Understanding Apocalyptic Literature
The Revelation of Saint John the Divine, or the Apocalypse of John, is considered the ultimate apocalyptic literature of the Bible. The term “apocalyptic” refers to a genre of literature that often involves visions, symbols, and revelations about the end times, divine judgment, and the ultimate victory of good over evil. Some consider the theme of the book a bit scary or unnerving. The description of strange beasts and individuals with horns, multiple eyes, and different faces makes the imagination run wild, trying to picture such fantastic things. But the book is meant to be hopeful and motivating to the reader, to prepare them for trials that end in ultimate victory.
First, I will give some background about the Revelation and its importance. And the angel said unto me: Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb. In the Book of Mormon, 1 Nephi 14, Nephi gives an account of his vision concerning the end times. At the end of his report, he says this:
19 And I looked and beheld a man, and he was dressed in a white robe.
20 And the angel said unto me: Behold one of the twelve apostles of the Lamb.
21 Behold, he shall see and write the remainder of these things; yea, and also many things which have been.
22 And he shall also write concerning the end of the world.
23 Wherefore, the things which he shall write are just and true; and behold they are written in the book which thou beheld proceeding out of the mouth of the Jew; and at the time they proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, or, at the time the book proceeded out of the mouth of the Jew, the things which were written were plain and pure, and most precious and easy to the understanding of all men.
24 And behold, the things which this apostle of the Lamb shall write are many things which thou hast seen; and behold, the remainder shalt thou see.
25 But the things which thou shalt see hereafter thou shalt not write; for the Lord God hath ordained the apostle of the Lamb of God that he should write them.
26 And also others who have been, to them hath he shown all things, and they have written them; and they are sealed up to come forth in their purity, according to the truth which is in the Lamb, in the own due time of the Lord, unto the house of Israel.
27 And I, Nephi, heard and bear record, that the name of the apostle of the Lamb was John, according to the word of the angel.
The part of that passage of scripture I want to emphasize is that when the book was written, it was “most precious and easy to the understanding of all men”. Given all the strangeness about it, how could that possibly be the case?
First, anyone of that age understood the symbols, numbers, classifications of creatures, the use of colors, etc. I will mention a few things I have learned while studying for this message to bring us up to speed.
Let’s start with the numbers:
Here’s a brief overview of some significant numbers in the Book of Revelation:
- Seven:
- Symbolizes completeness, perfection, and divine fullness. Frequent in Revelation, such as seven seals, seven trumpets, and seven bowls.
- Twelve:
- Represents divine organization and governance. Refers to the twelve tribes of Israel and the twelve apostles.
- Four:
- Represents earthly completeness (four corners of the earth). Commonly associated with creation and stability.
- One Thousand (Thousand):
- Symbolic of a large, complete quantity. Used in phrases like “a thousand years,” representing a significant but indefinite period.
- Ten:
- Symbolizes completeness in order. Ten horns or ten kings signify earthly powers.
- Six (666):
- Often associated with imperfection or incompleteness. The number of the Beast, 666, is symbolic of a fallen, incomplete state.
Numbers in Revelation are regularly used symbolically, conveying spiritual meanings rather than literal quantities. They contribute to the overall visionary and apocalyptic nature of the text. But those are not all the numbers mentioned. There are mentions of the number 3 1/2 or a multiple of it (representing incompleteness) to describe periods of intense tribulation. In each of these cases, God intervenes and saves the day. The critical thing to remember about these numbers is that it is not referring to a specific length of time but rather a period of tribulation or triumph.
Considering the symbolic nature of the numerology in Revelation, we should not get caught up in speculation about when things will happen but only know that the events will occur when conditions are right. The more I studied this, the more I am convinced that such speculation tends to throw us further away from the intended meaning of the Revelation. In Hebrew culture, these numbers were used in celebrations and festivities such as Shabbat (based on seven days) and Jubilee, which is seven cycles of seven years. It is not difficult to recognize that the numbers mentioned in the Revelation were fully understood by the people of John’s time.
