Is this the 1st Horseman of the Apocalypse?
In my post dated June 22, 2025, titled “The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse,” I mentioned that nothing in Revelation requires that these four occur during the limits of the 70th Week. That seven-year period (known as the “Tribulation”) contains two specified blocks of time, 1260 days for the prophesying of the two witnesses and 42 months (time, times, & half a time) for the duration of Antichrist’s reign of terror. I have in the past noted the similarities between the Olivet Discourse and the Seals of Revelation 6. Yet the Olivet Discourse does not give a clean starting event for what occurs before the mid-point of the 70th week but rather gives the impression of a dramatic increase and convergence of wars, famines, pestilences, and earthquakes. However, the last half is clearly triggered by the “abomination of desolation spoken of by Daniel the prophet” and then the instruction “whoever reads [Daniel 12], let him understand” (Matt. 24:15; Mark 13:14). Daniel 12 gives the number of days from this event until the resurrection at the end of the “time of trouble” (Dan. 12:1-3,13).
I have also stated from time to time that the events described in the book of Revelation are from an Israel-centric perspective, not a western perspective. Revelation does indeed include information about world kingdoms, such as the ten kings of Europe, the destruction of Rome, (Mystery Babylon), the seven heads on the Beast from the sea (referring to past demonic kingdoms), etc., yet all of these are from the perspective of how they relate to the land of Israel and the arrival of Messiah’s Kingdom. Even Jesus’ statement in the Olivet Discourse, which was directed to His own followers, gives instructions for Christians living in Judea during the time of the “abomination of desolation.”
Given these observations, and comparing recent world events, I believe there is a strong possibility that the first of the seven seals, the first of the four horsemen of the Apocalypse, is becoming apparent before our very eyes. As I have stated in the LGV footnotes of Revelation, the colored horses correspond to those in Zechariah. “These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth” (Zech. 6:5 NKJ). Zechariah provides the locations assigned to each of the colors of the horses. The white horse goes forth to the west (possibly the US), indicating the first of the four “spirits of the heaven” being dispatched to intervene in human affairs to bring about the end-time events. I have also speculated in recent posts about the seemingly miraculous rise of Donald Trump, against an onslaught of seemingly demonic opposition, to retake the presidency of the US and how that might potentially relate to Revelation 12 (with the USA or parts of it becoming the place of refuge for the “Woman” during the reign of Antichrist). Yet, more recent events of Trump’s presidency, his making peace among several warring nations, seem to support the possibility that he may in fact be the rider on the white horse, potentially filling both roles.
This peace-making is especially notable when viewed from the Israel-centric perspective and Trump’s recent success in achieving the release of the Hamas hostages. Remarkable events have just taken place during the fall Feast holidays, marked by the two major bookends. On Rosh Hashana, President Trump delivered a scathing speech to the United Nations, essentially steamrolling the globalist (antichrist) agenda. Then, on the last day of the Festival of Sukkot (Tabernacles), ending Israel’s fall feast season, Trump delivered on his commitment to end the war in Gaza and get the hostages released, signing a peace pact between the US, Israel, and Israel’s surrounding (formerly hostile) Muslim nations. President Trump has just become the greatest hero of modern times to the people of Israel during their greatest Festival of national celebration. Trump’s “Abraham Accords” seem to be back on track, yet they will not bring lasting peace (Exod. 23:32; Deut. 7:2; Judges 2:2).
Rulers in ancient times often led a procession of celebration of great victories riding a white horse. President Trump’s apparent victory ending the war and securing the release of the hostages during Israel’s most joyous celebration on the Jewish calendar, Sukkot (Feast of Tabernacles), is extraordinary. It is very difficult to write this off to coincidence. This holiday season is the beginning of the new year, and the chronology of the Bible is reckoned from Rosh Hashanah to Rosh Hashanah. These events fit nicely within the structure of blocks of time on the Biblical Jubilee – Feast calendar. I am not claiming that the first of the seven seals has definitely been opened, only alerting our readers to pay close attention to this possibility as we are prayerfully “watching” the unfolding events, just as Jesus commanded in the Olivet Discourse (Luke 21:36).
