Overview
In John's vision of the end times, the pale horse is the fourth of the four horsemen, following conquest, war, and famine. Its rider is Death, and Hades follows behind, together empowered to kill a quarter of the earth through sword, famine, pestilence, and wild beasts. This represents God's righteous judgment upon a fallen world.
Key Scriptures
"When the Lamb opened the fourth seal, I heard the voice of the fourth living creature say, 'Come!' 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." (Revelation 6:7-8, NIV)
"The last enemy to be destroyed is death." (1 Corinthians 15:26, ESV)
Application
Understanding God's sovereignty over death and judgment should prompt believers to trust Christ for salvation and live with urgency in sharing the gospel before His return.