Lesson 1 – Some Principles of Prophecy
1.5 Figurative or Literal?
Divine Images with Clear Meaning
Introduction – When Images Speak Louder Than Words
In a world full of emojis, logos, and symbolic language, we’re used to interpreting signs. But when it comes to biblical prophecy, we often face the question:
Does God really mean it literally – or is it a picture of something deeper?
Many confuse modern political interpretations with biblical symbols. But God speaks in images that the Bible itself explains. Only those who read God’s language with God’s help will truly understand the message.
Bible Study – Symbols in the Light of Scripture
Read the following verses and note how the Bible explains its own symbols:
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Daniel 7:7; 8:3; 7:24 → Horns represent kings or political powers.
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Revelation 1:16; Ephesians 6:17; Hebrews 4:12 → The sword is a symbol of God’s Word.
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Revelation 12:1; 21:2; Ephesians 5:31–32; Jeremiah 6:2 → The woman symbolizes the church, God’s people.
Main Point:
The Bible is its own interpreter.
The symbolism of prophecy is not a guessing game – it’s a divine language full of meaning.
Spiritual Principles – Why God Speaks in Symbols
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Symbols don’t obscure – they protect and reveal.
God uses symbols not to confuse, but to make truth accessible to the sincere seeker. -
The Bible explains itself.
Reading today’s meanings into ancient texts leads to error. Biblical symbolism has biblical roots. -
Some truths needed protection.
In New Testament times, naming Rome directly could have been dangerous. That’s why Peter refers to Babylon in 1 Peter 5:13 as a coded name for Rome.
Life Application – Interpreting Prophecy with Care
Don’t ask: What could this symbol mean today?
Ask: Where else in Scripture does it appear?
Read more than just verses – read context.
Meaning is found in the bigger picture.
Avoid speculation.
True understanding grows from humility, not sensationalism.
Trust that you can understand enough.
Even if not every symbol is immediately clear, you can grasp what truly matters.
Conclusion – God Speaks in Images So We Learn to See
God doesn’t use riddles to hide truth – He uses symbols to invite us in.
To deeper understanding, to attentive reading, to faith with an open heart.
You don’t need to know everything, but you can trust the One who gives understanding – at the right time.
Thought of the Day
Biblical symbols are not hiding places – they are invitations to discover. Not everyone sees them at first glance – but those who seek, will find.
Illustration – The Notebook’s Codes
It was a rainy evening in Zurich. Jonas – this time not the literature professor, but Jonas, 19, a high school student with a love for gaming and history – was sitting with an old notebook from his great-grandfather. Inside: strange symbols, Bible verses, drawings of animals, horns, swords. Like something from a fantasy novel.
His grandfather had been a pastor – one who talked a lot about prophecy. Jonas had never really cared. Until now.
In religion class, they had just read Daniel 7. And the teacher offhandedly mentioned:
“Some say the bear represents Russia.”
Jonas blinked. Russia? In the Old Testament?
He pulled out the notebook. Read Daniel 7. Then Daniel 8.
Then he found a sentence:
“Compare Scripture with Scripture – not with headlines.”
That was it. Not a TikTok theory. Not a news headline faith.
He read Daniel 7:24:
“And the ten horns are ten kings…”
There it was. Clear as day. The Bible spoke for itself.
He turned to Revelation 12.
A woman – clothed with the sun.
Then to Ephesians 5:
“…the woman is a symbol of the church.”
Something in him grew quiet.
Not because he understood everything.
But because he realized:
This wasn’t a puzzle with no picture – it was a picture with depth.
And in that moment, between his gaming world and God’s Word, between symbols and clarity, a new chapter began.
One where Jonas learned:
Some things are hidden – but for those who seek, they will be revealed.
“Surely the Lord GOD does nothing, without revealing His secret to His servants the prophets.” (Amos 3:7)