Again, we should carefully note that the colored horses are said to be “the four spirits/breaths [angels – Psalm 104:4] of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth” (Zech. 6:5 NKJ), who are associated with the “four winds” (Zech. 2:6). The riders are therefore carried along by these four “spirits” to accomplish God’s predetermined purpose. One of the reasons I am inclined to suppose that President Trump might be the rider on the white horse is how extraordinary circumstances, apparently divine, have propelled him into his current position against an onslaught of opposition, seemingly from the Enemy. This apparent divine intervention in the course of world events appears to perfectly align with Revelation 6:1-2 when viewed through the lens of Zechariah 6:5.
However, before we state definitely that the first of the Seals has been opened, we should wait to see if a similar situation arises with the second Seal / horseman. There is no time specified between the opening of the first Seal and the opening of the second Seal. Yet, we ought to be aware of what comes next if indeed the first seal is now being opened by the Lamb. The second Seal is the rider on the red horse, relating to the east of Israel (see previous article in this series). This could relate to Iran (or perhaps China). In this seal, a civil war seems to occur to the east of Israel, as they are said to “take peace from the land, and that people should kill one another“ (Rev. 6:4). The term “one another” is typically used in Scripture for individuals belonging to the same people group. This very well could be a civil war between Suni (more secular) and Shia (more radical) Muslims and could include both Iran and Iraq. It is not difficult to see how this could result from Trump’s current push of the “Abraham Accords” with the predominantly Suni Arab nations, against which the Shia radicals in Iran have used proxies and terrorism to oppose Israel and the US. The third Horseman relates to the north and is characterized by severe famine and financial collapse. Russia is now in extremely serious financial danger because of the war with Ukraine and potentially upcoming war with NATO.
We are living in very exciting times! The Jubilee – Feast Clock is counting down to the “Sabbath Rest” of Christ’s Millennial Kingdom. The Stone is about to crush the feet of Nebuchadnezzar’s image! “So be vigilant in every appointed time, praying, so that you might have strength to flee all these things about to occur, and to stand before the Son of Man.” (Luke 21:36 LGV).
16 thoughts on “Is this the 1st Horseman of the Apocalypse?”
I agree it’s hard to write it off as a coincidence! I’ve been going to a Messianic church lately, and we just got done observing Sukkot and Shemini Atzaret. It’s enlightening to see the feast days in action, and I pray more Christians open their Old Testament to see the word of God’s everlasting relevance!
Gilbert,
Its good to see you are still around! 🙂 IMO, that Christianity has forsaken God’s Feasts and replaced them with pagan festivals plays into the hands of the Enemy. It diminishes the biblical STORY of God’s plan for the ages, the chronology of how that Plan is being worked out on God’s calendar, and the motivation and urgency to watch for the signs Jesus said would precede His coming. During the Feasts, the Jews recognize and anticipate the coming of Elijah the prophet and the Messiah. But Christians have relegated the second coming of Christ and His Kingdom to sometime in the sweet by-and-by, and this false idea that Jesus could potentially come at any moment, and no signs will announce His coming. So, while they claim it might be “today” what they really mean is just go about your business and don’t concern yourself with world events.
Hi Tim,
Am I misunderstanding something? Isn’t the second seal, the red horse?
Rev. 6:3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!” Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. (Toward the East)?
Yes, you are correct. I misspoke. I will correct that statement. The black horse corresponding to the north is the 3rd Seal.
Tim,
If the white horse is going toward the west (as in Zechariah), and we associate the white horse with the USA, does it makes sense with the fact that anything associated with the USA would mean coming from the west, toward Israel?
