How do you interpret Revelations?
63The Harlot Rides a Beast
Use the Bible Only
Whenever I do a Bible study, I like to keep it just that - using ONLY the Bible. A lot of people have written books on their interpretations of prophecies, but if you can't figure it out using the Bible with prayer, then how are you supposed to confirm or trust their conclusions? Keep in mind that all Prophecy was written for the time and place it was given and we can only be 100% sure of its intent when we look back from a historical perspective. This was intentional to keep the Principalities and Powers of the times from trying to fulfill or subvert the prophecies.
That said, prophecy is typically written in symbology. One of the best places in the Bible to study to understand this is the book of Daniel. Almost every major religion recognizes Daniel as a Prophet so its a good place to begin. For example, in Daniel 8, Daniel sees a two-horned ram (Daniel 8:3). He is told by the angel what these symbols represent so we're not left to guess as some modern "interpreters" of prophecy have done (no, the ram does not represent modern-day Iraq). In Daniel 8:20 the angel tells him that the two-horned ram that he saw are the kings of Media and Persia. You can look at history to see how this prophecy was literally fulfilled. Medo-Persia conquered Babylon and were themselves defeated by Greece (the goat).
Some of the prophecies of Daniel parallel Revelation. In fact, the more you study this, the more you may begin to see that Revelation is an expansion on Daniels prophecies. I believe that the 7 thunders of Revelation that John is told to seal up (Revelation 10:4) are actually the 7 prophecies of Daniel. Why did John hear them as thunders? Because they are so painfully obvious from a historical perspective that they "speak" to us like thunder. Historically, they're impossible to ignore. It wasn't until the 1500's that Protestants began putting the two books together using a historical perspective to get a clear picture of the approaching return of Jesus and the message has spread to almost all denominations.
Using the Bible only as a key to Revelation, you will find that a beast in prophecy always represents a kingdom (Daniel 7:23) and that horns and crowns represent kings. Also notable, a woman represents a church (Ezekiel 23:2-4), and a prophetic day represents a literal year (Ezekiel 4:5).
Good websites to use include BibleGateway.com, and BibleInfo.net.
Doug Batchelor Explains it Better
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Comments
Thank you. I've been considering this topic for several weeks but hadn't decided quite yet how to breach the subject. Your request gave me an initial direction to begin.
I agree that in order to interpret the Bible it is best to start with prayer and a quiet place to read. Even if by reading the Bible in English one may miss some of the original intent of the words and phrases used, I still think it is important that you understand it in a language that you, in your mind and heart, comprehend.
Keep at it and I think understanding will be yours! BTW, revelations has always been a mixed reading of both great fear and great hope for me. I agree that to reference back to Daniel is a good idea, because I found greater understanding by reading these both together.
I also agree that you are on the right track by sticking only to God's Word as a reference to studying God's Word. I firmly believe that the Holy Spirit will give those who are sincerely searching God's Word for light, guidance, and wisdom, those same spiritual insights and the ability to understand His Word even if it is the (gasp!) old King James version. Good Hub.
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Thank you Chef and Jerry. The other Prophets also speak of end-time events, but few as powerfully or as pointed as Daniel and Revelation. I prefer to read a more modern translation but keep a KJV on hand when something doesn't seem right. We also use a Young's concordance which really clarifies the authors original intent, not always translated well into English.
Great topic and hub. Isn't is the book 'Revelation' though? I've never seen an 's' on the end of the title of the last book of the Bible.
I agree we should be spending more time in a quiet place to read, contemplate and meditate and pray about God's word and see what He reveals to us directly Himself.....I truly did enjoy LaHaye and Jenkin's "Left Behind" series however and it did give me additional insight for interpretation. PTL - many people have gotten saved from reading these! I know not everyone is Pre Tribulation like they are.....I'm 'Pan Trib' myself (God will make sure everything 'pans out ok') although I truly do hope the Pre trib theology is the correct one. I see why both pre-trib and post- trib subscribers believe the way they do.
BTW - is that you looking like a knight (or perhaps warrior of our King)? If so, permit me to say you look stellar - what an awesome image!
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sandra rinck says:
4 months ago
that was really interesting and more concise and logical. I wish you would have written more. I am really digging your perspective. I hope you will add more.