Understanding Biblical Prophecy: A KJV Guide
The study of Biblical prophecy is a profound and rewarding endeavour, offering glimpses into God's eternal plan and His sovereign control over history. However, it is also an area prone to misinterpretation and speculation if not approached with reverence, careful study, and a reliance upon the Holy Spirit. The King James Version of the Bible provides a majestic and reliable text through which we can discern God's prophetic word. This guide will outline several key principles for rightly dividing the word of truth when it comes to understanding Biblical prophecy.
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.
This foundational truth from 2 Peter 1:20-21 reminds us that prophecy originates with God, not man, and therefore its interpretation must also be Spirit-led and consistent with His revealed truth.
1. Context is King: Historical, Cultural, and Literary
One of the most critical principles for understanding any part of Scripture, including prophecy, is to diligently consider its context. This involves several layers:
- Historical Context: Who was the prophet speaking to? What were the circumstances of their time? Understanding the political, social, and religious landscape of the original audience helps us grasp the immediate meaning and purpose of the prophecy. For example, understanding the Babylonian captivity is crucial for interpreting much of Jeremiah and Ezekiel.
- Cultural Context: What cultural idioms, customs, or metaphors were common in that era? Prophetic language often draws upon familiar imagery to convey spiritual truths.
- Literary Context: What type of literature is it? Is it poetry, narrative, law, or apocalyptic? Prophecy often employs symbolic language, vivid imagery, and figures of speech. Recognizing these literary devices prevents misinterpretation of literal meaning where symbolism is intended. For instance, the book of Revelation is highly apocalyptic and uses much symbolic language that should not always be taken literally in a physical sense.
Ignoring context can lead to anachronistic readings and speculative interpretations that stray far from the author's original intent.
2. Interpret Literally Unless Symbolism is Clearly Intended
The general rule for interpreting Scripture is the grammatical-historical method, meaning we take the words in their normal, plain sense unless there is a clear indication that a symbolic or figurative meaning is intended. This applies to prophecy as well. For example, when Zechariah 14:4 speaks of Christ's feet standing "upon the mount of Olives," there is no compelling reason to interpret this as anything other than a literal, physical event.
And his feet shall stand in that day upon the mount of Olives, which is before Jerusalem on the east, and the mount of Olives shall cleave in the midst thereof toward the east and toward the west, and there shall be a very great valley; and half of the mountain shall remove toward the north, and half of it toward the south.
However, many prophetic passages, particularly in books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Revelation, utilize extensive symbolism. When "beasts" represent kingdoms (Daniel 7:17) or "candlesticks" represent churches (Revelation 1:20), the text or parallel passages often provide the key to understanding the symbolism. The key is to distinguish between literal statements and symbolic representations, allowing Scripture to define its own symbols where possible.
3. Christ is the Central Theme of All Prophecy
The entire Bible points to Jesus Christ, and prophecy is no exception. From the protoevangelium in Genesis 3:15 to the triumphant return of the King in Revelation, Christ is the focal point of God's redemptive plan and prophetic declarations. The Old Testament prophecies foretell His first coming (His birth, life, ministry, death, resurrection, and ascension) and His second coming (His return in glory, judgment, and establishment of His kingdom).
Search the scriptures; for in them ye think ye have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me.
When reading prophecy, always ask: "How does this relate to Jesus Christ? How does it reveal His character, His work, or His future reign?" The disciples on the road to Emmaus received a powerful lesson in this principle:
And beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them in all the scriptures the things concerning himself.
Understanding prophecy through a Christ-centered lens illuminates its true meaning and purpose.
4. Recognize Multiple Layers of Fulfillment
Some prophecies have a single, definite fulfillment, while others may have multiple layers or stages of fulfillment. This often includes an immediate, partial fulfillment to the original audience, and a more complete, ultimate fulfillment in the future, often tied to the end times or the second coming of Christ. For example, some prophecies concerning the restoration of Israel had a partial fulfillment after the Babylonian captivity, but their full, ultimate fulfillment awaits the millennial kingdom.
The "dual fulfillment" or "progressive fulfillment" concept is important. Sometimes, a prophecy may apply to an immediate historical event but also contain elements that clearly point to a distant future event. This is particularly true of prophecies concerning Israel, the church, and the Messiah. Discerning these layers requires careful attention to detail and comparison with other prophetic passages.
5. Allow Scripture to Interpret Scripture
The Bible is its own best interpreter. When encountering an obscure or difficult prophetic passage, the best approach is not to speculate wildly but to search for clearer passages elsewhere in Scripture that shed light on it. This principle is especially vital for understanding symbolic language.
For instance, understanding the "times of the Gentiles" (Luke 21:24) is aided by comparing it with other passages that speak of Gentile dominion and the future restoration of Israel. Similarly, the symbolic language of Revelation can often be understood by tracing its roots back to Old Testament prophetic books like Daniel, Ezekiel, and Zechariah. The Holy Spirit, who inspired the Scriptures, also guides believers into understanding them:
Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come.
A concordance and cross-reference Bible are invaluable tools for this principle.
6. Prophecy's Purpose: Not Just Prediction, but Revelation and Encouragement
While a significant aspect of prophecy is prediction (God declaring the end from the beginning, Isaiah 46:10), its ultimate purpose is far greater than merely satisfying human curiosity about the future. Prophecy serves to:
- Reveal God's Character: His sovereignty, faithfulness, justice, and mercy.
- Confirm God's Word: When prophecies are fulfilled, it strengthens our faith in the reliability of Scripture.
- Call to Repentance and Obedience: Many prophecies are conditional, warning of judgment for disobedience or promising blessing for faithfulness.
- Provide Hope and Comfort: Especially prophecies concerning Christ's return and the establishment of His eternal kingdom, which offer immense hope in troubled times.
- Motivate Holy Living and Evangelism: Understanding the brevity of time and the certainty of future judgment and glory should inspire believers to live righteously and share the Gospel.
The blessing pronounced on those who read and keep the words of Revelation underscores this practical purpose:
Blessed is he that readeth, and they that hear the words of this prophecy, and keep those things which are written therein: for the time is at hand.
7. Approach with Humility and Dependence on the Holy Spirit
Given the complexities of prophetic interpretation, a spirit of humility is paramount. Avoid dogmatism on speculative details, especially regarding precise timings or highly debated interpretations. While God reveals much, He also reserves certain knowledge to Himself (Matthew 24:36). Our primary goal should be to understand God's heart and plan, not to construct elaborate timelines that may prove inaccurate.
Above all, depend on the Holy Spirit for guidance. He is the divine Author and Interpreter of Scripture. Through prayer and diligent study, He illuminates the truths of God's Word. The prophets themselves "enquired and searched diligently" to understand the meaning of their own prophecies (1 Peter 1:10-11), a practice we should emulate.
Conclusion
Reading Biblical prophecy is a privilege that deepens our faith in God's sovereignty and His unfailing promises. By adhering to sound hermeneutical principles—understanding context, interpreting carefully, centering on Christ, recognizing layers of fulfillment, letting Scripture interpret Scripture, grasping prophecy's purpose, and approaching with humility—we can gain a clearer understanding of God's magnificent plan for the ages. May our study of prophecy always lead us to worship God, live righteously, and eagerly anticipate the glorious return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ.