History and Mystery: The Complete Eschatological Encyclopedia of Prophecy, Apocalypticism, Mythos, and Worldwide Dynamic Theology Vol. 1

By Bernie L Calaway

Bernie Calaway is a retired Navy chaplain and biblical scholar, positions attained not without some struggle. He's a native Texan who quickly learned he'd be a happier minister than a cotton farmer on the high plains. Now, in active retirement, he writes, draws, takes regular naps, and tries to keep the squirrels off the back stoop. Ber

• Language: English
• Publisher: Authors Press
• Release date: Apr 7, 2021
• ISBN: 9781643144849

Bernie L Calaway

Bernie L. Calaway is a Navy chaplain (retired), teacher, and biblical scholar. Oracles from Olivet is his sixth book. His writing is open, sensitive, and never lacking interest and humor. Obvious research and writing skills belie his oft-repeated quip: "Writing is more fun than bowling and allows me to sit through most of the work." You can visit Bernie's website at www.berniecalawaybooks.com

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Copyright © 2021 by Bernie L. Calaway

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FOREWORD TO THE ESSAYS AND ENCYCLOPEDIA

Are you aware that

the major task of a prophet is not to predict stuff? Has your neighbor used the term eschaton and left you puzzled? Having trouble with the details of those multi-horned monsters in the book of Revelation? Don’t know how to properly use an athame?

Fear not. The History and Mystery: The Complete Eschatological Encyclopedia of Prophecy, Apocalypticism, Mythos, and Worldwide Dynamic Theology has arrived to help you out. Few of us have the leisure of thumbing through thick Bible dictionaries or clicking on twenty websites, only to find there are no definitions that differentiate the apocalyptic from the eschatological material. (Uh, what is apocalyptic and eschatological substance anyway?) Nor is it convenient to stop a study here and there along the way wondering what exactly one is reading. To push the idea a bit more, an attempt has been made to introduce Bible names and terms that not only pertain directly or exclusively to prophecy and eschatology, but also to history, science, the mystery religions, ecclesiology, philosophy, ethics, religious aberrations and cults, anthropology, pagan or foreign religions and many other disciplines. The word reviews are as thorough as possible but back away from tedious. Or, as one reviewer put it, These aren’t definitions; they’re explanations. A person can actually understand them.

The encyclopedia you are clutching is unique. The first segment of the five-volume set is a series of some sixty essays relating to prophetic or theological topics that may be a bit difficult or begging for fuller explanation. The information provides a good base from which to start the search for information and understanding and is therefore placed in front. Next door to the explanations come the definitions themselves. Prophetic or esoteric words and phrases are identified and defined. Here is everything from Aaron to Zwingli. But still, more is needed since the interpretation of such a complex

subject must delve into myth, religious history, and worldwide concepts of beliefs that are required for a comprehensive perspective. You will find terms not readily available in most standard Bible dictionaries or encyclopedias, either conveniently online or in print.

Surely, there are risks when a solitary person (i.e., without resources from specialized researchers, editors, brains, etc.) attempts to compile a glossary. The words must be carefully chosen and neither too detailed nor too generalized. Edgar Allen Poe once effused: A definition is that which so describes its object as to distinguish it from all others. By contrast, the philosopher F.C.S. Schiller said, All words cannot be defined. Somewhere within this annoying juxtaposition somebody has to try for the practical. Within the hubris of theology versus mysticism, that task is even more daunting. All words and every nuance of definition are not included—that’s an impossible task. If the subject is too vast to be reasonably explored, only the most common references are listed. But the important terms are present, at least all those I could think up or look up. Biblical and historical figures have been selectively chosen with more expansion in the essays. Both the expositions and the dictionary carry a Christian, perhaps even an evangelical, bias that seems logical and consistent to the purpose of the research.

Still, the questions keep piling up. What does a kiss have to do with apocalyptic judgment? How did the Moabites help form Hebrew and Christian eschatology? How does Roman Catholic end time doctrine line up with the Baptists? or a Hindu? Why do Branch Davidian types and Islamic terrorists seek suicide in apocalyptic fervor but the general public lends it scant attention? How can a lamb be ferocious and a wolf be a pacifist? Why did the Vikings see the world ending in violence but the ancient pharaohs only heard a gentle whimper? How is magic different from foreordination? And who cares? To hear the Almighty, do we need a God helmet or a prophet’s mantle? My Social Security number has three sixes in it. Should I upgrade? Am I a universalist or a pre-millennialist? Who started the odd Quaker apocalyptic movement? Was the wizard Merlin a better prophet than Robin Goodfellow? How come the Mayans got it wrong? Is the UN about ready to tax your unleaded gasoline and your diet sodas? How are prophecies

related to miracles? Puzzles like that can slow your metabolism and keep you up all nights.

