Subject: Mark of the Beast |
Bible Note: Hi Doc, I am not trying to get off track here. Your original question was: "Are the other things in Revelation 13 understood to be literal, physical things: beasts, dragons, horns, heads, etc.?" In this I understand you to be asking about how to interpret each of the individual elements contained within this chapter. I could answer that, but it would require some time and length of posting to accomplish it. I don't mind doing that, mind you. Much of this I would simply pull from my study notes, to combine with fresh study, as I always like to review complex topics as I write about them. So I asked if there was something in particular. Then you wrote: "On what hermeneutical principle of apocalyptic exegesis does one switch back and forth from literal interpretation to figurative interpretation?" Now, this is different from the original question, of "are these literal or symbols", and has become, "how do you decide it they are literal or symbols?" But you asked a somewhat loaded question, since you are asking about "apocalyptic exegesis". I do not attempt apocalyptic exegesis, since I do not consider the Revelation to be of that genre. So before I try to explain how to peel an orange, I want to make sure you aren't thinking of an apple. I don't do apples. :-) But to try to cut to the center, at least, what I think the center is, I do what the text tells me to do. If John says he saw a sign, then this means something that is indicated by what he saw. If he says he saw something happen, then I expect that what he saw is something that is going to happen. I draw heavily from the Old Testament, especially Genesis, Daniel, and Zechariah, but not only those. I haven't counted myself, but I have been told there are over 800 OT allusions within the Book of the Revelation. I believe the Revelation is meant to do just that - Reveal, not conceal. And if you start interpreting beyond what is specifically allowed by the text, you can make it say whatever you want. But I'm sorry, I tend to ramble (perhaps you've seen this before in me) ;-) So I'm all little confused. Did you wish to know about the literalness of the mark of the beast, or about the dragon, and beasts, and the rest of the chapter, or what do you want me to answer? (if I already haven't) Love in Christ Mark |