I have reserved to myself 144,000 who will not bow to the image
They have tore down thine altars O father, they have built an image of BAAL
Rules of Interpretation
Understanding the symbols of the bible-By William Miller
In studying the Bible, I have found the following rules to be of great service to myself, and now give them to the public by special request. Every rule should be well studied, in connection with the Scripture references, if the Bible student would be at all benefited by them.
RULE 1—Every word must have its proper bearing on the subject presented in the Bible.
PROOF: For verily I say unto you, Till heaven and earth pass, one jot or one tittle shall in no wise pass from the law, till all be fulfilled. Matthew 5:18.
RULE 2—All Scripture is necessary and may be understood by a diligent application and study.
PROOF: And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. 2 Timothy 3:15–17.
RULE 3—Nothing revealed in the Scripture can or will be hid from those who ask in faith, not wavering.
PROOF: The secret things belong unto the Lord our God: but those things which are revealed belong unto us and to our children for ever, that we may do all the words of this law. Deuteronomy 29:29.
Fear them not therefore: for there is nothing covered, that shall not be revealed; and hid, that shall not be known. Matthew 10:26–27.
But God hath revealed them unto us by his Spirit: for the Spirit searcheth all things, yea, the deep things of God. 1 Corinthians 2:10.
Let us therefore, as many as be perfect, be thus minded: and if in any thing ye be otherwise minded, God shall reveal even this unto you. Philippians 3:15.
And all things, whatsoever ye shall ask in prayer, believing, ye shall receive. Matthew 21:22.
And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask any thing in my name, I will do it. John 14:13–14.
If ye abide in me, and my words abide in you, ye shall ask what ye will, and it shall be done unto you. John 15:7.
If any of you lack wisdom, let him ask of God, that giveth to all men liberally, and upbraideth not; and it shall be given him. But let him ask in faith, nothing wavering. For he that wavereth is like a wave of the sea driven with the wind and tossed. James 1:5–6.
These things have I written unto you that believe on the name of the Son of God; that ye may know that ye have eternal life, and that ye may believe on the name of the Son of God. And this is the confidence that we have in him, that, if we ask any thing according to his will, he heareth us: And if we know that he hear us, whatsoever we ask, we know that we have the petitions that we desired of him. 1 John 5:13–15.
RULE 4—To understand doctrine, bring all the scriptures together on the subject you wish to know, then let every word have its proper influence, and if you can form your theory without a contradiction, you cannot be in an error.
PROOF: But they also have erred through wine, and through strong drink are out of the way; the priest and the prophet have erred through strong drink, they are swallowed up of wine, they are out of the way through strong drink; they err in vision, they stumble in judgment. For all tables are full of vomit and filthiness, so that there is no place clean.
Whom shall he teach knowledge? and whom shall he make to understand doctrine? them that are weaned from the milk, and drawn from the breasts.
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little: For with stammering lips and another tongue will he speak to this people. To whom he said, This is the rest wherewith ye may cause the weary to rest; and this is the refreshing: yet they would not hear. But the word of the Lord was unto them precept upon precept, precept upon precept; line upon line, line upon line; here a little, and there a little; that they might go, and fall backward, and be broken, and snared, and taken.
Wherefore hear the word of the Lord, ye scornful men, that rule this people which is in
Therefore thus saith the Lord God, Behold, I lay in Zion for a foundation a stone, a tried stone, a precious corner stone, a sure foundation: he that believeth shall not make haste.
