Symbolism, Parables and Dark Sayings
Although many believe the Bible to be a literal book, it is far from that. God stated in Numbers 12:6-8, when reprimanding Miriam and Aaron:
6And he said, Hear now my words: If there be a prophet among you, I Yehovah will make myself known unto him in a vision, and will speak unto him in a dream. 7My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. 8With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches; and the similitude of Yehovah shall he behold: wherefore then were ye not afraid to speak against my servant Moses?
For Moses, God spoke mouth to mouth, clear speech. For all others, it was to be in visions, dreams and dark sayings that would require interpretation. And even though God spoke clearly to Moses, Moses used various symbols in his writings.
Even Yeshua (Jesus) stated that He did not speak in a literal format at all times, Matthew 13:34-35.
34All these things spake Yeshua unto the multitude in parables; and without a parable spake he not unto them: 35That it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open my mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world.
Yeshua (Jesus) was quoting Psalm 78:1-2.
1Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. 2I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
Because so much of the Bible is in parables and symbols, it requires careful study and cross-referencing to understand. When one is patient the Bible will interpret itself. Symbols used in the Bible are explained in other parts of the Bible. It is our responsibility to search out and find where the symbols are explained.
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