Revelation 6:
5 And when he had opened the third seal,
I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld,
and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair
of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Zechariah 6:
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. note
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
The horses described in Zechariah are identified as the four spirits of the heavens who have come from standing before the Lord of the earth. This reveals to us that the events described in the seals and taking place on earth are overseen and under the control of the God who created the earth.
“The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grizzled go forth toward the south country. And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro to the earth. Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.” [Zechariah 6:1-8.] The Lord’s eyes are open to the working of the whole cause of God. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 16
As incredible events take place on the earth - the plotting and scheming of earthly powers God is in control. In the midst of what appears to God's people as seemingly insurmountable challenges the Lord watches over them and empowers them. God's mission is to save all those who confess their sinfulness and need of a saviour, those who reach out to him for mercy and forgiveness. This is the Lord's cause - to rescue the world from sin and the arch deceiver who desperately seeks the worship that rightfully belongs to God.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
It is now important to note where important events in the world are taking place:
Zechariah 6:
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
The black horses of the third seal are described as heading towards the north country. They are sent on a mission from the throne room of God to make sure the cause of God at this time in the world is accomplished. At the very time the events of the third seal are taking place the spirit of God in the North country has a powerful influence.
The events of this seal will give birth to the 'loud cry ' of the angel of Revelation 18:
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Spiritual Babylon is the North Country to which the black horse is sent. God's people will be vivified by the spirit of God to awaken those round about them to the intoxicating effects of the wine of Babylon, the doctrines of spiritualism infused into the belief system of Protestants and Catholics alike have led them to give their allegiance to their trinity god and even Satan himself.
Thus prophecies of oncoming judgment were mingled with promises of final and glorious deliverance. Those who should choose to make their peace with God and live holy lives amid the prevailing apostasy, would receive strength for every trial and be enabled to witness for Him with mighty power. And in the ages to come the deliverance wrought in their behalf would exceed in fame that wrought for the children of Israel at the time of the Exodus. The days were coming, the Lord declared through His prophet, when “they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.” Verses 7, 8. Such were the wonderful prophecies uttered by Jeremiah during the closing years of the history of the kingdom of Judah, when the Babylonians were coming unto universal rule, and were even then bringing their besieging armies against the walls of Zion. PK 427.1
Just like God had delivered his people from Egypt, he also delivered them from the Babylonians of old. The final deliverance of God's people in spiritual Babylon - the ' north country' is soon to take place. But first they must witness for him by giving the 'loud cry' of Revelation 18.
The rider on the black horse appears with a pair of balances in his hand. With further investigation we discover that the pair of balances is not exactly what it seems. Here is the the meaning of the Greek:
G2218
Original: ζυγός
Transliteration: zugos
Phonetic: dzoo-gos'
Thayer Definition:
a yoke
a yoke that is put on draught cattle
metaphorically, used of any burden or bondage
as that of slavery
of troublesome laws imposed on one, especially of the Mosaic law, hence the name is so transferred to the commands of Christ as to contrast them with the commands of the Pharisees which were a veritable 'yoke'; yet even Christ's commands must be submitted to, though easier to be kept
a balance, pair of scales
Origin: "from the root of zeugnumi (to join, especially by a "yoke")"
TDNT entry: 16:56,3
Part(s) of speech: Noun Masculine
Strong's Definition: From the root of ζεύγνυμι zeugnumi (to join, especially by a " yoke" ); a coupling, that is, (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales): - pair of balances, yoke.
The most prominent meaning given to this word is that of a yoke. According to www.dictionary.com a yoke is : a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, especially oxen, usually consisting of a crosspiece with two bow-shaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal.
5 And when he had opened the third seal,
I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld,
and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair
of balances in his hand.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
Zechariah 6:
5 And the angel answered and said unto me, These are the four spirits of the heavens, which go forth from standing before the Lord of all the earth. note
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
The horses described in Zechariah are identified as the four spirits of the heavens who have come from standing before the Lord of the earth. This reveals to us that the events described in the seals and taking place on earth are overseen and under the control of the God who created the earth.
“The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grizzled go forth toward the south country. And the bay went forth, and sought to go that they might walk to and fro through the earth: and he said, Get you hence, walk to and fro through the earth. So they walked to and fro to the earth. Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.” [Zechariah 6:1-8.] The Lord’s eyes are open to the working of the whole cause of God. 15LtMs, Ms 65a, 1900, par. 16
As incredible events take place on the earth - the plotting and scheming of earthly powers God is in control. In the midst of what appears to God's people as seemingly insurmountable challenges the Lord watches over them and empowers them. God's mission is to save all those who confess their sinfulness and need of a saviour, those who reach out to him for mercy and forgiveness. This is the Lord's cause - to rescue the world from sin and the arch deceiver who desperately seeks the worship that rightfully belongs to God.
