The answer is: Pair of scales

Rev 6:5

As the third seal is opened in the book of Revelation, we're greeted by an intriguing figure—the rider on the black horse. This horseman, holding a pair of scales, symbolizes balance, weighing of resources, and the economic hardship that often follows in a time of distress. It's kind of like a divine spotlight on fairness—or the lack thereof—in the distribution of resources.

You may recall that he appears during tremendous upheaval, falling in line with the biblical theme of justice. While one hand measures out goods, the other symbolizes wants; can you imagine that duality? History has its share of “dark times,” often revealing great moral challenges where disparities shout louder than words.

Interestingly, this image echoes the famous measure-for-measure principle we see in many cultures: for instance, in the realm of justice, be it societal or judicial. The weighing scales bringing to mind thoughts of the need for equity in societies where food and essentials are locked behind economic barriers.

Fun fact: in ancient Greece, scales were used during courtroom trials to balance evidence—connecting measuring with fairness in judgment. By showing this figure in Revelation, the text reminds us that collapsed economies directly hit the vulnerable, a reflection more relevant today than ever. Take a moment to ponder how our world addresses disparity amidst prosperity—something the ancient and modern alike grapple with at different scales.