The covenant or alliance of Daniel chapter 9
For years I have listened to many commentators giving opinions on Daniel chapter 9 verse 27. Generally the commentators have described the covenant as peace agreement between the anti-Christ and others. Through my research I believe that I have arrived at what might be a better interpretation for what is occurring in that verse. I have broken this document into two parts or scenarios. The first is that the verse is addressing a coming agreement between Muslim nations and the second is that it really is a peace agreement between the anti-Christ and others.
Scenario 1
A lot of confusion exists around Psalm 83. Has it been fulfilled? Is it a future war? Or is it simply a prayer? Regardless of what it is we see that the nations around Israel make an alliance or covenant to destroy Israel. Look closely at verse 5.
NIV
Psa 83:1 A song. A psalm of Asaph. O God, do not remain silent; do not turn a deaf ear, do not stand aloof, O God.
Psa 83:2 See how your enemies growl, how your foes rear their heads.
Psa 83:3 With cunning they conspire against your people; they plot against those you cherish.
Psa 83:4 “Come,” they say, “let us destroy them as a nation, so that Israel’s name is remembered no more.”
Psa 83:5 With one mind they plot together; they form an alliance (H1285) against you—
Psa 83:6 the tents of Edom and the Ishmaelites, of Moab and the Hagrites,
Psa 83:7 Byblos, Ammon and Amalek, Philistia, with the people of Tyre.
Psa 83:8 Even Assyria has joined them to reinforce Lot’s descendants.
Psa 83:9 Do to them as you did to Midian, as you did to Sisera and Jabin at the river Kishon,
Psa 83:10 who perished at Endor and became like dung on the ground.
Psa 83:11 Make their nobles like Oreb and Zeeb, all their princes like Zebah and Zalmunna,
Psa 83:12 who said, “Let us take possession of the pasturelands of God.”
Psa 83:13 Make them like tumbleweed, my God, like chaff before the wind.
Psa 83:14 As fire consumes the forest or a flame sets the mountains ablaze,
Psa 83:15 so pursue them with your tempest and terrify them with your storm.
Psa 83:16 Cover their faces with shame, LORD, so that they will seek your name.
Psa 83:17 May they ever be ashamed and dismayed; may they perish in disgrace.
Psa 83:18 Let them know that you, whose name is the LORD– that you alone are the Most High over all the earth.
Interpretations of verse 5 by other versions of the bible.
ASV
Psa 83:5 For they have consulted together with one consent; Against thee do they make a covenant:
Darby
Psa 83:5 For they have consulted together with one heart: they have made an alliance together against thee.
KJV
Psa 83:5 For they have consulted together with one consent: they are confederate against thee:
MKJV
Psa 83:5 For with one heart they have plotted together; they have made a covenant against You
NIRV
Psa 83:5 All of them agree on the evil plans they have made. They join forces against you.
Regardless of the purpose of Psalm 83, we do see that the areas around Israel enter into a covenant with each other for the purpose of destroying Israel. Is this likely the same type of event that occurs in Daniel 9:27?
Strong’s word – beriyth – H1285
Definition: Alliance, pledge, covenant, agreement
In verse 27 we see “he” making a covenant with many but with a time limit of one seven or a 7 year period. The Hebrew word used here (H1285) is the same Hebrew word used in Psalm 83 which is a covenant or alliance. Nothing in Psalm 83 or Daniel 9 indicates a peace treaty.
Dan 9:24 “Seventy ‘sevens’ are decreed for your people and your holy city to finish transgression, to put an end to sin, to atone for wickedness, to bring in everlasting righteousness, to seal up vision and prophecy and to anoint the Most Holy Place.
Dan 9:25 “Know and understand this: From the time the word goes out to restore and rebuild Jerusalem until the Anointed One, the ruler, comes, there will be seven ‘sevens,’ and sixty-two ‘sevens.’ It will be rebuilt with streets and a trench, but in times of trouble.