Zephaniah 3:17
The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.
It is now important to note where important events in the world are taking place:
Zechariah 6:
6 The black horses which are therein go forth into the north country; and the white go forth after them; and the grisled go forth toward the south country.
The black horses of the third seal are described as heading towards the north country. They are sent on a mission from the throne room of God to make sure the cause of God at this time in the world is accomplished. At the very time the events of the third seal are taking place the spirit of God in the North country has a powerful influence.
The events of this seal will give birth to the 'loud cry ' of the angel of Revelation 18:
1 And after these things I saw another angel come down from heaven, having great power; and the earth was lightened with his glory.
2 And he cried mightily with a strong voice, saying, Babylon the great is fallen, is fallen, and is become the habitation of devils, and the hold of every foul spirit, and a cage of every unclean and hateful bird.
3 For all nations have drunk of the wine of the wrath of her fornication, and the kings of the earth have committed fornication with her, and the merchants of the earth are waxed rich through the abundance of her delicacies.
4 And I heard another voice from heaven, saying, Come out of her, my people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.
Spiritual Babylon is the North Country to which the black horse is sent. God's people will be vivified by the spirit of God to awaken those round about them to the intoxicating effects of the wine of Babylon, the doctrines of spiritualism infused into the belief system of Protestants and Catholics alike have led them to give their allegiance to their trinity god and even Satan himself.
Thus prophecies of oncoming judgment were mingled with promises of final and glorious deliverance. Those who should choose to make their peace with God and live holy lives amid the prevailing apostasy, would receive strength for every trial and be enabled to witness for Him with mighty power. And in the ages to come the deliverance wrought in their behalf would exceed in fame that wrought for the children of Israel at the time of the Exodus. The days were coming, the Lord declared through His prophet, when “they shall no more say, The Lord liveth, which brought up the children of Israel out of the land of Egypt; but, The Lord liveth, which brought up and which led the seed of the house of Israel out of the north country, and from all countries whither I had driven them; and they shall dwell in their own land.” Verses 7, 8. Such were the wonderful prophecies uttered by Jeremiah during the closing years of the history of the kingdom of Judah, when the Babylonians were coming unto universal rule, and were even then bringing their besieging armies against the walls of Zion. PK 427.1
Just like God had delivered his people from Egypt, he also delivered them from the Babylonians of old. The final deliverance of God's people in spiritual Babylon - the ' north country' is soon to take place. But first they must witness for him by giving the 'loud cry' of Revelation 18.
The rider on the black horse appears with a pair of balances in his hand. With further investigation we discover that the pair of balances is not exactly what it seems. Here is the the meaning of the Greek:
G2218
Original: ζυγός
Transliteration: zugos
Phonetic: dzoo-gos'
Thayer Definition:
a yoke
a yoke that is put on draught cattle
metaphorically, used of any burden or bondage
as that of slavery
of troublesome laws imposed on one, especially of the Mosaic law, hence the name is so transferred to the commands of Christ as to contrast them with the commands of the Pharisees which were a veritable 'yoke'; yet even Christ's commands must be submitted to, though easier to be kept
a balance, pair of scales
Origin: "from the root of zeugnumi (to join, especially by a "yoke")"
TDNT entry: 16:56,3
Part(s) of speech: Noun Masculine
Strong's Definition: From the root of ζεύγνυμι zeugnumi (to join, especially by a " yoke" ); a coupling, that is, (figuratively) servitude (a law or obligation); also (literally) the beam of the balance (as connecting the scales): - pair of balances, yoke.
The most prominent meaning given to this word is that of a yoke. According to www.dictionary.com a yoke is : a device for joining together a pair of draft animals, especially oxen, usually consisting of a crosspiece with two bow-shaped pieces, each enclosing the head of an animal.
A yoke enables the farmer to control and guide the cattle to go where he needs them to go. A typical example would be to plough a field.
The rider on the black horse has a yoke in his hand - not a pair of balances. The interpretation of this seal has been shrouded in mystery partly due to the image of a pair of balances being used instead of a yoke.
Let us examine the remaining seal contents which will help us understand what the symbol of a yoke could mean.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
A description is provided in the next verse - a voice is heard : 'A measure of wheat for a penny' and 'three measures of barley for a penny'.
