אבנימ

Biblical Hermeneutics Part Second Chapter 21

Using his previous chapters, which covered the various species of figures, types and symbols as the needful prerequisites, Terry now addresses himself directly to the task of interpreting biblical prophecy. First he reiterates that its essence is not the predictive element, but rather it is principally the hortatory message of God for His people, whose actual matter may pertain to past, present and/or future. God’s prophets were spiritual watchmen who called God’s people to repentance, faith and holiness.

The principles of general hermeneutics apply to the prophetical writings, viz. ascertaining the historical setting of the prophet, the scope and plan of his writing, the usage and meaning of his symbols, and then making a comparative study of any similar passages of Scripture. With respect to the limited and special definition of prophecy as that which foretells future events, the use of special hermeneutics apropos to this exceptional type of writing is indicated. Beginning with Genesis 3.15, Jesus Christ and His redemption of God’s people is the great theme. Hence and throughout Scripture predictive prophecy is clothed in symbolic dress, and therefore careful attention must be given to the right understanding of symbolic language.

There are several principles which will aid the interpreter in this undertaking. He must bear in mind that the prophetic record is presented first in broad outline, and then subsequently expanded and explained in ever greater detail. Different symbols are used to represent the same things, and sometimes the same symbols may be used to represent different things. Because prophetic and especially apocalyptic scripture is highly symbolic, the interpreter must carefully discern what should be taken literally and what should not. It is the failure to do this which has led many erroneously view prophecy as merely “history written beforehand.”