preparation continues and even intensifies throughout The Beginning of Birth Pains.
The Beginning of Birth Pains will kill virtually every single person living in a particular one fourth of the Earth. This could amount to 2 billion people.
In addition to Endtime Babylon, that one fourth of the Earth will probably especially include Africa which is already vulnerable to famine and disease.
The Remaining World is the world that exists after The Beginning of Birth Pains is completed. It is the 75% of the geographical Earth that will not have its population wiped out in the wars, famines, and plagues of the first four Seals.

A) An introduction to the Seals of Preparation

As noted in chapter 1 of this book, The Beginning of Birth Pains (BBP), the Last Generation Church will be present on the Earth during these events. This was clearly demonstrated from Scripture in the previous book, Christ’s Endtimes Teaching (CET). The table below summarizes a suggested order for six primary events in the beginning of the Endtimes:

Table: The First Primary Events of the Endtimes

#	Event	Description & refs.	Where discussed
“Pregnancy” Events of the Endtimes
➊	10-nation Endtime Coalition established	Will unite with Antichrist to destroy Endtime Babylon (cf. Dan 7:7, 15-25; Rev 17:3, 12-17; Dan 2:41-44)	BBP chs. 4-6
➋	Antichrist’s Rise	He first emerges as the famous ruler of a small country in the vicinity of Russia (cf. Dan 7:8, 24; 8:9-11; Ezek 38:1-4; 39:1-6; Rev 16:14; 19:11-21).	BBP chs. 8-9
The Beginning of Birth Pains
➌	Antichrist’s Resurrection (First Seal)	The first certain sign the Endtimes have begun (cf. Rev 6:1-2; 13:3-8; 17:8; 2 Thess 2:9-11)	BBP chs. 10-13, 16-17
➍	Antichrist’s Religious Covenant	A covenant with many to form a world-wide religion for the worship of the Antichrist (Dan 9:27)	BBP chs. 14-15
➎	Destruction of Endtime Babylon	The Antichrist & 10-nation Coalition will unite to annihilate the economic super-power on Earth at the beginning of the Endtimes by consuming it with fire in one hour such that no one will ever live there again (cf. Rev 17-18; Jer 50-51; Matt 24:6-7; Rev 6:3-4; Dan 8:24)	Endtimes Essentials book #3: Endtime Babylon
➏	2nd, 3rd, & 4th Seals of Preparation	The wars, famines, and plagues unleashed during this time will combine to kill the people living on one fourth of the Earth (cf. Rev 6:3-8; Matt 24:6-8)	BBP ch. 18

We have discussed events #1-#4 in chapters 4-17 of BBP. Event #5 (The Destruction of Endtime Babylon) will be covered in the next book of the Endtimes Essentials series, Endtime Babylon. Therefore, the topic of this chapter will be events in #6, the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Seals of Preparation described in Revelation 6:3-8.

[Read Revelation 6:1-8]

An introduction to the scroll of Christ’s Wrath and an explanation of the purpose of the Seals of Preparation have been provided elsewhere (cf. CET ch. 14, sec. E). It is important to remember that the first five Seals are not Christ’s Endtime Wrath. Revelation 6 makes it clear that it is only with the opening of the 6th Seal that we read, the wrath of the Lamb … has come (vs. 16-17). This was explained further in chapter 3 (sec. B). ^[1]

Rather than being Christ’s Wrath, The Beginning of Birth Pains, portrayed by the first four Seals, ^[2] seem to be empowered by demonic forces ultimately allowed by God. The purpose of the first five Seals is to prepare the world for Christ’s Wrath which will be unleashed with the opening of the 6th Seal. Therefore, throughout the Endtimes Essentials they are referred to as the Seals of Preparation.

More specifically, the Seals probably portray the activities of one demon possessed person, the Antichrist. He is the one portrayed as emerging on the Earth in the 1st Seal. It is he who will be ultimately responsible for the martyred (Rev 6:9 NLT) in the 5th Seal portraying the results of The Greatest Persecution. It would seem the actions of the Antichrist will also be ultimately responsible for the catastrophic war and resulting famine described in the 2nd and 3rd Seals. Therefore, it seems the riders on the “Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse” may be portraying the Antichrist in all of his deceptive and destructive activities during The Beginning of Birth Pains.

Why is the imagery of the four horses abandoned after the 4th Seal? One reason may be that the imagery reflects the progression and sequence of Endtime events from what Jesus called the beginning of birth pains (Matt 24:8) to the greatest persecution (v. 21). Accordingly, the first four Seals portray the results of the events in The Beginning of Birth Pains, and the 5th Seal the results of The Greatest Persecution. It was argued elsewhere that this sequence and labeling of Endtime events is important (cf. CET ch. 3, sec. E). Therefore, it may be reflected in the change of imagery in the Seals of Preparation.

Revelation 6 also confirms that the events of The Beginning of Birth Pains will not be happening all at once. On the contrary, the emergence of the Antichrist portrayed by the rider on a white horse (Rev 6:2) will come before and be followed by the wars (Matt 24:6) symbolized by the rider on a fiery red horse with a large sword who will be given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other (Rev 6:3-4). Likewise, the famines, earthquakes, and plagues will follow and be a result of the wars (Matt 24:7; Luke 21:11; cf. Rev 6:5-8).

Let us also notice again that the general sequence of Endtime events being portrayed in this passage of Christ’s Revelation, lines up exactly with the sequence of Endtime events in Christ’s Endtimes Teaching (cf. Matt 24:1-31; BBP ch. 2, sec. A). With the opening of each Seal of Preparation, progressive events of The Beginning of Birth Pains will occur. These Seals can be summarized in the following table:

Table: The Four Seals of The Beginning of Birth Pains

Seals of Preparation	Endtime Event	Christ’s Description
1st Seal Rider on White horse (Rev 6:1-2)	Antichrist’s Resurrection & Religious Covenant	“Many will come in my name claiming, ‘I am the Christ’ and deceive many” (Matt 24:5)
2nd Seal Rider on Red horse (Rev 6:3-4)	Catastrophic, even nuclear war	“Nation will rise against nation.” (Matt 24:7)
3rd Seal Rider on Black horse (Rev 6:5-6)	Severe economic hardship	“There will be famines” (Matt 24:7)
4th Seal Rider on Pale horse (Rev 6:7-8)	The population of 25% of the Earth dies from famine, disease, and wild beasts.	“There will be great earthquakes and… plagues in many lands.” (Luke 21:11)

In general it can be said that the great majority of this book, The Beginning of Birth Pains, has been focused on Endtime events suggested to be portrayed in the 1st Seal. In previous chapters (10-12), it was argued that the 1st Seal portrays the emergence of the Antichrist, the first and foremost of the False Christs that Jesus warned of. It was also argued that the 1st Seal reflects the Antichrist at the very beginning of the Endtimes and will include Antichrist’s Resurrection and Religious Covenant (cf. chs. 13-17). Therefore, it has also been claimed that the opening of the 1st Seal portrays the first certain sign the Endtimes have begun. More details regarding the opening of the 2nd, 3rd, and 4th Seals will be discussed below.