Nobody knows all the answers, and even fewer of the questions, but we can learn something. Certainly, it’s a great help to have a dictionary at hand. As a tip to the user, bear in mind that different translations of the Scripture and other sources may employ alternate words for the same subject. In most cases, the New International Version is the preferred Bible translation used here with scholarly essay for the remaining supply. If that doesn’t work, I am confident you’re smart enough to find another approach to the solution. Be a valiant, intrepid reader.

This lexicon edition hits church history (heavily American) and the human condition (both ancient and modern) with more than a gentle tap. Those features are intentional because our living faith today (and certainly beyond today) is the lasting bequeathal of the prophetic thrust. All is not done. Everything relates. Even the pagan and the modernist feed off each other sometimes. Those high-octane technical words are also important because they’re the language of the theologians. The extended "See also sections following most of the definitions are sure to aid in further study if desired, as will the consulting bibliography at the end. Also, don’t forget to use the history and mystery of… section of the lexicon for a sort of mini-index to related or linked subject matter. And you will need assistance to facilitate your research, being aware that aside from the Scripture, world culture and local usage also show multiple terms that may be identical or may differ from our own common understanding. Or there may be several meanings. Despite what may be a violation of accepted dictionary alphabetizing, any s within parentheses to indicate the plural is ignored when arranging alphabetically. As to all those words that think they should be capitalized—who knows? Most major characters of the Old and New Testaments are identified to enhance clarity and give the human" touch. Only the most prophetically, historically, and theologically pertinent titles and terms are cited in the encyclopedia, lest the texts become unwieldy. Even so, there are around 10,000 entries throughout the five volumes in an effort to be comprehensive.

A word of caution may be in order next. Some may feel offended that certain individuals, groups, or institutions are classed within the textbook as cults, false prophets, or some other seemingly maligned description. If such there be, I see no remedy for it. The work is, after all, written in the Christian perspective and that which is considered clearly outside the bounds of that faith can only be; it is what it is. Certainly there is no subtle pleasure or ulterior motive associated with the treatment of any term defined or explained. Remember, Christianity itself is (and always has been) hardly immune to negative labeling, worthy of it or not and true or not. Striving for artificial political correctness would inevitably drive both dictionary essays into the ditch of mediocrity.

One more caveat needs careful explanation. The reader will hardly fail to notice the prominence of dispensational and premillennial theology in both the expositions and the dictionary. The predominance of those themes is almost inevitable. Furthermore, knowledge dealing with dispensationalism and premillennialism are the most complex and detailed structures of modern eschatology and apocalyptic writing whereas other viewpoints are relatively straightforward. According to non-dispensational theories, all apocalyptic description in the Bible is either: (1) symbolic or metaphorical—almost never literal, (2) such language and the apocalyptic style of writing were common in the first century and in post-Babylonian Judaism but is practically unfathomable today, (3) various Bible renditions have mistranslated some of the text, which can therefore, be manipulated according to a favorite interpretation, (4) apocalyptic language, and its sister non-literal genre (poetry), must always be taken in as romantic or esoteric writing—never historically, (5) all apocalyptic scenes and descriptions are whole within themselves and bear little or no relation to similar paradigms, (6) details of dispensational eschatology are being foisted upon the uniformed and youthful generation who are incapable of full comprehension and should thereby be subject to vilification or, at least, refutation, (7) the Bible does not discuss the end of the age anywhere at any time. Any one of the assumptions mentioned can easily explain eschatology in such a context for it refers only to a theology of symbolic hope and

steadfast perseverance in times of trouble. That essentially makes eschatology practically irrelevant to our times, except in its last remaining function as encourager to the believer. Premillennial and dispensational thinking, however, require far more investigation and explanation to expound the doctrine fairly. So then, the emphasis in the word list exceeds the simple comfort and hope purposes for the future and develops, not necessarily from the author’s personal hermeneutics, but from sheer necessity.

Finally, (sigh mournfully) something you need may have been omitted, or maybe an error is made somewhere. I regret that (really) but am not to be surprised by it. So then, accept my humble apologies beforehand. Kindly try to remember the writing is from the perspective of biblical scholarship, not stupefying theology.