The Book of Revelation is rich in symbolism, and interpretations can vary. Here are some significant symbols commonly recognized in Revelation:
- Seven Seals, Seven Trumpets, Seven Bowls:
- These series of sevens represent divine judgments, progressively unfolding in the course of Revelation.
- Dragon:
- Represents Satan, the adversary, seeking to oppose God’s plans.
- Beast from the Sea:
- Represents political powers opposed to God, often associated with oppressive rulers or empires.
- Beast from the Earth (False Prophet):
- Represents a religious or propagandistic force aligned with political power.
- 144,000 Sealed Servants:
- Symbolic representation of the faithful and redeemed.
- Two Witnesses:
- Represent witnesses of God’s truth and, in some interpretations, symbolize the Old and New Testaments or prophets.
- Woman Clothed with the Sun:
- Represents Israel or the Church.
- Lamb:
- Represents Jesus Christ, the sacrificial Redeemer.
- White Horse and Rider:
- Symbolizes conquest and victory, often associated with Christ.
- Throne and Rainbow:
- Represents the divine presence and covenant.
- Represents the divine presence and covenant.
- New Jerusalem:
- Represents the ultimate dwelling place of God and the redeemed.
- Represents the ultimate dwelling place of God and the redeemed.
It’s crucial to approach the symbolism in Revelation, recognizing its visionary and symbolic nature. Interpretations may differ, and many symbols have multiple layers of meaning. The use of symbolism contributes to the theological and eschatological depth of the book.
Since the study material for this week is Revelation 1-5, I will cover the symbolism used in those chapters more specifically.
John first mentions that what he is about to write are things that must shortly come to pass. Again, a specific time is not essential; it is only that it will happen, and we need to be prepared for it.
Next, John talks about the seven churches. While he names them specifically, it is probably more significant to think of this as a representation of the completeness of the kingdom of God on the earth at the time. The warnings given to each can be applied to all and to us in our day. He also says that Jesus is in the midst of the candlesticks or churches, signifying his presence and authority in the kingdom. He holds in his hands seven stars that can be interpreted as his messengers or angels to the seven churches. In other words, the organization of communication between him and the separate congregations in the kingdom. The most critical takeaway is that Christ holds the keys to the kingdom and is involved in the administration of the church.
The next few chapters contain straightforward warnings and promises that need little explanation.
Chapter four begins to use symbols and imagery in abundance. John is taken in vision to Heaven, where he sees God on his throne in vivid glory, surrounded by 24 elders (a multiple of 12) or those tasked with governance in the kingdom. Lighting, thunder, and voices emanate from the throne, along with seven flames representing the seven (whole or complete) Spirits of God. This does not mean there are seven Holy Ghosts, but one spirit that completely embodies all aspects of divine communication. The four beasts represent the glory of the different classes of God’s earthly creations. Their wings and eyes are symbols of their knowledge and their ability to act. In Heaven, all things give glory and honor to the Father.
Chapter five tells of a book with seven seals. The book contains the plan of God or the plan of salvation. The fact that the number seven is associated with it means that it is complete or comprehensive. John laments that no one is worthy to open the seals except one, and that is the Lamb that stands in the midst of the throne of God. Another way to describe this part is that Christ is the only way to salvation because he alone has the power to implement the plan of God. The Lamb has seven horns (complete power and authority) and seven eyes (all-seeing or omniscient). Then the angels, “the number of them was ten thousand times ten thousand, and thousands of thousands;” (meaning an infinite number), recognize Christ as worthy to perform the work of salvation. Indeed, all the creations of God recognize Him as the Savior of all the world.
I hope this serves as a foundation to help us all know how to interpret apocalyptic literature without being confounded by it or caught up in unnecessary minutia surrounding the prophecy.
To be continued…