Judgment also will I lay to the line, and righteousness to the plummet: and the hail shall sweep away the refuge of lies, and the waters shall overflow the hiding place. And your covenant with death shall be disannulled, and your agreement with hell shall not stand; when the overflowing scourge shall pass through, then ye shall be trodden down by it. From the time that it goeth forth it shall take you: for morning by morning shall it pass over, by day and by night: and it shall be a vexation only to understand the report. For the bed is shorter than that a man can stretch himself on it: and the covering narrower than that he can wrap himself in it. For the Lord shall rise up as in mount Perazim, he shall be wroth as in the valley of Gibeon, that he may do his work, his strange work; and bring to pass his act, his strange act. Now therefore be ye not mockers, lest your bands be made strong: for I have heard from the Lord God of hosts a consumption, even determined upon the whole earth. Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech. Doth the plowman plow all day to sow? doth he open and break the clods of his ground? When he hath made plain the face thereof, doth he not cast abroad the fitches, and scatter the cummin, and cast in the principal wheat and the appointed barley and the rie in their place? For his God doth instruct him to discretion, and doth teach him. For the fitches are not threshed with a threshing instrument, neither is a cart wheel turned about upon the cummin; but the fitches are beaten out with a staff, and the cummin with a rod. Bread corn is bruised; because he will not ever be threshing it, nor break it with the wheel of his cart, nor bruise it with his horsemen. This also cometh forth from the Lord of hosts, which is wonderful in counsel, and excellent in working. Isaiah 28:7–29.
And an highway shall be there, and a way, and it shall be called The way of holiness; the unclean shall not pass over it; but it shall be for those: the wayfaring men, though fools, shall not err therein. Isaiah 35:8.
Cease, my son, to hear the instruction that causeth to err from the words of knowledge. Proverbs 19:27.
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself. And he said unto them, These are the words which I spake unto you, while I was yet with you, that all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me. Then opened he their understanding, that they might understand the scriptures. Luke 24:27, 44–45.
But now is made manifest, and by the scriptures of the prophets, according to the commandment of the everlasting God, made known to all nations for the obedience of faith. Romans 16:26.
Brethren, if any of you do err from the truth, and one convert him. James 5:19.
We have also a more sure word of prophecy; whereunto ye do well that ye take heed, as unto a light that shineth in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the day star arise in your hearts: Knowing this first, that no prophecy of the scripture is of any private interpretation. For the prophecy came not in old time by the will of man: but holy men of God spake as they were moved by the Holy Ghost. 2 Peter 1:19–21.
RULE 5—Scripture must be—its own expositor, since it is a rule of itself. If I depend on a teacher to expound it to me and he should, guess at its meaning, or desire to have it so on account of his sectarian creed or to be thought wise, then his guessing, desire, creed or wisdom is my rule, not the Bible.
PROOF: The law of the Lord is perfect, converting the soul: the testimony of the Lord is sure, making wise the simple. The statutes of the Lord are right, rejoicing the heart: the commandment of the Lord is pure, enlightening the eyes. The fear of the Lord is clean, enduring for ever: the judgments of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb. Moreover by them is thy servant warned: and in keeping of them there is great reward. Psalm 19:7–11.
MEM. O how love I thy law! it is my meditation all the day. Thou through thy commandments hast made me wiser than mine enemies: for they are ever with me. I have more understanding than all my teachers: for thy testimonies are my meditation. I understand more than the ancients, because I keep thy precepts. I have refrained my feet from every evil way, that I might keep thy word. I have not departed from thy judgments: for thou hast taught me. How sweet are thy words unto my taste! yea, sweeter than honey to my mouth! Through thy precepts I get understanding: therefore I hate every false way. NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:97–105.
But be not ye called Rabbi: for one is your Master, even Christ; and all ye are brethren. And call no man your father upon the earth: for one is your Father, which is in heaven. Neither be ye called masters: for one is your Master, even Christ. Matthew 23:8–10.
Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man's wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. 1 Corinthians 2:12–16.
Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet. Ezekiel 34:18–19.
Woe unto you, lawyers! for ye have taken away the key of knowledge: ye entered not in yourselves, and them that were entering in ye hindered. Luke 11:52.
For the priest's lips should keep knowledge, and they should seek the law at his mouth: for he is the messenger of the Lord of hosts. But ye are departed out of the way; ye have caused many to stumble at the law; ye have corrupted the covenant of Levi, saith the Lord of hosts. Malachi 2:7–8.