The colored horses in Zechariah go forth in their respective directions as scouts and then return to report the condition in those locations / nations. They returned and reported that those nations in those directions in relation to Israel were at rest, while at the same time Israel was being oppressed by them as they were attempting to rebuild the Temple (Zech 1:8-13). IMO, the colored horses in Revelation are intended to identify the compass directions based on the prophecy of Zechariah. The situation in Revelation is very similar, in that the nations around Israel have been very hostile. We also know from Rev. 11 that the Temple will be rebuilt again, even though at present it is not possible. So the statement in Zech. 1:12-13 is also very relevant to our time: “Then the Angel of the LORD answered and said, “O LORD of hosts, how long will You not have mercy on Jerusalem and on the cities of Judah, against which You were angry these seventy years?” And the LORD answered the angel who talked to me, with good and comforting words.” (Zech. 1:12-13 NKJ)
Sorry Tim,
It still doesn’t make sense to me.
In the latest blog , you said: >> ….”with the white horse being ‘from’ the west (possibly the US)”.
From and toward are exact opposites. Zechariah 6:6 says “toward” the west as in going from Israel toward the west of Israel. But you’re saying the horse is from the US, which means its going from the US and toward Israel, the opposition direction.
Tim>>>The second Seal is the rider on the red horse, relating to the east (of Israel). This could relate to Iran or possibly even to China.
In the above example (which I agree with) you have it the same as Zechariah, (from Israel) the red horse is going “toward” the east, possibly Iran or China.
Peter,
The horsemen in Zechariah go forth from God. “These are the ones whom the LORD has sent to walk to and fro throughout the earth. 11 So they answered the Angel of the LORD, who stood among the myrtle trees, and said, ‘We have walked to and fro throughout the earth, and behold, all the earth is resting quietly’.” (Zech. 1:10-11 NKJ)” Again, in Zech 6, the four colored horses go forth from God. “5 And the angel answered and said to me, “These are four spirits of heaven, who go out from their station before the Lord of all the earth.” (Zech. 6:5 NKJ)
In Revelation, the horsemen also go forth on their respective missions when Christ opens the first four seals. Their “going” refers to accomplishing their predetermined mission. “And I looked, and behold, a white horse. He who sat on it had a bow; and a crown was given to him, and he went out conquering and to conquer.” (Rev. 6:2 NKJ). In each case, the colored horse with its rider goes forth from God to accomplish its mission in relation to Israel. If the rider on the first horse does indeed refer to Trump, it has nothing to do with his travels, only with his mission. In Zechariah, the horses are pulling chariots, but nothing is said of human occupants of those chariots. Yet these horses represent the “four spirits of heaven.” In Revelation, the colored horses are also the same “four spirits of heaven,” yet unlike Zechariah, each of these has a rider being carried by one of these “spirits of heaven.” IMO, this means that the corresponding “spirit” carries its human rider along to accomplish God’s purpose in judgement.
If Trump is indeed the first of the four horsemen in Rev. 6, then his mission is much broader than just the release of the hostages. As I stated in a previous post, it may also be related to Revelation 12 and preparing the place to which the “woman” will flee during the time of Antichrist.
Hi Tim,
It’s been a while. I hope you are well.
Do you believe that the rider on the white horse is the rising antichrist (Daniel’s little horn, etc.)? I believe your LGV notes in Rev 6:2 used to teach this, but they seem to have been edited. What is your thinking now?
If so, did you intend to suggest that President Trump may be the rising antichrist? And by extension that the United States may be the rising Fourth Beast empire? The US is certainly the current dominant world power with hundreds of military bases worldwide. Moreover, the growing political division of our time seems consistent with an empire of mingled iron and clay.
I am open to both possibilities.
Chris,
It’s good to see you are still around. 🙂 I am doing fine, just getting old.
No, I do not believe the first horseman is Antichrist. I did suggest that possibility many years ago (before 2016). I also suggested at that time that the rider on the white horse could represent the great “apostasy” that must precede Antichrist.
