The Interpretation of Prophecy

An important principle of interpreting the Scriptures is that, when we interpret a particular verse or a series of verses, this must be done in the light of all the other passages of Scripture. The prophetic Scriptures are no exception. One does not arrive at the interpretation of a prophecy by means of an isolated passage that has its own solution and meaning. We need to carefully weigh every verse of Scripture in the light of all the others. "No prophecy of Scripture is of particular interpretation. For prophecy never came by the will of any man, but holy men of God spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit" (2 Pet. 1:20-21). J. N. Darby wrote, "It may almost be said that no prophecy explains itself alone" (JND Translation, 2 Pet. 1:20 - note).

Furthermore, God uses figures and symbols in prophecy to reveal His purposes regarding a given subject. We need to be careful to distinguish between what is symbolic and what is literal. Moreover, even though the Spirit of God may use figures to illustrate His ways of acting, the scope of prophecy is never a figure, but is always literal. The Spirit of God also uses types in prophecy to illustrate God's way of acting. When, in this book, we mention some type, it will be marked with an asterisk (*), in order to help the reader distinguish between what is literal prophecy and what is figurative teaching. Numbers between # indicate the bibliographic reference found at the end of the book.

Furthermore, many Old Testament prophecies have both a near application that was generally already fulfilled in the prophet's lifetime or shortly afterward, and an extended application, which may reach to the end of the times. Therefore it is important to distinguish which part of the message refers to the immediate circumstances, and which part speaks of the final and complete deliverance of Israel at the end of the times.

The Practical Effect of Prophecy When rightly understood, prophecy can have a threefold effect on us. First, it causes "the day to dawn" in our hearts (2 Pet. 1:19). This refers to the superiority of the brightness of Christian truth in the New Testament. The apostle Peter sets it in contrast with the "lamp" that shines in a dark place, referring to the prophetic Scriptures of the Old Testament. We have received a brighter beacon in the body of New Testament truth. This does not mean that we should neglect the Old Testament Scriptures. Peter says exactly the opposite, affirming that we do well to pay attention to them. When we read the Old Testament prophecies, the truth of the New Testament stands out with an even greater contrast, just as the light of full day surpasses the light of a lamp. As a consequence, we are given to perceive how great is the contrast between the blessings destined for Israel and the heavenly blessings and privileges of the church. The practical effect of understanding our Christian blessings will cause us to value even more what belongs to us by right. Second, the learning of prophecy causes "the morning star to appear" in our hearts (2 Pet. 1:19). This refers to the coming of Christ for His bride, the church, at the rapture. When we understand that before all the things foretold in prophecy happen, the Lord will come and take us to the home in heaven, His coming for us becomes more imminent.

Third, the reading of the prophecies makes us see the end of this world. When we see that everything will come under God's judgment, we understand how futile it is to spend our energies building something that is doomed to destruction. The practical effect of this will cause us to live, right now, more separated from the world. "Since, then, all these things are to perish, what manner of persons ought you to be in holy conduct and godliness, awaiting and hastening the coming of the day of God, in which the heavens, being on fire, will be dissolved, and the elements, burning, will melt?" (2 Pet. 3:11-12).