Question 1

What is happening when the sixth seal is opened in this passage?

Accepted Answer

When the sixth seal is opened, John sees a scene of huge shaking and fear. There is a great earthquake, the sun turns black like rough cloth, the moon looks like blood, and the stars fall like figs blown off a tree in a storm. Heaven is rolled up like a scroll, and mountains and islands are moved. This shows God disturbing both the natural world and human power. It points to God stepping in with judgment in history and looks ahead to the last great day.

Question 2

What does it mean that the sun became black and the moon became as blood?

Accepted Answer

The darkened sun and blood-red moon are picture language to show a time of deep trouble and judgment. They point to light being taken away and fear spreading over the earth. Some readers connect this to the fall of Jerusalem, others to the fall of pagan rule in the empire, and it also looks ahead to the final judgment. In all these readings, God is showing that what people trust in, even what seems as fixed as sun and moon, can be shaken by his hand.

Question 3

Who are the kings, great men, and slaves hiding in the rocks and mountains?

Accepted Answer

The list covers every kind of person: kings, commanders, rich and powerful people, and also slaves and free people. It shows that no rank or class can escape God’s judgment. All of them are terrified and try to hide in caves and among rocks. They had felt strong and safe before, but when God’s anger is revealed, they see they cannot stand before him. This is a warning that every person, high or low, will one day answer to God.

Question 4

What is meant by the wrath of the Lamb in this passage?

Accepted Answer

The Lamb is Jesus, who died to save sinners. Here he is not ignored or despised, but feared, because his patience has run out for those who refuse him. The “wrath of the Lamb” shows that the same Jesus who offered mercy will also judge those who harden themselves. It reminds us that grace is real, but so is judgment. If the Savior himself becomes our enemy, there is nowhere else to turn. That is why this wrath is so fearful.

Question 5

Why do the people cry, "Hide us" and "Who shall be able to stand?"

Accepted Answer

They finally see that they are face to face with the One on the throne and with the Lamb they have resisted. Their terror is so great that they would rather be crushed by rocks than look at God’s anger. Their question, “Who shall be able to stand?” shows that human strength, wealth, and rank are useless in that day. The implied answer is that only those whom God has received in mercy, those washed and made right through the Lamb, will be able to stand before him.

Question 6

How have faithful readers understood the meaning of this sixth seal differently?

Accepted Answer

This passage has been read in more than one way. Some see it mainly as a picture of God’s judgment on Jerusalem, using the language of sun, moon, and stars to describe the fall of that nation. Others see it as a picture of the fall of pagan power in the empire, when old worship and rulers were shaken and removed. All agree it also looks ahead to the final judgment. These views share the same main point: God will shake every proud power and bring his enemies low.

Question 7

What does this passage teach about God’s character and justice?

Accepted Answer

This passage shows that God is patient, but he is not indifferent. He hears the cries of those who have suffered for his name, and he has a day set when he will answer. His judgment reaches kings and servants alike, so his justice is fair and not swayed by rank. It also shows that the Father and the Lamb are united in judgment. What angers the Lamb angers the One on the throne. God’s justice may seem delayed, but it is sure and inescapable.

Question 8

How can this picture of judgment speak to believers today?

Accepted Answer

For believers, this passage is both a warning and a comfort. It warns us not to live as if this world will go on the same forever, or as if sin has no end. It reminds us to cling to Christ now, not later. At the same time, it comforts those who suffer for their faith. God sees, he has not forgotten, and there is a set day when wrongs will be faced. Knowing this helps us endure, forgive, and keep trusting that God will put all things right.

Revelation 6:12

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;

The Sixth Seal: Terror

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Revelation 6:12

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;

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The Sixth Seal: Terror

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