Program 187: Correctly Interpreting Scripture

Scripture was meant to be understood. Learn the tools for interpreting Scripture correctly.

Welcome to WLC Radio, a subsidiary of World’s Last Chance Ministries, an online ministry dedicated to learning how to live in constant readiness for the Savior's return.

For two thousand years, believers of every generation have longed to be the last generation. Contrary to popular belief, though, Christ did not give believers “signs of the times” to watch for. Instead, he repeatedly warned that his coming would take even the faithful by surprise. Yahushua urgently warned believers to be ready because, he said, “The Son of Man is coming at an hour you do not expect.” [Matthew 24:44] 

WLC Radio: Teaching minds and preparing hearts for Christ's sudden return.

* * *Part 1: (Miles & Dave)

Miles Robey: The truth. You believe the truth. I believe the truth. The whole world believes they believe the truth. But do we really? How can we know for sure that what we believe actually is the truth?

Hello, I’m Miles Robey and you’re listening to WLC Radio. William Shakespeare, the great English poet and playwright, is justifiably considered by many to be the greatest writer of the English language the world has ever seen. Many around the world go so far as to claim he was the greatest dramatist in all of history. It’s estimated he outright invented as many as 1,700 words, many of which are still in use in English, as well as scores of common idioms.

Shakespeare was also an astute observer of the human condition. It’s probably what made him such a skilled playwright. He once wrote, quote: “The devil can cite Scripture for his purpose.”

It seems such an obvious statement, but it’s also very true. Just because a doctrine or new idea uses Scripture to support it, doesn’t mean it’s actually true. So how can we know for sure that our interpretations of Scripture are correct?

Dave? I’m hoping you can shed some light on that for us today.

Dave Wright: Thanks, Miles. It’s been rather cynically observed that you can “make the Bible say whatever you want it to say.” It’s probably why there are so many different denominations, all of which claim to be Bible-based.

Miles: Well, you have to admit, looking at the conflicting beliefs people hold, all of which they claim to be able to prove from Scripture, it does appear you can make the Bible say whatever you want. So, then, circling back around to my original question, how can we know—for sure—that our beliefs are correct and that we’re not just twisting Scripture to say what we want?

Dave: We’re going to talk about that. There are certain rules of Biblical interpretation which, if you apply when you study, you can be sure that with the Holy Spirit’s guidance, you’re on the right track.

Before we get into that, though, I want to talk about some pitfalls believers can wander into. As we’ve discussed in other programs, Heaven is now calling all believers to leave Babylon. Revelation 18 tells believers, “Go out of her, My people, that ye be not partakers of her sins, and that ye receive not of her plagues.”

Miles: That’s from the Geneva Bible, the Bible of the Protestant reformers.

Dave: Right! See, we’ve always interpreted that as an invitation: “Come out of her, My people.” Leave your church and join mine. But that’s not what it’s saying. It’s a command: GO! Leave all organized denominations and religions behind because all have some error.

The problem is that we’ve all developed some bad habits during our time in Babylon.

Miles: Like what, for example?

Dave: I’d say one of the biggest ones is being taught that it’s dangerous to question. Each organization has its own set of beliefs, its own creed. This body of beliefs is, of course, presented as being The Truth.

And naturally! People don’t knowingly believe error.

Miles: Of course not.

Dave: But along with this assumption that your church has … The Truth … comes the twin assumption that everything else is error or you’d already know it.

Miles: Oh, yeah. I remember that feeling. You’re taught to view new ideas with suspicion. It’s not that it’s really put into words, but the message you get is that anything new is wrong by default.

Dave: Well, personally, I can remember being taught that questioning was dangerous. It opened the door to doubt and then Satan would come in like a flood and you’d be in grave danger.

But that’s not true! Yahuwah wants us to know the truth and the only way we’re going to do that is to study for ourselves!

Miles: Be like the Bereans. Luke commended them for not just accepting what Paul presented at face value. Instead, they took the time to study it out for themselves.

Dave: Yes, and that brings me to my next bad habit that we learned while stuck in Babylon, and that is the practice of looking to external authorities to tell you what to believe. You don’t need another human to tell you how to interpret Scripture. You don’t need a pastor or priest to teach you the truth. Often, these respected authorities have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo. They’re not interested in stirring up the waters, so to speak.

They don’t want to jeopardize their jobs or their standing in the organization. And while that may be understandable to a degree, it doesn’t usually put them at the forefront of advancing light.

Miles: Reminds me of something the author, George R. R. Martin, wrote. He said, “Most men would rather deny a hard truth than face it.” And you can see that. People run to the ministers to be told if a new idea is the truth, but if the new idea challenges their denomination’s established doctrines, the minister is going to be—at least subconsciously—worried about keeping food on the table and a roof over his family’s heads more than rocking the boat.

Dave: For that reason alone, anyone whose livelihood depends on maintaining the status quo is not the most unbiased “authority” to ask.

There’s one more bad habit we’ve all picked up in Babylon and that is the desire to surround ourselves with like-minded believers and to feel insecure if we can’t.

Miles: That’s true. Especially that last part. We get so many messages from people around the world asking if we know of like-minded believers in their area. I think it’s human nature to assume there’s safety in numbers, but following truth is a very solitary walk.