RULE 6—God has revealed things to come, by visions, in figures and parables, and in this way the same things are often time revealed again and again, by different visions, or in different figures, and parables. If you wish to understand them, you must combine them all in one.
PROOF: Then thou spakest in vision to thy holy one, and saidst, I have laid help upon one that is mighty; I have exalted one chosen out of the people. Psalm 89:19.
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. Hosea 12:10.
And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. Habakkuk 2:2.
And it shall come to pass in the last days, saith God, I will pour out of my Spirit upon all flesh: and your sons and your daughters shall prophesy, and your young men shall see visions, and your old men shall dream dreams: Acts 2:17.
Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted. 1 Corinthians 10:6.
Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience; For Christ is not entered into the holy places made with hands, which are the figures of the true; but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of God for us: Hebrews 9:9, 24.
I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old. Psalm 78:2.
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. All these things spake Jesus unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them. Matthew 13:13, 34.
And it came to pass at the end of two full years, that Pharaoh dreamed: and, behold, he stood by the river. And, behold, there came up out of the river seven well favoured kine and fatfleshed; and they fed in a meadow. And, behold, seven other kine came up after them out of the river, ill favoured and leanfleshed; and stood by the other kine upon the brink of the river. And the ill favoured and leanfleshed kine did eat up the seven well favoured and fat kine. So Pharaoh awoke. And he slept and dreamed the second time: and, behold, seven ears of corn came up upon one stalk, rank and good. And, behold, seven thin ears and blasted with the east wind sprung up after them. And the seven thin ears devoured the seven rank and full ears. And Pharaoh awoke, and, behold, it was a dream. And it came to pass in the morning that his spirit was troubled; and he sent and called for all the magicians of
They answered again and said, Let the king tell his servants the dream, and we will show the interpretation of it. The king answered and said, I know of certainty that ye would gain the time, because ye see the thing is gone from me. Daniel 2: 7, 8.
On the morrow, as they went on their journey, and drew nigh unto the city, Peter went up upon the housetop to pray about the sixth hour: And he became very hungry, and would have eaten: but while they made ready, he fell into a trance, And saw heaven opened, and a certain vessel descending unto him, as it had been a great sheet knit at the four corners, and let down to the earth: Wherein were all manner of four footed beasts of the earth, and wild beasts, and creeping things, and fowls of the air. And there came a voice to him, Rise, Peter; kill, and eat. But Peter said, Not so, Lord; for I have never eaten any thing that is common or unclean. And the voice spake unto him again the second time, What God hath cleansed, that call not thou common. This was done thrice: and the vessel was received up again into heaven. Acts 10:9–16.
RULE 7—Visions are always mentioned as such.
PROOF: It is not expedient for me doubtless to glory. I will come to visions and revelations of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 12:1.
RULE 8—Figures always have a figurative meaning, and are used much in prophecy, to represent future things, times and events; such as mountains, meaning governments; beasts meaning kingdoms. Waters, meaning people. Lamp, meaning Word of God. Day, meaning year.
PROOF: Then was the iron, the clay, the brass, the silver, and the gold, broken to pieces together, and became like the chaff of the summer threshingfloors; and the wind carried them away, that no place was found for them: and the stone that smote the image became a great mountain, and filled the whole earth. And in the days of these kings shall the God of heaven set up a kingdom, which shall never be destroyed: and the kingdom shall not be left to other people, but it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand for ever. Daniel 2:35, 44.
I considered the horns, and, behold, there came up among them another little horn, before whom there were three of the first horns plucked up by the roots: and, behold, in this horn were eyes like the eyes of man, and a mouth speaking great things. These great beasts, which are four, are four kings, which shall arise out of the earth. Daniel 7:8, 17.
And there came one of the seven angels which had the seven vials, and talked with me, saying unto me, Come hither; I will show unto thee the judgment of the great whore that sitteth upon many waters: And he saith unto me, The waters which thou sawest, where the whore sitteth, are peoples, and multitudes, and nations, and tongues. Revelation 17:1, 15.
NUN. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path. Psalm 119:105.