Dan 9:26 After the sixty-two ‘sevens,’ the Anointed One will be put to death and will have nothing. The people of the ruler who will come will destroy the city and the sanctuary. The end will come like a flood: War will continue until the end, and desolations have been decreed.
Dan 9:27 He will confirm a covenant (H1285) with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
Here in verse 7 we see a similar event as seen in Psalm 83 and is possibly related to Daniel 9:27. Here Gog is commanded to get ready, be prepared and take command of forces of the countries that surround Israel. By verse 9 Gog and his troops along with many nations are advancing.
Eze 38:4 I will turn you around, put hooks in your jaws and bring you out with your whole army–your horses, your horsemen fully armed, and a great horde with large and small shields, all of them brandishing their swords.
Eze 38:5 Persia, Cush and Put will be with them, all with shields and helmets,
Eze 38:6 also Gomer with all its troops, and Beth Togarmah from the far north with all its troops–the many nations with you.
Eze 38:7 “‘Get ready; be prepared, you and all the hordes gathered about you, and take command of them.
Eze 38:8 After many days you will be called to arms. In future years you will invade a land that has recovered from war, whose people were gathered from many nations to the mountains of Israel, which had long been desolate. They had been brought out from the nations, and now all of them live in safety.
Eze 38:9 You and all your troops and the many nations with you will go up, advancing like a storm; you will be like a cloud covering the land.
Eze 38:10 “‘This is what the Sovereign LORD says: On that day thoughts will come into your mind and you will devise an evil scheme.
Eze 38:11 You will say, “I will invade a land of unwalled villages; I will attack a peaceful and unsuspecting people–all of them living without walls and without gates and bars.
So does scenario 1 come down to this, a 7 year hudna between the Sunni and Shia Islam world for the purpose of destroying Israel?
What is a Hudna in the Islamic world? Keep in mind that a hudna could be used for either scenario presented in this document.
The following is information that affirms that the scenarios present are nothing more than a hudna which is not only permitted but expected under Islamic law. The definition of a Hudna is: “pause, cessation, truce, armistice”1. In the Arab-Muslim tradition, Hudna makes possible a cessation in fighting for the sake of negotiations between rival tribes.2
There are two opposing approaches regarding the purpose of Hudna:
1. Conflict resolution method: Hudna is a cease-fire between rival parties for a specified time-period, during which the parties negotiate reconciliation.3This interpretation relies on the current function of Hudna in conflict resolution within the Arab-Muslim society,4 and on historical precedents of inter-religion and international conflicts.5 According to this approach, Hudna is a binding obligation on the parties to the conflict.6
2. Method of gaining military advantages: Hudna is a temporary cease-fire, which serves to replenish military strength before the parties return to battle. It is considered a method of Jihad (Muslim holy war against infidels), and reflects neither a will to resolve the conflict nor an obligation to maintain the truce.7This approach stems from the precedent of the Treaty of Hudaybiya, signed in 628 between the Prophet Muhammad and the Quraysh tribe, and later broken by Muhammad in 630, after he had acquired enough power to conquer Mecca.8
Excerpt from an Islamic source
Honoring Treaties
The Islamic worldview advocates respect for treaties signed with other states or parties. In fact, the Qur’an makes it a religious obligation to fulfill them:
Successful indeed are the believers…who faithfully observe their trusts and their covenants (Qur’an 23:1-8).
The Qur’an considers any covenant, including that with the other, as if it is concluded with Allah Himself, as long as it is done without violating Islamic principles:
And fulfill the covenant of Allah when you have made a covenant, and do not break the oaths after making them fast, and you have indeed made Allah a surety for you; surely Allah knows what you do (Qur’an, 16:91).
The signs of the hypocrite are three: when he speaks he lies; when he makes an oath he breaks it; and when he is entrusted with something he betrays that trust.
Duration of the Hudna
Excerpt:
While the original time limit of the Hudaybiyya Treaty was 10 years. This number was “arbitrary”; it was not considered a revealed time limit, and therefore Muslim scholars could set the legal ground for political leaders to consider a higher number of years if and when the need arose.