These phrases describe the basic food items wheat and barley and how much of each a penny can buy. The penny is an economic measure that we need to investigate further. According to the Greek meaning of penny we determine a key point:
G1220
Original: δηνάριον
Transliteration: dēnarion
Phonetic: day-nar'-ee-on
Thayer Definition: denarius = "containing ten"
A Roman silver coin in NT time. It took its name from it being equal to ten "asses" , a number after 217 B.C. increased to sixteen (about 3.898 grams or .1375 oz.). It was the principal silver coin of the Roman empire. From the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, it would seem that a denarius was then the ordinary pay for a day's wages. (Mat 20:2-13)
Origin: of Latin origin
TDNT entry: None
Part(s) of speech: Noun Neuter
Strong's Definition: Of Latin origin; a denarius (or ten asses): - pence, penny [-worth].
In the parable Christ shared in Matthew 20 the penny is the reward given to the workers in Christ's vineyard. Some workers were hired at the beginning of the work day and others throughout the day. At the end of the day as Christ gives out the wages to the workers there were some who complained. Those that had begun at the start of the day felt hard done by when Christ gave workers that had begun later in the day the very same amount - a penny. The penny represented a day's wages in this parable.
Not the amount of labor performed or its visible results but the spirit in which the work is done makes it of value with God. Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were thankful for an opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one who had accepted them; and when at the close of the day the householder paid them for a full day's work, they were greatly surprised. They knew they had not earned such wages. And the kindness expressed in the countenance of their employer filled them with joy. They never forgot the goodness of the householder or the generous compensation they had received. Thus it is with the sinner who, knowing his unworthiness, has entered the Master's vineyard at the eleventh hour. His time of service seems so short, he feels that he is undeserving of reward; but he is filled with joy that God has accepted him at all. He works with a humble, trusting spirit, thankful for the privilege of being a co-worker with Christ. This spirit God delights to honor. COL 397.3
The Lord desires us to rest in Him without a question as to our measure of reward. When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service. It is true that in a subordinate sense we should have respect to the recompense of reward. God desires us to appreciate His promised blessings. But He would not have us eager for rewards nor feel that for every duty we must receive compensation. We should not be so anxious to gain the reward as to do what is right, irrespective of all gain. Love to God and to our fellow men should be our motive. COL 398.1
At the time the third seal is opened a yoke is placed on all people. That yoke is beginning to visualise and become clearer as this study is being written.
COVID 19 has ravaged the inhabitants of this world and the economic stability of many countries across the world. International travel is still not safe. Let alone travel in one's own country. The world is changing rapidly. A variety of controls have been introduced and are gaining acceptance nationally and internationally including the requirement to have a vaccine, the introduction of a vaccine passport which without you will not be able to travel, the endless QR codes you will have to scan to enter your workplace, shopping centres and to use public transport. We are just beginning to see and understand the ramifications of this yoke.
The following expression : "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. " is definitely economic in nature. Your reward for a day's work - a penny will provide you with sufficient resources to meet your basic, daily needs. The future application of this expression possibly reveals a state controlled income that helps more fairly distribute the resources available:
A universal basic income (UBI) is a payment made to all individuals without any means test or activity test.[6] Proposals for UBI schemes go by a variety of names including citizens’ income and basic income guarantee (BIG).
Most UBI proposals share three features:
universal—it is paid automatically to all individuals (or all adult individuals) without a means test
unconditional—it is paid without conditions (for example, job search requirements) and adequate—it is set at a high enough level to protect citizens against poverty.[8]
https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1617/BasicIncome#_Toc467232154
One commentator reflecting on the UBI states :
“It might become completely necessary to implement something like this,” he says. “If wealth inequality continues to go at the rate that it is going at, it will become an undeniable truth that people do not have access to cash. It will simply become a necessity."
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2021/03/is-now-the-time-for-a-universal-basic-income/
Countries during the COVID 19 Pandemic have entered exorbitant debt arrangements. It is this debt that could lead to a worldwide economic crisis. The world will need to work together to solve the problem.
In the word of God, in the book of Revelation, a book full of prophecies about the final events that have begun and will take place in this world we find a unified, political worldwide government is established and this is revealed in Revelation 13:
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. note
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Note in verse 2 the makeup of the beast. The beast is a conglomeration of the countries or governments pictured in Daniel 7 :
And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. note
5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. note
6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
This is a worldwide power that is yet to take the world stage. But its entrance is soon to take place. This power will ensure income is equitably arranged for those countries under its control which could be a universal based income strategy.