And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of
RULE 9—Parables are used as companions to illustrate subjects, and must be explained in the same way as figures by the subject and Bible. And he said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? Mark 4:13.
See also; the explanation of the ten virgins: Miller’s Lectures, Number 16.
RULE 10—Figures sometimes have two or more different significations, as day is used in a figurative sense to represent three different periods of time.
PROOF: In the day of prosperity be joyful, but in the day of adversity consider: God also hath set the one over against the other, to the end that man should find nothing after him. Ecclesiastes 7:14.
1. Indefinite.
2. Definite, a day for a year.
3. Day for a thousand years.
If you put on the right construction it will harmonize with the Bible and make good sense, otherwise it will not.
PROOF: And when thou hast accomplished them, lie again on thy right side, and thou shalt bear the iniquity of the house of
But, beloved, be not ignorant of this one thing, that one day is with the Lord as a thousand years, and a thousand years as one day. 2 Peter 3:8.
RULE 11—How to know when a word is used figuratively. If it makes good sense as it stands, and does no violence to the simple laws of nature, then it must be understood literally, if not, figuratively.
PROOF: And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars: And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered. Revelation 12:1–2.
So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit upon a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And the woman was arrayed in purple and scarlet colour, and decked with gold and precious stones and pearls, having a golden cup in her hand full of abominations and filthiness of her fornication: And upon her forehead was a name written, MYSTERY, BABYLON THE GREAT, THE MOTHER OF HARLOTS AND ABOMINATIONS OF THE EARTH. And I saw the woman drunken with the blood of the saints, and with the blood of the martyrs of Jesus: and when I saw her, I wondered with great admiration. And the angel said unto me, Wherefore didst thou marvel? I will tell thee the mystery of the woman, and of the beast that carrieth her, which hath the seven heads and ten horns. Revelation 17:3–7.
RULE 12—To learn the true meaning of figures, trace your figurative word through your Bible, and where you find it explained, put it on your figure, and if it makes good sense you need look no further, if not, look again.
RULE 13—To know whether we have the true historical event for the fulfillment of a prophecy. If you find every word of the prophecy (after the figures are understood) is literally fulfilled, then you may know that your history is the true event. But if one word lacks a fulfillment, then you must look for another event, or wait its future development. For God takes care that history and prophecy doth agree, so that the true believing children of God may never be ashamed.
PROOF: They cried unto thee, and were delivered: they trusted in thee, and were not confounded. Psalm 22:5.
That made the world as a wilderness, and destroyed the cities thereof; that opened not the house of his prisoners? All the kings of the nations, even all of them, lie in glory, every one in his own house. But thou art cast out of thy grave like an abominable branch, and as the raiment of those that are slain, thrust through with a sword, that go down to the stones of the pit; as a carcase trodden under feet. Isaiah 14:17–19.
Wherefore also it is contained in the scripture, Behold, I lay in Sion a chief corner stone, elect, precious: and he that believeth on him shall not be confounded. 1 Peter 2:6.
For God hath put in their hearts to fulfil his will, and to agree, and give their kingdom unto the beast, until the words of God shall be fulfilled. Revelation 17:17.
But those things, which God before had showed by the mouth of all his prophets, that Christ should suffer, he hath so fulfilled. Acts 3:18.
RULE 14—The most important rule of all is, that you must have faith. It must be a faith that requires a sacrifice, and, if tried, would give up the dearest object on earth, the world and all its desires, character, living, occupation, friends, horns, comforts, and worldly honors. If any of these should hinder our believing any part of God’s word, it would show our faith to be vain. Nor can we ever believe so long as one of these motives lies lurking in our hearts. We must believe that God will never forfeit his word. And we can have confidence that he that takes notice of the sparrow, and numbers the hairs of our head, will guard the translation of his own word, and throw a barrier around it, and prevent those who sincerely trust in God, and put implicit confidence in his word, from erring far from the truth, though they may not understand Hebrew or Greek.
