p. 3 | Interpreting Prophecy by W. W. P.

Review and Herald Publishing Association · Takoma Park Station, Washington, D. C. · Sep 2, 1909

Interpreting Prophecy

By W. W. P.

A DOUBT has been cast over the certainty of any interpretation of prophecy by the reckless speculations of the visionary expounders of the prophetic utterances. Instead of studiously comparing scripture with scripture, and thus establishing a sound basis for the correct interpretation of symbolic prophecy, some of these versatile thinkers weave the whole fabric of exposition out of their own imagination, and, when the logic of events proves that they are mistaken, they simply substitute another pattern for the old one, and present a new combination of predictions to the public. And yet prophecy was given in order to disclose future events, not to hide them from our understanding; and the key to prophecy is to be found in the Bible itself, not in the human imagination. This will be more evident if we consider some of those prophecies the meaning of which is unfolded by inspiration. We will therefore note several leading ones.

The dream of the great image (Daniel 2) is clearly interpreted, and outlines the whole prophetic field. The only symbol not here explained (the stone) was already familiar (Gen. 49: 24; Isa. 28: 16; Ps. 118: 22), and could therefore be readily understood.

Nebuchadnezzar's dream of the tree (Daniel 4) is fully explained, and the application is fearlessly made. The same is true of the handwriting on the wall (Daniel 5), and the speedy fulfilment of the predicted overthrow of Babylon followed.

In Daniel's vision recorded in the seventh chapter of the same book, altogether new symbols are introduced, but their meaning is given, and the prophetic vocabulary is thus further increased. In the vision of the eighth chapter some new and some familiar symbols are employed, and there is a combination of literal and figurative language, but the interpretation of the vision immediately follows. Here, then, in this one book of Daniel are five prophecies given in symbols and afterward fully interpreted.

But this is not all. The “mystery of the seven stars” and of the “seven golden candlesticks” (Revelation 1) is just as clearly explained, and the woman seen sitting upon the scarlet-colored beast (Revelation 17) is declared to be “that great city, which reigneth over the kings of the earth.”

These seven prophecies with their authoritative interpretations furnish a basis for general prophetic interpretation, and supply the key for unlocking other important prophecies. The intelligent use of this key will result in opening portions of the Scriptures otherwise closed to us, and will prevent those fantastic expositions which have brought a reproach upon even the legitimate study of prophecy.

When we consider what a large proportion of the Bible consists of prophetic utterances of one kind or another, we can more fully appreciate the importance of rightly understanding these divine messages. In the words of T. R. Birks, the English writer:—

From the first promise in Eden, down to the last message of inspiration in the Isle of Patmos, the word of prophecy has been commended to the church for her devout and prayerful meditation. It has been a light shining in a dark place, until the day dawn, and the Day-star arise in the heart. . . . The words of St. Peter [2 Peter 1:21] show clearly the sin and danger of a contented ignorance of the divine prophecies. For then they must cease to fulfil their designed office; they are a beacon no longer. The very light which has been given to direct our hopes is obscure in darkness. Our indolence or pride will have made void one of God's most precious gifts to his church; and will expose us, like the Jews of old, to the danger of stumbling in darkness, or of fighting against the revealed purpose of the Most High. But these words also teach us the need of a connected and patient study, that we may attain a true knowledge of these prophetic revelations.

Many prophecies are finding their fulfilment in this generation, and it is therefore especially important that we should have a clear and correct understanding of them. This can be obtained by careful study, following the lines already established by divinely revealed interpretations.

W. W. P.