The economic control that this worldwide power will exercise will become a yoke. Ultimately the third angel's message describes this yoke in detail:
Revelation 14:
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
All humanity at this pressing time are compelled to receive a mark and to worship the beast and his image.
Revelation 13:
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: note
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
This yoke is economic in nature. If you don't receive the mark, or the name of the beast or the number of his name you will not be able to buy or sell.
God's people when in Egypt were sent a deliverer. Moses, sent and prepared by God came to deliver the Israelites from the yoke of bondage.
The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed Israel from the land of bondage. God’s power was displayed in delivering His people from Egyptian slavery with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. By signs and wonders He wrought to take them from under the yoke of bondage. He exalted them by His favor, setting them apart from the world to observe the Sabbath of the fourth commandment as a sign between Him and them. He designed that if they obeyed Him they should stand throughout their generations as a hope, a light, and a deliverance till the end of time. 14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 14
The yoke at the end of time is also spiritual in nature. The daily is taken away in Daniel 12:
11: And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
The daily is your ability to worship the Creator God of the Bible in freedom. { For more info about the DAIlY click here} To worship the true God of the Bible on the sabbath, the very day God himself rested on after creating the world is to honour him. In Exodus 31:13 we are told :
"Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you."
The world government at the end of time will institute a false day of worship in place of the seventh day sabbath that God and his son rested on after creating our world. A spiritual yoke will be enshrined in the law of the land. All inhabitants must rest on the first day of the week - Sunday instead of the seventh day which is Saturday. By establishing this as a law of the land the USA initially and then also around the world the apostasy set in motion will seal the fate of all those that bow their knee to this abhorrent requirement.
The phrase "see thou hurt not the oil and the wine" highlights God's concern for his people at this time.
God's children have received the outpouring of his spirit represented by the oil and the wine. The blood red juice of the grape captures the cleansing power that the blood of Christ has had on their characters and lives and the oil is the spirit of God poured out upon them in great measure. This is the beginning of the 'loud cry' and the witnessing of God's servants as referred to in Revelation 11:
Revelation 11:
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
During the time of their witnessing God protects the witnesses. However at the end of their witnessing some will become marytrs as this beast power motivated by the lamb like beast that speaks like a dragon (Satan) seeks their destruction.
Revelation 11:
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
Satan ascends out of the bottomless pit in the fifth trumpet.
At this point in time there is a distinction made between those who have committed their lives to God and those who have not:
Revelation 9:
3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
In these two verses a distinction is made between God's servants and those who are not. The oil and the wine - those who have the seal of God will not be hurt by the release of Satan's demonic horde. At this time Satan's lying signs and wonders will reach a manifestation peak and be given the freedom to torment and hurt those without the seal of God. How critical is it that we respond to the still, small voice of the spirit of God calling us to choose the salvation he offers freely to all - NOW!
Said the Angel, “God’s children are as the apple of His eye, and when you touch them to hurt them you touch the apple of God’s eye.” [Zechariah 2:8.] Said the Angel, “The oil and the wine have been hurt. Hurt not the oil and the wine.” [Revelation 6:6.] t1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, par. 16
During the third seal God protects his servants which are giving the loud cry. They are the oil and wine referred to in the seal.
God's provisions for his people at the time of their extremity are assured.
Isaiah 33:
15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
God's spirit empowered people will declare that Babylon has fallen. She has truly become the habitation of devils. 'COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE' is the urgent cry sounded throughout the world.
Our people have been regarded as too insignificant to be worthy of notice; but a change will come. The Christian world is now making movements which will necessarily bring commandment-keeping people into prominence. There is a constant supplanting of God's truth by the theories and false doctrines of human origin. Movements are being set on foot to enslave the consciences of those who would be loyal to God. The law-making powers will be against God's people. Every soul will be tested.—Testimonies for the Church 5:546.