Dave: It doesn’t feel “safe” or comfortable to stand alone and yet that is precisely what believers today are being called to do. And there are special blessings promised those who will step out in faith and follow truth, no matter how solitary a walk it is, or how alone they are.

Would you please turn to Revelation 14? Revelation 14 and read verses 4 and 5. Go ahead.

Miles: “These are the ones who were not defiled with women, for they are virgins. These are the ones who follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being firstfruits to [Yah] and to the Lamb. And in their mouth was found no deceit, for they are without fault before the throne of [Yahuwah].”

Dave: There is no deceit or guile found in their mouths because they trusted Yahuwah to keep them safe when they stepped out alone and separate. And, believe me! Following the Lamb withersoever he goeth? Yeah, that will always be a solitary walk. It takes courage and faith and trust to do that, but this is why they are spiritual virgins and why they’re described as having no deceit. They’ve left error behind and follow truth wherever it leads.

Miles: That’s a high calling. We quote this phrase—“following the Lamb withersoever he goeth”—but I don’t think most of us really contemplate what that looks like, what that feels like when no one else around you is following him, too.

We’ve said before that it’s important to study with an open mind. What does that look like? What is “studying with an open mind”?

Dave: It’s not studying to prove something wrong. Studying with an open mind means that we lay aside all our preconceived ideas and we are willing to accept the new idea, if the Holy Spirit convicts us that it is indeed the truth.

It won’t always. Sometimes the spirit will convict you that something is wrong. But in whichever pathway lies the truth, you first have to make a conscious choice to be willing to follow, be willing to accept it regardless of the cost. And it does require making a conscious choice.

Miles: I remember, years ago, reading statement that said something along the lines of … there is no excuse for any of us in assuming there is no more truth to be revealed and that all our beliefs are without error. The fact that we’ve believed for years that certain doctrines are the truth does not automatically make them error-free. Then it said, “Age will not make error into truth, and truth can afford to be fair. No true doctrine will lose anything by close investigation.”

That’s always stayed with me.

Dave: It’s an excellent point. We’re never safe when we decide that we’ve got all the truth we need to be saved and refuse to consider new ideas.

We can trust the Father to keep us safe as we look at new ideas. He’s not going to let the devil ensnare us against our will; He’s not going to let Satan hypnotize us. Sometimes, you get the feeling that people are afraid that if they even look at something wrong, the devil will ensnare them. But that’s a lie to keep us content in our errors. Yahuwah will never let us be deceived against our will.

Miles: That’s very encouraging.

So, let’s talk about rules of interpretation now. What’s the first rule to follow to really get at the truth and not wander off on some erroneous tangent?

Dave: I’d say the first rule of Biblical interpretation is to make sure that, whatever subject you’re looking into, every word has its proper place. Individual words are important. They can shift the meaning of a verse, so pay attention. Would you please turn to Matthew 5 and read verse 18?

Miles: Oh, this is from Christ’s sermon on the mount. It says: “For assuredly, I say to you, till heaven and earth pass away, one jot or one tittle will by no means pass from the law till all is fulfilled.”

Dave: Let every word have its proper place. Look up words. If you don’t own a Bible dictionary, look online. There are some fantastic Bible study tools available for free online. Knowing just the definition of the key words can add an entire extra layer of meaning to the verse!

Miles: Absolutely! When I started looking up words, I was amazed at how much more meaningful my Bible study became. There was meaning there I’d never realized before! It’s truly like being a miner and digging deep.

Dave: Another rule to remember is that all of Scripture is important. Not all is equally applicable for every situation, but all of Scripture is necessary.

Miles: Didn’t Martin Luther stumble over this? I thought I read somewhere that there was a book of the Bible he thought shouldn’t be in there.

Dave laughs: Ah, yes! Martin Luther and the book of James. Luther didn’t have a deep enough understanding of James.

You recall that Luther’s big breakthrough was the importance of justification by faith. That was his focus. So then along comes James talking about faith and works, and Luther can’t see that James is presenting a very balanced approach that does not contradict justification by faith. Luther didn’t understand James and thought it didn’t belong in the Bible at all.

Miles: Yeah, I remember. I just looked up his comment online. Listen to this. He said, “St. James’ epistle is really an epistle of straw, compared to these others, for it has nothing of the nature of the Gospel about it.”

Dave: He could have benefitted from today’s discussion!

Turn to 2 Timothy chapter 3 and read verses 14 to 17 for us. That’s 2 Timothy 3, verses 14 to 17.

Miles:

But you must continue in the things which you have learned and been assured of, knowing from whom you have learned them, and that from childhood you have known the Holy Scriptures, which are able to make you wise for salvation through faith which is in Christ Yahushua.

All Scripture is given by inspiration of [Yahuwah], and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness, that the man of [Yah] may be complete, thoroughly equipped for every good work.

Dave: We’re to continue in the things we’ve learned and been established in as the truth. These lay a foundation for still greater truths and deeper understanding. And we’re to never forget that all of Scripture is for our instruction and edification.

Of course, not everything in Scripture is applicable to every situation, but every situation has a corresponding part of Scripture that can provide guidance and wisdom.

Miles: Any practical tips on how to use Scripture to obtain that guidance when you need it? I mean, I know you can always look up words and promises, but how do you take a particular passage and apply it?