The Maliki school of jurisprudence does not specify a time limit, and they leave this matter to the jurisdiction of the head of state.
The Shafi’i school of jurisprudence sets the limit of the hudna at 10 years, following the original stated duration of the Treaty of Hudaybiyya. If the treaty does not specify the time limit, it is considered invalid according to this school.
Ezekiel verifies the unification of Sunni and Shia Islam
Eze 38:1 And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying,
Eze 38:2 Son of man, set thy face against Gog, the land of Magog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal, and prophesy against him,
Eze 38:3 And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I am against thee, O Gog, the chief prince of Meshech and Tubal:
Eze 38:4 And I will turn thee back, and put hooks into thy jaws, and I will bring thee forth, and all thine army, horses and horsemen, all of them clothed with all sorts of armour, even a great company with bucklers and shields, all of them handling swords:
Eze 38:5 Persia, Ethiopia, and Libya with them; all of them with shield and helmet:
Eze 38:6 Gomer, and all his bands; the house of Togarmah of the north quarters, and all his bands: and many people with thee.
The following are the locations of the various countries mentioned in Ezekiel 38. The Sunni predominate countries are shown in bold print and the Shia predominate countries are underlined.
Magog, Gomer, Meshech, and Tubal are all located in modern day Turkey.
Togarmah is located in modern day Turkey, Azerbaijan and Armenia.
Persia is modern day Iran.
Ethiopia is modern day Ethiopia
Libya is modern day Libya
Of these countries Turkey is considered to be 80% Sunni. Shia Islam is the majority in Iran and Azerbaijan. Shia also make up the majority in Iraq and Syria.
Given the current hatred and disagreements between the Sunni and Shia sects, some sort of reconciliation would be needed before Iran, Azerbaijan and possibly Iraq and Syria would put their armies under the control of a Sunni leader, Gog. This reconciliation, at least for a given period of time, is possible by way of a Hudna and is needed for the fulfillment of Ezekiel chapter 38 invasion of Israel.
Scenario 2
Now we will look at the most popular interpretation or scenario associated with Daniel 9:27. Many see it as a peace treaty based on the following.
Looking at Isaiah 28, Revelation 6, Daniel 9 and Daniel 11 we can reach some conclusions on what the covenant is. The word covenant is used many times in the Old Testament and generally means treaty, alliance or pledge. So then we first know that this will be some sort of a treaty.
Isa 28:18 And your covenant
Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant
Isaiah then tells us that this covenant is made between the rulers of Jerusalem and with Death. Daniel tells us that the “he” will confirm the covenant with many. The word “confirm” actually means to make strong or strengthen. So the covenant will likely be something already in use at the time the covenant is made.
Isa 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
Isa 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement;
Dan 9:27 And he shall confirm the covenant with many
Daniel also tells us that this covenant is a Holy covenant and that it will end and as a result the sacrifice and offering will end and that the abomination will be set up at the temple. This can only mean that some sort of temple has been rebuilt in Jerusalem, which is confirmed in Revelation 11, and that since he stops the sacrifice and offering, those must have been restored.
Dan 11:30 Ships of the western coastlands will oppose him, and he will lose heart. Then he will turn back and vent his fury against the holy covenant. He will return and show favor to those who forsake the holy covenant.
The use of the word “holy” tends to indicate a “holy place”.
Dan 9:27 He will confirm a covenant with many for one ‘seven.’ In the middle of the ‘seven’ he will put an end to sacrifice and offering. And at the temple he will set up an abomination that causes desolation, until the end that is decreed is poured out on him.”
Rev 11:1 I was given a reed like a measuring rod and was told, “Go and measure the temple of God and the altar, with its worshipers.
Rev 11:2 But exclude the outer court; do not measure it, because it has been given to the Gentiles. They will trample on the holy city for 42 months.