As God’s commandment-keeping people, we must leave the cities. Like Enoch, we must work in the cities, but not dwell in them. We should keep away from the residences of the rich and of the rulers of the land. Men may possess houses and lands of great money value; they may have obtained these honestly or dishonestly, but none of these things can make them happy and contended, sweet-tempered or self-controlled. They may at the same time be estranged from God by sin, their minds controlled by error and superstition. Under a false interpretation of events they think that the calamities that fill the land are the result of Sunday-breaking. Thinking to appease the wrath of God, these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance. They think that by exalting this false rest day higher and still higher, compelling obedience to the spurious Sabbath, they are doing God’s service. Those who honor God by observing the true Sabbath are looked upon as disloyal to God, when it is really those who thus regard them who are themselves disloyal, because they are trampling under foot the Sabbath originated in Eden. 17LtMs, Ms 83, 1902, par. 14
Satan puts his interpretation upon events, and they think, as he would have them, that the calamities which fill the land are a result of Sundaybreaking. Thinking to appease the wrath of God these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance.—Manuscript Releases 10:239 (1899). LDE 129.4
Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law.... On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error.—Testimonies for the Church 5:450, 45
When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.... LDE 131.1
The yoke of a false sabbath is the catalyst for the loud cry. The time of the end has begun. The prophecies of Daniel 12 are to be fulfilled in literal time sequence. The daily has been taken away
Daniel 12:
7 It shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Daniel 12:
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days
The oil and the wine - God's servants give the warning to Babylon at the peril of their lives. Their power is scattered at the end of the 1260 day period when the beast from the bottomless pit makes war on them (Revelation 11: 7).
We are living in the time of the third seal. We will soon see the events foreshadowed in prophecy come to pass. The yoke and restriction of religious freedom forbidding individuals to worship God according to his commands will soon be upon us.
Psalms 119:126
It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.
Zechariah's prophecy will come to pass:
Zechariah 6: 8
Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
God's spirit will no longer strive with the North country.
Genesis 6:3
And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Just like before the flood as the wickedness of the world grieved the Creator God and he had to withdraw his spirit from those who preferred sin to salvation - he had to destroy them.
His human witnesses have given the final warning messages of the three angels (Revelation 14). Those who choose to follow God rather than man even though they may lose their earthly life - will inherit eternal life - the free gift of God. Do not let God's spirit be stymied or suppressed in your own life by the traditions of men.
Revelation 14 : 12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
We believe that God is revealing his truth at this latter time in the history of the world. We also believe 1Co 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. Any comments on this study are welcome - please email us at [email protected]
The rider on the black horse has a yoke in his hand - not a pair of balances. The interpretation of this seal has been shrouded in mystery partly due to the image of a pair of balances being used instead of a yoke.
Let us examine the remaining seal contents which will help us understand what the symbol of a yoke could mean.
6 And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.
A description is provided in the next verse - a voice is heard : 'A measure of wheat for a penny' and 'three measures of barley for a penny'.
These phrases describe the basic food items wheat and barley and how much of each a penny can buy. The penny is an economic measure that we need to investigate further. According to the Greek meaning of penny we determine a key point:
G1220
Original: δηνάριον
Transliteration: dēnarion
Phonetic: day-nar'-ee-on
Thayer Definition: denarius = "containing ten"
A Roman silver coin in NT time. It took its name from it being equal to ten "asses" , a number after 217 B.C. increased to sixteen (about 3.898 grams or .1375 oz.). It was the principal silver coin of the Roman empire. From the parable of the labourers in the vineyard, it would seem that a denarius was then the ordinary pay for a day's wages. (Mat 20:2-13)
Origin: of Latin origin
TDNT entry: None
Part(s) of speech: Noun Neuter
Strong's Definition: Of Latin origin; a denarius (or ten asses): - pence, penny [-worth].
In the parable Christ shared in Matthew 20 the penny is the reward given to the workers in Christ's vineyard. Some workers were hired at the beginning of the work day and others throughout the day. At the end of the day as Christ gives out the wages to the workers there were some who complained. Those that had begun at the start of the day felt hard done by when Christ gave workers that had begun later in the day the very same amount - a penny. The penny represented a day's wages in this parable.
Not the amount of labor performed or its visible results but the spirit in which the work is done makes it of value with God. Those who came into the vineyard at the eleventh hour were thankful for an opportunity to work. Their hearts were full of gratitude to the one who had accepted them; and when at the close of the day the householder paid them for a full day's work, they were greatly surprised. They knew they had not earned such wages. And the kindness expressed in the countenance of their employer filled them with joy. They never forgot the goodness of the householder or the generous compensation they had received. Thus it is with the sinner who, knowing his unworthiness, has entered the Master's vineyard at the eleventh hour. His time of service seems so short, he feels that he is undeserving of reward; but he is filled with joy that God has accepted him at all. He works with a humble, trusting spirit, thankful for the privilege of being a co-worker with Christ. This spirit God delights to honor. COL 397.3
The Lord desires us to rest in Him without a question as to our measure of reward. When Christ abides in the soul, the thought of reward is not uppermost. This is not the motive that actuates our service. It is true that in a subordinate sense we should have respect to the recompense of reward. God desires us to appreciate His promised blessings. But He would not have us eager for rewards nor feel that for every duty we must receive compensation. We should not be so anxious to gain the reward as to do what is right, irrespective of all gain. Love to God and to our fellow men should be our motive. COL 398.1
At the time the third seal is opened a yoke is placed on all people. That yoke is beginning to visualise and become clearer as this study is being written.