B) Wars during The Beginning of Birth Pains The 2nd Seal

B.1) War in the 2nd Seal Rev 6:1-2

As argued previously, the opening of the first seal depicting a rider that rode out on a white horse … conquering (Rev 6:1-2) probably refers to the Resurrected Antichrist emerging onto the world scene and establishing peace (cf. ch. 11, secs. B.2, C.3-4). With the opening of the 2nd Seal the peace accomplished during the 1st Seal is ended. A suggested translation of Revelation 6:3-4 reads:

Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people violently slaughter each other. To him was given a large sword.

The suggested translation generally follows the NIV. It seems this Seal is describing catastrophic, even nuclear war. ^[3] First, this horse is described as being fiery red (pyrros). Versions that simply translate the Greek here as red (NASB, NLT) are less than accurate. John does not use the regular Greek word for “red” (eruthros). Rather, he uses a root word for “fire” (pyr), and therefore both BDAG and the NIV render this as fiery red.

This fiery red may have something to do with the kind of warfare being described here. Therefore, it could be referring to the powerful rockets used to launch and propel nuclear missiles. Or it could refer to the great fires that the nuclear warheads will cause upon impact. More evidence for this will be discussed in the book, Endtime Babylon.

It is commonly thought that humans would never be foolish enough to unleash nuclear weapons in the world. But notice the prophecy says the demonic rider on the fiery red horse will be given supernatural power to take peace from the earth and to make people violently slaughter each other.

Power and make (NIV) are not in the Greek text. The text literally says the rider “was granted [edothē] to take peace from the earth and that they would slaughter one another.” ^[4] Therefore, a God-given authority (NLT) and power (NIV) being given to the Antichrist is being reflected here. And that power will be used to make people violently slaughter each other. ^[5]

Next we see the nature of this warfare. People will violently slaughter [sphaxousin] each other. Regarding the Greek word used here, it was noted earlier in BBP:

The Greek word for violently slaughtered is not the normal Greek word for “kill” (e.g. apokteinō, used 74 times in the NT). Rather, the word used here means: “slaughter … killing a person by violence.” (ch. 13, sec. A)

Therefore, violently slaughter is a good translation. Webster’s defines “slaughter” as: “to kill in a bloody or violent manner; to kill in large numbers.” This again could certainly reflect the use of nuclear weapons. And so does the next reference to a large sword.

The weapon used is not described as the literal weapon of a sword, but is metaphorically described as a mega sword (megalē machaira ^[6]). This would suggest a weapon with more killing power than normal. ^[7] In fact, the result of the war unleashed in the 2nd Seal will largely contribute to the one-fourth of the earth that will be killed (Rev 6:8) during The Beginning of Birth Pains and reflected in the 4th Seal. All of this again seems to suggest the use of nuclear weapons. Accordingly, MacArthur comments on the 2nd Seal:

Men will slay one another on an unprecedented scale. Violent slaughter will become commonplace. While Scripture does not give the details, the advances in modern weaponry suggest a terrible, unimaginable holocaust. ^[8]

Likewise, Thomas writes of the 2nd Seal:

The horse’s color, pyrros (“fiery red”), intimates the nature of afflictions under the second seal. It is a span of slaughter and bloodshed… This is warfare in its most feared form… All in all, it is better to assign sphaxousin a broad connotation of the violent taking of life through warfare (Lenski). This will be a visitation resulting in great carnage. ^[9] ^[10]

B.2) The annihilation of Endtime Babylon Rev 17-17

The wars unleashed in the 2nd Seal seem to include the destruction of Endtime Babylon described in Revelation chapters 17-18. There we are given a prophecy about the total annihilation of a people and place called the great prostitute (17:1) or Babylon the Great (17:5). Book #3 in the Endtimes Essentials series, Endtime Babylon, is devoted to a biblical exegesis of this prophetic Scripture. A key text is Revelation 17:16, and the following suggested translation will be supported in Endtime Babylon (ch. 1, sec. A.):

The ten horns that you saw, and the beast will hate the Prostitute, and these will permanently remove all people from her and strip her naked and they will completely devour her body and will completely burn her up with fire. (Rev 17:16)

The clearest and most repeated description of Babylon the Great in this prophecy describes it as the economic superpower of the World (cf. Rev 17:2, 4; 18:3, 7, 9, 11-19, 23). When the Endtimes begin, its superior wealth, and its promotion of the worship of wealth, will suppress the Antichrist from the full rulership and worship of the world (cf. 17:3, 7). It is also repeatedly described as a spiritual Prostitute that at one time served God, but becomes a foremost practitioner and promoter of the sinful idolatry of wealth. In addition, at least 4 more attributes of Endtime Babylon can be derived from this passage to identify it. The book Endtime Babylon will argue that by far the best interpretation of Babylon the Great and the great prostitute is the United States of America.

Because Endtime Babylon will hinder the 10-nation Endtime Coalition and the Antichrist from coming to full power, the ten horns … and the beast will hate the Prostitute, and these will permanently remove all people from her and … completely burn her up with fire (17:16). Three times the prophecy states Endtime Babylon’s complete annihilation will occur in one hour (18:10, 17, 19). The result will be that no people will ever live there again, as No worker of any trade will ever be found in it again… The voice of bridegroom and bride will never be heard in it again (Rev 18:22-23 NIV). This suggests the kind of nuclear warfare reflected above in the description of the 2nd Seal. In addition, this is why it was argued elsewhere that some nations in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition will possess nuclear weapons (cf. BBP ch. 4, sec. B.2).

Indeed, many biblical arguments will be given in Endtime Babylon to demonstrate the destruction of Babylon the Great (America) occurs during the catastrophic wars portrayed in the 2nd Seal. Accordingly, American Christians will be on the Earth at the time Endtime Babylon is attacked and destroyed by the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition. Therefore, correctly understanding Revelation 17-18, and the identity and destruction of Babylon the Great is vitally important. The topic is introduced here because the timing of its destruction in Endtime events best fits the wars of the 2nd Seal. But again, biblical arguments for the above conclusions are provided in the book, Endtime Babylon.

B.3) War in Christ’s Endtimes Teaching Matt 24:6-7

Jesus’ gave His own commentary on the wars occurring during The Beginning of Birth Pains. In a suggested translation of Matthew 24:6 we read:

“You will hear reports of devasting wars [polemous] and riots [polemōn], but guard yourself against fear and make sure you are not alarmed. These horrific conflicts must happen, but My coming and the end of the age will not follow the wars immediately.” (Matt 24:6 ^[11])

Hear reports translates the Greek word akoas which can mean, “account, report, message.” ^[12] This is better than the NIV rumors or NLT threats which suggest they will not be real wars. The reports will be about real, and even very devasting wars. But the people who merely hear reports of them will not be in the wars. They will be in places on the Earth where the wars are not happening. As Hagner writes, Christ’s words refer to “reports of wars more distant.” ^[13] The GNT translates it as “You are going to hear … the news of battles far away.”

Devastating wars and horrific conflicts reflect the kind of events that would cause God’s people to have fear and be alarmed (cf. Luke’s terrified [NIV]; panic [NLT], 21:9). Small skirmishes will not have such an effect.