We next see that this covenant apparently involves some sort of protection plan. Isaiah confirms that the covenant will prevent them from being affected by the “overwhelming scourge”.
Isa 28:14 Wherefore hear the word of the LORD, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in Jerusalem.
Isa 28:15 Because ye have said, We have made a covenant with death, and with hell are we at agreement; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, it shall not come unto us: for we have made lies our refuge, and under falsehood have we hid ourselves:
The covenant spoken of will likely be an agreement that already exist but is resurrected and made stronger by the anti-Christ when he takes power. This covenant appears to be between the nation of Israel and the surrounding countries which likely means the surrounding countries have recognized Israel as a country. This covenant will likely have permitted the Jews to build a temple back on the temple mound and that they have resumed animal sacrifices. It also appears that this covenant is a peace treaty and that promises were likely made to end hostilities.
One of the problems with this second scenario is the reliance on Isaiah chapter 28. Most commentaries limit chapter 28 and deem it fulfilled with the Assyria invasion and with Israel’s reliance on Egypt at that time. The information from 2 commentaries is shown below. Both agree of fulfilment by Assyria however the second commentary attempts to give it a second fulfillment in the end times.
Frederick Brotherton Meyer’s commentary
Isaiah 28:14-29
Truth the only Refuge
In the beginning of Hezekiah’s reign the Jewish leaders had made an alliance with Assyria, on whom they relied to protect them against any and all foes. But the prophet told them plainly that they would be disappointed, and that when the Assyrian scourge passed through the land toward Egypt, it would involve them also in disaster, Isaiah 28:18. Then he broke out with this sublime description of the only foundation of security that could never fail. The deep meaning of this prediction of the precious corner-stone is unfolded in later Scriptures, Matthew 21:42; Ephesians 2:20; 1 Peter 2:7. Christ was tried by Satan and by man: He is precious: He unites the walls of Jew and Gentile that were at right-angles to each other. All our excuses and professions are too short and too narrow when God enters into judgment. Outside of Christ there is neither peace nor safety. See that thou buildest Him a holy character of gold, silver, and precious stones, 1 Corinthians 3:10, etc.
King comments on the Whole Bible
Isaiah 28
A Covenant With Death
After Isaiah spoke about the leaders of Jerusalem in the previous verses, especially the spiritual leaders, he now speaks to the political leaders, “who rule this people who are in Jerusalem” (Isaiah 28:14). In the future these will be the government officials of the antichrist. He calls them outright “scoffers,” referring to their earlier remarks (Isaiah 28:9-2 Samuel :) and draws their attention to the audacity of their foreign policy. Their mockery has led them to challenge God. Challenging, they report that they have made a “covenant with death” and that “with Sheol” they have “made a pact”. That is what they count on and not on God. In this is their strength and not in God.
It seems that their politics are as follows. They always have to deal with two enemy superpowers: Egypt in the south and Assyria in the north. They have secretly made a covenant with Egypt – by Isaiah called “death” and “Sheol”, the realm of death – to defend themselves against Assyria (Isaiah 28:15). They have been warned of an invasion of Assyria (Isaiah 8:7-Ruth :). Through the covenant with Egypt they now feel safe. When Assyria comes as “overwhelming scourge”, – “the rod” (Isaiah 10:5) – they have a hiding place. They would rather deliver themselves with skin and hair to lies and deceit than put their trust in the LORD in accordance with the call of Isaiah.
Prophetically, Israel will have to deal with two superpowers. The danger comes from the first, the Assyrians, that is the king of the North, an alliance of Arab Islamic countries (probably Shiite), with behind them their powerful ally Gog, that is Russia. In order to defend itself against him, Israel will make an alliance with another superpower, the restored Roman Empire, the united states of Europe. The Word of God calls this covenant a covenant with death and Sheol.
