Compare Revelation 6:4 with Matthew 24:6-7 on end-times conflict.

The Fiery Red Horse Released

“Then another horse went forth, a fiery red one, and its rider was granted permission to take peace from the earth, and people would slaughter one another. And he was given a great sword.” (Revelation 6:4)

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Wars and Rumors Foretold

“You will hear of wars and rumors of wars, but see to it that you are not alarmed. These things must happen, but the end is still to come. Nation will rise against nation, and kingdom against kingdom…” (Matthew 24:6-7a)

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Shared Themes

• Loss of peace—both passages predict a global disturbance that removes normal stability.

• Escalation—“people would slaughter one another” (Revelation 6:4) parallels “nation will rise against nation” (Matthew 24:7).

• Divine permission—violence is “granted” to the rider (Revelation 6:4); Jesus says the conflicts “must happen” (Matthew 24:6), indicating God’s sovereign timetable.

• Prelude, not finale—Matthew adds, “the end is still to come,” matching Revelation’s placement of the second seal early in the Tribulation sequence.

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Progressive Unfolding of Conflict

1. First seal: false peace (Revelation 6:2)

2. Second seal: open warfare (Revelation 6:4)

3. Third & fourth seals: famine and pestilence (Revelation 6:5-8)

Jesus lists the same order: false messiahs (Matthew 24:5), wars (vv. 6-7), famines and earthquakes (v. 7). The seals and the Olivet Discourse march in lockstep, confirming a literal, chronological Tribulation.

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Scripture Interconnections

• Daniel 9:26—“war will continue until the end” ties Old-Testament prophecy to these New-Testament scenes.

• Zechariah 1:8; 6:2—visions of red horses foreshadow Revelation’s rider.

• 1 Thessalonians 5:3—false cry of “peace and security” before sudden destruction mirrors the abrupt shift from seal one to seal two.

• James 4:1—conflict sourced in human sin explains the slaughter under divine judgment.

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Why the Sword Is “Great”

• Scope—global, not regional.

• Intensity—mass “slaughter,” not skirmishes.

• Instrument of judgment—God uses human warfare as part of His righteous wrath (Isaiah 13:4-5; Revelation 19:11).

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Practical Takeaways for Believers

• Expect escalating conflict; Scripture’s warnings are literal and certain.

• Anchor hope in Christ’s return, not in earthly peace accords (John 14:27).

• Stay alert yet unafraid—Jesus commands, “see to it that you are not alarmed” (Matthew 24:6).

• Proclaim reconciliation through the gospel while the window of grace remains (2 Corinthians 5:18-20).