Here’s hoping that what is presented will be interesting and helpful. If that happens, I’m one happy old writer dude.

Bernie L. Calaway

Myrtle Beach, SC

Contents

FOREWORD TO THE ESSAYS AND ENCYCLOPEDIA v

The Complete Eschatological Dictionary of Prophecy, Apocalypticism, Mythos, and Worldwide Dynamic Theology xxiii

APOCALYPTIC BACKGROUND STUDIES 1

PRACTICAL DATA FOR BASIC BIBLICAL LEARNING 3

A BACKGROUND STUDY OF BABYLON, NEO-BABYLON, AND BABYLON THE GREAT 49

THE BASICS OF APPLIED HERMENEUTICS 54

A CONCEPTUAL STUDY OF ANGEOLOGY AND DEMONOLOGY IN ESCHATOLOGICAL CONTEXT 66

THE DEFINITIONS AND TECHNIQUES OF ESCHATOLOGY AND APOCALYPTICISM 102

THE DISPENSATIONS OF HEBREW HISTORY 107

AN EXAMINATION OF SELECTED MILLENNIAL SECTS 115

THE HISTORICAL AND THEOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF OLD TESTAMENT SACRIFICE 130

A HISTORY OF JEWISH TEMPLES AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE 133

A HISTORY OF THE APOCALYPTIC WORLD AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS 137

AN INTRODUCTION TO THE APOCRYPHAL AND PSEUDEPIGRAPHICAL WRITINGS 140

A LISTING OF APOCALYPTIC NAMES FOR THE TRINITY 147

A LIST OF MAJOR PROPHETS OF THE OLD AND NEW TESTAMENTS 153

THE LITERARY AND HISTORICAL CONTROVERSIES CONCERNING THE WRITING OF DANIEL AND REVELATION 159

THE MAGNIFICENCE OF THE PRAISE SECTIONS OF REVELATION 165

THE MIDDLE EAST IN CONFLICT AND ESCHATOLOGICAL HISTORY 167

PARTIAL LISTING OF NON-CHRISTIAN RELIGIONS, FALSE PROPHETS, FALSE MESSIAHS, DIVINATION TECHNIQUES, AND SECRET SOCIETIES 170