In Isaiah 28:18, in addition to the immediate judgment, our gaze is also focused on the judgment in the distant future – for us: the near future. In the end time the covenant of Isaiah 28:15 will find full fulfillment. Death is the antichrist. In him is the devil who had “the power over death” (Hebrews 2:14). The “covenant” that the wicked masses make under the leadership of the antichrist is a covenant with death. They have made a “pact” with Sheol, the realm of death. The covenant, with death, is the covenant that the wicked masses of the Jews made through their head, the antichrist, with the restored Roman Empire, that is Europe.
The white Horse
The other most noted aspect of this scenario is the rider on the white horse also known as the first seal of Revelation chapter 6. The common teaching with regard to this is that the rider is the anti-Christ, the white horse represents peace and the bow with no arrows represents a false peace. Below I have used the bible to interpret the bible in addressing these various elements.
What are the horses? They are spirits…
White = Strong’s word G3022
Definition = the color white
Horse = Strong’s word G2462
Definition = horse as in used for riding.
Old Testament – Strong’s word H5483 = horse
Zec 6:1 And I turned, and lifted up mine eyes, and looked, and, behold, there came four chariots out from between two mountains; and the mountains were mountains of brass.
Zec 6:2 In the first chariot were red horses; and in the second chariot black horses;
Zec 6:3 And in the third chariot white horses; and in the fourth chariot grisled and bay horses.
Zec 6:4 Then I answered and said unto the angel that talked with me, What are these, my lord?
Zec 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.
Zec 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.
Zec 6:7 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 through the earth.
Zec 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.
Zec 1:8 I saw by night, and behold a man riding upon a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white.
Zec 1:9 Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said unto me, I will shew thee what these be.
Zec 1:10 And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD hath sent to walk to and fro through the earth.
Zec 1:11 And they answered the angel of the LORD that stood among the myrtle trees, and said, We have walked to and fro through the earth, and, behold, all the earth sitteth still, and is at rest.
As we see in Zechariah the horses are spirits. The specific purpose of the spirits is not given but from the context it appears that they may be on earth controlling events. There is no indication here that these spirits are assigned to a specific person. If we use the above verses from Zechariah to interpret the four horses of Revelation then we can confirm that the horses are spirits controlling events and that the spirits don’t appear to be assigned to a particular human.
Rev 6:1 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!”
Rev 6:2 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.
Rev 6:3 When the Lamb opened the second seal, I heard the second living creature say, “Come!”
Rev 6:4 Then another horse came out, a fiery red one. Its rider was given power to take peace from the earth and to make people kill each other. To him was given a large sword.
Rev 6:5 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.
Rev 6:6 Then I heard what sounded like a voice among the four living creatures, saying, “Two pounds of wheat for a day’s wages, and six pounds of barley for a day’s wages, and do not damage the oil and the wine!”
Rev 6:7 When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, “Come!”
Rev 6:8 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.
Let’s next look at the white horse. Is the white horse a symbol of war or of peace as some argue? Jesus has 2 notable rides on animals. The first was spoken of by Zachariah. On his first ride he is said to be lowly and on a donkey.
Zec 9:9 Rejoice greatly, Daughter Zion! Shout, Daughter Jerusalem! See, your king comes to you, righteous and victorious, lowly and riding on a donkey, on a colt, the foal of a donkey.
Matthew describes the ride and said he comes “gentle and riding on a donkey.”
Mat 21:4 This took place to fulfill what was spoken through the prophet:
Mat 21:5 “Say to Daughter Zion, ‘See, your king comes to you, gentle and riding on a donkey, and on a colt, the foal of a donkey.'”
On his second noted ride Jesus is on a white horse with his armies behind him, he is dripped in blood ready to rule with an iron scepter.
Rev 19:11 I saw heaven standing open and there before me was a white horse, whose rider is called Faithful and True. With justice he judges and wages war.
Rev 19:12 His eyes are like blazing fire, and on his head are many crowns. He has a name written on him that no one knows but he himself.
Rev 19:13 He is dressed in a robe dipped in blood, and his name is the Word of God.
Rev 19:14 The armies of heaven were following him, riding on white horses and dressed in fine linen, white and clean.