Dave: I have found three steps to be helpful:

1. Observation
2. Interpretation
3. Application

Step 1: Observation. Ask yourself, “What is this passage saying?” And then pay close attention to how Scripture itself ties ideas together.

Miles: What do you mean?

Dave: Well, comparisons and contrasts. Those always teach a lot. For example, Yahushua said, “You have heard that it was said …” and then he followed it up with, “But I say to you.” [Matthew 5:21] That’s a contrast between two different ideas. You want to pay attention to those.

Another is the if/then statements. An example of this is found in 2 Chronicles 7 verse 14. Why don’t you read that for us?

Miles: “If My people who are called by My name will humble themselves, and pray and seek My face, and turn from their wicked ways, then I will hear from heaven, and will forgive their sin and heal their land.”

Dave: If My people will do … this, that, and the other, then I will do that for them. It’s an if/then statement.

Miles: I’ve noticed to pay attention whenever Scripture asks a question. Like in Psalm 24 it asks, “Who is the King of glory?” and then it answers its own question: “Yahuwah strong and mighty!”

Dave: That’s a good point, too. All of these show us the relationship between ideas and can help us know what a passage says.

Next is interpretation: what does it mean? That’s what today’s program is about. Knowing how to interpret Scripture correctly and consistently.

Finally, there’s application: how does this passage impact my life and how I live? How does it affect my relationships, both with Yahuwah and with others in my life?

This is how your Bible study can positively affect your life in practical ways and give you guidance.

* * *

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However, there are certain situations in which referring to Yahuwah as “god” is not only acceptable but even necessary. For clarification on WLC’s stance regarding the use of titles to refer to our divine Creator, listen to the previously aired radio program entitled “Christ the Rock.” [Program 186] The daily mailbag question of that episode covers this very topic.

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* * *Part 2: (Miles & Dave)

Dave: I’ve printed off a list of Bible verses that are promises we can claim when we’re studying the Bible and wanting to know what it says. The first verse on there is Deuteronomy 29 verse 29. Would you read that for us? This verse perfectly encapsulates the next point on knowing whether or not your interpretation of Scripture is correct. Deuteronomy 29:29.

Miles: “The secret things belong to Yahuwah our elohim, but those things which are revealed belong to us and to our children forever, that we may do all the words of this law.”

Dave: When you open your Bible, knowing it is Yahuwah’s personal communication to you, you can trust that there’s nothing in Scripture that will be kept hidden from your understanding. If it’s in the Bible, it’s been revealed. Yes, there are passages that require diligent study to dig out what is meant, but that meaning is available to all who will diligently seek it.

Miles: Yahushua said the same thing. In Matthew, he told his followers, “Therefore do not fear them. For there is nothing covered that will not be revealed, and hidden that will not be known.” [Matthew 10:26]

Dave: Yahuwah wants us to know the truths Scripture contains! He’s not holding back. He’s not keeping secrets from us. If it’s in the Bible, He wants us to know it. What does the next verse say?

Miles: “Whatever I tell you in the dark, speak in the light; and what you hear in the ear, preach on the housetops.”

Dave: I know there are certain passages that are really difficult to grasp. It takes real commitment and study to understand them, but the Bible is full of reassurance on this point: Yahuwah wants us to know the truth. What’s the next verse?

Miles: Uh, 1 Corinthians 2 verse 10?

It says: “But [Yah] has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of [Yahuwah].”

Dave: And if we start to get off just a bit, Yahuwah can bring our understanding back into line. Philippians 3 verse 15 says, “Therefore let us, as many as are mature, have this mind; and if in anything you think otherwise, [Yahuwah] will reveal even this to you.”

So, you really don’t have to be afraid to study on your own. You really don’t have to have the validation of a pastor or priest to tell you you’re on track. Don’t go running to those who have a vested interest in maintaining the status quo and ask them about new light. You’re not going to find it from anyone whose income is linked to publicly supporting an already established set of doctrines.

What’s the next one?

Miles: Matthew 21 verse 22. It says, “And whatever things you ask in prayer, believing, you will receive.”

Dave: This includes wisdom to decipher even the most difficult passages of Scripture.

Miles: One of my favorite promises in the Bible is James 1 verse 5. It says: “If any of you lacks wisdom, let him ask of [Yahuwah], who gives to all liberally and without reproach, and it will be given to him.”

Dave: That is a powerful promise and the very next verse explains how we’re to ask. It says, “But let him ask in faith, with no doubting, for he who doubts is like a wave of the sea driven and tossed by the wind.” [James 1:6] So, in our Bible study, we can be confident that Yahuwah will reveal His word to us. We don’t have to have a Doctor of Divinity degree to understand Scripture. We don’t have to be told what to believe by someone else who has a Doctor of Divinity degree. We just need Yahuwah.

Miles: And isn’t He always enough?

Dave: Absolutely.

Now, once you’ve dug into Scripture—say you have a theme you’re studying— it’s important to study every single passage on the topic.

This isn’t something that can be done in a quick perusal in the morning before you dash off to work. We’re talking deep digging here. It takes time to bring together all the different passages that talk about the subject you wish to know. But it’s powerful and it will teach you a lot.

