PROPHETIC FIGURES original: "Prophetical Figures"; here "figures" refers to symbolic representations, metaphors, or imagery used in the Bible..

The first thing I want the reader to notice is that in the interpretation of prophecies, it is a matter of the greatest importance that we are able to distinguish between the literal and figurative sense. Regarding the figurative, it is generally observed that the Prophets borrow their symbols from the visible world and its various parts. Thus, the Sun, Moon, and Stars are used to represent the high-ranking authorities original: "superior powers"; refers to monarchs, leaders, or governing bodies in a state; and the various changes in those celestial bodies represent the different revolutions and changes that happen within those powers. For instance, the darkening of the Sun and Moon, and the falling of the Stars, signify the destruction of a kingdom or the overthrow original: "subversion" of a government. Likewise, the shaking of the heavens and earth signifies similar disasters. I have already mentioned this to you, and it is a matter that deserves your particular attention.

Another thing I want you to notice is that the same symbols are often used to represent different things, depending on the context of the subject. For example, the Sun, which in some places signifies a King or a Kingdom, in other places represents the Church or the light of the Gospel. It is the same in other cases, which makes it necessary for us to consider the context and the nature of the subject being discussed in order to determine the true sense and meaning of the Prophets. This is what I intended to say regarding this matter, and I hope it will be of some use to you in the study of prophetic writings.

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