The White Horse And Its Illustrious Rider

John, and with him the zealous John class and companions of today, is privileged to see a fast-moving drama! John says: " And I saw, and, Look! a white horse; and the one seated upon it had a bow; and a crown was given him, and he went forth conquering and to complete his conquest." (Revelation 6:2) Yes, in answer o that thunderous "Come"! a white horse charges forth. In the Bible, the horse often symbolizes warfare. (Psalm 20:7; Proverbs 21:31; Isaiah 31:1) This horse, likely a beautiful stallion, gleams with a whiteness that indicates unblemished holiness. (Compare Revelation 1:14; 4:4; 7:9; 20:11) How appropriate this is, for it portrays warfare that is clean and righteous in Jehovah's holy eyes!- See also Revelation 19:11, 14.



Who is the Rider of this horse? He has a bow, an offensive weapon of war, but he is also given a crown. The only righteous ones seen wearing crowns during the Lord's day are Jesus and the class represented by the 24 elders. (Daniel 7:13, 14, 27; Luke 1:31-33; Revelation 4:4, 10; 14:14) It is unlikely that a member of the group of 24 elders would be pictured as receiving a crown on his own merit. Hence, this lone horseman must be Jesus Christ and no other. John sees him in heaven at the historic moment in 1914 when Jehovah declares, "I, even I, have installed my King." and tells him that this is for the purpose "that I may give nations as your inheritance." (Psalm 2:6-8) Thus, in opening the first seal Jesus reveals how he himself, as the newly crowned King, sallies forth to war at God's appointed time.



This scene harmonizes beautifully with Psalm 45:4-7, addressed to the King enthroned by Jehovah: "And in your splendor go on to success; ride in the cause of truth and humility and righteousness, and your right hand will instruct you in fear-inspiring things. Your arrows are sharp - under you peoples keep falling-in the heart of the enemies of the king. God is your throne to time indefinite, even forever; the scepter of your kingship is a scepter of your uprightness. You have love righteousness and you hate wickedness. That is why God, your God, has anointed you with the oil of exultation more than your partners. Being familiar with that prophetic description, John would appreciate that it applies to Jesus's activity as King. -Compare Hebrews 1:1, 2, 8, 9.



Next time: Going Forth Conquering