The answer is: It became black as sackcloth of hair

Rev 6 vs 12

In Revelation 6:12, when the sixth seal is opened, the dramatic image of the sun turning black like sackcloth sets the stage for a world engulfed in cosmic chaos. This isn’t just poetic imagery; it echoes themes of judgment and transformation that appear throughout the Bible.

Sackcloth, often associated with mourning and repentance, symbolizes a profound disruption in the normal order. It’s interesting to note that in the ancient Near Eastern culture, sackcloth represented humility before God’s sovereignty and often preceded appeals for mercy. Thus, the blackened sun can be seen as a cosmic warning—an invitation for humanity to pause, reflect, and seek divine forgiveness.

Did you know that in several cultures around the world, the sun is often seen as a symbol of divinity or a representation of God's creation? The sudden change to the sun's appearance mirrors other cosmic disturbances recorded in the Scriptures, such as during the plagues in Egypt, where darkness signified deep despair.

This motif of darkness and light runs powerfully through the Bible. In the prophetic words of Joel and later echoed in the Gospel of Matthew, we find imagery of the sun-darkening reserved for profound spiritual moments. The cosmic upheaval invites readers not just into panic but also into contemplation about their place within this divine tapestry. With each seal that is opened, the dramatic shift is not merely a spectacle; it is an inspiration for personal and communal reflection amidst the apocalyptic narrative.