COVID 19 has ravaged the inhabitants of this world and the economic stability of many countries across the world. International travel is still not safe. Let alone travel in one's own country. The world is changing rapidly. A variety of controls have been introduced and are gaining acceptance nationally and internationally including the requirement to have a vaccine, the introduction of a vaccine passport which without you will not be able to travel, the endless QR codes you will have to scan to enter your workplace, shopping centres and to use public transport. We are just beginning to see and understand the ramifications of this yoke.
The following expression : "A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine. " is definitely economic in nature. Your reward for a day's work - a penny will provide you with sufficient resources to meet your basic, daily needs. The future application of this expression possibly reveals a state controlled income that helps more fairly distribute the resources available:
A universal basic income (UBI) is a payment made to all individuals without any means test or activity test.[6] Proposals for UBI schemes go by a variety of names including citizens’ income and basic income guarantee (BIG).
Most UBI proposals share three features:
universal—it is paid automatically to all individuals (or all adult individuals) without a means test
unconditional—it is paid without conditions (for example, job search requirements) and adequate—it is set at a high enough level to protect citizens against poverty.[8]
https://www.aph.gov.au/About_Parliament/Parliamentary_Departments/Parliamentary_Library/pubs/rp/rp1617/BasicIncome#_Toc467232154
One commentator reflecting on the UBI states :
“It might become completely necessary to implement something like this,” he says. “If wealth inequality continues to go at the rate that it is going at, it will become an undeniable truth that people do not have access to cash. It will simply become a necessity."
https://probonoaustralia.com.au/news/2021/03/is-now-the-time-for-a-universal-basic-income/
Countries during the COVID 19 Pandemic have entered exorbitant debt arrangements. It is this debt that could lead to a worldwide economic crisis. The world will need to work together to solve the problem.
In the word of God, in the book of Revelation, a book full of prophecies about the final events that have begun and will take place in this world we find a unified, political worldwide government is established and this is revealed in Revelation 13:
1 And I stood upon the sand of the sea, and saw a beast rise up out of the sea, having seven heads and ten horns, and upon his horns ten crowns, and upon his heads the name of blasphemy.
2 And the beast which I saw was like unto a leopard, and his feet were as the feet of a bear, and his mouth as the mouth of a lion: and the dragon gave him his power, and his seat, and great authority.
3 And I saw one of his heads as it were wounded to death; and his deadly wound was healed: and all the world wondered after the beast. note
4 And they worshipped the dragon which gave power unto the beast: and they worshipped the beast, saying, Who is like unto the beast? who is able to make war with him?
Note in verse 2 the makeup of the beast. The beast is a conglomeration of the countries or governments pictured in Daniel 7 :
And four great beasts came up from the sea, diverse one from another.
4 The first was like a lion, and had eagle's wings: I beheld till the wings thereof were plucked, and it was lifted up from the earth, and made stand upon the feet as a man, and a man's heart was given to it. note
5 And behold another beast, a second, like to a bear, and it raised up itself on one side, and it had three ribs in the mouth of it between the teeth of it: and they said thus unto it, Arise, devour much flesh. note
6 After this I beheld, and lo another, like a leopard, which had upon the back of it four wings of a fowl; the beast had also four heads; and dominion was given to it.
7 After this I saw in the night visions, and behold a fourth beast, dreadful and terrible, and strong exceedingly; and it had great iron teeth: it devoured and brake in pieces, and stamped the residue with the feet of it: and it was diverse from all the beasts that were before it; and it had ten horns.
This is a worldwide power that is yet to take the world stage. But its entrance is soon to take place. This power will ensure income is equitably arranged for those countries under its control which could be a universal based income strategy.
The economic control that this worldwide power will exercise will become a yoke. Ultimately the third angel's message describes this yoke in detail:
Revelation 14:
9 And the third angel followed them, saying with a loud voice, If any man worship the beast and his image, and receive his mark in his forehead, or in his hand,
10 The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb:
11 And the smoke of their torment ascendeth up for ever and ever: and they have no rest day nor night, who worship the beast and his image, and whosoever receiveth the mark of his name.
All humanity at this pressing time are compelled to receive a mark and to worship the beast and his image.
Revelation 13:
15 And he had power to give life unto the image of the beast, that the image of the beast should both speak, and cause that as many as would not worship the image of the beast should be killed.
