The Sixth Seal

In Revelation 6:12 the sixth seal is opened. Unlike seals one to four we do not see a definite singular event taking place. What we do observe are overviews of what is unfolding during the time of the seal.

If we remember that seals five to seven are spiritual judgements on earth, although the impact of which could be manifestly physical, it will help us to understand the contents of this and the next seal.

12 And I beheld when he had opened the sixth seal, and, lo, there was a great earthquake; and the sun became black as sackcloth of hair, and the moon became as blood;

I have not gone beyond verse 12 as the remainder of Chapter 6 is a quick overview of the events leading up to the Second Coming. Verse 13 containing the events of Chapter 8:10 onwards and verse 14 compares with Chapter 16:18 onwards. Verse 17 talking about a time just prior to the Second Coming. For a continuation of Seal 6 you must jump from verse 12 to the beginning of Chapter 7.

This would leave not much happening in the opening of the sixth seal, but what the Sixth seal represents is a monumental change in the history of the earth. No longer does Satan and his angels have access to heaven, they have been relegated to earth following the War in heaven.

Revelation 12:9 sees Satan and his angels being cast out of heaven to earth, where they are to remain until the end. Also at this Mid-point we have the 'abomination of desolation', where the Anti-Christ enters the re-built temple, stops the sacrifices and erects an idol of the beast or himself. The idea of which, is that people will bow to him and not God.

All these are reflected in the opening of the sixth seal and are confirmed by the scriptures in other incidents of momentous importance where we have signs in the heavens, darkness and earthquakes. All are symptoms of sin in the world and more importantly God's need to look away.

Lets examine then what is happening during the opening of the sixth seal. We are told of a 'great earthquake' in some translations it has been rendered 'cataclysm'. In any case the inference is of a quake of a massive magnitude. Along with this quake we must assume there are general upheavals throughout the earth. This is borne out by the almost supernatural darkening of the Sun and the apparent transformation of the moon to blood.

Although these events are supernatural in origin God is not adverse to using natural events or causing natural events to bring about His will.

Blackness of the sun

Firstly the sun is described as becoming as 'black as sackcloth of hair'. This description can be found in Isaiah 50:2-3.

2. Wherefore, when I came, was there no man? when I called, was there none to answer? Is my hand shortened at all, that it cannot redeem? or have I no power to deliver? behold, at my rebuke I dry up the sea, I make the rivers a wilderness: their fish stinketh, because there is no water, and dieth for thirst.
3. I clothe the heavens with blackness, and I make sackcloth their covering.

These verses could be made for the time we are looking at, God is saying to the people I have done everything but YOU refused me, therefore you must suffer the consequences of your sinful ways.

It was the clothing that was worn when in mourning or deep distress. In the following verses (Genesis 37:34, Jeremiah 4:8 and Daniel 9:3) you can see the context in which 'Sackcloth' is used. It is truly a time of sorrow and troubles. It is also in Daniel that we have the description of 'ashes' being used as well, which in our context in Revelation will be provided by the earth quakes and possible eruptions.

34. And Jacob rent his clothes, and put sackcloth upon his loins, and mourned for his son many days.
8. For this gird you with sackcloth, lament and howl: for the fierce anger of the LORD is not turned back from us.
3. And I set my face unto the Lord God, to seek by prayer and supplications, with fasting, and sackcloth, and ashes:

The blackness described, can also be found in Exodus 10:21-22 when Moses is trying to free the Jews from Egypt, during the 7 plagues sent by God. The darkness God brought over Egypt was so dark no one could see their hand in front of their face. It was described as a darkness which could be felt.

21. And the LORD said unto Moses, Stretch out thine hand toward heaven, that there may be darkness over the land of Egypt, even darkness which may be felt.
22. And Moses stretched forth his hand toward heaven; and there was a thick darkness in all the land of Egypt three days.

The number three is also mirrored when for three hours there was darkness at the death of Jesus on the cross. Also present was an earthquake (Mathew 27:45).

It is true that the blackness could be caused naturally by the earthquake and any eruptions. It is well known and documented that during eruptions and earthquakes of a significant magnitude tons of dust is thrown up into the atmosphere, and can block out the sun to such a degree to make it seem like night.

The two occurrences in Exodus and Mathew could not be attributed to this as in Exodus the darkness was a supernatural darkness which was more than a natural darkening of the sun. The instance at the death of Jesus can also be discounted as the events happen in reverse. The darkness came before the earthquake. I believe there will be no doubt that the darkness at that time will be of God. He will not leave it open for discussion. Like a parent disciplining a child it is a deliberate act on behalf of the parent, not left to an accident which is then taken as punishment.

Redness of the Moon

The confirmation regarding the instance in Revelation being caused by eruptions and earthquakes comes from the description of the moon 'turning to blood'. This can be seen today following eruptions around the earth. When the moon is low the dust in the atmosphere which blotted out the sun causes a redness to cover the mood, giving it a blood like appearance. Amongst those who look to the stars for signs and visions of the future the redness of the moon is a symbol of great war.

The moon in this instance will be full, the translations often miss out the word 'full' but it does exist. This means the timing will be when the moon is at its brightest and fullest.

The meaning

Allthough this event may appear to be natural its message can be viewed as far from that. In certain scriptures God is likened to the sun and we can translate this darkness as with other occurances as God turning against or away from someone or something. His hand was against Egypt in Exodus and in Mathew He turned away from the sin Christ was carrying for man.

It is obvious that God is judging the earth and mankind, this is the whole concept of the seven seals. But following the fifth seal we have God finally beginning to avenge the deaths of the souls under the alter, killed for their witness and the word of God (Revelation 6:10).

Another analogy is that of the moon who's change in colour predicts the forthcoming judgement on earth by Christ. The moon is likened to Christ as the sun is to God and its changing to red signifies the price Christ paid for man and a visual reminder to man that judgement is to follow. The darkening of the Sun is God turning away from Sin as He did when Jesus Died.

Whatever your own personal view of the events as a believer in the total Word of God I have to take this account to be a real and future event. One which will be of global scale brought about by a spiritual judgement on Satan, man and the earth. The fact that Satan is now relegated and confined to the earth can not go unnoticed by God and it must have some bearing on the signs seen in heaven and on the earth. In Revelation 12:12 God declares to heaven;

12. Therefore rejoice, ye heavens, and ye that dwell in them. Woe to the inhabiters of the earth and of the sea! for the devil is come down unto you, having great wrath, because he knoweth that he hath but a short time.

Number 6 is the number of man and it is from this sixth seal that man and earth becomes one with the Satan. Man has to share the earth with him. It will not be a happy co-habitation and sin will reach an all time high.