14. Errors of Expounders. It would not be an easy task to enumerate all the mistakes com mitted by interpreters in the field of prophecy as unfolded in the Apocalypse. We shall cursorily glance at a few in connection with their causes.
(1) Historic Basis Sometimes Ignored. When the historic basis is abandoned, imagination has ample range for her wildest extravagances. The Apocalyptic visions are based upon time and place —elements that ought never to be neglected by the exegetical inquirer. Thus we are informed that the things must shortly come to pass (Rev. i:1), and that the time is at hand (verse 3). So also in chapter xxii, it is stated, that the things must shortly be done (verse 6), while the Savior af firms, 'Behold, I come quickly' (verse 7, 20). These notices are significant as to the period to which the visions principally refer; and the com ing of Christ, announced to take place within a short time, denotes those remarkable judgments which impended over his enemies. There arc also mentioned three cities forming the theater of the sublime and terrible occurrences described. (a) Sodom, Egypt, designated as the place where our Lord was crucified, and the holy city. This can mean none other place than Jerusalem. (b) Babylon, built on seven hills. This is Rome. (c) The New Jerusalem. The first two are doomed to destruction. They also depict Judaism and heathenism ; for when the capitals fell, the em pires sank into feebleness and decay. The New Jerusalem, the kingdom of the blessed, succeeds the two former as a kingdom that shall never be moved. There are also historic personages that appear in the book. The seven Roman emperors are mentioned, while Nero in particular is signifi cantly referred to. Now, except the interpreter keep to historic ground, he will assuredly lose himself in endless conjectures, as is exemplified in a remarkable manner by the anonymous author of Ilyponoia (New York, 1844, 8vo, who supposes the book to be 'an unveiling of the mysterious truths of Christian doctrine, with an exhibition of certain opposite errors—a revelation made by Jesus Christ of himself—an intellectual manifesta tion.' (2) Supposed to Be an Epitome of Church History. Others have fallen into grievous error by seeking a detailed history of the church uni versal in the Revelation. Some even find an epit ome of the church's entire history in the Epistles to the Seven Churches; others, in the rest of the book ; others again in both. Agreeably to such a
scheme, particular events are assigned to particu lar periods, persons are specified, peoples are char acterized, and names assigned with the greatest particularity. The ablest interpreters after this fashion are Vitringa, Mede, and Faber ; but the entire plan of proceeding is inconsistent with the writer's original purpose, and leads to endless mazes.
(3) Impossible Identification. It is obvious that we should not look for a circumstance, event, or person, corresponding to every particular in the visions of the seer. It is unnecessary to remark,' says Hug, 'that all the particular traits and images in this large work are by no means significant. Many are introduced only to enliven the represen tation, or are taken from the prophets and sacred books for the purpose of ornament ; and no one who has any judgment in such matters will deny that the work is extraordinarily rich and gorgeous for a production of Western origin' (Fosdick's Translation, p. 668).
(4) Adoption of Synchronisms. The prin ciple of synchronisms has been largely adopted by interpreters since the times of Mede and Vit ringa. For an explanation and defense of such a system, we refer the reader to Mede's Clovis Apoc alyptica (Works, fol. London, 1677, p. 419, sq.), where it is fully drawn out. The method so in geniously devised by this learned writer has been followed by the great majority of English expos itors, especially by Faber in his Sacred Calendar of Prophecy. In this way the same events are said to be represented by a succession of different series of symbols, the symbols being varied, but the things intended by them remaining the same. Instead, therefore, of the book being progressive continuously, it is progressive and retrogressive throughout. Such a plan, so unlike that of the other prophetic books of Scripture, is repugnant to the sober sense of every intelligent student of the Divine word. It introduces complication and enigma sufficient to ensure its rejection. Not a hint is given by John of any such method. It was left for the ingenuity of after ages to decipher ; and when discovered by the 'father of prophetic interpretation,' as Mede is frequently called, it is difficult to be understood even by the learned reader. There is no good reason for supposing that the series of events symbolized does not progress. The representation is progressive, just as the events recorded by history are progressive.