Miles: Oh, yeah! In fact, it was doing that very thing that finally convinced me of the error of the trinity doctrine. The sticking point for me had been the Holy Spirit. Scripture obviously talks about a Holy Spirit, so how can you tell me there’s no third person of the godhead? You know what I mean?

So, to get to the bottom of it, I looked up every single verse that had the word spirit in it. Every … single … verse … in the Bible. It took a while, but by the time I got through, it was very clear that there’s no such thing as “God the Holy Spirit.” The word translated “spirit” simply means “breath” and that’s how it’s used throughout Scripture.

Dave: This is where a concordance comes in very handy. If you don’t have one, look online. It’s important to gather together and look at every passage that deals with the topic you’re studying. How else are you going to know everything Scripture says about it?

We have to skip a few verses. Drop down and read verses 19 to 21 of 2 Peter chapter 1.

Miles:

And so we have the prophetic word confirmed, which you do well to heed as a light that shines in a dark place, until the day dawns and the morning star rises in your hearts; knowing this first, that no prophecy of Scripture is of any private interpretation, for prophecy never came by the will of man, but holy men of [Yahuwah] spoke as they were moved by the Holy Spirit.

Dave: When we look at every passage on a given topic, we are able to see the subject in its totality.

This is what Christ himself did. I know it’s not on your list there, so grab your Bible and turn to Luke 24. This is a fascinating little story that shows how Yahushua studied Scripture. Start at verse 13. This happened after Christ’s resurrection when his followers were still in a state of shock over his death.

Miles:

Now behold, two of them were traveling that same day to a village called Emmaus, which was seven miles from Jerusalem. And they talked together of all these things which had happened. So it was, while they conversed and reasoned, that Yahushua himself drew near and went with them. But their eyes were restrained, so that they did not know him.

And he said to them, “What kind of conversation is this that you have with one another as you walk and are sad?”

Then the one whose name was Cleopas answered and said to him, “Are you the only stranger in Jerusalem, and have you not known the things which happened there in these days?”

And he said to them, “What things?” [Luke 24:13-19]

Dave: So they told Yahushua everything that had happened that weekend, about his death and how several women had, that very morning claimed to have been told by angels that he was alive, and mostly of their own confusion and disappointment in his death. See, they’d thought that, in order to be the Messiah, he couldn’t have died. So pick up the story at verse 25 and see what Yahushua said to them.

Miles:

Then he said to them, “O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into his glory?” And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, he expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself. [Luke 24:25-27]

Dave: So starting at Moses—you can’t go back any further than that as he wrote the first five books of the Bible—and including all the prophets, Christ traced out for these troubled believers “in all the Scriptures the things concerning himself.”

Miles: That was a thorough Bible study!

Dave: And that’s how we’re to study, too. Bring all the passages together.

What’s the next passage on your list?

Miles: Isaiah 28.

Dave: Oh, this is a great chapter. Every Bible student should know the principles laid out here. Go ahead. What have you got?

Miles: Verses 9 and 10 say:

Whom will he teach knowledge?
And whom will he make to understand the message?
Those just weaned from milk?
Those just drawn from the breasts?
For precept must be upon precept, precept upon precept,
Line upon line, line upon line,
Here a little, there a little.

Dave: You lay your foundation strong by looking at every passage on any given topic because, and here’s our next rule of Biblical interpretation, Scripture explains itself!

The Bible is unique in that it is the only book whose author is divine. It’s a rule unto itself so it has to be its own expositor.

Miles: That makes sense. If we depend on another person to explain Scripture to us, he might guess if he doesn’t know, or her answer might be influenced by her particular set of denominational beliefs.

Dave: Exactly. Our beliefs shape our thoughts and our interpretations, so it takes conscious effort to not let past ideas overly influence unfolding light.

What’s the next passage?

Miles: Uhhh, Matthew 23:8-10. It says: “But you, do not be called ‘Rabbi’; for one is your Teacher, the Christ, and you are all brethren. Do not call anyone on earth your father; for One is your Father, He who is in heaven. And do not be called teachers; for one is your teacher, the Christ.”

Dave: So, the Savior himself is our teacher. We don’t need to turn to fallible brothers and sisters, taking them at their word. We all have a responsibility to study for ourselves and listen to the promptings of the Spirit of Yah to guide us.

In fact, Scripture itself warns of the solemn responsibility spiritual leaders have to share only the truth. Let’s look at it really quickly. Would you please turn to Malachi 2 and read verses 7 and 8?

Miles:

For the lips of a priest should keep knowledge,
And people should seek the law from his mouth;
For he is the messenger of Yahuwah of hosts.
But you have departed from the way;
You have caused many to stumble at the law.
You have corrupted the covenant of Levi,”
Says Yahuwah of hosts.

Dave: It’s a solemn responsibility to teach others. Too many are more concerned about maintaining their influence than admitting that they’ve made a mistake. But the truth is, we’ve all made mistakes! We’ve all inherited errors! It’s not something to be ashamed of to admit it. It shows you’re studying and learning more!

Miles: Scripture refers to such spiritual leaders as false shepherds. This reminds me of one passage … give me just moment to find it … that is a denouncement against those who refuse to follow increasing light.

Here it is. It’s Ezekiel 34:18-19

 Is it too little for you to have eaten up the good pasture, that you must tread down with your feet the residue of your pasture—and to have drunk of the clear waters, that you must foul the residue with your feet? And as for My flock, they eat what you have trampled with your feet, and they drink what you have fouled with your feet.”