16 And he causeth all, both small and great, rich and poor, free and bond, to receive a mark in their right hand, or in their foreheads: note
17 And that no man might buy or sell, save he that had the mark, or the name of the beast, or the number of his name.
This yoke is economic in nature. If you don't receive the mark, or the name of the beast or the number of his name you will not be able to buy or sell.
God's people when in Egypt were sent a deliverer. Moses, sent and prepared by God came to deliver the Israelites from the yoke of bondage.
The Lord Jesus Christ redeemed Israel from the land of bondage. God’s power was displayed in delivering His people from Egyptian slavery with a strong hand and an outstretched arm. By signs and wonders He wrought to take them from under the yoke of bondage. He exalted them by His favor, setting them apart from the world to observe the Sabbath of the fourth commandment as a sign between Him and them. He designed that if they obeyed Him they should stand throughout their generations as a hope, a light, and a deliverance till the end of time. 14LtMs, Ms 85, 1899, par. 14
The yoke at the end of time is also spiritual in nature. The daily is taken away in Daniel 12:
11: And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days.
The daily is your ability to worship the Creator God of the Bible in freedom. { For more info about the DAIlY click here} To worship the true God of the Bible on the sabbath, the very day God himself rested on after creating the world is to honour him. In Exodus 31:13 we are told :
"Verily my sabbaths ye shall keep: for it is a sign between me and you throughout your generations; that ye may know that I am the LORD that doth sanctify you."
The world government at the end of time will institute a false day of worship in place of the seventh day sabbath that God and his son rested on after creating our world. A spiritual yoke will be enshrined in the law of the land. All inhabitants must rest on the first day of the week - Sunday instead of the seventh day which is Saturday. By establishing this as a law of the land the USA initially and then also around the world the apostasy set in motion will seal the fate of all those that bow their knee to this abhorrent requirement.
The phrase "see thou hurt not the oil and the wine" highlights God's concern for his people at this time.
God's children have received the outpouring of his spirit represented by the oil and the wine. The blood red juice of the grape captures the cleansing power that the blood of Christ has had on their characters and lives and the oil is the spirit of God poured out upon them in great measure. This is the beginning of the 'loud cry' and the witnessing of God's servants as referred to in Revelation 11:
Revelation 11:
3 And I will give power unto my two witnesses, and they shall prophesy a thousand two hundred and threescore days, clothed in sackcloth.
During the time of their witnessing God protects the witnesses. However at the end of their witnessing some will become marytrs as this beast power motivated by the lamb like beast that speaks like a dragon (Satan) seeks their destruction.
Revelation 11:
7 And when they shall have finished their testimony, the beast that ascendeth out of the bottomless pit shall make war against them, and shall overcome them, and kill them.
Satan ascends out of the bottomless pit in the fifth trumpet.
At this point in time there is a distinction made between those who have committed their lives to God and those who have not:
Revelation 9:
3 And there came out of the smoke locusts upon the earth: and unto them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power.
4 And it was commanded them that they should not hurt the grass of the earth, neither any green thing, neither any tree; but only those men which have not the seal of God in their foreheads.
In these two verses a distinction is made between God's servants and those who are not. The oil and the wine - those who have the seal of God will not be hurt by the release of Satan's demonic horde. At this time Satan's lying signs and wonders will reach a manifestation peak and be given the freedom to torment and hurt those without the seal of God. How critical is it that we respond to the still, small voice of the spirit of God calling us to choose the salvation he offers freely to all - NOW!
Said the Angel, “God’s children are as the apple of His eye, and when you touch them to hurt them you touch the apple of God’s eye.” [Zechariah 2:8.] Said the Angel, “The oil and the wine have been hurt. Hurt not the oil and the wine.” [Revelation 6:6.] t1LtMs, Lt 6, 1856, par. 16
During the third seal God protects his servants which are giving the loud cry. They are the oil and wine referred to in the seal.
God's provisions for his people at the time of their extremity are assured.
Isaiah 33:
15 He that walketh righteously, and speaketh uprightly; he that despiseth the gain of oppressions, that shaketh his hands from holding of bribes, that stoppeth his ears from hearing of blood, and shutteth his eyes from seeing evil;
16 He shall dwell on high: his place of defence shall be the munitions of rocks: bread shall be given him; his waters shall be sure.
God's spirit empowered people will declare that Babylon has fallen. She has truly become the habitation of devils. 'COME OUT OF HER MY PEOPLE' is the urgent cry sounded throughout the world.
