The Bible is a book intended to be read and understood by the reader. It is a book that delivers God’s will to man through the inspiration of the Holy Spirit (2 Tim. 3:16-17; 2 Pet. 1:19-21). Many, however, do not understand it and others see it as a mystical book that cannot be unlocked without some sense of divine aid. Others claim to understand it, but misuse it in various ways. This has resulted in mistaken views and, even worse, false doctrines. Let us focus on the Prophets and principles that will help us better understand their message.
First, we must look at the historical context upon which a given passage is focused. Who wrote it? Who were the recipients of the message? What were the driving events when the thoughts in this passage were first delivered? Thus, we are asking what the passage meant to the intended audience.
Second, before we begin to grasp the original message, we must understand the literary context. What genre of literature is used in the passage? Is it poetry, apocalyptic literature, or is it simply historical narrative? Our understanding of the genre of literature will determine whether we see the passage as literal or figurative as we seek to determine its meaning.
Third, how did a N.T. author use a given passage? In Joel 2:28-32, we see a passage that, without any other help, would provide us only a vague reference to a future event. All we know from examining that passage is that, at some time in the future, some miraculous things are going to be done. But, that passage is quoted in Acts 2 in explaining the miraculous events on the Day of Pentecost. Peter said that it was too early for those men to be drink (9:00 a.m.). Then he stated that Joel was prophesying of the outpouring of the Spirit manifested in the miracles that resulted (speaking in languages they had never studied). Suffice it to say here that, without Peter’s referencing that passage in explaining what occurred, we would have no distinct timeframe for the prophecy or the details of the miraculous works predicted.
Difficult passages within the book of Ezekiel serve to illustrate the importance of the points above. In Ezek. 40-48 we see an extended description of the temple. However, the details provided in those chapters do not match any of the three temples of biblical times. If it is not a reference to any temple, what is being referenced? There are no less than four views, two of which seek to apply them to a literal temple. One sees it as a symbolic reference to the church while another sees a fulfillment in premillennial doctrine in a dispensational view. The best view will treat the material in an apocalyptic sense (as other chapters in the book do) and simply see a general promise that, upon the completion of their time in captivity, they will return to the land and God will be “in their presence.”
Another difficult passage in Ezekiel is seen in chapter 37 — the vision of the Valley of Dry Bones. Again, there is much speculation as to its meaning. In keeping with the historical context, the dry bones (Jews in captivity) will be refreshed (returning as the remnant). No other interpretation better fits the events of the time.
Layered fulfillment is seen as a prophecy that has both an immediate fulfillment and a more remote, and stronger, fulfillment in the more distant future. Isaiah is literally filled with this type of prophecy. Let us now address two of these powerful passages.
First, let’s look at Isa. 4:2-6. There, the context depicts “the Branch.” We know this has a future, Messianic, fulfillment. Yet, the language speaks, at least in some way, of the more immediate context of the captivity of God’s people. The language depicts the captivity in Babylon for Judah (and by extension Assyria for Israel) as a punishment from God for their sin. Yet, these people shall “escape” (a reference to the remnant that will return, initially under Zerubbabel). After that punishment, God will “create above every dwelling place of Mount Zion and above her assemblies a cloud of smoke by day and the shining of a flaming fire by night.” Using the language of the Exodus, in spiritual Zion will provide God’s guidance to freedom.
Second, in Chapters 60-62 we find the concept of the future glory of the city of God. There are those who see this only as a Messianic prophecy. Let us look at it a little deeper. There is a sense, a more immediate one, in which we see the physical city of Jerusalem rebuilt by the remnant. However, the language used in those chapters challenge us to see that a literal interpretation would not refer to a literal city. Yes, God’s people would understand the remnant’s return and rebuilding. However, the language also clearly, and more importantly, refers to the church to be established in the Messianic Age. The future glory is only possible in spiritual Zion in the work of the Messiah.
Conclusion
God delivered His will to us in written form, intending for us to be able to both understand and apply it to our lives. May we be willing to put forth the effort to learn the needed principles, the willingness to determine its meaning for ourselves, and the courage to present those lessons to others so that they may grow.