The Third Seal – “A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny;” Can You See This Prophecy Developing Right Now? (KJV)

March 28, 2026 | www.gospelofjesuschrist.blog | River Wilde

Today, let us take a moment to examine one of the Seven Seals described in the book of Revelation. For those who believe in the pre-tribulation rapture, the church will not be present on the earth when the seals are opened, because these events occur after the rapture has taken place. Nevertheless, studying the Third Seal is especially interesting, because even now we can begin to see conditions in the world that appear to be moving in that direction.

As I stopped at the gas station today, I noticed that the price of gasoline had increased by nearly a dollar per gallon. From what I understand, much of this rise is connected to the current war involving Israel and Iran, which has disrupted global oil supplies and pushed fuel prices higher.

Seeing this made me think about the Third Seal described in the book of Revelation. The connection between rising costs and economic strain is something the Bible speaks about in striking detail. Let’s take a moment to look at the Third Seal and what it teaches.

The Third Seal is described in Revelation 6:5–6 (KJV). When the Lamb opens the third seal, a rider on a black horse appears, holding a pair of balances (scales) in his hand. A voice then declares,

“And when he had opened the third seal, I heard the third beast say, Come and see. And I beheld, and lo a black horse; and he that sat on him had a pair of balances in his hand.
And I heard a voice in the midst of the four beasts say, A measure of wheat for a penny, and three measures of barley for a penny; and see thou hurt not the oil and the wine.”

In biblical times, a penny (denarius) represented an entire day’s wages, meaning that a person would have to work all day just to afford enough wheat to survive for a single day. This seal points to a time of severe economic hardship and food inflation, when basic necessities become extremely expensive while certain luxuries remain available. This is as a warning of a future global economic crisis where the cost of living rises dramatically and survival becomes increasingly difficult for ordinary people.

So, the prophecy essentially describes a time when an entire day’s work will only buy enough food for one person to survive for a single day.

That means families would struggle severely. If a father worked all day, he might only bring home enough food for one person, leaving the rest of the household without enough to eat.

The Strange Line: “Hurt Not the Oil and the Wine”

This part is fascinating. While staple foods become scarce, luxury goods remain available.

Many scholars believe this suggests:

• The wealthy continue living comfortably
• The poor struggle just to eat

In other words, economic inequality becomes extreme.

How This Relates to Today

Many people studying prophecy notice that the global economy is showing early warning signs that could eventually lead to the conditions described in Revelation:

1. Food prices worldwide are rising rapidly.
2. Global debt and currency instability are increasing.
3. Supply chains are fragile, especially after recent global crises.
4. Farmland and food production are becoming more centralized.
5. Governments are already experimenting with digital currencies and ration systems.

While we are not yet at the level described in Revelation, the trend lines are moving in that direction in many parts of the world. These conditions can develop very quickly once economic systems break down.

Why This Matters for Believers

For those who study Bible prophecy, this passage reminds us that the Tribulation period will include severe economic hardship. But it also reinforces the belief that His followers will be taken to be with Christ before these judgments occur.

Here are all of the seals that will be opened in the order that they are displayed:

First Seal — The White Horse – The Rise of the Antichrist who Gains Power Peacefully

Revelation 6:1–2 (KJV)

Second Seal — The Red Horse – Warfare, Bloodshed, Global Conflict

Revelation 6:3–4 (KJV)

Third Seal — The Black Horse – Famine and Economic Collapse

Revelation 6:5–6 (KJV)

Fourth Seal — The Pale Horse – Widespread Death through War, Famine, Disease, and Wild Beasts, (Up to a fourth of humanity)

Revelation 6:7–8 (KJV)

Fifth Seal — The Cry of the Martyrs – Persecution of Believers

Revelation 6:9–11 (KJV)

Sixth Seal — Cosmic Disturbances – Sun Black and Moon to Blood –  Stars of Heaven Falling to the Earth – Great Earthquake

Revelation 6:12–17 (KJV)

Seventh Seal — Silence in Heaven for Half an Hour – This Will Introduce the Seven Trumpet Judgments

Revelation 8:1–2 (KJV)

I hope we can all take a moment to recognize just how detailed God’s plan is for the final seven years on earth. Unfortunately, it is also important to see how successful Satan has been in keeping these revelations hidden from the majority of people living on the earth. In many cases, he has even influenced leaders within some Christian churches to avoid teaching about these prophecies. As a result, countless people remain unaware of what God has clearly revealed in His Word about the times in which we are living.

If your church leader is not teaching all of the prophecies of the end times that are written in the bible, I’d suggest that you no longer look to that person as your spiritual leader. GOD wants you to know every prophecy detail, that is why He spoke to His prophets and had them record their prophecies.

The Bible teaches that a true servant of God does not withhold the full counsel of God, especially the warnings given to prepare people for what is coming. Jesus Himself spoke often about the end times, warning His followers to watch, be ready, and understand the signs of His return (Matthew 24:42 KJV).

The prophets and apostles also wrote extensively about the last days so that believers would not be caught unaware (1 Thessalonians 5:4 KJV). Therefore, any religious leader who deliberately avoids or refuses to teach the prophetic scriptures concerning the end times is failing to declare an important portion of God’s Word. A true man of God faithfully teaches both the promises and the warnings found in scripture, preparing the flock for the days ahead.

As the Apostle Paul declared, “For I have not shunned to declare unto you all the counsel of God” (Acts 20:27 KJV). Leaders who neglect these prophecies leave people spiritually unprepared for the events the Bible clearly says will come upon the world.