These are some of the most important rules which I find the word of God warrants me to adopt and follow, in order for system and regularity. And if I am not greatly deceived, in so doing, I have found the Bible, as a whole, one of the most simple, plain, and intelligible books ever written, containing proof in itself of its divine origin and full of all knowledge that our hearts could wish to know or enjoy. I have found it a treasure which the world cannot purchase. It gives a calm peace in believing, and a firm hope in the future. It sustains the mind in adversity, and teaches us to be humble in prosperity. It prepares us to love and do good to others, and to realize the value of the soul. It makes us bold and valiant for the truth, and nerves the arm to oppose error. It gives us a powerful weapon to break down infidelity, and makes known the only antidote for sin. It instructs us how death will be conquered, and how the bonds of the tomb must be broken. It tells us of future events, and shows the preparation necessary to meet them. It gives us an opportunity to hold conversation with the King of kings, and reveals the best code of laws ever enacted. This is but a faint view of its value; yet how many perishing souls treat it with neglect, or, what is equally as bad, treat it as a hidden mystery which cannot be known.
Oh my dear reader, make it your chief study. Try it well, and you will find it to be all I have said. Yes, like the Queen of Sheba, you will say the half was not told you. The divinity taught in our schools is always founded on some sectarian creed. It may do to take a blank mind and impress it with this kind, but it will always end in bigotry. A free mind will never be satisfied with the views of others. Were I a teacher of youth in divinity, I would first learn their capacity and mind. If these were good, I would make them study the Bible for themselves, and send them out free to do the world good. But if they had no mind, I would stamp them with another’s mind, write bigot on their forehead, and send them out as slaves.
From Miller’s Works. Volume I, “Views Of The Prophecies And Prophetic Chronology, Selected From Manuscripts Of William Miller; With A Memoir Of His Life.” Edited By Joshua V. Himes, 1842, pages 20–24.
Explanation of Prophetic Figures
ADULTERY: Idolatry. Jeremiah 3:9; Ezekiel 23:37.
AIR: Spirit of piety—false theories. Ephesians 2:2..
ALTAR: Christ. Psalm 43:4; Hebrews 13:10.
AMON: A people, or son of my people.
ANCIENT OF DAYS: God. Daniel 7:9..
ANGEL: Christ, or messenger of God. Exodus 23:20; Revelation 1:1, 20:1.
ASCENSION INTO HEAVEN: Dignity and honor. John 6:62. Isa.14:13,14. Rev.xi.12.
ASLEEP. Death. Acts 7:60. 2Pet.3:4. 1Cor.15:18.
AWAKE. Resurrection. Job 14:12. Ps.17:15. John 11:11. Dan.12:2.
BALAAM. Their destruction without the prophet.
BALANCE. Justice. Daniel 5:27. Worldly mind. Rev.6:5.
BANNER. Gospel ensign, love. Cant.2:4.
BEASTS. Kingdoms, or powers. Dan.7:3,17. Rev.4:6-8. v.8,9.
BEHELD or BEHOLDING. Joy, or grief, according to the circumstances. Ps.119:158. Rev.11:12.
BED. A place of confinement. Rev.2:22. Isa.23:20.
BELLY. Practical part. Rom.16:18. Job 15:35. Rev.10:9,10. Luke 15:16. John 7:38.
BIND. To judge and condemn. Matt.13:30. 22:13.
BIRD or FOWL. Warriors and conquerors. Isa.46:11. Jer.12:9. Rev.13:2.
BIRTH. Deliverance from heavy judgments. Isa.37:3-20. 66:9.
BLACK. Error, cruelty, death. Jer.4:28. Rev.6:5-12.
BLASPHEMY. Idolatry. Isa.65:7. Eze.20:24-27.
BLESS or BLESSED. Saved from sin and from death. Ps.28:9. 37:22. Isa.61:9. Rev.14:13.
BLIND. Those who are willfully ignorant and prejudiced. Isa.56:10-12. 42:18-20. Matt.23:16. 15:14. 2Cor.4:4. 1John 2:11.