However, at our retreat in 2016 and thereafter I have taught that the 10 kings (10 toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s image) are all part of Europe exclusively, since they come out of the old Roman Empire. So they do not include the US. I also taught that Daniel seems to require that Antiochus Epiphanes and Antichrist are the same entity (either the same person resurrected, and/or same demonic spirit possesses both). Here is the entire video play-list from my series on Daniel presented at our retreat in 2016. https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PL8QpleuPrHrBhx2xbadf4UD2plTVQs2GT
Regarding President Trump and how his reelection may be related to prophecy, this is my 3rd post on the topic. If you want to understand my current thinking and its evolution regarding current events and prophecy, you might want to read these also as a prelude to the present article.
Nov. 9, 2024 Thoughts on the Reelection of Donald Trump
https://www.4windsfellowships.net/blog/thoughts-on-the-election-of-donald-trump/
Feb. 13:2025 Seven Fat Cows Redux
https://www.4windsfellowships.net/blog/seven-years-of-plenty/
Tim>>No, I do not believe the first horseman is Antichrist. I did suggest that possibility many years ago (before 2015). I also suggested that the rider on the white horse could represent the great “apostasy” that must precede Antichrist.
Chris>>What do you teach now regarding the rider of the white horse?
Tim>>At our retreat in 2016 and thereafter I have taught that the 10 kings (10 toes of Nebuchadnezzar’s image) are all part of Europe exclusively, since they come out of the old Roman Empire. So they do not include the US.
Chris>>I don’t see how this reasoning excludes the US. While not “in” Europe, the US clearly grew out of Europe and was founded by Europeans. Our governmental system was heavily influenced by the old Roman system. I think one could rightly argue that the US is more Roman than present day Europe, i.e., that the US is more of an extension of the first century Roman empire than present day Europe.
If we are approaching the last days, as your chronology suggests, then it seems to me that one of the following must be true: (i) the US must be removed from the world scene, (ii) the US must be an active participant in the end times events, for example, as the fourth beast Empire or as mystery Babylon, or (iii) the US must retreat into extreme isolationism (and no longer in meddle in ME affairs).
Despite President Trump’s America First talk, I can’t see him retreating into isolationism. His ego is far too large for that possibility and if history is our guide, he always puts himself forward front and center. He clearly champions himself as a global peace maker.
So, it seems plausible to me that the US will either be (i) destroyed/severely judged or (ii) will be a veiled end times participant.
Chris>>What do you teach now regarding the rider of the white horse?
Tim> I do not teach anything specifically except that the white horse is one of four “spirits of the heavens” sent by God and that it relates to the west. IN this article I am suggesting that the rider could be Trump.
Chris>>I don’t see how this reasoning excludes the US. While not “in” Europe, the US clearly grew out of Europe and was founded by Europeans. …
Tim> Daniel 7 is clear that the “fourth beast” was the Roman Empire. The 10 kings, and the “little horn” all come forth from the fourth beast (Roman Empire). Kings and kingdoms are rulers of territories and their populations. The USA splintered off from the British Empire, not from the Roman Empire. Rome, whether ancient Rome or “Mystery Babylon,” has never included the USA. If the fact that England was conquered by Rome, and then much later England settled America puts the USA within the scope of the 10 kings of Daniel 7, then every other nation that the British settled, conquered, or governed must also be included, including the far east and even the Falkland islands. IMO, that is stretching Daniel 7 much father than the text would imply. All of the kingdoms in Daniel 2, 7, 8 could be said to be related to the others using that reasoning, yet they are treated in Daniel as distinct kingdoms. This suggests to me that the USA, the British empire, and the Roman Empire should be treated as distinct as well.
