The answer is: 4

Rev 6 vs 1-8

In Revelation chapter 6, we encounter the iconic scene known as the Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse. These horsemen symbolize significant events that impact humanity in dramatic ways. Riding different colored horses – white, red, black, and pale – each horseman represents a different aspect of human strife and catastrophe.

The first horseman on a white horse signifies conquest or false peace; he carries a bow and is awarded a crown, evoking images of conquest that might seem victorious but could veer towards deception. The second, on a fiery red horse, brings war and bloodshed, illustrating violence and conflict—an ever-relatable challenge throughout history. Then, the black horse symbolizes famine, represented by the balance scales held by the rider, suggesting the grave consequences of scarcity and economic hardship. Finally, the pale horse, ridden by Death itself, completes this quartet, foretelling mortality and the trials of existence.

Interestingly, these horsemen echo themes found throughout biblical prophecies, akin to imagery in the Old Testament about the Day of the Lord, which warns of tumultuous times ahead. Let's not ignore that these figures have transcended their original context and have ingrained themselves into popular culture, often interpreted in literature and films as harbingers of doom. The powerful symbolism in these verses invites deep reflection on humanity's continual struggle with sin, its repercussions, and the hope of eventual restoration.