BLIND. Self-righteousness. Matt.15:14. 23:16 to 26.
BLOOD. Death, war and slaughter. Matt.27:24. Isa.15:9. 34:3. Rev.6:10. 8:8. 11:6. 14:20.
BLOWING OF THE WIND. The Holy Spirit doing its office in regeneration. Cant.4:16. John 3:8. Rev.7:1.
BOOK. God's designs, knowledge and counsel. Ps.139:16. Is.34:16.
BOW AND ARROWS. Victory over enemies. Isa.41:2. Rev.6:2.
BRASS, is used for impudence and sin, warlike. Isa.48:4. Jer.6:28. Mic.4:13.
BRANCH. A descendant, or offspring. Isa.11:1. Jer.23:5. Dan.11:7.
BREAD. Doctrine of life. Amos 8:11. Matt.4:4.
BREAST-PLATE. Defense, or armor. Isa.59:17. Rev.9:9.
BREASTS. Consolation, word of God. Isa.66:11.
BRIDLE. The restraining power of God. Isa.30:28.
BRIMSTONE. Curse of God. Isa.30:33. 11:4.
BURNING WITH FIRE, is to destroy, or change their state completely. Mal.4:1-3. 2Pet.3:10,11. Rev.20:9.
BUY, or BUYING, is used as an act of giving or receiving religious instruction. Isa.55:1. Rev.3:18. 13:17.
CANDLE, is light. Jer.25:10. Matt.5:15. Luke 11:36. 15:8.
CANDLESTICKS. The means of light; as the kingdom of Christ, the two witnesses, and seven churches, are called
Candlesticks. Dan.5:5. Zech.4:2,11. Rev.2:5. 11:4.
CHAIN, signifies the laws of God; or man, in prophecy. Ps.149:8. Acts 28:20. Jude 6.
CHITTEM. Those that bruise. Dan.11:30.
CITY OF
CITY OF
The streets of the great city are the ten kings. Rev.11:8,13.
CLOUD, or TO RIDE ON A CLOUD, is an emblem of power and great glory. Matt.24:30. Sometimes it means heavy judgments, as in Joel 2:2. Zeph.1:15.
CROWN. Dignity and honor. Prov.16:31. Isa. 28:1-5. 62:3.
CRY or CRIED. To be sensible of want. Prayers and petitions for relief; or forerunner of war. 2Kings 4:40. Ps.30:2-8. Rev.14:18.
DARKNESS. Ignorance, unbelief, and every evil work, confusion and horror. Prov.4:19. Isa.60:2. Eph.5:11.
DAY, is one year - revolution of the earth in its orbit. Num.14:34. Eze.4:5,6. Dan.9:24.
DAY OF THE LORD. Judgment day, or 1000 years. 1Thes.v.2. 2Pet.3:8-10. Rev.20:4-7.
DEATH. Separation from body, from holiness, from God; inactive, separate from former state. This is the proper sense.
DESERT, or WILDERNESS. Paganism, or away from the force of the laws of the Romish Church. Isa.40:3. Eze.47:8. Rev.12:6.
DEVIL. Roman government; pagan and papal, when used as a symbol. Rev.2:10. 12:9. 20:2.
DEW AND RAIN, signify the pouring out of the Spirit and heavenly blessing. Ps.133:3. Prov.19:12. Hos.14:5.
DOGS. Wicked men and teachers. Isa.61:10. Rev.22;15. Phil.3:2. Ps.59:6-14.
DRAGON.
DRUNKENNESS. Intoxicated with worldly riches, pleasures and honors. Isa.29:9. Matt.24:49. Luke 21:34.
EAGLE, denotes a people hid, or out of sight. Rev.12:14. 4:7. Matt.24:28.
EARTH. The Roman kingdom. Rev.13:12, and 19:2.
EARTHQUAKE. Revolutions. Hag.2:21,22. Rev.6:12. 16:18.
EAT. To consume or destroy. Rev.17:16. Jam.5:3. Rev.19:18.