Rev 19:15 Coming out of his mouth is a sharp sword with which to strike down the nations. “He will rule them with an iron scepter.” He treads the winepress of the fury of the wrath of God Almighty.
If the animals Jesus rides are to be used as a symbol, the donkey would symbolize peace and the white horse would symbolize war. There is simply nothing from a biblical prospective that indicates that a white horse is associated with peace.
Here is an excerpt from a document that provides information on a common belief as to what the white horse rider symbolizes.
Excerpt:
The first seal. The first seal introduces the Antichrist (Revelation 6:1–2). From the biblical description, we gather several details: he rides a white horse, which speaks of peace; at the beginning of the tribulation, the Antichrist will come under the pretense of bringing peace to the world (cf. Daniel 9:27). He is given a crown, which indicates that the Antichrist will exercise great authority (cf. Daniel 7:24–25). He holds a bow, which shows his true intentions, and he advances “as a conqueror bent on conquest” (Revelation 6:2).
Conclusion: In the Old Testament there is one grouping of 4 horses and are the colors of white, red, black and gristled. In the NT there is also one grouping of 4 horses and are the colors of white, red, black and pale. The Old Testament tells us that these 4 horses are spirits so we can safely assume this interpretation in the New Testament. The white horse and horses of Revelation 19 are used singularly with no other colored horses. Should a conclusion be drawn that because Jesus and his followers are riding white horse in chapter 19 that the white horse rider of the first seal is attempting to imitate Jesus or would a better conclusion be that the white horse is a symbol of a king or military leader riding into battle.
The bow
Bow = Strong’s word G5115
Definition = A simple bow used to shoot arrows.
Gen 48:22 And to you I give one more ridge of land than to your brothers, the ridge I took from the Amorites with my sword and my bow.”
Jos 24:12 I sent the hornet ahead of you, which drove them out before you–also the two Amorite kings. You did not do it with your own sword and bow.
1Ki 22:34 But someone drew his bow at random and hit the king of Israel between the sections of his armor. The king told his chariot driver, “Wheel around and get me out of the fighting. I’ve been wounded.”
2Ki 6:22 “Do not kill them,” he answered. “Would you kill those you have captured with your own sword or bow? Set food and water before them so that they may eat and drink and then go back to their master.”
Psa 18:34 He trains my hands for battle; my arms can bend a bow of bronze.
Psa 21:12 You will make them turn their backs when you aim at them with drawn bow.
Psa 37:14 The wicked draw the sword and bend the bow to bring down the poor and needy, to slay those whose ways are upright.
Psa 44:6 I put no trust in my bow, my sword does not bring me victory;
Isa 22:3 All your leaders have fled together; they have been captured without using the bow. All you who were caught were taken prisoner together, having fled while the enemy was still far away.
Isa 41:2 “Who has stirred up one from the east, calling him in righteousness to his service? He hands nations over to him and subdues kings before him. He turns them to dust with his sword, to windblown chaff with his bow.
Jer 6:23 They are armed with bow and spear; they are cruel and show no mercy. They sound like the roaring sea as they ride on their horses; they come like men in battle formation to attack you, Daughter Zion.”
Jer 46:9 Charge, you horses! Drive furiously, you charioteers! March on, you warriors–men of Cush and Put who carry shields, men of Lydia who draw the bow.
Hos 1:7 Yet I will show love to Judah; and I will save them–not by bow, sword or battle, or by horses and horsemen, but I, the LORD their God, will save them.”
Conclusion – Many believe that since the rider of the first horse has a bow with no mention of arrows, that this is somehow an indication that this is related to peace. The first seal is the only use of the word bow in the New Testament. When we look at the Old Testament we see many references to a bow and many references do not include any information concerning arrows. Arrows are to a bow what bullets are to a gun. The assumption is that if one has a bow he also has arrows.
The crown
Crown = Strong’s word G4735
Definition = This crown referred to here is a Stephanos crown. A mark of royal or exalted rank. A crown of victory or honor.