The suggested translation reflects that Christ was warning of two different types of conflicts, which would be large wars and smaller riots. Granted, Matthew translated Jesus as using essentially the same Greek word twice (polemos). Accordingly, most versions like the NIV choose to translate it as wars both times resulting in the rather redundant statement: You will hear of wars and rumors of wars. But it seems more likely Jesus intended to differentiate the events He was speaking of.

Accordingly, polemos has a rather wide range of meaning including these three: 1) “war;” 2) “a single engagement, battle, fight;” or 3) a more general “state of hostility/antagonism, strife, conflict, quarrel.” ^[14] Therefore, instead of having Jesus simply warn of wars twice in one phrase, the suggested translation reflects the third meaning of polemos and adds riots.

It seems Jesus was not only warning of massive conflicts when “Nation will go to war against nation, and kingdom against kingdom” (v. 7 NLT). He was also warning of a more general and localized, but violent “state of hostility/antagonism, strife, conflict, quarrels” between individuals all over the world.

This fits Luke’s version of Christ’s statement. There Jesus says: “When you hear of wars [polemous] and disturbances [akatastasias], do not be terrified” (Luke 21:9 NASB). The Greek word akatastasias is a virtual synonym for the third use of polemos above, meaning: 1) “unsettled state of affairs, disturbance, tumult;” or 2) “opposition to established authority, disorder, unruliness.” ^[15] The suggested translation of riots for the meaning of both polemos and akatastasias fits the meaning of these words well. Webster’s defines “riots” as: “a violent public disorder, a tumultuous disturbance of the public peace.”

Accordingly, it is suggested that in both Matthew 24:6 and Luke 21:9 Jesus was warning of both massive wars between nations and kingdoms, and more localized hostilities, conflicts, and riots between and among groups of people. ^[16] No doubt such violence in communities all over the world will especially increase with the opening of the 2nd Seal of war and the 3rd Seal of severe economic hardship. Famine and massive shortages of necessities will make people desperate. Desperation will lead to violence. As Jesus predicted during this same time: “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold” (Matt 24:12 NLT).

Finally, the suggested translation has: “Guard yourself against fear and make sure you are not alarmed.” This reflects the Greek word horate which means: “to be alert or on guard, pay attention.” ^[17] Jesus is implying that the wars and riots will be so horrific, that even His people will be tempted to have great fear and be alarmed that the End of the world has come. But Jesus corrected such thinking and said, “My coming and the end of the age will not follow the wars immediately” (cf. NLT).

B.4) Antichrist’s Wars Daniel

Notice that Jesus predicted multiple Endtime wars (plural). As it says in Daniel, War and its destruction and horrors have been determined by God to continue to the very end of the world (Dan 9:26 ^[18]). Indeed, from The Beginning of Birth Pains to the world-wide rebellion at the end of Christ’s 1,000-year Reign, Scripture predicts many wars to the very end of the world. These include in some order: ^[19]

1) The Rising Antichrist’s military victories resulting in the downfall of three leaders in the 10-nation Endtime Coalition and portrayed in the 1st Seal (cf. Rev 6:1-2; BBP ch. 11, sec. B).

2) An alliance of the Antichrist and the 10-nation Endtime Coalition to destroy Babylon the Great (Rev 17:5; the world’s economic super-power) with fire in one hour such that no one will live there again (cf. Rev chs. 17-18; Endtimes Essentials book #3: Endtime Babylon).

3) The Antichrist will attack and destroy Jerusalem at the time of his Claim to be God (“abomination of desolation”), breaking his Religious Covenant with Israel at its midpoint (cf. Dan 9:27; Zech 14:2; Luke 21:20). This will be discussed more in Endtimes Essentials book #4: The Greatest Persecution.

4) An army of 200 million demonic creatures will kill one third of all the people living on the Earth during Christ’s Endtime Wrath (cf. Rev 9:13-19).

5) At the end of Christ’s Wrath, the Antichrist will gather the armies of the world to Israel for the Battle of Armageddon (cf. Rev 16:12-16; 19:11-21; Ezek 38-39).

6) At the end of Christ’s 1000-year Reign on this Earth, a number of people likened to the grains of sand on the seashore, will attack Jerusalem and be destroyed by fire from Heaven (cf. Rev 20:7-9).

After that, a new heavens and new Earth will be created and There will be no more death or mourning or crying or pain, [or war] for the old order of things has passed away for eternity (Rev 21:1, 4 NIV; cf. Isa 2:4).

But as noted earlier in the Endtimes Essentials series, “God’s path and plan to get to the End of this wicked world will be long, painful, shocking, and bloody” (CET, ch. 2, sec. A). And that path includes a lot of war. Indeed, War and its destruction and horrors have been determined by God to continue to the very end of the world (Dan 9:26).

One will notice above that the Antichrist is at the center of most of the Endtime wars. Accordingly, the prophecies about him in Daniel describe his warlike nature. It says he will cause astounding and shocking destruction and destroy powerful nations and people (Dan 8:24 ^[20]). When they feel secure, he will destroy many (8:24-25 NIV). Another translation has it: He will destroy to an extraordinary degree… he will destroy many while they are at ease (NASB). The NLT translates: He will cause a shocking amount of destruction… he will destroy many without warning. Elsewhere we read He will attack the mightiest fortresses and still succeed in whatever he does (8:24; 11:39 NIV).

All of this seems to especially fit Antichrist’s surprise attack on Endtime Babylon predicted in Revelation 17-18.

It might be asked how could all these devasting wars and riots (Matt 24:6) occur in a world ruled by the Antichrist? Again, Revelation 13 tells us that after Antichrist’s Resurrection:

The whole world will be filled with wonder and follow the beast. People will worship the beast and ask, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” … And it will be given authority over every tribe, people, language and nation. All inhabitants of the earth will worship the beast—all whose names have not been written in the Lamb’s book of life (Rev 13:3-4, 7-8 NIV, with future tenses added).

In addition, it has been argued that the 1st Seal (Rev 6:1-2) depicts Antichrist’s Resurrection occurring at the very beginning of the Endtimes and before the conflicts unleashed in the 2nd Seal (cf. Rev 6:3-4; BBP ch. 11). So again, how could the devasting wars and riots (Matt 24:6) occur in a world where the Antichrist has already established his worship and authority (Rev 13:4, 7)?

First, it is unlikely that after Antichrist’s Resurrection anyone will attack him. The whole world will be asking, “Who is like the beast? Who can wage war against it?” The united answer will be “No one.” Accordingly, Scripture describes the Antichrist initiating the attack on Endtime Babylon (cf. Rev 17:16), the attack on Jerusalem before his Claim to be God (cf. Dan 9:27; Zech 14:2; Luke 21:20), and the Battle of Armageddon (cf. Rev 16:13-16; Ezek 38:2-6). The wars unleashed with the 2nd Seal will not be wars against the Antichrist, but will be led by the Antichrist. ^[21]

Finally, while Antichrist’s worldwide worship and authority will probably prevent “civil wars” between entire nations, ^[22] it will not stop public riots and violence, and even rebellion against local authorities. The Bible describes all unbelievers when it says they live in malice and envy, being hated and hating one another (Titus 3:3 NIV). In a world led by the Antichrist, there will not only be a growing hatred for Christians (cf. Matt 24:9), but unbelievers will have a growing hatred for one another. Neither the Antichrist’s worldwide worship nor authority will be a hindrance to the control and power that people’s sinful natures will continue to have over them in the Endtimes. Again, even with the Antichrist in power, Jesus predicted “Sin will be rampant everywhere, and the love of many will grow cold” (Matt 24:12 NLT).