Dave: Wow. Yeah, you don’t want to be responsible for knowingly keeping truth from people or twisting your interpretation to meet some foregone conclusion.

What’s next on your list?

Miles: Luke 11:52. It says, “Woe to you lawyers! For you have taken away the key of knowledge. You did not enter in yourselves, and those who were entering in you hindered.”

Dave: Today, we don’t think of lawyers in conjunction with Scripture, but in Christ’s day, the “lawyers” were expositors of Yah’s law. Unfortunately, they didn’t accurately represent or teach the truth. Instead, by their twisting and covering up of the truth, they actually prevented the truth from being known. That’s why Yahushua said, “Those who were entering, you hindered!”

Miles: Not something you want to be accused of in the day of judgement!

Dave: Not at all!

What’s your next verse?

Miles: Psalm 19, verses 7 to 11. It says:

The law of Yahuwah is perfect, converting the soul;
The testimony of Yahuwah is sure, making wise the simple;
The statutes of Yahuwah are right, rejoicing the heart;
The commandment of Yahuwah is pure, enlightening the eyes;
The fear of Yahuwah is clean, enduring forever;
The judgments of Yahuwah are true and righteous altogether.

More to be desired are they than gold,
Yea, than much fine gold;
Sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb.
Moreover by them Your servant is warned,
And in keeping them there is great reward.

Dave: Earlier you read 1 Corinthians 2 verse 10. I’d like you to read it again but this time, I’d like you to read through verse 13. I don’t think it’s on your list so just look it up really quick.

In context, this is talking about truths that are a mystery to our human understanding. It explains how we can use the Holy Spirit to learn the truth. The way the spirit of Yah teaches us is by taking what we do know in Scripture and showing us how that applies to the passages we’re studying.

Go ahead: 1 Corinthians chapter 2, verses 6 through 13.

Miles: Uhhh …

However, we speak wisdom among those who are mature, yet not the wisdom of this age, nor of the rulers of this age, who are coming to nothing. But we speak the wisdom of [Yahuwah] in a mystery, the hidden wisdom which [Yahuwah] ordained before the ages for our glory, which none of the rulers of this age knew; for had they known, they would not have crucified the Lord of glory.

But as it is written:

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard,
Nor have entered into the heart of man
The things which [Yahuwah] has prepared for those who love Him.”

But [Yahuwah] has revealed them to us through His Spirit. For the Spirit searches all things, yes, the deep things of [Yahuwah]. For what man knows the things of a man except the spirit of the man which is in him? Even so no one knows the things of [Yahuwah] except the Spirit of [Yahuwah]. Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from [Yahuwah], that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by [Yahuwah].

These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual.

Dave: Our puny human wisdom is insufficient to grasp the deep things of Yah. Of course we have to have divine help to understand! And the way we get it is through Scripture explaining itself. And that brings me to my next rule of Biblical interpretation.

There are a lot of visions in the Bible. These use a lot of symbolic language but you don’t have to guess what’s a vision and what’s not because if it’s a vision, it will always tell you it is.

Miles: Yeah, this next verse is 2 Corinthians 12:1. It says: “It is doubtless not profitable for me to boast. I will come to visions and revelations of [Yahuwah].”

Dave: The point of Scripture is to be understood, so we’re not left having to guess at such things. If a passage is from a vision, it will say so.

* * *

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* * *Part 3 (Miles & Dave)

Dave: Scripture contains different types of writing. There’s narrative, of course: all the stories we know and love. There are the books of the law, history, poetry, the genealogies, and then there’s … prophecy.

Miles chuckles: I like how you say that with such dread: prophecy.

Dave: That’s how a lot of people feel about it. “Oh, no! Prophecy!” But when you know how to interpret prophecy and find answers for what it means, it becomes one of the most fascinating studies you’ll ever engage in.

Miles: Speaking for myself, what has made studying prophecy so difficult is all the different figures and symbols used. It’s almost like a secret code.

Dave: Sure! It is frustrating if you don’t understand the code, but once you do, it all falls into place and the depth of meaning you can uncover is not only mind-boggling, but it’s thrilling, too!

Let’s look at what the Bible says about visions. What’s your next verse?

Miles: Psalm 89 verse 19. It says, “Then You spoke in a vision to Your holy one,
And said: ‘I have given help to one who is mighty;
I have exalted one chosen from the people.’”

Dave: Visions are given to be understood. It’s not like Yah is some celestial Riddler that simply wants to confuse people. Visions are given to impart information.

What’s next?

Miles: Hosea 12 verse 10: “I have also spoken by the prophets, and have multiplied visions; I have given symbols through the witness of the prophets.”

Dave: Yes, we learn from the Bible’s history, poetry and narratives, but prophecy is direct, and symbols contain nuances that plain statements lack.

What’s the next verse?

Miles: Habakkuk 2, verses 1 to 3.

Dave: Oh, this is an interesting one. Habakkuk here is expressing his determination to know what a vision meant.

Miles:

I will stand my watch
And set myself on the rampart,
And watch to see what He will say to me,
And what I will answer when I am corrected.

