Thursday: Figurative or Literal?
Daily Lesson for Thursday 3rd of April 2025
One of the key issues students of prophecy need to deal with is how to determine whether the language of the Bible is to be taken literally or figuratively. How does one determine if the author was using symbolic language, and how does one know what the symbol represents? The crucial way to do this is to see how that figure, the symbol, has been used all through the Bible, as opposed to looking at how a symbol is used in contemporary times. For example, some see the bear symbol in Daniel 7:1-28 as pointing to Russia, because that image is often used today as a symbol of Russia. This is not a sound or safe way to interpret prophetic symbolism.
Look up the following texts, allowing the Bible to be its own expositor (to define its own terms). What is the prophetic symbol common to the texts in each case, and what does the Bible say it represents?
Daniel 7:7, Daniel 8:3, Daniel 7:24
Revelation 1:16, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12
Revelation 12:1; Revelation 21:2; Ephesians 5:31-32; Jeremiah 6:2
Image © Justinen Creative Collection at Goodsalt.com
By following the simple rule that the Bible must be allowed to define its own terms, most of the mystery behind prophetic symbolism simply disappears. For example, we see that a horn can symbolize a political power or a nation. A sword can symbolize the Word of God. And, yes, a woman can symbolize the church. Here we can clearly see the Bible explaining itself.
What remains to be answered, however, is why God would speak in symbols instead of being forthright? Why, for example, would Peter cryptically refer to the city of Rome as Babylon, in 1 Peter 5:13?
There may be many reasons why God has chosen to communicate symbolically in prophecy. In the case of the New Testament church, for example, if the book of Revelation had plainly named Rome as the perpetrator of so much evil, the already bad persecution of the church might have been even worse. Whatever the reasons, we can trust that God wants us to understand what the symbols mean.
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Even if some symbols and prophecies remain mysteries, how can focusing on what we do understand strengthen our faith? |
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The symbols used in prophecy may have been more familiar to early Christians than they are to us now.
Today, what nation does the bear represent? What nation does the bison represent? The bald eagle? What American party is represented by the donkey? Which one is represented by the elephant? Of what nation does a a kangaroo remind you? A kiwi bird? The beaver?
If you don't know the answers to the questions above, that's okay, but you can easily find out. It's similar with biblical symbols for major world powers. We may not initially recognize the symbols, but it's not that difficult to find out - not by searching the internet, but by searching the Bible.
Do you like exploring mysteries? Bible prophecy is even more interesting because it's not just make-believe.
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The symbols of the Bible are not just mysterious images, they carried deep truths about God's power, judgment, and love. With renewed hearts this quarter is calling us to be determined to stand firm in his faith, trust in the horn of salvation, the sword of God’s Word, and the guidance of Christ’s true church, even amidst the waves of life’s uncertainties.
One evening, Daniel, a young believer, sat by the sea, reflecting on a dream he had the night before. In his vision, he saw a great beast rising from the waters, its horns towering high. As he pondered its meaning, he recalled the story of King Nebuchadnezzar's dream, where different kingdoms were symbolized in a statue. He realized that the horns represented powerful rulers, just as the Bible teaches in Daniel 7:24. As the waves crashed against the shore, he remembered that the sea itself symbolized nations and peoples (Revelation 17:15), reminding him of the ever-changing nature of worldly powers.
Suddenly, a strong wind blew, and a nearby tree branch snapped like a sword cutting through the air. This reminded Daniel of Hebrews 4:12, which describes God's Word as a two-edged sword, sharp enough to reveal the thoughts of the heart. He recalled how Jesus, when tempted by Satan, had wielded this sword of truth, defeating the enemy with Scripture (Matthew 4:1-11). As Daniel picked up the broken branch, he thought of the church, often symbolized as a woman in the Bible (Revelation 12:1). A pure woman represented God’s faithful followers, while a corrupt one symbolized false teachings. The parable of the ten virgins came to mind, illustrating how only those who kept their lamps filled with oil—the Holy Spirit—were ready for Christ’s return.
As night fell, Daniel knelt to pray, asking God for wisdom to understand His Word. He realized that just as Jesus had calmed the stormy sea (Mark 4:35-41), He could bring peace to the troubled nations and to his own heart.
This lesson teaches us another critical aspect of studying biblical prophecy. God often communicates through symbols for several reasons and by allowing Scripture to interpret itself, much of the mystery behind prophetic symbolism fades away, leaving believers with clearer insights into God's plan for humanity.
According to Daniel 7:7, Daniel 8:3, Daniel 7:24 a horn consistently represents a king, kingdom or political power. The Bible interprets itself by providing direct explanations in the context showing that horns are not arbitrary but tied to rulership or authority.
In Revelation 1:16, Ephesians 6:17, Hebrews 4:12, the sword symbolizes the Word of God; His truth, judgment, and authority.
In Revelation 12:1, Revelation 21:2, Ephesians 5:31-32, Jeremiah 6:2, a woman symbolizes the church or God’s covenant people.
God uses symbolic language in scripture to communicate profound spiritual truths that transcend time and culture, allowing His message to remain relevant across generations, and to engage believers in active study, deepening our faith through discovery.
Principle #5: Let the Bible explain itself.
Focusing on what we do understand in Scripture helps strengthen our faith by grounding us in the core truths of God's character, His love, and His plan for salvation. While some symbols and prophecies may remain mysterious, the essential message of the Bible—God's grace, the sacrifice of Christ, and the hope of eternal life—is clear and accessible.
By embracing the truths we do understand, we build a solid foundation of trust in God. As we walk in faith and obedience, our understanding grows over time. Jesus Himself said, “If anyone wills to do His will, he shall know concerning the doctrine” (John 7:17, NKJV), emphasizing that spiritual insight often comes through a relationship with God, not just intellectual study.
Additionally, focusing on what is clear helps us remain anchored, preventing discouragement over what we do not yet fully grasp. The Bible assures us that in time, God will reveal what we need to know (Deuteronomy 29:29). Until then, we can move forward with confidence in His promises, trusting that He will lead us into deeper understanding according to His perfect timing.
Sounds like today's lesson not only has the instruction of our need to see how the Bible gives us the information we need to interpret, allusions, symbols, and images, in our study of prophecy. We will have asked the Holy Spirit to guide us, and impart discernment and understanding. I would think discernment is needed to help with the difference between literal and figurative. Yes, indeed we need to also be open to our fellow blogger's thoughts. And be longsuffering to correction where correction is appropriate. We have a topic this quarter that lends itself to be open to thoughts and opinions more so than the literal gospel.