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The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse are mentioned in chapter six of the Book of Revelation. The chapter tells of a scroll in God's right hand that is sealed with seven seals. When the first seal is opened the four horsemen of the apocalypse are summoned. The four riders are said to represent Pestilence, War, Famine and Death.

The Messengers Season One

War

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Pestilence

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Famine

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Death

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History

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A white horse

First seal is opened : a white horse appears, its rider held a bow (conquest).

I watched as the Lamb opened the first of the seven seals. Then I heard one of the four living creatures say in a voice like thunder, "Come!" I looked, and there before me was a white horse! Its rider held a bow, and he was given a crown, and he rode out as a conqueror bent on conquest. 

Opinions differ on whether the first horseman, riding the white horse, represents Christ or the False Prophet. The white color of the first horse could mean victory, because generals of that time often rode white horses after they had won a battle or war. The crown that its rider wore was a kind of prize awarded for service in a war. The bow that he carried could be a symbol of an enemy at that time, the Parthians, who were famous for their archery. Some commentators have thought it significant, however, that no arrows are mentioned.

A red horse

Second seal is opened : a red horse appears, its rider holds a sword (war)

When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, "Come!" Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make men slay each other. To him was given a large sword.

The red color of the second horse could mean bloody war, and the sword held by the rider could symbolize war and violence.

A black horse

Third seal is opened: a black horse appears, its rider holds a pair of scales (famine)

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, "A quart of wheat for a day's wages, and three quarts of barley for a day's wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!" 

The black color of the third horse could be a symbol of death and famine. Its rider was holding a scale, which means scarcity of food, higher prices, and famine.

A pale horse

Fourth seal is opened : a pale horse appears, its rider is called Death

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. 


The pale greenish color of the fourth horse means fear, sickness, decay, and death.

Trivia

The four horsemen are traditionally named War, Famine, Pestilence and Death. However, the Bible only names one: Death.

Alternate interpretations suggest the first horseman, War represents the Antichrist. The second, Pestilence, is often called Plague.

References

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