Then Yahuwah answered me and said:

“Write the vision
And make it plain on tablets,
That he may run who reads it.
For the vision is yet for an appointed time;
But at the end it will speak, and it will not lie.
Though it tarries, wait for it;
Because it will surely come,
It will not tarry.”

Dave: Interpretations are not always readily understood, but if we are faithful, in time the meaning will become clear.

Read Acts 2 verses 17 and 18. This is from Peter’s sermon on Pentecost, but it’s interesting because he’s quoting from the Old Testament here, showing he understood the important role prophecy plays.

Go ahead.

Miles:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, says [Yahuwah],
That I will pour out of My Spirit on all flesh;
Your sons and your daughters shall prophesy,
Your young men shall see visions,
Your old men shall dream dreams.
And on My menservants and on My maidservants
I will pour out My Spirit in those days;
And they shall prophesy.

Dave: Now, here is where the Bible interpreting itself really comes into play. Yahuwah often sent angels to the prophets to explain what the various visions meant and it’s here that we find the secret decoder chart, so to speak. Once you have a definition of a symbol, you can apply that throughout all of Scripture.

For example, “water” is defined as a symbol of people in Revelation, so that same definition holds true for Old Testament prophecies, too.

Miles: Also, all the types in the Old Testament are fulfilled in New Testament anti-types. Listen to this. It’s Hebrews 9:24. It says: “For Christ has not entered the holy places made with hands, which are copies of the true, but into heaven itself, now to appear in the presence of [Yahuwah] for us.”

Dave: That’s excellent. Yes, even the tabernacle in the wilderness and all its services taught sweeping and profound lessons that met their fulfillment in Christ’s ministry. Some parts even point forward to his return.

Any more?

Miles: Uh, yeah. Psalm 78 verses 1 to 4:

Give ear, O my people, to my law;
Incline your ears to the words of my mouth.
I will open my mouth in a parable;
I will utter dark sayings of old,
Which we have heard and known,
And our fathers have told us.
We will not hide them from their children,
Telling to the generation to come the praises of the Lord,
And His strength and His wonderful works that He has done.

Dave: This is a great passage. Notice in verse 2 it refers to “dark sayings.” The marginal reading for that is obscure sayings or riddles. But notice that the very next verse is, “Which we have heard and known”! So, Yahuwah wants us to know what is meant. That’s the whole point of why He gives us prophecy, and even the Bible, to begin with!

Another point to bear in mind when interpreting Scripture is to remember that symbols are going to always have a symbolic meaning. And, again, that meaning stays consistent throughout Scripture. For example, mountains mean governments. Beasts are kingdoms.

Miles: A lamp is the word of Yah.

Dave: Right. So once we know the definition of a symbol or figure, we can plug that in throughout Scripture.

Let’s look at an example of how this works. Turn to Daniel chapter 2. This is where, you remember, Nebuchadnezzar had that strange dream and when he couldn’t remember it, Daniel prayed and asked Yahuwah to show him what the dream was and the interpretation.

Now, what makes this chapter so interesting is that the dream—which was a prophecy—is explained in this very same chapter! You don’t have to look far to find an interpretation as this chapter contains both.

All right, so Nebuchadnezzar sees this great statue made up of various metals. Let’s pick up the story at verse 34 where Daniel talks about what happens in the dream after the king sees the statue.

Miles:

You watched while a stone was cut out without hands, which struck the image on its feet of iron and clay, and broke them in pieces. Then the iron, the clay, the bronze, the silver, and the gold were crushed together, and became like chaff from the summer threshing floors; the wind carried them away so that no trace of them was found. And the stone that struck the image became a great mountain and filled the whole earth. [Daniel 2:34-35]

Dave: Now drop down to the interpretation. He’s told what the various metals that make up the statue stand for. Now Daniel’s going to explain what was meant by a stone striking the feet of the image and becoming a great mountain. Go ahead. Verse 44.

Miles: “And in the days of these kings the God of heaven will set up a kingdom which shall never be destroyed; and the kingdom shall not be left to other people; it shall break in pieces and consume all these kingdoms, and it shall stand forever.”

Dave: So now we know that when the word “mountain” is used as a figure, it symbolizes “kingdoms,” and that can be applied in all prophecies throughout Scripture that mention mountains.

Miles: What about parables? Christ spoke in a lot of parables. He explained some of them, but not all. How can you know you’re really getting the intended message?

Dave: Parables are often used to draw comparisons. Most if not all of the parables Christ spoke were to illustrate various aspects of Yah’s kingdom: how to inherit it, what character qualities believers should have, that sort of thing. Like symbols, the Bible itself sheds light on what the parables mean and now to interpret the figures used in them.

What verse do you have for this point?

Miles: Mark 4:13. It says, uh: “And he said to them, ‘Do you not understand this parable? How then will you understand all the parables?’”

Dave: This appears to be a throw-away line but it’s making an important point. This parable teaches themes and clarifies symbols that can help interpret other parables. Again, Scripture interprets itself.

And this pertains to my next point: When you think you’ve arrived at the correct interpretation for a symbol or figure, you next need to apply it. Look at every prophecy or obscure passage that uses that symbol. One of those is going to explain the symbol. Does it match what you think it should be? When you insert that definition into the prophecy or parable or whatever you’re looking at, does it make sense in every single instance where that symbol appears? If it does, then you’ve arrived at the correct definition.