ELDERS, TWENTY-FOUR, denote the whole priesthood, taken from twenty-four courses. 1Chron.24.
FIRE, is used to denote destruction, and justice of God. Ps.68:2. Heb.12:29. Word of God. Jer.5:14.
FLESH. Riches and honors of the world. 2Pet.2;10-18. 1John 2:15,16. Rev.19:18.
FLOOD. Great numbers. Isa.59:19. Dan.9:26. Rev.12:15,16.
FOREHEAD. Public profession, or character. Jer.3:3. Eze.9:4. Rev.7:3. 13:16.
FROGS. The symbolic meaning of frogs (say some) is flatterers or impostors. See Rev.16:13.
GARMENTS, denote the character, as white denotes purity or righteousness; rags, filthy; sackcloth, mourning. Dan.7:9. Zec.3:3,4. Rev.16:15.
GOD, when used as a symbol, denotes a prince, ruler, or magistrate. 1Cor.8:5. Gal.4:8.
GRAVE. To hide in secret; put out of memory. Job 14:13.
GRASS, means people, as green the righteous, dry or stubble the wicked. Isa.40:6,7,8. 1Pet.1:24. Rev.8:7. 9:4.
HAIL, denotes wars, slaughter and desolation, by some Northern government. Isa.28:2,17. 30:30,32. Rev.8:7.
HAND. Symbol of action and labor. Isa.10:13. 48:13. Rev.20:1. Dan.8:25.
HARLOT. An idolatrous community, or church. Isa.1:21. Jer.3:1-8. Rev.17:5.
HARVEST. The gathering of men to their final destiny. Matt.13:39. Jer.51:33. Joel 3:13.
HEAD. The supreme power of the object. Dan.2:38. Eph1:22. Rev.19:12.
HEAT. Anger, calamity. Deut.29:24. Ezek.3:14. Rev.16:9.
HEAVEN. Government of God with his people. Deut.11:21. Isa.49:13. Matt.16:19. 25:1,14. Dan.7:18,22.
HILL. Kingdoms. Isa.2:2. 5:25. Mic.6:1,2.
HORN. Kings. Dan.7:24. 8:20,21. Rev.17:12,16.
HORSE. War and conquest. Prov.21:31. Jer.8:6.
White, victory. Rev.6:2. 19:11.
Black, distress and calamity. Rev.6:5.
Red, war and hostility. Rev.6:4.
Pale, death and destruction. Rev.6:8.
IRON. Strength. Dan.2:33-41. Rev.2:27.
ISLANDS. Small governments in Roman states. Ezek.26:15,16. Zeph.2:11. Rev.10:20. 6:14.
JEZEBEL. Antichrist. 1Kin.18:19. Rev.2:20.
KILLING. Depriving of power. Ps.44:22. Rom.8:36. Rev.6:4. 11:7.
KING. Forms of government or power. Dan.8:23. Rev.9:11. 17:10.
LAMB. Messiah. Isa.16:1. John 1:29. Rev.5:12.
LAMP. Word of God or Mahometan Bible. Ps.119:105. Rev.8:10.
LEOPARD. A cruel, fierce, and quick conqueror. Hos.13:7. Hab.1:8. Rev.13:2.
LION. Valiant, strong, courageous. Prov.28:1 . 30:30. Rev.10:3. 13:2.
LOCUSTS. Great armies. Isa.33:4. Nah.3:15,17. Rev.9:3-7.
MARK. To profess allegiance. The Roman soldiers had marked foreheads and hands. Ezek.9:4. Rev.13:16,17. 14:9,11.
MEASURE. Completed, finished. Ps. 34:4. Jer.51:13. Matt.23:32. Rev.11:1.
MERCHANTS. Professed ministers of Christ. Isa.23:8,18. Jer.14:18. Rev.18:11,12,23.
MOON. Gospel. Isa.30:26. Rev.12:1. Or church. Cant.6:10.
MOUNTAIN. Governments. Isa.2:2. Dan.2:35.
