Ok, hi Becky. I will consider to think upon this further. But would like to present 2 scenarios also to consider when looking upon a robust interpretation as we have here. I think this is very creative, passionate, and unique–what Ken has painting as a consideration. And do appreciate the heart and spirit that went into this from Ken as well as yourself in reposting.
The 2 things that stand out to me when looking upon scripture and how things may play out according to how the word is laying it out is: 1) timing, and 2) sequence. If the 1st seal rider is the man of perdition (per Daniel 9:27–which by the way is the strongest position for the 1sst seal admittedly), then he makes an agreement with the many. To me, this is not just a possible rendering for the 1st seal, but certainly its most probable for Rev 6:2 in how it might interact with the Revelation imagery.
TIMING – Some see Rev 13 as the man of perdition. The man of perdition in that view would have miracle power with signs and wonders. As a rule of study for Revelation, I see chapter 13 placed with books leaning toward mid to end point of trib (10, 11, 12, 14, 15, and 16). That is how I see Rev batching books in that section of it. So timing wise, I would see the man of perdition as a politically powerful figure. But not one containing supernatural powers. My reasoning for this is that the AC is given 42 months (Rev 13.5). He rules the second half, not the first, as I understand it. In Daniel we see the AC does have some wars to fight. I believe when he comes as Dan 9:27 it is the beginning of the 7 years. And the first 3.5 years he does not have supernatural ability. One way to juxtapose this for hopeful accuracy is that the two witnesses are also given 42 months (looking like the first 3.5 years as well). And it is the beast that comes out of the pit that empowers AC to kill the 2 witnesses (not before
Rev 11.7). This suggest that the AC has 3.5 years on earth not able to kill the 2 witnesses because he does not have supernatural power…yet. So the man on the 1st seal horse would not seem to match the dragon falling from heaven (kicked out) because he is not portraying supernatural ability (at least that we know of). It is said in Rev 13 that the dragon gives AC power (13.2). I would understand this to be synonymous with the dragon being kicked out of heaven (Rev 12:13) in that once the dragon is on earth, he empowers the man of perdition. Up until that point, the man of perdition seems to be just a man. Which means he would not be kicked out of heaven. But born here on earth. Another aspect with timing is in Rev 12 we see a dragon fall. In Rev 6 it is a man on a white horse. They could be the same, but not by appearance on the surface though.
SEQUENCE – The other concern is one of sequence. If the man of perdition were one in the same as the dragon being kicked out from heaven, we are told in Rev 12:12-17
**For this reason, rejoice, you heavens and you who dwell in them. Woe to the earth and the sea, because the devil has come down to you with great wrath, knowing that he has only a short time.13 And when the dragon saw that he was thrown down to the earth, he persecuted the woman who gave birth to the male Child . 14 But the two wings of the great eagle were given to the woman, so that she could fly into the wilderness to her place, where she *was nourished for a time, times, and half a time, away from the presence of the serpent. 15 And the serpent hurled water like a river out of his mouth after the woman, so that he might cause her to be swept away with the flood. 16 [f]But the earth helped the woman, and the earth opened its mouth and drank up the river which the dragon had hurled out of his mouth. 17 So the dragon was enraged with the woman, and went off to make war with the rest of her [g]children, who keep the commandments of God and hold to the testimony of Jesus.
…that the dragon is angry. And woe to the earth. When we see this sequence we see Israel being persecuted. Now if the 1st seal is the dragon locked out of heaven and he sets up a deal with Israel for 7 years and does not go after them until 3.5 years later…well…that is quite a bit of a delay in that the dragon is “angry” and how that anger looks. It does not look like the 1st seal. In fact, in contrast it would be the exact opposite of making a treaty with Israel in that the angry dragon is said to chase her in persecution.
Well, these are the two variables I would consider when thinking upon the white horse being locked out of heaven as we are told the dragon does get kicked and locked out. These would be, to me, the most important factors to weigh. Because it opens up the question of the difference of the “man of perdition,” and the “supernatural activities of the AC.” We do see a difference in scripture. Those would be more important to me than if a riding horse looks different than a falling dragon. I mean the metaphor differences i could overlook. The timing and sequence features i would look at as more the issue for me, i would say. But then after that, it would cause me then to also question the horse riding vs dragon falling differences in metaphor as well.
I will keep this white horse locked out of heaven motif in mind though…for I am sure there is more to consider. But so far that is where my reimagining has taken me thus for. If something else comes along as well you think may be helpful in considering this view, i’d be more than happy to consider. Blessings dear sister.
Praise Him with everything we have. Serve Him with every ounce of energy we have because He is so good. This [COVID] is really all about Him. This is really about God putting Himself on display. And to the church…this is a way for God to highlight the trinity. To actually give us the straight shot of God’s glory. God’s glory really should press on us…really should help us shake out the jams. God’s glory should help us think differently about ourselves in relation to God so that we can partake of His glory. This isn’t about kingdom politics. This is about kingdom glory. Its an amazing thing to have a glimpse of this. I have never had this glimpse before. I had never dug deep enough until the COVID isolation. But it really wasn’t until I saw my body being attacked aggressively by the disease that I wanted to press further and further toward the Lord.
Blessings.