Excerpt:
Stephanos (G4735) Crown
diadema (G1238)
We must not confuse these two words, which are both translated “crown.” In classical literature Stephanos does not denote the kingly or imperial crown. Instead, it refers to the crown that symbolized victory in the games, civic worth, military valor, nuptial joy, and festal gladness. A Stephanos was woven of oak, ivy, parsley, myrtle, olive, or gold leaves, which imitated these plants, and of flowers such as violets or roses. A stephanos was a “wreath” or “garland” but never the emblem or sign of royalty.
A diadema was a “token of kingdom,” a white linen band or fillet that encircled the brow. The phrase peritithenai diadema (“to put on a crown”) commonly indicated the assumption of royal dignity. In Latin only the “diadema” is the “mark of kings.” Selden’s comments on the distinction between “crowns” and “diadems” also agree with this.
Vine – A — (Strong’s #4735 — Noun Masculine — stephanos — stef’-an-os ) primarily, “that which surrounds, as a wall or crowd” (from stepho, “to encircle”), denotes (a) “the victor’s crown,” the symbol of triumph in the games or some such contest; hence, by metonymy, a reward or prize; (b) “a token of public honor” for distinguished service, military prowess, etc., or of nuptial joy, or festal gladness, especially at the parousia of kings. It was woven as a garland of oak, ivy, parsley, myrtle, or olive, or in imitation of these in gold. In some passages the reference to the games is clear, 1 Corinthians 9:25 ; 2 Timothy 4:8 (“crown of righteousness”); it may be so in 1 Peter 5:4 , where the fadeless character of “the crown of glory” is set in contrast to the garlands of earth. In other passages it stands as an emblem of life, joy, reward and glory, Philippians 4:1 ; 1 Thessalonians 2:19 ; James 1:12 (“crown of life”); Revelation 2:10 (ditto); 3:11; 4:4,10: of triumph, Revelation 6:2 ; 9:7 ; 12:1 ; 14:14 (Vine’s Expository Dictionary of NT Words)
Conclusion – Within the New Testament there are two types of crowns that are used. They are the Stephanos crown and the Diadema crown. The Diadema crown tends to indicate royal authority while the Stephanos crown tends to indicate royal or exalted rank, victory or honor. The rider on this horse is wearing a Stephanos crown which tends to indicate that this rider is a military leader and not some sort of royalty.
Conquering and conquer
Conquering = Strong’s word G3528
Definition = To carry off the victory, come off victorious.
1Jn 5:5 Who is it that overcomes the world? Only the one who believes that Jesus is the Son of God.
Rev 2:7 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. To the one who is victorious, I will give the right to eat from the tree of life, which is in the paradise of God.
Rev 2:11 Whoever has ears, let them hear what the Spirit says to the churches. The one who is victorious will not be hurt at all by the second death.
Rev 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.
Rev 13:7 And it was given unto him to make war with the saints, and to overcome them: and power was given him over all kindreds, and tongues, and nations.
Rev 17:14 These shall make war with the Lamb, and the Lamb shall overcome them: for he is Lord of lords, and King of kings: and they that are with him are called, and chosen, and faithful.
Conclusion – The use of the word conquer generally means to win and its use was confined to 1st John and Revelation. In the first 3 verses above it appears to be used in a positive sense but in the last 3 verses it’s used in a negative sense. In the last 3 verses we see it associated with war and killing. Can we make a firm conclusion within the meaning of the first seal that this word is used to mean a peaceful event?
Summary: Many have depicted this first seal as being some sort of peace agreement because the rider is on a white horse and has no arrows for his bow. I believe that the word study presented here shows that this rider is actually the leader or the spirit driving the leader of the foreign army that invades Israel in the last days and is not a person making a peace agreement.
So if Isaiah chapter 28 is a historical fulfilled chapter and the white horse rider of Revelation chapter 6 has no connection to peace then what are we actually left with in scenario 2? It might be that we are left with a 7 year covenant for unknown reasons.