Our people have been regarded as too insignificant to be worthy of notice; but a change will come. The Christian world is now making movements which will necessarily bring commandment-keeping people into prominence. There is a constant supplanting of God's truth by the theories and false doctrines of human origin. Movements are being set on foot to enslave the consciences of those who would be loyal to God. The law-making powers will be against God's people. Every soul will be tested.—Testimonies for the Church 5:546.
As God’s commandment-keeping people, we must leave the cities. Like Enoch, we must work in the cities, but not dwell in them. We should keep away from the residences of the rich and of the rulers of the land. Men may possess houses and lands of great money value; they may have obtained these honestly or dishonestly, but none of these things can make them happy and contended, sweet-tempered or self-controlled. They may at the same time be estranged from God by sin, their minds controlled by error and superstition. Under a false interpretation of events they think that the calamities that fill the land are the result of Sunday-breaking. Thinking to appease the wrath of God, these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance. They think that by exalting this false rest day higher and still higher, compelling obedience to the spurious Sabbath, they are doing God’s service. Those who honor God by observing the true Sabbath are looked upon as disloyal to God, when it is really those who thus regard them who are themselves disloyal, because they are trampling under foot the Sabbath originated in Eden. 17LtMs, Ms 83, 1902, par. 14
Satan puts his interpretation upon events, and they think, as he would have them, that the calamities which fill the land are a result of Sundaybreaking. Thinking to appease the wrath of God these influential men make laws enforcing Sunday observance.—Manuscript Releases 10:239 (1899). LDE 129.4
Satan will excite indignation against the humble minority who conscientiously refuse to accept popular customs and traditions. Men of position and reputation will join with the lawless and the vile to take counsel against the people of God. Wealth, genius, education, will combine to cover them with contempt. Persecuting rulers, ministers, and church members will conspire against them. With voice and pen, by boasts, threats, and ridicule, they will seek to overthrow their faith. By false representations and angry appeals, they will stir up the passions of the people. Not having a “Thus saith the Scriptures” to bring against the advocates of the Bible Sabbath, they will resort to oppressive enactments to supply the lack. To secure popularity and patronage, legislators will yield to the demand for a Sunday law.... On this battlefield comes the last great conflict of the controversy between truth and error.—Testimonies for the Church 5:450, 45
When the leading churches of the United States, uniting upon such points of doctrine as are held by them in common, shall influence the state to enforce their decrees and to sustain their institutions, then Protestant America will have formed an image of the Roman hierarchy, and the infliction of civil penalties upon dissenters will inevitably result.... LDE 131.1
The yoke of a false sabbath is the catalyst for the loud cry. The time of the end has begun. The prophecies of Daniel 12 are to be fulfilled in literal time sequence. The daily has been taken away
Daniel 12:
7 It shall be for a time, times, and an half; and when he shall have accomplished to scatter the power of the holy people, all these things shall be finished.
Daniel 12:
11 And from the time that the daily sacrifice shall be taken away, and the abomination that maketh desolate set up, there shall be a thousand two hundred and ninety days
The oil and the wine - God's servants give the warning to Babylon at the peril of their lives. Their power is scattered at the end of the 1260 day period when the beast from the bottomless pit makes war on them (Revelation 11: 7).
We are living in the time of the third seal. We will soon see the events foreshadowed in prophecy come to pass. The yoke and restriction of religious freedom forbidding individuals to worship God according to his commands will soon be upon us.
Psalms 119:126
It is time for thee, Lord, to work: for they have made void thy law.
Zechariah's prophecy will come to pass:
Zechariah 6: 8
Then cried he upon me, and spake unto me, saying, Behold, these that go toward the north country have quieted my spirit in the north country.
God's spirit will no longer strive with the North country.
Genesis 6:3
And the LORD said, My spirit shall not always strive with man, for that he also is flesh: yet his days shall be an hundred and twenty years.
Just like before the flood as the wickedness of the world grieved the Creator God and he had to withdraw his spirit from those who preferred sin to salvation - he had to destroy them.
His human witnesses have given the final warning messages of the three angels (Revelation 14). Those who choose to follow God rather than man even though they may lose their earthly life - will inherit eternal life - the free gift of God. Do not let God's spirit be stymied or suppressed in your own life by the traditions of men.
Revelation 14 : 12
Here is the patience of the saints: here are they that keep the commandments of God, and the faith of Jesus.
We believe that God is revealing his truth at this latter time in the history of the world. We also believe 1Co 8:2 And if any man think that he knoweth any thing, he knoweth nothing yet as he ought to know. Any comments on this study are welcome - please email us at [email protected]
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