THE SIGNIFICANCE OF SYMBOLS, TYPES, AND SIGNS IN BIBLICAL EXEGESIS 291

STUDY OUTLINES FOR MAJOR ESCHATOLOGICAL BOOKS 296

A SURVEY OF THE TRIBES OF ISRAEL AND THEIR ESCHATOLOGICAL IMPLICATIONS 328

THEOLOGICAL STUDIES 335

THE ACADEMIC AND POPULIST IMPACT OF DISPENSATIONALISM 337

AN ANALYSIS OF THE THEOLOGY OF HELL AND THE LAKE OF FIRE 342

THE CENTRALITY OF DANIEL’S SEVENTY WEEKS PROPHECY IN ESCHATOLOGICAL STUDY 346

THE ESCHATOLOGICAL SIGNIFICANCE OF RESURRECTION 351

THE HOLY SPIRIT IN ESCHATOLOGICAL ACTION 355

AN INQUIRY OF THE CRUCIAL

TIME TEXTS OF PROPHECY 359

AN INVESTIGATION OF THE THEOPHANY PHENOMENON 364

THE CENTRALITY OF THE OLIVET DISCOURSE 366

THE CHURCH AGE DISPENSATIONAL THEORY OF THE SEVEN CHURCHES 373

CONTRASTING THE RAPTURE AND THE SECOND COMING 377

THE ORDER OF THE RESURRECTIONS 381

AN OVERVIEW OF BIBLICAL COVENANTS AND THEIR SIGNIFICANCE TO ESCHATOLOGY 387

THE PARADOX OF THE KINGDOM OF GOD AND ITS CONSUMMATION 393

THE PARADOX OF THE MYSTERY OF GOD 395

THE SIX GREAT PURPOSES OF ESCHATOLOGY ACCORDING TO DANIEL 399

A STUDY OF SELECTED ESCHATOLOGICAL PARABLES AND THEIR CONTRIBUTIONS 402

A SURVEY OF COVENANT VERSUS DISPENSATIONAL THEOLOGY 416

A SYNOPSIS OF THE AMILLENNIAL, POSTMILLENNIAL, AND PREMILLENNIAL DOCTRINAL POSITIONS 420

A SYNOPSIS OF THE POST-TRIBULATIONAL, MID-TRIBULATIONAL, PREWRATH, AND PRE-TRIBULATIONAL DOCTRINAL POSITIONS 425

THE TRUE MESSAGE AND MEANING

OF PROPHECY 429

END TIME STUDIES 433

AN ANALYSIS OF THE SCROLLS OF REVELATION AND THEIR PURPOSES 435

THE APOCALYPTIC SCENARIO OF THE ARMAGEDDON CONFLICT 438

DETAILS OF THE ESCHATOLOGICAL JUDGMENTS OF CHRIST 442

DISSECTING THE COMPLEX MESSAGES OF DANIEL 11 AND REVELATION 13 AND 17 448

DREAMS AND VISIONS FROM DANIEL, EZEKIEL, REVELATION, AND ZECHARIAH 464

AN EXAMINATION OF THE BELIEVER’S REWARDS AND TESTING IN THE AFTERLIFE 467

A GLIMPSE OF HEAVEN AND

THE NEW JERUSALEM 472

IDENTIFYING THE FOUR LIVING CREATURES, THE TWENTY-FOUR ELDERS, AND THE FOUR HORSEMEN OF THE APOCALYPSE 476

IDENTIFYING THE TWO SUPER WITNESSES AND THE 144,000 SERVANTS OF REVELATION 482

THE PARADOX OF THE GOG AND MAGOG SCENARIO 485

SORTING OUT THE SEALS, TRUMPETS, AND BOWLS OF REVELATION 489

A SURVEY OF NEW TESTAMENT CONTENT AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO ESCHATOLOGY 496

A SURVEY OF OLD TESTAMENT CONTENT AND ITS CONTRIBUTIONS TO ESCHATOLOGY 506

A SURVEY OF REVELATION’s CONTENT AND THE DANIEL PROPHECIES 517

A SURVEY OF THE HARVEST PAGEANTS OF REVELATION 14 522

THE TRIBULATION ROAD MAP OF DANIEL 11 and 12 525

UNDERSTANDING THE COMPOSITION AND FUNCTION OF THE MILLENNIUM 528

UNDERSTANDING THE ORIGIN AND FINAL PRESENTATION OF THE ABOMINATION OF DESOLATION 533

THE UNHOLY TRINITY OF SATAN, ANTICHRIST, AND THE FALSE PROPHET 537

WORLD CONDITIONS EXPECTED FOR THE END TIME 542

BIBLIOGRAPHY 549

ABBREVIATIONS USED IN THIS VOLUME

The Old Testament

History and Mystery

The Complete Eschatological Dictionary of Prophecy, Apocalypticism, Mythos, and Worldwide Dynamic Theology

APOCALYPTIC BACKGROUND STUDIES

PRACTICAL DATA FOR BASIC BIBLICAL LEARNING

Certain fundamental information is

helpful when learning is pursued for any biblical, apocalyptic, ecclesiastical, or historical material. Following is a compilation of useful background data that may speed the process. Included are attempts to list:

The Apocalyptic Symbolism of Numbers, Gems, Shapes and Dimensions, and Colors

Revelation Symbolism

Biblical Standards of Weights, Measures, Capacities, and Monetary Units

Time Measurement

Hebrew Weekdays

Hebrew Months

Jewish Holidays

Special Liturgical Occasion Feast and Fast Days

Holy Days of Obligation in the Latin Rite

Feasts and Communion Days in the Latin Rite

Movable Masses in Some Locations

Major Feast Days of the Byzantine Rite

Major Episcopalian Feast Days

Major Anglican Feast Days

Major Lutheran Festivals

Major Protestant Holidays

Native American Rituals

Civic Holidays and Observances in the USA

Ecumenical Religious Observances

Islamic Observances

Shekinah Glory Appearances

Dreams and Visions

Enumeration of Spiritual Gifts

The Apocalyptic Symbolism of Numbers, Gems, Shapes and Dimensions, and Colors

The Bible seems to have a place for the symbolic use of numbers, precious stones, and colors from time to time, especially if apocalyptic language is in use or suggested. However, great care must be taken not to load on more freight than the figures can bear. Most often, numbers merely count something and perform the normal functions of arithmetic; gems are precious stones and articles of adornment or wealth; and colors name various hues to present the reader with a description of what an object looks like in the spectrum.

