אבנימ

Biblical Hermeneutics Part Second Chapter 23

Terry here introduces the biblical genre of apocalyptic, and explores Old Testament apocalyptic in particular, especially as it is found in the books of Joel and Ezekiel. Apocalyptic, generally speaking, is biblical prophetic writing which treats of impending and/or future judgments, culminating in the ultimate glorious triumph of the Messianic kingdom. Apocalyptic is distinguished from prophecy proper, in that the latter consists mainly in the prophet speaking words given to him by God, while in the former the primary action of the prophet is the passive seeing of visions from God, which he subsequently reports.

The book of Joel is the oldest formal apocalypse, the first in the line that concludes with John’s Revelation. Joel contains the characteristic elements of terrible judgments in the “Day of Lord” which culminate in the universal reign of righteousness under Messiah in Jerusalem. In it we see the fourfold pattern of judgments with the locusts, which is repeated in other apocalyptic, up to and including the four horsemen of Revelation.

Of all apocalyptic, Ezekiel uses the broadest prophetic and literary means, including symbolico-typical action, parable, allegory, as well as visions and formal prophesying. The minute detail with which the prophet sets forth his prophecies of judgment and future glory, e.g. the invasion of the armies of Gog and the new temple in Jerusalem, does not indicate that they are to be taken literally. Rather the excessive detail is there to carry the allegories, and also serves to highlight the impossibility of connecting it with earthly events. These narratives are instead elaborate figures, reflective of great spiritual realities.