MOUNTAIN, HOLY. The gospel kingdom. Isa.11:9. The seat of Antichrist. Ezek.28:14. Dan.11:45.
MORNING. Resurrection of the just. Ps.49:14.
MOUTH. Commands, or laws. Dan.7:8. Rev.13:5. 16:13. 1Thes.2:8.
NAKED. Shame and disgrace. Mic.1:8,11. Rev.3:18. 16:15. 17:16.
NIGHT. Moral darkness or wickedness. Isa.21:8. Rom.13:12. 1Thes.5:5. Rev.21:25.
NUMBER or NUMBERED. Finished - end. Ps.90:12. Dan.5:26. Ezek.4:4-6. Rev.13:17,18.
OIL. Faith. Matt. 25:8. Cant.1:3. Heb.4:2.
OX, denotes a people for slaughter. Prov.7:22. Jer.11:19. Num.23:1.
RAIN. Reformation, grace, refreshing. Deut.32:2. Hos.6:3. Jam.5:7.
RED. Persecuting, bloody. Rev.6:4. 12:3.
RIVERS. People living on the rivers, mentioned Isa.8:7. Rev.8:10. 6:4.
ROD OF IRON. Power of Christ. Ps.2:9. Isa.11:1. Rev.2:27.
SCARLET. Bloody, cruel. Rev.17:3,4.
SEA. A large body of people. Isa.57:20. Dan.7:3. Rev.7:2,3.
SHIELD AND BUCKLER. Ps.91:4.
STARS. Ministers in the church, or rulers in the world. Rev.12:1. Dan.8:10. 12:3. Jude 13.
SUN. As in the natural, so in the moral world, source of all light, Christ or his word. Gen.37:9. Ps.86:11. Mal.6;2.
SWORD. Slaughter. Jer.15:3. Ezek.21:28.
SWORD, TWO-EDGED. Word of God. Ps.149:6. Heb.6:12. Rev.1:16. 2:12.
TAIL. Subordinate officers or provinces. Isa.9:14,15. Rev.12:4.
TEETH, LARGE IRON. Strong devouring enemy. Dan.7:7,19. Rev.9:8.
THUNDER. Sudden dispersion of armies or kingdoms. 1Sam.2:10. Isa.29:5,6. Ps.18:13.
TREE OF LIFE. Jesus Christ. Rev.2:7. 22:2.
VINE. A class of people, as wicked or righteous. Hos.10:1. Rev.14:18.
VOICES. Many people engaged in the same cry to be eased of burdens, or rejoicing. Luke 23:23. Rev.8:5. 11:15,19.
WALK WITH GOD, is to live with and be in communion with him. 2Cor.6:16. Rev.3:4.
WATERS. Flesh, or people. Num.24:7. Isa.48:1. 8:7. John 5:8. Rev.17:15.
WHIRLWIND. Heavy judgments of God. Ps.58:9. Prov.1:27. Isa.66:15.
WILDERNESS. Outlawed from the great city. Deut.32:10. Jer.12:10. Rev.12:6.
WIND. Doctrine, good and bad. Cant.4:16. Isa.26:18. Eph.4:14.
WINE, is consolation, and anger, and justice. Cant.5:1. Isa.60:1. Rev.16:19. 17:2.
WINGS. Protection, defense. Ex.19:4. Ps.17:8. 36:7. Rev9:9. 12:14.
WITNESS. Christ, prophets and apostles. Isa.43:10. Acts 1:8,22. Rev.1:5. 3:14. 20:4.
WITNESSES, TWO. Two testaments, scriptures, figured by the two cherubims. Rev.11;3,4. Zach.4:3-6. John 5:39. 1John 5:9. Ex.31:18.
WOMAN. The true church and anti-christian church. Isa.54:6. Jer.6:2. Rev.12:1. 17:3,7.
WOOD. People. Jer.5:14.
WORDS OF GOD. Fire. Jer.5:14.
WRATH, DAY OF. Judgment day. Job 21:30. Ps.110:5. Zeph.1:15. Rom.2:5. Rev.6: 17.