Nevertheless, the ancients did frequently imbue some numbers, colors, and jewels or gems with special or symbolic meanings. The Hebrews were no exception, although they seemed to use the practice judiciously. When the Scripture indicates a symbolic meaning for any of the three groups, we can largely determine the legitimacy of the usage if the symbolism is repeated often, if the apocalyptic language seems to indicate it, and if the application is clear enough to be comfortable to the reader.

Below are the most commonly used symbolic expressions as we now know them from both legend and literature. They may or may not be functional in a biblical context.

Numbers

zero– a digit with no numerical value but its circular shape suggests a quantity of meanings, i.e., an egg (life or potential life), the almond (overlapping circles to signify man and woman, eternity, or the joining to two world forces—the Vesica Piscis), or representing such primordial mysteries as fertility and birth.

one– indicates individuality and wholeness. The number cannot be divided and suggests unity of purpose or composition. Not surprisingly, the first number also represents the God of Christianity and other religions.

two– the required number for testimony given in court or for an accusation, thus suggesting confirmation or mutual support

(marriage, two witnesses, pairs of travelers, a couple, etc.). It may also mean a few and is the smallest number capable of division.

three– the divine number (Trinity of Father, Son, and Holy Spirit, three-in-one, etc.). Three can also be an evil number if the context demands it (unholy trinity of Satan, Antichrist, and False Prophet).

four– the number for the world (four corners of the earth, four winds of destruction, foursquare city of New Jerusalem, four living creatures, etc.). Four is also a frequent grouping or cluster for apocalyptic expressions of judgment or other divine actions. It also signifies physical matter and the fact of completion.

five– a number for responsibility, weakness, or grace. The human hand of five fingers speaks of service. Additionally, five can be a symbol of man (accounting for the head and limbs) as in Leonardo de Vinci’s famous drawing of a human figure within a circle or the five-pointed star (the vitruvian man).

six– the number for man or mankind—something short of the perfection which is only found in the Creator. The number 666 in Revelation may indicate a striving for perfection without ever achieving it.

seven– there is little dispute that seven is the most obvious and most frequently used symbolic number. It stands for perfection in almost every instance of use in which apocalyptic language is operative. Examples below are from Revelation:

7 angels or archangels

7 seals

7 trumpets

7 thunders

7 bowls

7 churches

7 eyes

7 world governments

7 lampstands

7 heads

7 horns

7 kingdoms

7 lamps

7 spirits

7 stars

7 hills

7 descriptions of Christ from himself

7 condemnations to the churches

7 affirmations to the churches

7 commands to the churches

eight– used to signify resurrection, or rarely, a new beginning number

nine– a fullness of blessing number; apocalyptically, it often means finality or judgment

ten– can mean many or denote preciseness in counting. Also, it is a number representing human government. From Revelation there are:

10 crowns

10 horns

10 kings

10,000 × 10,000 (a vast or an infinite number)

eleven– a number for paradigm shifts, when power changes hands as it falls between ten (for governing) and twelve (for God’s rule)—generally perceived as an evil number

twelve– the number for authority or organization, and for divine government. Revelation has:

12 gates

12 foundations

12 pearls

12 tribes

12 commendations to the churches

24 (a twelve multiple) promises to the churches

24 elders

144,000 (another twelve multiple) evangelists

thirteen– representative of revolt against divine law, situated as it is, between twelve (for divine government) and fourteen (for new creation).

fourteen– the new creation generation in Jesus (the genealogical lists in Matthew center on fourteen).

fifteen– the spiritual number of a priest or pastoral shepherd (e.g., 2 Ki. 20:6; Hos. 3:2; Gal. 1:18).

thirty– associated with mourning or sorrow, representing a priest’s authority (e.g., Num. 4:3; 2 Sam. 5:4; Lk. 3:2).

forty– a number for testing and trial, or a length of days that is long in duration but sufficient to accomplish a difficult task.

fifty– associated with victory or celebration.

seventy– a good number for human groupings and good judgment.

one hundred– a full increase or an adequate return of whatever is pledged.

Numbers and fractions mentioned in Revelation are listed as 1/10, 1/4, 1/3, 1, 2, 3, 3 1/2, 4, 5, 6, 7, 10, 12, 24, 42, 144, 600, 666, 1,000, 1,260, 1,600, 7,000, 12,000, 144,000, 100,000,000, and 200,000,000.