C) Famines during The Beginning of Birth Pains The 3rd Seal

Throughout history, wars have produced famine. Likewise, the catastrophic wars unleashed in the 2nd Seal will result in the famine described in the 3rd Seal. Accordingly, in both Christ’s Endtimes Teaching and His Revelation, Jesus taught that after wars, there will be famines … in various places (Matt 24:6-7 NIV; cf. Rev 6:3-6). In Revelation 6 we read:

When the Lamb opened the third seal, I heard the third living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a black horse! Its rider was holding a pair of scales in his hand. Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!” (Rev 6:5-6 NIV)

This portrays a period of severe economic hardship and the famines Jesus warned of. The Greek word (limoi) means: “hunger” or “famine.” ^[23] Webster’s defines “famine” as “an extreme scarcity of food.” Such famine will eventually lead to deaths by starvation described in the next (4th) Seal. During the 3rd Seal, the desperate efforts of people to simply meet their basic physical needs will be the focus of the world.

Osborne explains regarding the use of a pair of scales: “In Lev. 26:26 and Ezek. 4:16 the image of eating bread on the basis of weight symbolized terrible scarcity.” ^[24] Likewise, when two pounds of wheat will cost a day’s wages, food is obviously scarce. A day’s wages translates a Greek word (dēnariou) often rendered “denarius.” “A denarius was the average day’s wages for a working man.” ^[25] Two pounds translates a Greek word (choinix) meaning: “A dry measure, often used for grain, approximately equivalent to one quart or one liter, quart. It was a daily ration of grain for one person.” ^[26] Ladd explains:

Grain was the main food in the ancient world, and barley was the food of poor people because it is less expensive than wheat. A quart of wheat was the average daily consumption of a man. This pictures a situation where scarcity prevails, when it would take all that a man could earn, a day’s wages, to buy enough of the cheapest food for a small family. In ordinary times, a denarius would purchase twelve to fifteen times as much food. ^[27]

Thomas writes:

The minimum daily food requirement of barley was three measures because it was cheaper than the better food, wheat… By buying the cheaper commodity a laborer could obtain three measures and have enough for himself and his family, but each person received less nutritional value. ^[28]

Understanding the statement: “do not damage the olive oil and the wine!” (Rev 6:6) is more difficult. First, the Greek word here (elaion) specifically means “Oil extracted from the fruit of the olive tree, olive oil.” ^[29] Therefore, versions that translate this as merely oil are not as accurate (cf. NIV, NASB) as those that have olive oil (cf. NLT, NET).

There are two primary interpretations of what the statement, “do not damage the olive oil and the wine!” means: 1) Basic necessities will become valuable commodities, or 2) There will still be rich people living in luxury at this time. ^[30] The first interpretation seems best.

First, we should understand the meaning of the olive oil and the wine during the time that the Bible was written. At that time, they were not luxuries. Rather they were common products used by everyone. Accordingly, Ladd writes:

Oil and cheap wine were among the common necessities of life for poor people. ‘Grain, oil, and wine’ is a common phrase in the Bible representing the ordinary necessities (Deut. 7:13; 11:14; 28:51; 2 Chron. 32:28; Neh. 5:11; Hos. 2:8, 22; Joel 2:19; Hag. 1:11). These were the staple foods in Bible lands. They were all essential to the normal life of these countries and were not real luxuries. ^[31]

However, they were valuable commodities. The NT indicates that olive oil was used in lamps (Matt 25:3-10 NLT; cf. Exod 27:20). Both were used for healing purposes. Speaking of how the “Good Samaritan” ministered to an injured man, Luke writes: The Samaritan soothed his wounds with olive oil and wine and bandaged them (10:34 NLT; cf. Isa 1:6; Jms 5:14). Wine was used to purify water, which may be why Paul advised Timothy: Stop drinking only water, and use a little wine because of your stomach and your frequent illnesses (1 Tim 5:23 NIV). One reference notes:

Olive oil was used extensively in biblical times for cooking. It was an essential part of everyone’s diet, as is shown in the Bible by the repetition of the oil (Hebrew, yitzhar), wine, and grain trio (e.g., Deut 7:13; 11:14; 12:17; 18:4, etc.). Olive oil was mixed with flour for cakes, was used for frying meat, and eaten with bread and stews. ^[32]

While valuable, there is no indication in Bible times that olive oil and the wine were luxuries primarily or only enjoyed by wealthy people. If this had been the intended meaning in Revelation 6:6, then it seems items such as gold and silver would have been mentioned. Therefore, their mention here points to their value as commodities of trade during a time of severe economic scarcity. The mention of a pair of scales points to this. As Mounce notes: “The balance indicates a time of scarcity when the basic commodities of life are measured out at greatly inflated prices.” ^[33] “Commodities” is the key term here. With all of that said, there will still probably be very rich people living in the world at this time.

Regardless, the pain during the 3rd Seal will be severe. We read a similar prophecy in Ezekiel when God punished His people when the Babylonian army surrounded Jerusalem:

Then he told me, “Son of man, I will make food very scarce in Jerusalem. It will be weighed out with great care and eaten fearfully. The water will be rationed out drop by drop, and the people will drink it with dismay. Lacking food and water, people will look at one another in terror, and they will waste away under their punishment. (Ezek 4:16-17 NLT).

The Christians living during this time in the Last Generation Church will experience the unprecedented famines (Matt 24:7) unleashed during the 3rd Seal (cf. Rev 6:5-6). Therefore, it is interesting to note the promise given specifically to the Christians who will come out of the great persecution [thlipseōs] (Rev 7:14) who will have experienced the famines and struggle for basic needs during the beginning of birth pains (Matt 24:7-8):

“He who sits on the throne will give them shelter. They will never again be hungry or thirsty; they will never be scorched by the heat of the sun. For the Lamb on the throne will be their Shepherd. He will lead them to springs of life-giving water. And God will wipe every tear from their eyes.” (Rev 7:15-17 NLT)

D) Other deadly catastrophes during The Beginning of Birth Pains The 4th Seal

Regarding the fourth seal we read:

When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!” I looked, and there before me was a pale horse! Its rider was named Death, and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth. (Rev 6:7-8 NIV)

This is not describing a mere summary of the other Seals. ^[34] In the 4th Seal several additional painful Birth Pains are mentioned. In addition, one senses an even greater increase in the intensity of the Endtime Birth Pains with the opening of the fourth seal. For example, the severe economic scarcity in the 3rd Seal has become starvation in the 4th Seal. Likewise, the war and famine of previous Seals has resulted in perhaps the deadliest threat: plague. ^[35]

The divine punishments of the sword, famine, and plague, and even wild beasts are commonly mentioned together in the OT (cf. 1 Chron 21:12; Jer 14:12; 21:7; 24:10; 44:13; Ezek. 5:12; 6:11-12; 14:21; 33:27). The latter two references in Ezekiel again concerned God’s punishment of the nation of Israel when Babylon attacked Jerusalem. We read there:

For this is what the Sovereign LORD says: “How much worse will it be when I send against Jerusalem my four dreadful judgments —sword and famine and wild beasts and plague —to kill its men and their animals!” (Ezek 14:21 NIV)

This is what the Sovereign LORD says: “As surely as I live, those who are left in the ruins will fall by the sword, those out in the country I will give to the wild animals to be devoured, and those in strongholds and caves will die of a plague.” (Ezek 33:27 NIV)

Let us discuss each of these four dreadful judgments of God during The Beginning of Birth Pains and unleashed with the opening of the 4th Seal.

