The fifth seal can be found in Revelation 6:9-11.

“When He opened the fifth seal, I saw under the altar the souls of those who had been slain for the word of God and for the testimony which they held. And they cried with a loud voice, saying, ‘How long, O Lord, holy and true, until You judge and avenge our blood on those who dwell on the earth?’ Then a white robe was given to each of them; and it was said to them that they should rest a little while longer, until both the number of their fellow servants and their brethren, who would be killed as they were, was completed.”

Learn More:

>> The 7 Seals of Revelation
>> The 6th Seal and the Earthquake
>> The 4th Seal and the Pale Horse

The Fifth Seal: Souls Crying Out From Under the Altar

Under the altar in heaven are beings crying out for God’s justice. Because these beings are portrayed as already martyred, they cannot be alive since we know according to the rest of the Bible that “the dead know nothing…. Also their love, their hatred, and their envy have now perished; Nevermore will they have a share in anything done under the sun” (Ecclesiastes 9:5, 6; see also Ecclesiastes 12:7; Ezekial 18:20; Acts 2:29, 34; John 11:11-14). This image is an illustration of how God’s people should relate to God’s justice.

Learn more: What Does the Bible Say About Death?

These beings, symbolically portrayed as under the altar in heaven, recognize the injustice done to faithful Christians throughout time. They call out in a rush of emotion, “God, when will all this bloodshed end? When will the atrocities of evil be punished and Your awesome name and character be vindicated?” These beings are eager for the positive side of God’s final judgment. It will be a time of terror for the evil doers who have persecuted the saints of God, but it will be a time of rejoicing for God’s people as they leave the earthly life of toil and sorrow behind and enjoy the blessings of eternal life in heaven with the Lamb who paid their entrance ticket with His blood. The final judgment is also the time when the whole universe will finally see and acknowledge that God is good, His way is perfect, His love is infinite, and He alone has the right and sovereignty to rule the universe.

The saints under the altar long for that marvelous day. However, they are told that the time has not yet come. They are given white robes of Christ’s righteousness and told that they must wait a little longer. But the hope of the promise is sure. It will happen. They need not worry; the victory of the Lamb is assured!