Gems

pearl– the only gem not found as crystal rock. It may represent a wise saying or precious knowledge (e.g., the parable of the swine (Mt. 7:6)) or the merchant’s sacrifice to obtain one (Mt. 13:45)). A single pearl is the gate to each of the entrances to the New Jerusalem.

precious stones– the gems of the foundations to the Holy City. They are indicative of the apostles and listed as: jasper (diamond), sapphire, chalcedony (agate?), emerald, sardonyx (onyx),

carnelian (sardius or ruby?), chrysolite, beryl, topaz, chrysoprase (turquoise?), jacinth, and amethyst. The breastplate of the high priest held similar stones to represent the twelve tribes of Israel.

Some cultures are said to see the jasper as spiritual illumination, courage, or selflessness; the sapphire as constancy, truth, or virtue; chalcedony as truth and for dispelling melancholy; the emerald for immortality; sardonyx as love, harmony, or conjugal happiness; the sardius as wisdom or perception; chrysolite for gladness; the beryl for everlasting youth or life; topaz as love, friendship, and happiness; chrysoprase for eternal life; jacinth for modesty; amethyst for deep and pure love; and jade to symbolize a divine mandate and youth. These designations seem to have only casual meaning in the Scripture if the idea is represented at all. Materials like a carbuncle, chodchod, coral, crystal, and ligurus are also mentioned.

The gems mentioned above seem to run the spectrum of shades from blue (sapphire, jacinth, amethyst) to green (emerald, beryl, chrysolite, chrysoprase) to red (sardonyx, carnelian) to yellow (chalcedony, jasper, topaz).

Shapes and Dimensions

vertical lines– strength, aggressiveness, courage, power, masculinity, aspiration

horizontal lines– community, tranquility, peace, progression, continuity

circles and ovals– unity, holiness (the halo, e.g.,) wholeness, eternity, protection, the sun, the ouroboros message

curves– femininity, motion, relationship, rhythm, unity, pleasure, friendship, Eastern religions

spirals– cascade, indirect ascension and declination, non-direct advancement, progressive movement, unfolding of what is hidden, growth, evolution, repetitiveness

triangles– the Trinity doctrine of Christianity, time (past, present, future), a summoning symbol in occultism, stability on its base but instability on its point

crosses– sacrifice and salvation in Christianity and a few other religions, the earth, the natural elements, purpose, conflict, agitation, progression, purpose, death, triumph, shame

squares and rectangles– solidity, direction, the seasons, stability, firmness

pentagrams and multi-pointed star shapes– the planets, the universe, navigation and travel, achievement, success, light, military rank, Judaism

mazes and labyrinths- the trapped soul, confusion, perplexity, struggle, misdirection; puzzles

Colors

black– mourning, death, shameful cover for sin

white– innocence, purity, triumph

red– war, blood, cruelty

green– life, promise, intercession, flush abundance (God’s Revelation throne is a full-circle emerald)

purple– royalty

rainbow– pledge (as in Noah’s bow, which promised no more worldwide flood), containing all the primary colors

amber– the presence of God

blue– heaven or the Holy Spirit, sky

violet– modesty, moderation, sobriety, supernatural, invisible

yellow– enlightenment, spiritual insight, revelation, Shekinah glory

grey – spiritual dullness (unless describing hair color in which case it represented wisdom)

brown– earthly, root humanity

pink– femininity, female rebellion, right relationships

orange– fire, tested and proven, the color of harvest, praise

rust– corruption and decay, decadence

silver– wisdom, the soul (Ecc. 12:6), prosperity, opportunity, redemption

gold– refinement of spirit, royalty, wealth, splendor, transcendence, divine nature

iridescent– overcoming

brass or bronze– judgment

copper– same as brass

Revelation Symbolism

The book of Revelation is unsurpassed as to the depth and multiplicity of symbolism in its pages. A listing of symbolic subject matter within the text would include at least the following categories and object lessons:

architecture and constructs: altars, ark of the covenant, Babylon the Great, bed, churches, cities, courts, doors, foundation of the New Jerusalem, furnace, future temples, gates of the New Jerusalem, great city, great white throne, holy city, idols, image of the beast, New Jerusalem, Old Testament Temple, outer court, pillar, pottery, prisons, ships, synagogues, tabernacle of Testimony, temples, thrones, twelve gates, New Jerusalem, threshing sledge, wall of the holy city, winepresses.