Being killed by sword is mentioned again. However, this is probably not referring to or limited to merely the nation … against nation kind of wars (Matt 24:6-7) unleashed in the 2nd Seal as described above. In the 4th Seal being killed by sword may also include increased violence and murders caused by the scarcity of food during that time. ^[36]

As noted, with the opening of the 4th Seal, the severe economic hardship in the 3rd Seal will eventually result in starvation and Death.

In addition, plague ^[37] will be added to the world-wide catastrophes. The Greek word here (loimoi) means “epidemic disease.” ^[38] Jesus had warned of this in Luke’s version of Christ’s Endtimes Teaching when He said, “There will be famines and plagues [loimoi] in many lands” (21:11 NLT). Thus, again, we see a common progression that has been demonstrated throughout human history. War leads to famine and malnutrition and great stress leads to disease, which often kills the most people. This is even reflected in Scripture (cf. Jer 14:12; Ezek 5:17; 14:21; Luke 21:11). MacArthur notes:

Throughout human history, disease has killed people on a far more massive scale than war. More Union and Confederate soldiers died from disease during the Civil War than were killed in battle. An estimated 30 million people died during the great influenza epidemic of 1918–19–more than three times as many as the estimated 8.5 million soldiers who died in battle during World War I. In addition, several million more died at about that same time in an outbreak of typhus in Russia, Poland, and Romania. In a world ravaged by war and famine, it is inevitable that such disease will be widespread. ^[39]

Finally, Revelation 6:8 reveals the odd prediction of people being killed by the wild beasts of the earth. This source of killing during The Beginning of Birth Pains is not mentioned in Christ’s Endtimes Teaching, but only here in His Revelation. Wild beasts probably simply refers to wild animals. This divine punishment was also described in the OT where we read:

Then the LORD sent venomous snakes among them; they bit the people and many Israelites died. (Num 21:6 NIV)

“I will send wasting famine against them, consuming pestilence and deadly plague; I will send against them the fangs of wild beasts, the venom of vipers that glide in the dust.” (Deut 32:24 NIV)

Therefore a lion from the forest will attack them, a wolf from the desert will ravage them, a leopard will lie in wait near their towns to tear to pieces any who venture out, for their rebellion is great and their backslidings many. (Jer 5:6 NIV)

God has certainly used wild beasts (Rev 6:8) for His purposes. These OT examples suggest such things occur as a result of God’s Wrath to punish people. But as noted above, the wrath of the Lamb (Rev 6:16) does not begin in the Endtimes until the 6th Seal. Therefore, the first four Seals are best understood to be catastrophes empowered by demonic forces that God allows in order to prepare the world for Antichrist’s rule, and eventually, Christ’s Wrath.

MacArthur adds regarding the Endtime unleashing of wild beasts:

At first glance, the inclusion of wild beasts with war, famine, and disease seems puzzling, since most creatures dangerous to man are either extinct or isolated in unpopulated regions. But one explanation may be that the most deadly creature of all, the rat, thrives in all populated areas. Rats have been responsible for uncounted millions of deaths throughout history, both by eating food supplies, and especially by spreading disease. The most infamous and devastating occurrence of rat-borne disease was the Black Death, a fourteenth-century outbreak of bubonic plague that wiped out one-fourth to one-third of Europe’s population. In a world ravaged by war, famine, and disease, the rat population may run wild. ^[40]

Because of its oddity, some have speculated that wild beasts are referring to “microscopic beasts” and diseases. But plagues are already mentioned in the text. It’s possible that the prediction includes deadly insects. The Greek word translated wild beasts is thēriōn which means: “any living creature, excluding humans.” ^[41] Indeed, mosquitos are by far the most dangerous “animal” in the world, responsible for about 1 million deaths each year through infecting people with malaria and other diseases. ^[42]

But it would seem the primary reference here is to wild animals killing people. Even today, poisonous snakes kill 50,000 people every year, and stray rabid dogs another 25,000. ^[43] A report goes on to state:

The crocodile is responsible for 1,000 deaths, the hippopotamus for 500 deaths, the elephant and the lion 100 each. Wolves and sharks, often villainized on TV and in movies, only cause ten deaths each year. ^[44]

It would seem that during The Beginning of Birth Pains, the divine curse on Creation (cf. Rom 8:19-22) will come to full fruition as the wild beasts of Nature become especially hostile and a significantly greater threat than today. ^[45]

The divine curse on Creation may also come to a climax in the form earthquakes. While these are not mentioned in the first five Seals in Revelation 6, in Christ’s Endtimes Teaching He warned: “There will be great earthquakes” (Luke 21:11 NLT; cf. Matt 24:7). The Endtime earthquakes could be caused by supernatural forces being exerted by God. However, there is evidence that the use of nuclear weapons could cause this as well. Many of the nuclear weapons tests that have been conducted with even small warheads have been documented to cause local earthquakes afterwards. Multi-megaton warheads would surely do the same. ^[46]

E) The ongoing but limited effect of The Beginning of Birth Pains

Revelation 6:8 also describes the continuing and cumulative effect of the wars, famines, plagues, deadly wild animals, and earthquakes unleashed on the world during The Beginning of Birth Pains. We read that Death and Hades … were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine, and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth (Rev 6:8 NIV).

Notice that some of the catastrophes of The Beginning of Birth Pains are repeated here, including war (2nd Seal) and famine (3rd Seal). This suggests that the effect of the opening of a particular Seal of Preparation continues and even intensifies throughout The Beginning of Birth Pains. It has been argued that the deception unleashed in the 1st Seal also progresses throughout this time (cf. ch. 13, sec. C).

Therefore, the effects of The Beginning of Birth Pains and the opening of the first four Seals of Preparation will be massive. However, the geographical location may be limited to one fourth of the earth. ^[47] The NIV expresses the more literal Greek well: Death, and Hades … were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth (Rev 6:8 NIV). There is some debate about what a fourth of the earth means here. The Greek word for earth (gēs) can mean either 1) the place where humanity lives, earth; or 2) the inhabitants of earth, people. ^[48] Therefore, is this one fourth of the Earth to be understood geographically or numerically?

