On the other hand, the stylized figure of the woman clothed with the sun ( Rev 12:1– 6), depicting the New Israel, may seem to be a negative stereotype. The metaphor of Babylon as harlot would be wrongly construed if interpreted literally. The lurid descriptions of the punishment of Jezebel ( Rev 2:22) and of the destruction of the great harlot, Babylon ( Rev 16:9– 19:2), are likewise literary devices. The cries for vengeance on the lips of Christian martyrs that sound so harsh are in fact literary devices the author employed to evoke in the reader and hearer a feeling of horror for apostasy and rebellion that will be severely punished by God. Finally the vindictive language in the book ( Rev 6:9– 10 18:1– 19:4) is also to be understood symbolically and not literally. A significant feature of apocalyptic writing is the use of symbolic colors, metals, garments ( Rev 1:13– 16 3:18 4:4 6:1– 8 17:4 19:8), and numbers ( four signifies the world, six imperfection, seven totality or perfection, twelve Israel’s tribes or the apostles, one thousand immensity).
The author used these images to suggest Christ’s universal (seven) power (horns) and knowledge (eyes). One would find it difficult and repulsive to visualize a lamb with seven horns and seven eyes yet Jesus Christ is described in precisely such words ( Rev 5:6). This much, however, is certain: symbolic descriptions are not to be taken as literal descriptions, nor is the symbolism meant to be pictured realistically. Whether or not these visions were real experiences of the author or simply literary conventions employed by him is an open question.
This book contains an account of visions in symbolic and allegorical language borrowed extensively from the Old Testament, especially Ezekiel, Zechariah, and Daniel. Such literature enjoyed wide popularity in both Jewish and Christian circles from ca. Symbolic language, however, is one of the chief characteristics of apocalyptic literature, of which this book is an outstanding example.
The Apocalypse, or Revelation to John, the last book of the Bible, is one of the most difficult to understand because it abounds in unfamiliar and extravagant symbolism, which at best appears unusual to the modern reader.
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