Now, the Revelation was written in symbolic language. Apocalyptic literature was fairly popular in Jewish and Christian circles from 200 B.C.-200A.D. The book contains an account of visions in symbolic language. Symbolic descriptions are not to be taken as literal descriptions. Also, the symbolism is not meant to be pictured realistically. Take for example Jesus being described as a lmab with seven horns, and seven eyes. The number seven is a symbol for total perfection. Seven horns symbolize universal power. Seven eyes symbolize universal knowledge. Other numbers with symbolic meaning include the numbers six, twelve, and one-thousand. Six symbolizes imperfection. Tweleve symbolizes Israel's tribes or the apostles. And one-thousand symbolizes immensity.
Vindictive language such as that found in chapter 6 verses 9 and 10 are also meant to be viewed symbolically. The harsh cries of Christian martyrs are literary devices the author used to evoke the reader in a felling of horror for apostasy and rebellion that will be severely punished by God. Likewise, the descriptions of the punishment of Jezebel(2, 22) and the destruction of the harlot, Babylon(16, 9-19, 2) are also literary devices. We must look beyond the literal meanings in both cases. The images in the punishment of Jezebel were meant to convey a sense of God's wrath at sin. The destruction of the harlot, Babylon, was meant to convey trust in God's providential care over the church.
The book of Revelation must be understood with the help of historical background that occasioned its writing. The book of Revelation was composed as resistance literature in a time of crisis. The book suggests that the crisis was ruthless persecution of the early church by the Romans. The harlot Babylon symbolizes pagan Rome, the city on seven hills(17, 9). The book is an encouragement of Christiansof the first century to stand firm in the faith and to avoid compromise, and paganism, despite the thread of adversity, and martydom.They must await patiently for the fulfillment of God'd might promises.
There is an enduring message in the book. That messae is that no matter what adversity or sacrifice Christians may endure, they will in the end trumph over Satan and his forces because of the fidelity to Christ the victor. This is a message of hope and consolation and challenge for all who dare to believe.
Vindictive language such as that found in chapter 6 verses 9 and 10 are also meant to be viewed symbolically. The harsh cries of Christian martyrs are literary devices the author used to evoke the reader in a felling of horror for apostasy and rebellion that will be severely punished by God. Likewise, the descriptions of the punishment of Jezebel(2, 22) and the destruction of the harlot, Babylon(16, 9-19, 2) are also literary devices. We must look beyond the literal meanings in both cases. The images in the punishment of Jezebel were meant to convey a sense of God's wrath at sin. The destruction of the harlot, Babylon, was meant to convey trust in God's providential care over the church.
The book of Revelation must be understood with the help of historical background that occasioned its writing. The book of Revelation was composed as resistance literature in a time of crisis. The book suggests that the crisis was ruthless persecution of the early church by the Romans. The harlot Babylon symbolizes pagan Rome, the city on seven hills(17, 9). The book is an encouragement of Christiansof the first century to stand firm in the faith and to avoid compromise, and paganism, despite the thread of adversity, and martydom.They must await patiently for the fulfillment of God'd might promises.
There is an enduring message in the book. That messae is that no matter what adversity or sacrifice Christians may endure, they will in the end trumph over Satan and his forces because of the fidelity to Christ the victor. This is a message of hope and consolation and challenge for all who dare to believe.