Most commentators claim it refers to one fourth of the world’s population. ^[49] Therefore, it is commonly concluded that with a current population of the world at around 8 billion people, the text is predicting the death of 2 billion people during The Beginning of Birth Pains. In this scenario, the wars, famines, and plagues of the first four Seals will be occurring rather evenly all over the world and killing people in a rather random way. Unfortunately, these same commentators do not offer any arguments for this view and seem to assume it is correct.

There are reasons to believe otherwise. Again, the text states: Death, and Hades … were given power over a fourth of the earth [gēs] to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth [gēs] (Rev 6:8 NIV). Notice that in the very same verse gēs refers to the planet, not people, when it refers to wild beasts of the earth. If earth (gēs) means the planet in the second part of the verse, this is an argument that it means the planet in the first part of the verse. Therefore, a fourth of the earth (gēs) would refer to one fourth of the geographical area of the planet, rather than the population.

Likewise, a short time later in the Revelation, the very next statement like this is in 8:7. There we read of the first Trumpet Punishment when, A third of the earth [gēs] was burned up. Here, earth clearly refers to a geographical area, not people. This is the case with all of the multiple references to a portion of the earth (gēs) in Revelation (cf. 8:8, 9, 10, 11, 12).

Finally, when Revelation is referring to a portion of humanity, it makes this clear by twice using the phrase to kill one-third of all the people [anthrōpon] on earth (gēs) (Rev 9:15 NLT; cf. v. 18). Therefore, if John had meant a third of humanity (or the population) in Revelation 6:8, it seems he would have specified it as he does in Revelation 9.

These characteristics of the Revelation suggest that in 6:8 a fourth of the earth refers to a geographical area of the Earth. This interpretation of Revelation 6:8 may also equate to approximately 2 billion people. But its emphasis on a specific geographic area of the Earth seems to suggest the deaths will not be evenly distributed in the world. In other words, the wars, famines, plagues, and earthquakes may be concentrated in specific continents on Earth. Therefore, a great many people (maybe everyone) living in that one fourth of the earth’s geography will be killed. This seems to be what is being referred to when we read: Death, and Hades … were given power over a fourth of the earth [gēs] to kill by sword, famine and plague, and by the wild beasts of the earth [gēs] (Rev 6:8 NIV).

For example, it seems those killed by war will be primarily in this one fourth of the earth. Therefore, the other 75% of the earth will not physically experience these Endtime wars. This would reflect Christ’s statement that in the Endtimes many people will merely hear reports of these wars, or news of battles far away (Matt 24:6), as discussed above.

The fact that these wars may be confined to one fourth of the earth is another indication that the great majority of these deaths will occur in the apparent destruction of Endtime Babylon (America) with nuclear weapons.

Likewise, it seems Africa will be a part of the one fourth of the earth where virtually all of its people will die during The Beginning of Birth Pains. This is because it will be especially hit hard by famine. One resource notes:

According to the United Nations Conference on Trade and Development, “Africa imported about 85% of its food (in 2016-2018) from outside the continent.” This amounted to $35 billion and is expected to reach $110 billion by 2025. ^[50]

In a world suffering from the severe economic scarcity of the 3rd Seal, famine will probably affect Africa more than any other place on Earth because of its greater dependence for food on the rest of the world.

Therefore, it is suggested that Endtime Babylon (America) and Africa may be the one fourth of the earth where all the people are killed by the wars, famines, plagues, earthquakes, and wild beasts during The Beginning of Birth Pains. It is interesting to note that the combined geographical land mass of America and Africa is approximately 27% of Earth’s total geographical area. ^[51] That would be about a fourth of the earth.

The Death and killing of those living on a fourth of the earth will culminate and be completed in the 4th Seal. Afterwards there will be what can be called the Remaining World. It is the 75% of the geographical Earth that will not have its population wiped out during The Beginning of Birth Pains and the events of the 2nd-4th Seals.

Therefore, the Remaining World that the Antichrist will rule over may not include the place and people of America or Africa. Likewise, the Christians living in this one fourth of the earth may die during The Beginning of Birth Pains and will not experience The Greatest Persecution.

It has been noted that many people believe and teach that these Seals and The Beginning of Birth Pains have already been occurring throughout Church history or even now. But the magnitude of the 4th Seal disproves this. Accordingly, it was written elsewhere:

MacArthur is correct to note against the “historical” view of The Beginning of Birth Pains in Revelation 6:

The first four seals clearly describe awe-inspiring, frightening judgments without parallel in human history. There is nothing that has happened since John had this vision that could be the fulfillment of these judgments.

Therefore, focusing on how mere shadows of The Beginning of Birth Pains have occurred in human history does little to help the Church prepare for the great darkness that is coming. (Christ’s Endtimes Teaching, ch. 3, sec. B).

Regardless of whether the one fourth of people being killed refers to population or geography, there has not been a period of history when anything close to this has happened. And it certainly is not happening today. These unprecedented horrors will occur sometime in the future. Perhaps even your future. Which is why an important question is addressed in the last chapter of this book: Are you ready for the Endtimes?

Seals 1-5 do not portray Christ’s Endtime Wrath as demonstrated elsewhere (cf. BBP ch. 3, sec. B; CET, ch. 14). Nevertheless, the Pre-tribulationist MacArthur comments regarding these Seals: “All those calamities will mark the outpouring of God’s wrath on the fallen, rebellious world” (MNTC, Rev, 176). ↑
MacArthur agrees that, “The first four seals cover the period Jesus described as “the beginning of birth pangs” (Matt. 24:8)” (MNTC, Rev, 177), which is why he should not interpret them as Christ’s Endtime Wrath because The Greatest Persecution that follows (the results of which are portrayed in the 5^th Seal) certainly do not reflect Christ’s Endtime Wrath. ↑
MacArthur may be alluding to nuclear war when he writes of the 2^nd Seal: “

Men will slay one another on an unprecedented scale. Violent slaughter will become commonplace. While Scripture does not give the details, the advances in modern weaponry suggest a terrible, unimaginable holocaust. (MNTC, Rev, 180) ↑
LGEINT. ↑
The suggested translation of Rev 6:4 that the Antichrist will be given power to take peace from the earth and to make people violently slaughter each other is reflected in the NET which reads: it was granted permission to take peace from the earth, so that people would butcher one another. Again, more evidence for a supernatural power causing such destructive war will be discussed in Endtime Babylon. ↑
It is odd that the Greek word megalē (large) is coupled with machaira here which means: “a relatively short sword or other sharp instrument, sword, dagger … knife” (BDAG). One would have expected John to use rhomphaia here which means, “a large and broad sword” (BDAG). Still, the addition of megalē makes it clear that John intended large sword. ↑
Oddly, the popular Left Behind Collection suggests the fiery red horse of war will merely be a rebellion of Egypt, England, and a militia in America, against the Antichrist. ↑
MacArthur, MNTC, Rev, 180. Likewise, Thomas writes of the 2nd Seal:

The horse’s color, pyrros (“fiery red”), intimates the nature of afflictions under the second seal. It is a span of slaughter and bloodshed… This is warfare in its most feared form… All in all, it is better to assign sphaxousin a broad connotation of the violent taking of life through warfare (Lenski). This will be a visitation resulting in great carnage. (699, 702) ↑
Thomas, 699, 702. ↑
As noted, MacArthur and Thomas correctly interpret the meaning of the 2^nd Seal as massive war. Walvoord has little comment but likewise acknowledges:

When the second seal is broken, military warfare breaks out and peace is taken from the world. The constant tension among nations and the ambitions of rulers have their climax in this period before Christ comes. Though “wars and rumors of wars” (Matt. 24:6) are characteristic of the age, it is evident that warfare occupies a large place in the consummation of the age with a resultant great loss of life. (125)

However, it is surprising how many scholars ignore the obvious meaning in the 2nd Seal of massive war as also predicted by Jesus when He warned “Nation will rise against nation (Matt 24:7 NIV). For example, Osborne (278) and Morris (103) interpret it as merely “civil war” implying wars within nations.