biology: bears, birds, blood, body (bodies), breath, calves, cattle, chest, eagles, ears, eyes, faces, fish (creatures of the sea), foot (feet), forehead (foreheads), frogs, goats, hair, hands, head, horns, horses, lambs, legs, leopards, lions, locusts, man (men), mouth, ox, scorpions, serpents (snakes), sheep, stomach, tails, teeth, thigh, tongues, unnatural beasts (dragons, four living creatures of Rev. 4, monsters of Rev. 13), vultures, wild beasts of the earth, wings, wool.

botany: barley, cinnamon, crops of fruit, figs, flour, frankincense, grapes, grass, honey, incense, leaves, manna, myrrh, oil, olives, palms, plants, spices, tree of life, trees, wheat, wine, wood.

emotive and action language: abominable things, accusations, acknowledgement, adultery, afflictions, agony, anger, astonishment, astray, attack, authority, battle, beating, beheading, binding, birthing, bitter, black, blasphemous, blessing, boasts, bright, burdens, burial, burning, buying, captivity, celebrate, clean, condemnation, commandments, completion, conquest, control, creation, crimes, crucified, crying, cursing, damage, darkness, death, deceit, deception, deeds, defile, delay, destruction, denial, detestable, devouring, discipline, disease, drought, drunkenness, dust, earnest, earthquakes, eating, endurance, enraged, entice, eternity, evil (unclean), faith, faithfulness, falling (fallen), falsehood, famine, fear (respect), fighting, filth, fire, follow, fury, gloating, glory, grace, greatness, grief, fulfilled, gaze, gloat, glory, gorged, grace, hardships, harm, hate, haunt, healing, hearing, heart, hide, holy (holiness), honor, hurled, hunger, immorality, imposition, injury, intoxicated, judgment, just, justice, killing, labor, language, leaving (departure), life, light, loud, love, lukewarm, luxury, magic, marvelous, measuring, memory, might, minds, miraculous, misleading, mourning, murder, mystery, numbering, obduracy, obedience, overpower, pain, patience, peace, persecutions, perseverance, plagues, poverty, power, praise, prayer, prophecy (prophesy), reaping (harvesting), rebuke, rejoicing, release, removed, reparation, repentance, rejoicing, renunciation, reputation, resting, resurrections, reverence, reward, riding, righteous, roaring, ruin, rushing, sacrifice, salvation, sealed, searching, selling, service, scorch (sear), shameful, shut up, sight, signs, silence, sins, sitting, slander, slay (kill), sores, spewed, strength, strike, sting, suffering, swearing (oath taking), sweep (swept) away, swallowing, take to heart, teaching, tears (weeping), terror, testimony, testing, thanksgiving (gratitude), thirst, time, torment, torture, torment, torrent, trample, trials, tribulation, truth (true), unbelief, victorious, vengeance (revenge), victory, vile, voice, waiting, walking, war, washing, watching, wealth, weariness, weeping, wickedness, wind, wisdom, woe (woes), wondrous, worship, worthiness, wound, wrath, wretchedness, writing.

geography: Abyss, Armageddon, Asia, Babylon, breadth of the earth, camp of God’s people, caves, city he loves, desert, dwelling place, his, earth, East, the, Egypt, Ephesus, Euphrates, first earth, four corners of the earth, Hades, heaven, hell, hills, Holy City, islands, Jerusalem, kingdoms, lake of fire, lakes, land, Laodicea, Millennium, mountains, Mount Zion, nations, new earth, New Jerusalem, paradise of God, Patmos, Pergamum, Philadelphia, rivers, rocks, Sardis, sea (seas), seashore, seven hills, Sheol, Smyrna, Sodom, springs, Thyatira, waters, world.

humanity: adulterers, Amen, the, apostles, beast, the, blameless, blessed, blind, brides, bridegroom, brothers, called, children, chosen, churches, companions, conquerors, cowardly, deceitful, dogs, eighth king, elders, enemies, faithful, faithful, firstborn from the dead, firstfruits, flute players, freedmen, generals, Gentiles, great men, harlots [prostitutes], hearts, harpists, horseback riders, hungry, husbands, idolaters, immoral, inhabitants of the earth, Israelites, Jews, liars, inhabitants of the earth, judges, kings, languages, liars, lukewarm, magicians, man (men), mankind, man’s number, martyrs, merchants, mighty men, minds, multitudes, murderers, musicians, naked (shamefully exposed), names, nations, Nicolaitans, overcomers, peoples, pitiful, priests of god and of Christ, princes, pregnant, princes, prophets and prophetesses, queens, rich (wealthy), rulers sailors, saints, sea captains, servants, sexually immoral, shameful, shepherds, singers, Sir, slaves, slanderers, small men, son, souls, survivors, tribes, thieves, thirsty, tradesmen, tribes, troops, trumpeters, unbelieving, vile, virgins, warriors, wicked men, widows, wives, witnesses, woman (women), workman, worshipers, wretched.

