8/3/2019 Handout Apocalyptic Symbols

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Common Types and Symbols in Apocalyptic Biblical Literature

Mark A. Mayes

Apocalyptic Literature

Apocalypse: revelation, unveiling (Rev 1:1); Greek apo= from or outof, kalupto= to hide

Like a parable. Symbolic language is used. Once you understand a fewkey ideas, others are more readily apparent. (See Matthew 13:18-23; 37-43)

Like an impressionistic painting. The details may not be meaningful in and of themselves. Instead, they arethere to aid the big picture (Ezekiel 47:10).

Requires an understanding of Biblical books written before the prophecy (Ezekiel 47:12, Revelation 22:1-2;Matthew 24:15)

Numbers with Meaning

Even in our culture, certain numbers convey ideas (e.g., 7, 13, 411) In Jewish culture, some numbers convey ideas, often with religious significance

2 strength 6 falling short, sinister, evil. 666 = very evil3 divine 3-1/2 incomplete, indefinite, unrealized

4 human, earthly 10 humanly complete, whole

7 complete, perfect (3 + 4) 12 organized religion (3 X 4)

Culture-wide Symbols

Horn (Daniel 7:24, 8:3-8; Revelation 17:12; Zechariah 1:18-19) Beast (Daniel 7; Revelation 13) Tabernacle/Temple-based symbols Nature-based symbols Armageddon (Har-Megiddo) (Revelation 16:16) Babylon (Revelation 18:2) Balaam (Revelation 2:14) Bowls (Isaiah 51:17; Revelation 16) Garments (Zechariah 3:3-5; Revelation 3:4-5) Jezebel (Revelation 2:20) Measuring (line, rod) (Ezekiel 40:5ff; Revelation 11:1; 21:15; Daniel 5:27; Amos 7:7-8) Paradise (Genesis 2:8-14; Revelation 2:7, 22:1-2) Scroll (Ezekiel 3:1-3; Zechariah 5:2; Revelation 10:9-10) Sea (Daniel 7:2-3; Revelation 13:1)

Seal or mark on forehead (Exodus 28:38; Ezekiel 9:4; Revelation 7:3, 9:4, 13:16-18; 14;1, 22:4) Serpent, dragon (Revelation 12; 13:2; 20:2)

Local Symbols

White Stone (Revelation 2:17) Hot, Cold and Lukewarm Water (Revelation 3:15-16) Salve (Revelation 3:18)

Simple Alphabetic Code (non-apocalyptic)

Letters of a word are systematically exchanged for others Sheshach = Babylon (Jeremiah 25:26)