The “black horse” refers to suffering, death, and the
“balances” of the careful rationing of food because of its
scarcity. The denarius, a Roman coin, was a normal day’s
wage. In New Testament times, this coin would purchase eight
quarts of wheat, or eight measures, one measure equals about
one quart, or 24 quarts of barley. Wheat was the better
grain and barley was normally used only for livestock except
in times of scarcity. During the time of the pouring out of
judgment upon on the earth, a full day’s wage will buy only
one measure, about one meal, of wheat, or three meals of
barley with nothing left. Of course, the larger the family,
the worse it will be. However, note the words “do not harm
the oil and the wine.” These were luxury items that will
apparently be unharmed at this point. There will be plenty
of luxury items but only the super rich will have them. The
average person will spend all he has on the essentials.