music: flutes, harps, lyres, ritual and worship, songs, trumpets.

named individuals: Antichrist, Antipas, Asher, Balaam, Balak, Benjamin, Christ, Daniel references, David references, Ezekiel references, false prophet, Gad, Gog and Magog, Issachar, Jezebel, John, Joseph, Judah, Levi, Manasseh, Naphtali, Reuben, Simeon, Zebulun, Zechariah references.

otherworldly and divine beings: Abaddon, Almighty, the, Alpha and Omega, Amen, angels, Apollyon, archangels, Beginning and the End, demons, devil, evil spirits, Faithful and True, faithful and true witness, Father, First and the Last, four living creatures, four horsemen of the Apocalypse, God, him who lives for ever and ever, holy and true, King of kings and Lord of lords, King of the ages, Lion of the tribe of Judah, Lord, Lord God Almighty, Michael, my new name, my two witnesses, our Lord and God, red dragon, rider on the white horse, Root and Offspring of David, Root of David, ruler of God’s creation, Satan, scarlet beast, seven spirits of God, shepherd, Son of Man, Sovereign Lord, Spirit, the, spirits, twenty-four elders, who is and who was, who was, and is, and is to come, Word of God, woman clothed with the sun.

symbolic imagery: Amen, authority, cold nor hot, come up here, crown of life, darkness, day, Death, dressed in white, forever and ever, gold refined in the fire, great supper of God, Hallelujah, heat, holy, holy, holy, hour of trial, in the Spirit, Key of David, kingdom of our Lord and of his Christ, kingdom of priests, light, little scroll, living water, Lord’s Day, man’s number, mark of the beast, morning star, mystery of God, my word, name of my God, name of the city of my God, night, open door, paradise of God, pillar in the temple of my God, prayers of the saints, purchased men for God, reign with him, salvation, salve to put on your eyes, Satan’s so-called deep secrets, seal of the living God, sea of glass, second death, silence, smoke, soiled their clothes, spirit of prophecy, synagogue of Satan, tears, testimony of Jesus, tree of life, true words of God, wedding supper of the Lamb, what must soon take place, white, white clothes to wear, woes.

space and heaven: clouds, hail, heavens, his dwelling place, lightening, midair, moon, Morning Star, rain, rainbows, sky, snow, stars, sun, thunder, winds.

weapons and implements: amethyst, armor, army (armies), beryl, books and scrolls, book of life, bowls, boulder, bows, bridles, bronze, cargoes, carnelian, carriages, censers, chain,

chalcedony, chariots, chrysolite, chrysoprase, cloth and clothing, crowns, cups, doors, emerald, fire, frankincense, furnace, gems and stones, gifts, glass and crystal, gold, incense, iron, ivory, jacinth, jasper, jewels, keys, lamps, lampstands, linen, luxuries, marble, measuring rods and lines, millstones, myrrh, palm branches, pearls, pottery, riches, robes, sackcloth, salve, sapphire, sardonyx, sash, scales, scepters, scrolls, seals, sickles, silk, silver, ships, splendors, stones, sulfur, tents, topaz, torches, troops, wood, Wormwood.

Biblical Standards of Weights, Measures, Capacities, Time, and Monetary Units

It must be noted that any compilation of ancient weights, measures, and other standards are suspect from the start. Experts disagree about many units and other calculations are simply not known to us. Therefore, many evaluations are, at best, approximate but as accurate as can be determined with our present knowledge. In some cases it may be necessary to provide an alternate measure. Variations between countries were, of course, to be expected and perhaps even between regions. Standards were always subject to bargaining and barter, a universal practice in ancient times. The values in the book of Ezekiel are also appearing to be different from the norm elsewhere.

Lengths

Hebrew Months

Jewish Holidays

(Jewish celebrations begin at sundown of the preceding day and end at sundown on the holiday; some dates are imprecise year to year)

Special Liturgical Religious Occasion Feast and Fast Days

Holy Days of Obligation in the Latin Rite

Feasts and Communion Days of the Latin Rite

(Some feast days may appear on some calendars but not others or may be celebrated on differing dates as masses, octaves, solemnities, vigils, or commemorations )