If even one of the passages doesn’t make sense with that interpretation, you’ve got to keep looking.

Miles: Yeah, I’ve noticed as obscure and difficult to understand as some passages are, in the end when you understand the symbols, it all makes logical sense. And none of it contradicts anything else in Scripture.

Dave: Yes, but remember it is possible to have two or more different definitions. That’s okay, too.

For example, in many prophecies a day equals a year. We speak of prophetic time? That is where a day equals a year.

Miles: Peter says a day with Yah is as a thousand years.

Dave: Yes, and in Ezekiel, when the prophet was told to lie on his side, one day for each year, a year equals a day. So, in order to figure out which one of the three is correct, just look at each one. Which one makes the most sense? Which one “fits”?

Miles: I think most Christians are acquainted with the principle of a day for a year. After the spies spent 40 days looking over the Promised Land and then returned with an evil report, the Children of Israel griped and complained saying they wished they’d died in the Wilderness, so Yah granted their request. That’s where the sentence of 40 years in the Wilderness came from.

But this year for a day isn’t talked about as much. Could you explain where you get that from?

Dave: Yeah! Let’s take a look at it. It’s Ezekiel chapter 4. Read the first 6 verses. This is Yahuwah’s instructions to Ezekiel. Go ahead.

Miles:

You also, son of man, take a clay tablet and lay it before you, and portray on it a city, Jerusalem. Lay siege against it, build a siege wall against it, and heap up a mound against it; set camps against it also, and place battering rams against it all around. Moreover take for yourself an iron plate, and set it as an iron wall between you and the city. Set your face against it, and it shall be besieged, and you shall lay siege against it. This will be a sign to the house of Israel.

Lie also on your left side, and lay the iniquity of the house of Israel upon it. According to the number of the days that you lie on it, you shall bear their iniquity. For I have laid on you the years of their iniquity, according to the number of the days, three hundred and ninety days; so you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Israel. And when you have completed them, lie again on your right side; then you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days. I have laid on you a day for each year.

Dave: So, when looking at a time prophecy, ask yourself, “Which one fits? A thousand years for a day? A day equals a year? Or a year equals a day? The correct answer is the one that is consistent and makes sense.

Miles: Yah is always logical.

Dave: True prophetic interpretation doesn’t strain credulity. It’s going to make sense.

Miles: So how are we supposed to know if a word is to be interpreted symbolically or taken just as it reads? There are lots of mentions of “mountains” in the Bible, but not all of them are meant symbolically.

Dave: If it makes logical sense to interpret it literally, interpret it literally. If it doesn’t do violence to the laws of nature, then chances are good it’s to be interpreted literally.

For example, take Revelation 17 verse 3. You’ve got it on your list. Why don’t you read that for us?

Miles: “So he carried me away in the Spirit into the wilderness. And I saw a woman sitting on a scarlet beast which was full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.”

Dave: There is no such thing as a beast “full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns.” So that, right there, lets you know this whole passage is to be interpreted prophetically, and that includes the figure of a woman.

Another good illustration of this is Revelation 12 verses 1 to 4.

Miles: Uhhh …

Now a great sign appeared in heaven: a woman clothed with the sun, with the moon under her feet, and on her head a garland of twelve stars. Then being with child, she cried out in labor and in pain to give birth.

And another sign appeared in heaven: behold, a great, fiery red dragon having seven heads and ten horns, and seven diadems on his heads. His tail drew a third of the stars of heaven and threw them to the earth. And the dragon stood before the woman who was ready to give birth, to devour her Child as soon as it was born.

Dave: You can’t literally wear the sun, so again a clear use of symbols here.

Miles: Okay, but then how do we know if we have the true historical event for the fulfillment of prophecy? We’ve covered before in other programs that the purpose of prophecy is so that, when it’s fulfilled, we can see and believe that Yah is in control. So how do you arrive at the true fulfillment of a prophetic event?

Dave: What you need to do is to compare the prophecy with the historical event. Does that event fit every single particular of the prophecy? If even one point is lacking, if even one detail is missing, then you need to keep looking.

Now, do be aware that sometimes there are partial fulfillments. And that’s fine. A partial fulfillment can still teach us a lot.

But to know for sure that you’ve found the actual fulfillment, every single detail of the prophecy has to fit. If it doesn’t, keep looking.

What verse do you have there?

Miles: Revelation 17 verse 17. It says: “For [Yahuwah] has put it into their hearts to fulfill His purpose, to be of one mind, and to give their kingdom to the beast, until the words of [Yah] are fulfilled.”

Dave: Yahuwah always makes sure that history and prophecy agree because, as you said, the whole point is so that our faith in Him can be strengthened when we see the prophecy’s fulfillment. This is an important point and it’s why our faith is strengthened when prophecy is fulfilled. It shows Yahuwah is in control of history.

What’s your next verse?

Miles: Acts 3:18. It says: “But those things which [Yahuwah] foretold by the mouth of all His prophets, that the Christ would suffer, He has thus fulfilled.”

Dave: Yahuwah has fulfilled. He’s not only the monarch of the universe, but he’s the Lord of history. He’s in control. So, we can know that the true definition will always fulfill the prophecy to the very letter. When we follow these rules of interpretation, we can know that our understanding is in line with Yah’s intended meaning.