Beale characteristically misses the most important meaning of the text and claims meanings that probably are not even there when he writes regarding Rev 6:3:

[This] must not be limited to literal warfare but includes the dimension of spiritual struggles … persecution of Christians is also in mind. (379; cf. Hendricksen, 100).

On the contrary, the prediction of literal and unprecedented war is the intention of the text, but Beale has no commentary on this because he barely sees it there. Also, persecution is not reflected until the 5^th Seal portraying The Greatest Persecution.

Mounce also misses the point that the 2^nd Seal is portraying massive war, but does agree that it may also include “rebellion and civil disorder” (143) as is reflected in Christ’s description as explained in this section. ↑
Commentaries on Matt 24:6-8 are generally disappointing. Most seem focused on trying to prove that Jesus was not intending to give us signs or events of the end of the age (v. 3). For discussion on this “scholarly skepticism” regarding obeying Christ’s command to Watch! (Mark 13:37) for signs of His Return, see BBP ch. 1, sec. C.2 and Additional Studies on the Endtimes (ASE), ch. 9.

Unfortunately, MacArthur confuses the Seal Preparations describing The Beginning of Birth Pains (cf. Rev 6:1-8) with the Trumpet Punishments of Christ’s Wrath (Matt, loc. 42847ff.) ↑
BDAG, #4b. ↑
Hagner, 691. ↑
BDAG, #1a, #1b, #2. ↑
BDAG #1, #2. ↑
It is true that BDAG gives one possible meaning of akatastasias as “opposition to established authority.” Accordingly, many translations render it in Luke 21:9 as revolutions (NIV 1984, GNT), insurrections (NLT, NRSV), and rebellions (NET, CSB). Marshall translates it as “civil wars” (Luke, 764). But these meanings seem stronger than necessary. All other uses of akatastasias in the NT refer merely to disorder within churches (2 Cor 12:20; 14:33; Jms 3:16) or public riots (2 Cor 6:5). Therefore, “revolutions” and “civil wars” is not a good translation of akatastasias in Luke 21:9. Disturbances (NASB), commotions (KJV, NKJV), tumults (ESV), and riots (NCV, CEV) is better. ↑
BDAG #2. ↑
For an explanation of the suggested translation of Dan 9:26 see BBP ch. 3, endnote #4. ↑
The Left Behind series portrays some sort of attempted invasion of Israel by Russia even before The Beginning of Birth Pains. In the authors’ explanation elsewhere, they quote verses obviously describing the Battle of Armageddon (Lahaye & Jenkins, 83-89). Therefore, there is no biblical support for such an attack. ↑
The suggested translation of Dan 8:24 reads: He will become very powerful, but not by his own human power. He will cause astounding and shocking destruction and succeed in everything he wants. He will destroy powerful nations and people and will also destroy the saints.

Human is inserted because this person’s power being referred to is human power. The suggested translation also gives the proper impression that the text is describing a supernatural and demonic power.

Astounding and shocking translates the Hebrew word pala meaning: “to be surpassing or extraordinary” (BDB). When referring to the works of God it means miraculous. When referring to the works of men, as in Dan 8:24, it means “beyond rational, too extraordinary and improbable to believe” (TWOT, 723, using Webster’s to define “suprarational” and “incredible”).

Powerful nations and people translate atsum “mighty, numerous.” The assumption that this only refers to powerful leaders (NLT) is misleading. “The mighty” here are not specified and could refer to powerful nations as well. The theme of power throughout the verse suggests “numerous” is not included in its meaning, as no versions translate it that way. Therefore, the versions that have simply “the mighty” are preferred (e.g. CSB, KJV, NKJV, NRSV)

Will also destroy the saints. The Hebrew is literally “people of the saints” (NASB text note; see ESV saints). This is a separate group of people from “the mighty” or the nations and people he also destroys. As Young points out:

This phrase is not epexegetical of “powerful ones,” but is perhaps used in direct contradistinction. Not only will he destroy powerful ones such as political enemies, but also the nation in which the saints live” (180).

The NET text note seems wrong to suggest the text could be referring to Angels. ↑
Some have claimed that Daniel 11:40-45 predicts wars against the Antichrist. But there are good arguments for seeing these prophecies fulfilled by Antiochus in the 2^nd century B.C. For more on this issue see Additional Studies on the Endtimes, ch. 16: “The Relationship of Daniel 11 with the Endtimes.” ↑
It is argued in this chapter that “civil wars” apart from wars led by the Antichrist will not be a feature of the Endtimes because of Antichrist’s worldwide worship and authority. This is supported by the fact noted above that akatastasias in Luke 21:9 is not used this way in the NT (cf. Endnote #16 above). However, Mounce (143) and Morris (103) claim the 2nd Seal depicts only civil war. Part of their error is based on their misinterpretation of the 1st Seal as primarily depicting the unleashing of worldwide war. For biblical arguments that the 1st Seal portrays victory in past wars and the establishment of peace, see BBP ch. 11. ↑
BDAG #1 & 2. ↑
Osborne, 280. ↑
Thomas, 706. ↑
BDAG. ↑
Ladd, Revelation. Mounce writes, “The price appears to be ten to twelve times what it should have been, cf. Cicero, Verr. 3.81” (144). Cicero gives the average prices for these things in 1^st century Rome. ↑
Thomas, 706. ↑
BDAG. ↑
Thomas takes this view that “do not damage the olive oil and the wine!” (Rev 6:6) means there will still be rich people living in luxury at this time. He writes: “It indicates rather the inequity that will prevail. The poor will have it extremely hard while the wealthy will experience no interruption to their luxurious lifestyle” (708). He explains:

One explanation sees olive oil as part of the staple food supply as were wheat, barley, and wine, whether in a time of shortage or prosperity (cf. Deut. 7:13; 11:14; 28:51; 2 Chron. 32:28; Neh. 5:11; Hos. 2:8, 22; Joel 2:19; Hag. 1:11), and the prohibition not to hurt the olive oil means a limitation to the scarcity. In other words, the third seal will entail poverty, but the famine will be only partial, not severe (cf. Ps. 104:14-15). This line of thinking points out that the stipulated price of the wheat and barley also places a limitation on the rider. He could have charged two denarii rather than one, making the famine even more severe (Alford; Swete).

