DISCLAIMER: Before you
consult commentaries, sermons or other resources, first consult the Word of God,
studying the Scriptures diligently (2Ti 2:15-note) and
inductively
(See
inductive
Bible study) in dependence on your Teacher, the
Holy Spirit, Who Jesus promised would
guide us into all truth (John 16:13).
THOUGHTS ON
INTERPRETATION
OF PROPHETIC BOOKS
In regard to the OT Prophetic books such as
Isaiah, Jeremiah, Daniel, and the 12 "Minor" Prophets, remember that the most
accurate interpretation is derived by applying the following principles:
(1)
Read the Scripture
literally
(unless the text is clearly figurative, e.g.,
Jesus said "I am the door..." Jn 10:9). If one interprets a text symbolically (allegorically,
figuratively, spiritualizing) when that text makes good sense literally,
one potentially opens themselves to the danger of inaccurate interpretation, for
then the question arises as to
who's "symbolic" interpretation is correct and how imaginative one
should be in
evaluating a "supposed symbol"? Many of the commentaries and sermons
on the OT prophetic books unfortunately are replete with non-literal
interpretations (except when it comes to
Messianic Passages,
which are usually interpreted literally). Therefore the watchword when reading any commentary on Old
Testament
prophecy is caveat emptor ("buyer
beware"). Read all commentaries like the Bereans (Acts 17:11-note).
(2)
Study the
context
which is always "king" in interpretation (don't take verses out of context.)
(3) Passages addressed to Israel should be interpreted as directed to
the literal nation of Israel and should not be interpreted as addressed to the
NT Church, an entity not mentioned in the Old Testament. The
promises of
Jehovah
to the nation of Israel (e.g., see
Millennial Promises) remain
valid
(Jer 31:35, 36, 37, Nu 23:19, Lk 21:33)
and have not been passed on to the NT Church because Israel has
"defaulted" (See study
Israel of God).
Remember that while Scripture has only one correct interpretation, there can be many
legitimate applications (See
Application),
and therefore the OT prophetic books are extremely applicable in the lives of NT believers.
(4) Scripture is always the best commentary on Scripture. While an attempt
has been made to list resources that adhere to these basic interpretative
guidelines, not all the works listed in these collections have been read in
detail. Therefore should you discover a
resource you feel is conservative and/or orthodox, please email your
concerns.
Related Resources:
Inductive Bible Study - Guidelines to Assure Accurate
Interpretation
Inductive Bible Study Interpretation of
Prophetic Scripture
Interpretative Views
of the Revelation of Jesus Christ
Allegorical Interpretation
- Tony Garland
Interpreting Symbols - Tony Garland
Basic Considerations in
Interpreting Prophecy - John Walvoord
Millennium
- Biblical descriptions of this time on
earth, primarily from the OT prophets