* * *Daily Promise

Hello! This is Elise O’Brien with today’s daily promise from Yah’s word.

Hebrews 13 verse 16 tells us, quote: “And do not forget to do good and to share with others, for with such sacrifices [Yahuwah] is pleased.”

Siobhan Kukolic is an author, public speaker, and life coach from Toronto, Canada. She has a friend who is an early childhood education teacher. Being friends, the two women often share with each other interesting things about their work. One day, her friend was teaching a class of six-year-olds all about fractions. Now, a number of the students were refugees who had only recently arrived from other countries.

Siobhan’s friend explained to the children what one-half and one-fourth were. Then, to check their comprehension of the new idea, she asked the children to write down whether they would like one-half or one-fourth of a bar of chocolate. Walking around the room, the teacher noticed that a number of the newly arrived students wrote that they would prefer to have just one-fourth of a bar of chocolate instead of an entire half.

Seeing this, she thought she might have to reteach the lesson since they did not seem to understand that a half is larger than a fourth. She asked the children that had answered that way why they’d prefer to have a fourth instead of a half and nearly cried when one little girl matter-of-factly explained, “So that more people could have a piece of chocolate.”

This touched the teacher’s heart so much that she shared it with Siobhan who did cry when she heard it. Seeing such selfless concern for others in such a young child, melted her heart. She says, quote: “I cried when I heard that story. It reminded me how beautiful humanity is if we take a moment to notice it.”

Luke chapter 6 verse 38 says, “Give, and it will be given to you. Good measure, pressed down, shaken together, running over, will be put into your lap. For with the measure you use it will be measured back to you.”

We have been given great and precious promises. Go and start claiming!

* * *Part 4: (Miles & Dave)

Miles: So, out of everything you’ve shared with us today, what would you say in your opinion is the most important rule of all in Bible study?

Dave: Well, it goes without saying that any study of Scripture should always be done with prayer. These rules of Biblical interpretation will keep us on track, but we’re human. We’re fallible.

Miles: Yahuwah knows that we’re but dust.

Dave: And sometimes our brains get a bit dusty and full of cobwebs! So, opening the Bible with prayer is a given.

Beyond that I would say that having faith is probably the most important rule of all.

Miles: Why is that? We’re told that “faith moves mountains,” but I guess I’m more used to viewing faith as something you exercise when you’re facing difficulties or needing to claim a promise. What does faith have to do with simply studying Yah’s word?

Dave: Because it is the act of studying Yah’s word that actively increases our faith. Turn to Romans 10 and read verse 17. It’s in Romans that we read Yahuwah “has dealt to each one a measure of faith.” [Romans 12:3] So each person ever born has been gifted with enough faith to get them started in seeking Yah, in seeking truth.

But we’re not to rest satisfied with that portion. We’re to seek to increase it. Romans 10:17 tells us how.

Miles: “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of [Yah.]”

Dave: You want to increase your faith? Study the word of Yah.
You want to increase your love? Study the word of Yah.

You want to increase your knowledge? Study the word of Yah.

Miles: I remember you shared once that faith is a plant that will grow rapidly if cultivated. I’ve found that to be my own experience, too.

And, I just want to add, faith isn’t feeling, folks! We all like the warm, fuzzy feelings, the feelings of confidence. But that’s not faith. Faith is simply taking Yahuwah at His word because you know Him, and you know you can safely trust Him.

Dave: The days ahead are going to be … there’s no good word for it. Daniel said it would be a “time of trouble, such as never was since there was a nation, even to that time.”

Miles: I don’t know about you, but I’ve got a rather vivid imagination. To be told the days ahead are going to be worse than anything the world has ever seen? That’s saying something.

Dave: And we’re going to need a faith that will stay true regardless of what the devil throws at us. We need to know for ourselves that Yahuwah stands back of every promise He’s ever made.

When we do this, we will have confidence that our Father who loves us will never allow us to be led astray. We may not hold Doctor of Divinity degrees, but we don’t need to. The Bible was written for the common man. With Yahuwah as our teacher, we can have confidence that He will keep us safe as we dig into His word.

Miles: Yeah, it’s such a common fear that comes with standing alone, even in your beliefs. We like to have a crowd surrounding us, affirming our beliefs.

Dave: But those are the souls that will be lost! We need to learn to stand alone, to have the strength to not cave into peer pressure even when the world is telling us that we’re wrong. And the way we gain that strength is by spending time in Yahuwah’s word. That is what will increase our strength and keep us steady through the days ahead.

Miles: Join us again tomorrow, and until then, remember: Yahuwah loves you . . . and He is safe to trust!

* * *

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This program and past episodes of WLC Radio are available for downloading on our website. They're great for sharing with friends and for use in Bible studies! They're also an excellent resource for those worshipping Yahuwah alone at home. To listen to previously aired programs, visit our website at WorldsLastChance.com. Click on the WLC Radio icon displayed on our homepage. 

In his teachings and parables, the Savior gave no “signs of the times” to watch for. Instead, the thrust of his message was constant … vigilance. Join us again tomorrow for another truth-filled message as we explore various topics focused on the Savior's return and how to live in constant readiness to welcome him warmly when he comes.

WLC Radio: Teaching minds and preparing hearts for Christ's sudden return.