Yet oil and wine were more in the category of luxuries than wheat and barley (Moffatt). For this reason, the other analysis of the prohibition sees olive oil as particularly associated with the rich and concludes that the wealthy are unhurt by the famine. The lesson is a disparity between the poor and the rich. Comfort is denied the common worker, but the rich pass through the trial unscathed (Moffatt; Scott; Lenski).

Some argue against this by noting the universal nature of the seal visitations (Beckwith) and by reasoning that the Lamb would not issue an order favoring the rich and aggravating the bad circumstances of the poor (Mounce). Yet the force of objections is mitigated by remembering that the rich will get their judgment under the sixth seal (Beasley-Murray).

The problem with taking this as a reference to limited famine is that it underrates the severity of the seals. This famine will be serious enough to make it unique in history up to that time. The world has already seen many limited famines, but never one like this. The limitation proposal cannot explain the exorbitant price of grain (Beckwith). People could not live on olive oil and wine, so they must be seen as extras (Scott). The seal judgments will not limit human suffering. They will enhance it. So it is wrong to take a major feature such as this prohibition against hurting the oil and the wine and interpret it as a limitation on human hardship. It indicates rather the inequity that will prevail. The poor will have it extremely hard while the wealthy will experience no interruption to their luxurious lifestyle. (707-708).

This view is possible. But for reasons shared in this section this view seems to be inaccurate. ↑
Ladd, 101. ↑
https://israelolivebond.com/olive-oil/olive-oil-history/ ↑
Mounce, 144. ↑
Some deny that the 4th Seal reveals any new catastrophes and is intended only as a summary of the first three Seals. But the 4th Seal is a separate judgment from the first three. Accordingly, Thomas writes regarding Rev 6:8:

[It] has at times been taken as a separate sentence, a succinct summary statement of all four seals (Mounce). Yet it is awkward to cross the boundaries erected by the separate seals to justify such an inclusive antecedent for the pronoun. Besides this, it is difficult to see how the rider on the white horse could have killed through the use of wild beasts, if he killed at all (Mounce)… For example: Famine has already come on the scene under the third seal, but will worsen under the fourth so that sizable numbers of people will die from it. (714-15) ↑
Thomas writes: “A conspicuous increase in severity comes with the opening of the fourth seal” (710). ↑
Accordingly, Ladd writes: “Death by the sword differs from the plague of the second horseman, war, in that it can include all kinds of violent deaths by the sword, such as murder, as well as war” (101).

However, Mounce seems correct to note: “No significance should be attached to the fact that John here chooses a different word for the sword than he used in 6:4” (145). Indeed, BAGD reflects little difference between the megalē machaira (large sword, v.4), and a rhomphaia (“A large and broad sword used by non-Greek-speaking peoples, especially the Thracians,” sword, v. 8). ↑
The Greek word thanatos is used twice in Rev 6:8. We read: Death [thanatos], and Hades was following close behind him. They were given power over a fourth of the earth to kill by sword, famine and plague [thanatō] (NIV).

Death is the correct translation in 6:8a as thanatos generally means: “the termination of physical life, death” (BDAG). But versions are correct to translate it as plague (NIV), pestilence (NASB), or even better as disease (NLT) in its second use in this verse.

First, the catastrophes described in the 4th Seal are probably meant to reflect Christ’s Endtimes Teaching. In Luke’s version He said, “There will be famines and plagues [loimoi] in many lands” (21:11 NLT). The Greek here clearly means, “plagues, diseases” (BDAG).

Secondly, in the LXX (2nd century B.C. Greek translation of the OT used in the NT Church), thanatos is used to refer to plagues and disease “over thirty times” (Beale, 382). Therefore, the second use of this term in Rev 6:8 probably refers to disease instead of simply generically death again. Accordingly, Thomas writes:

Thanatō (“pestilence”) will also contribute its share of misery to this period (Lee). Jesus chose a different word, λoιμoί (loimoi, “pestilences”), to speak of the problem in His Olivet discourse (cf. Luke 21:11), but both words describe sweeping plagues that will assail the world’s population. (711)

MacArthur adds:

Pestilence translates thanatos, the same word translated “Death” earlier in verse 8. Here it may primarily refer to disease as the cause of death (cf. 2:23; 18:8) but is broad enough to encompass natural disasters such as the earthquakes predicted by Jesus (Matt. 24:7), floods, and volcanic eruptions. It could also refer to the effects of biological and chemical weapons. (Rev, 184) ↑
Mounce, 145. Cf. BDAG. Unfortunately, modern Evangelical commentaries on Luke are fairly useless in offering any more insight into the famines and plagues (Luke 21:11) Christ predicted. They are mainly focused on the origin of the different wording or order of words between the Gospels, which is a rather speculative and worthless topic. ↑
MacArthur, Rev, 184. ↑
MacArthur, Rev, 184. ↑
BDAG. ↑
https://www.worldatlas.com/articles/the-animals-that-kill-most-humans.html ↑
Ibid. ↑
Ibid. ↑
Most commentators have very little to say about the wild beasts referred to in Revelation 6:8. Beale makes a lengthy argument that they refer to the “beasts” of Antichrist and the False Prophet (Rev 13). But his argument is primarily based on his false belief that The Greatest Persecution has already begun with the 1st Seal, and at least the 3rd and 4th Seals portray this persecution of Christians. In other words, Beale misunderstands or ignores the biblical sequence of Endtime events. Jesus described wars, famines, and plagues and said, “these are the beginning of birth pains” (Matt 24:8). In the very next verse He said, “Then you will be handed over to be persecuted” (v. 9 NIV). This perfectly matches the sequence in Rev 6:1-11. ↑
For references to nuclear weapons causing earthquakes see online at http://www.ratical.com/radiation/inetSeries/testsNquakes.html; https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tectonic_weapon;

https://news.climate.columbia.edu/2018/09/24/north-koreas-2017-bomb-test-triggered-earthquake-fault-new-analysis-finds/ ↑
The NLT’s description of the geographical effect of the wars is, And there was war and slaughter everywhere (Rev 6:4). Oddly the translators seemed to forget that Rev 6:8 limits the geographical scope of the wars to one fourth of the earth. ↑
BDAG #1 & #2. Although BDAG seems to make a mistake in not even listing or categorizing the use of gēs in Rev 6:8. ↑
Actually, no commentators could be found that even suggest that one fourth of the earth (Rev 6:8 NIV) refers to geography rather than population. Osborne, Morris, Beale, Walvoord, MacArthur, and Mounce interpret Rev 6:8 in a population sense (Thomas does not specify). The latter is typical and writes: “This expression does not indicate a geographical area but [the first four Seals] … bring about the death of one-fourth of humankind” (Mounce, 145). But as with all the rest of commentators, Mounce offers no arguments for his interpretation. ↑
https://www.theafricareport.com/123719/whats-behind-africas-skyrocketing-imports-yet-increased-production-growth/ ↑
The entire land mass of Earth is 57.5 million square miles. The U. S. is 3.8 and Africa is 11.7 million square miles, equaling 15.5. 57.5 divided by 15.5 equals 27%. ↑

Chapter 18

The Unprecedented Catastrophes in The Beginning of Birth Pains

Contents

Primary Points