Revelation 6:9-11 9And when he opened the fourth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been violently killed on account of the word of God and on account of the witness they had. 10They cried out with a loud voice saying, “Until when, O Sovereign Lord, holy and true, will you not will judge and avenge our blood from those who live on the earth?” 11And they were each given a white robe and it was said to them that they are to rest for a little longer, until the number of their fellow servants and their brothers might be complete, who were to be killed as they themselves had been.
Seal five breaks from the pattern of the first four seals. The four living creatures and four riders drop from the scene, possibly because the number four covers all directions. The scene also shifts back from the earth to the heavenly temple, where John sees the altar there. There is no need for an animal sacrifice in heaven. Rather, the sacrifice at the altar is the souls of those who lost their lives as martyrs (witnesses) of the gospel, the word of God. These souls represent the lives of those who on earth did not turn their backs on God, even to the point of being killed. Souls (psychas) represent their lives, their essence, and their being. The altar is a place of high honor. Theirs was literally a sacrifice of praise that cost their lives. The Jews believed that the earthly temple modeled the temple of heaven.
The martyrs ask God for justice upon the earth. God is the one who avenges (Romans 12:19) and will make all things right. Their description of God as Lord (despotēs) acknowledges God’s sovereignty, power, and authority. This word would counter any claims of the emperor or earthly ruler. Holy (hagios) recognizes that God will judge sin and rebellion. True (alēthinos) notes God’s justice. Their descriptions show their confidence in God that marked their lives on earth. The people to blame are those on earth, those who refused to accept the Christian witness and believe in the truth of the gospel. The theme of unbelievers’ rejection of Jesus runs throughout Revelation and serves as both a warning and assurance.
God tells them that the number of martyrs is not complete yet. Things would get worse for believers before they get better and are revenged. This means that more believers will lose their lives in the coming days. The times of persecution were not over. Those on earth who remained faithful, including those who had already lost their lives, would receive a white robe. The believers in Sardis in 3:4-5 were promised a white robe for their faithfulness. White represents purity and holiness, which are the essential requirements to be in God’s presence. A white robe represents God’s blessing, reward, and assurance of eternal life. Others who would be martyred for their faith would be joining them in the waiting for the end to come.
When John wrote Revelation, the number of Christians who had lost their lives was relatively small but growing. The members of the seven churches may have begun to feel more pressure and the temptation that comes with it to forsake their faith. They can read in these verses that their faithfulness in the end when they stand before God will be rewarded and those who caused their earthly pain will be judged accordingly.
These verses give us confidence that even if we lose our lives, we will be in God’s care, and final justice will take place. Dying for our faith is the highest sacrifice we can make. These verses also help us be prepared for the coming days of persecution and trouble. God will not leave us nor forsake us. Our lives on earth are temporary while we look forward to eternity.