Chris> If we are approaching the last days, as your chronology suggests, then it seems to me that one of the following must be true: (i) the US must be removed from the world scene, (ii) the US must be an active participant in the end times events, for example, as the fourth beast Empire or as mystery Babylon, or (iii) the US must retreat into extreme isolationism (and no longer in meddle in ME affairs).
Tim> My guess at this time would be your (iii).
Chris> Despite President Trump’s America First talk, I can’t see him retreating into isolationism. His ego is far too large for that possibility and if history is our guide, he always puts himself forward front and center. He clearly champions himself as a global peace maker.
Tim> Trump is a pragmatist and has a record of turning on a dime when circumstances warrant, and his “America first” is his overriding agenda, despite his enormous ego. “Peacemaker” is a recent and secondary development, IMO. The opening of the seals indicates that war is on the horizon, possibly nuclear war. The situation between Europe and Russia is getting very serious, and Trump has given indications of possibly pulling the US out of NATO and even the UN. Also, keep in mind that Trump only has 3 more years (if he survives that long), and a lot can happen during that time, or after his presidency ends. The US foreign policy can turn quickly with a new president just as it did recently. As with Trump’s dramatic return to power, the evidence suggests that God can turn situations around suddenly. The Seals, Trumpets, and Bowls are indeed God’s divine intervention. I do not think that we can predict how the events in Revelation will unfold merely based on trends or personalities. We must instead look for evidence of God’s direct intervention in world events instead. His intervention is always cast against overwhelming odds to the contrary. Therefore, hindsight, not foresight, will reveal where we are in relation to the events described in Revelation.
I agree that we should keep watch and patiently wait for Daniel’s prophecy to unfold before drawing conclusions. However, all things occur as per the Will of God. And Trump’s rise as a powerful force for good over evil in the world, his near assassination, and his purpose of defeating and exposing the evil oppression imposed by Barack Obama on the American people, has to be the Will of God. In his speech at signing the peace treaty he clearly called upon the God of Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob and continuing the Abraham Accords. Muslims, Jews and Christians trace their ancestry to Abraham and that is what brought the Arab nations, Muslim nations, Jews, Palestinians, and Americans to the table. Surely the Will of God at work. In that regard the rider of the white horse could be Trump. But I think the covenant with the many has yet to be made, although I believe it is very near, when the little horn, the beast antichrist, will rise out of the nations.
Ken,
I agree with you that what is occurring with President Trump is indeed God’s intervention to bring about His plan. There certainly is a lot of benefit for the US and for Christians. Yet, I can also see the potential for greatly increased persecution of Christians if the nation does not continue on this “MAGA” trajectory. Also, while the “Abraham Accords” may seem like a good thing for world peace, “When they say, peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them.” Keep in mind that the “Abraham Accords” can be the precursor towards a unified religion consisting of “moderate” Islam, apostate Christianity, and secular Judaism. This new “tolerant” form of religion will likely be founded on what the three monotheistic religions share in common, while rejecting the exclusive claims of each. In other words, the exclusive claims of Jesus as being the only way could then make conservative Christians enemies of this “peace.” Likewise, orthodox Jews would be enemies, as would radical Muslims. Trump is not a committed Christian. He is a pragmatist, so I seriously doubt he would oppose modifying Christianity if it meant keeping his “peace and security” initiative on track, and his plans for “Gaza-lago” moving forward.
Thanks for the conversation, Tim. Exactly, when they say peace and safety, then sudden destruction comes upon them. This may be the opportunity for the AC to begin his “seven year ministry”. He could strengthen the Abraham Accords through evil intentions, promote peace between Muslims, Jews, and Christians. Even permit Muslim, Jews, and Christians to set up houses of worship on the temple mount.
Ken,
The Antichrist only continues for 3.5 years, not for the 7 years. The “covenant” that is “strengthened” for “one week” is not a peace treaty made by Antichrist, as taught by dispensationalists. It is the Mosaic Covenant, which is why the Temple is rebuilt and there are sacrifices resumed (Rev. 11).