Principles in Interpreting Apocalyptic Language
(1) We should pay particular attention to numbers and periods of time. They often have symbolic meanings that must be deduced from the evidence. Examples:
3 is the number of God. 12 is the number of God's people. 10 is the number of completeness. 7 is the number of perfection. 6 is the number of imperfection. 8 is the number of renewal.
(2) Apocalyptic language almost always has historical significance, so we must study history in order to interpret it properly.
(3) We should understand apocalyptic language figuratively unless we are forced to do otherwise. This principle reverses the usual rule of interpretation in which we understand language literally unless we are forced to do otherwise.
(4) Similarity of language does not prove identity of subjects. (Sometimes the same symbol is used to describe two different things.)
(5) Dissimilarity of language does not prove distinctness of subjects. (Sometimes different symbols are used to describe the same thing.)
(6) Easy to understand scriptures should be used to understand more difficult passages.