Revelation Studies #7 General Impressions #8

Indistinct Figures or Symbols

This book is filled with more indistinct figures or symbols than perhaps any other canonical book. This is certainly one of the reasons why many serious Bible students avoid studying the book, and why many preachers avoid preaching from it. Examples of these figures follow.

1. 2:17- To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the hidden manna, and will give him a white stone, and in the stone a new name written, which no man knoweth saving he that receiveth it.

2. 4:6 ff.- And before the throne there was a sea of glass like unto crystal: and in the midst of the throne, and round about the throne, were four beasts full of eyes before and behind…etc.

3. 6:13- And the stars of heaven fell unto the earth, even as a fig tree casteth her untimely figs, when she is shaken of a mighty wind.

4. 8:11- And the name of the star is called Wormwood: and the third part of the waters became wormwood; and many men died of the waters, because they were made bitter.

5. 13:18- Here is wisdom. Let him that hath understanding count the number of the beast; for it is the number of a man; and his number is Six hundred threescore and six.

These indistinct figures have significant values which are often overlooked. One writer speaks of the value of these figures in a broad sense when he says the following.

The strange, but also theologically important thing is the overflowing abundance of the most curious images. God cannot be described and thus, in the strict sense, cannot be taught, but can no doubt be perceived in his encounter with humanity. Something of this is seen in the world of images of Revelation. Such images express the truth that we can never get the better of God, not even mentally, and thus can never be “finished” with him, and that we can only meet him by being seen and known by him[1].

It is really man’s overweening pride which often causes him to neglect such inspired writings. There are at least two values of such indistinct figures.

First, they humble us before the Lord. While there is definitely a great deal in such books as this which even the most mature saint does not understand, there is nothing here which the Lord does not understand! Anything that humbles us beneath the mighty hand of the Lord is of the greatest value. We must study His Word in complete dependence upon Him.

Second, they drive us from that which is uncertain to Him Who is absolutely certain.

a) 1:20- the seven stars of the churches: uncertain

1:13- Son of man holding the stars: certain

b) 11:3- the two witnesses: uncertain

1:5- the Lord Jesus Christ Who is the Faithful Witness: certain

c) Chapter 13- the Beast: uncertain

Chapter 14- the Lamb: certain

d) 6:2- the one going forth conquering and to conquer: uncertain

22:16- the Root and Offspring of David: certain

The precious truth suggested here is that though the Lord has been pleased to leave a number of things in His Word unclear or obscure, the revelation of the Lord Jesus Christ is clear and full.

[1] Eduard Schweizer, A Theological Introduction to the New Testament (Nashville: Abingdon Press, 1991), 163.