Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy Plot
During the First Gulf War (1991), a well-known Protestant writer and speaker was convinced that the book of Revelation predicted this conflict. His argument was based on the fact that some of the helicopters in the war looked like the locusts depicted in Revelation 9. “And he opened the bottomless pit, and smoke arose out of the pit like the smoke of a great furnace. And the sun and the air were darkened because of the smoke of the pit. Then out of the smoke locusts came upon the earth. And to them was given power, as the scorpions of the earth have power” (Rev. 9:2, 3, NKJV). Not exactly the best way to interpret biblical prophecy, is it? Yet, interpretations like this are fairly common. In fact, over the decades multiple books, articles, videos, and now websites, all dedicated to prophecy, have made many predictions, including date setting about final events—usually centered around wars or turmoil in the Middle East.
Sabbath School Study Hour Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy aired on April 5th, 2025.
Allusions, Images, Symbols: How to Study Bible Prophecy Episodes
1. Some Principles of Prophecy
Scripture: Jeremiah 9:24 Lesson: 1 Why does Bible prophecy cause so much confusion—even among Christians? Some avoid it altogether, thinking it's too complicated or divisive. But that wasn’t always the case. For centuries, believers found unity and clarity in God’s prophetic Word. In this week’s lesson, we’ll explore simple, powerful principles that bring prophecy into focus—and show how it can still inspire faith and understanding today.
2. The Genesis Foundation
Scripture: John 1:29 Lesson: 2 This week, we are going to study a handful of big concepts at the core of Revelation. There are many, and so we will choose a few to illustrate the all-important point that understanding the ancient foundations behind Revelation enables the student to see countless nuances in the text, each of which can yield important lessons about the nature of humanity, of God, and of the conflict being waged in our universe and, thus, in our lives, as well.
3. Images From Marriage
Scripture: Revelation 19:9 Lesson: 3 This week we will explore different ways the Word of God talks about marriages, good and bad. We can then draw lessons from these examples to understand better how God relates to His people, even when they fall short, and we can learn some truths about His love that can help us better grasp last-day events.
4. 'The Nations: Part 1'
Scripture: Daniel 7:14 Lesson: 4 In this lesson, we will explore humanity’s long and often tragic journey of self-government through the lens of Scripture. From the table of nations in Genesis to the hopeful vision in Revelation, this lesson traces how human attempts to rule without God have consistently fallen short. With key texts from Genesis, Samuel, Daniel, and Revelation, we uncover the contrast between earthly kingdoms and the everlasting kingdom of Christ—one that will never be destroyed. Join us as we reflect on God’s ultimate solution to our broken world and the hope of His eternal reign.
5. 'The Nations: Part 2'
Scripture: Psalms 46:10 Lesson: 5 This week, we will continue looking at the problems caused by the Fall and the desire for human government as opposed to God’s governance. These truths are powerfully revealed in the book of Daniel, which shows that God was right when He warned His people about what would happen when they turned away from Him and chose earthly monarchs instead. This is exactly what they got: earthly monarchs instead, and sinners lording it over sinners—never a good combination.
6. Understanding Sacrifice
Scripture: Revelation 5:9 Lesson: 6 This week we will look at some of the themes of sacrifice that inform our understanding of Jesus, the slain Lamb, the clear protagonist of the throne room scene. He is accepted as worthy, where no one else is, and His unique worthiness speaks volumes about what the Lord was doing through the sacrificial system. It reveals Him as a God of infinite love who made the ultimate sacrifice, an act that we, and the other intelligences in the universe, will marvel at for eternity.
7. Foundations for Prophecy
Scripture: Isaiah 6:8 Lesson: 7 This week, we move further into the vision of the throne room and consider how the human race relates to a holy God and how the sacrifice of Christ restores us and brings us close to the throne. God plans to restore us, not just as individuals but also as a race, so that we once again reveal His glory to the rest of Creation. By searching through the rest of the Bible, we can find important clues that help us understand and begin to appreciate the high calling that God has extended to us, a race of forgiven and redeemed sinners.
8. 'In the Psalms: Part 1'
Scripture: Revelation 14:1 Lesson: 8 The book of Psalms offers rich spiritual insights that deepen our understanding of Revelation, especially chapter 14. This inspired poetry reflects the human journey with God and highlights themes of worship, repentance, and salvation. As God's people are called to share a final message with the world, the Psalms provide meaningful context and encouragement for that mission. We’ll explore this connection further throughout the week.
9. 'In the Psalms: Part 2'
Scripture: Psalms 67:3-4 Lesson: 9 The Psalms also deal with these issues in great depth, exploring nearly every possible human emotion—from dark despondency to unbridled joy. We see Israel preparing for battle against the forces of darkness. We read about individuals wrestling with the question of why doesn’t God address evil more directly and immediately, a question that no doubt we all have asked. We are directed to the sanctuary for answers, and there are also repeated appeals to God’s status as Creator. Are these not issues and questions that we, in our context today, wrestle with, as well? Of course—which is why we will continue unpacking Psalms in order to learn more about these crucial truths.
10. Upon Whom the Ends Have Come
Scripture: 1 Corinthians 10:11-12 Lesson: 10 Over the next couple of weeks, we will be searching through a number of key stories in order to see what they might have to say about events such as the Second Coming, the investigative judgment, the final crisis, and more. And, through it all, we find Christ as the center, for He must be the foundation as well as the end goal of all our prophetic endeavors.
11. Ruth and Esther
Scripture: Esther 5:2 Lesson: 11 In prophecy, a woman is a powerful symbol for God’s church, shedding much light on how God regards His people. Let’s look at the biblical accounts of these two women, whose life circumstances have been immortalized in the Word of God, and seek to draw whatever lessons we can from their experiences.
12. Precursors
Scripture: 2 Timothy 1:7 Lesson: 12 Over and over, Jesus said things like “Do not fear,” and “Why do your thoughts trouble you?” It is important to remember that the focus of prophecy is Christ, and, as such, we must be able to find the same counsel throughout the scenes portrayed in earth’s closing moments. “ ‘Let not your heart be troubled,’ ” He taught His disciples, “ ‘you believe in God, believe also in Me’ ” (John 14:1, NKJV). In other words, yes, last-day events will be difficult and trying for those who seek to stay faithful to God. But ultimately, we should view these events with hope, not fear.
13. Images of the End
Scripture: Jonah 1:9 Lesson: 13 At the same time we must remember one thing for all these stories that appear to foreshadow last-day events: we must be careful to look at broad themes and allusions and not try to parse every detail to the point of creating prophetic absurdities. As in the parables of Jesus, we should look for the major points and principles. We should not milk every detail in hopes of finding some hidden truth. Instead, we should look for the outlines, the principles; and from these we can discover elements relevant for the last days.
