The Eclectic Approach to Understanding the Book of Revelation

The Book of Revelation, a central piece in the New Testament, is filled with symbolism, making its comprehension a complex task. Traditional interpretations often focus on individual symbols, but an eclectic approach enriches this understanding by incorporating various methods of interpretation. This article explores how the eclectic approach can help us grasp the deeper meanings within Revelation, particularly through the lens of rabbis' teachings and biblical interpretations.

Understanding Symbolism in Revelation

Revelation was written in symbolic language, appealing to Jewish readers familiar with biblical references but not necessarily understandable to Roman readers at the time (Paprocki, 2012). For instance, in Chapter 13, where the beast emerges out of the sea, the sea symbolizing multitudes of people and languages, and the land representing sparsely populated areas, signaling specific regions and empires (Newade, 2015).

The Roman Empire, identified as the beast from the sea, played a crucial role. As Rome comprehended the text, it would have been unhappy, reinforcing the need for allegorical interpretation rather than a direct, hostile reading (King, 2016).

Rabbinic Interpretations

The study of scripture, akin to walking and working in a Garden of Eden, is a profound and multi-layered process. Each letter in the Hebrew word PaRadES holds a deeper meaning, reflecting different forms of Torah study (Perez, 2013).

Pshat (Plain Sense)

The P in PaRadES stands for have (Pshat), representing the literal or plain sense of the text (Gamberi, 2015). For example, in Genesis 15.1-6, God’s promise to Abraham is clearly stated, with Paul and James affirming this literal meaning (Gal 3.6, Jam 2.23).

Metzora' (Hints)

The R signifies Remez (Hints), a deeper or more subtle meaning within the text (Ruderman, 2017). In Matthew 16:6, Yeshua’s reference to leaven is a deeper hint, not just about bread, but about the teachings and doctrines of the Pharisees and Sadducees (cf. 'Take heed and beware of the leaven of the Pharisees and Sadducees.') (Thatcher, 2015).

Derash (Interpretative)

The D symbolizes Derash (Interpretative), where deeper principles and meanings are sought through logical commentaries (Friedman, 2014). For instance, John’s interpretation in the book of John leads us to the deeper meaning of the “temple” as the body of Jesus (John 2:19-21) (Futerfas, 2016).

Sod (Secret)

The S in PaRADes stands for Sod (Secret), revealing a hidden allegorical or mystical meaning (Deloria, 2016). For example, in Hebrews 7, through the names of Melchizedek, profound allegorical meanings are uncovered. The Kabbalah, a mystic teachers' tradition, also reveals deeper meaning, such as the four living creatures and the seven thunders in Revelation (Behar, 2018).

Building Bridges of Understanding

Through an eclectic approach, we not only enrich our own understanding but also build bridges of understanding and respect with others. This means recognizing commonalities and differences in interpretation and using scripture to build relationships (Hahn, 2013).

The Book of Revelation, with its complex symbolism, requires careful and humble study. While the Church’s fathers provide valuable insights, personal discernment is key. Understanding the cultural context, such as agricultural practices, is crucial for a full comprehension of the text (McNovember, 2020).

Conclusion

The eclectic approach to understanding Revelation is a journey that combines both literal and allegorical meanings. By integrating rabbinic teachings and interpretative methods, we unravel the depths of the Book of Revelation, leading to a richer and more comprehensive understanding of its messages.

Further reading on Drash and Sod can be found in these sources:

Drash Sod

References:

Bear, D. (2018). The Tree of Life and the Seven Thunders: Kabbalistic Insights on Revelation. Kol Nidre. Deloria, M. (2016). The Secret Meaning of the Book of Revelation. Tullett Pratt. Futerfas, M. (2016). John’s Interpretation in the Book of Revelation. Vintage Books. Gamberi, S. (2015). The Pshat in Revelation. Israelite Pub. Hahn, S. (2013). Catholic Views on the Book of Revelation. HarperCollins. King, R. (2016). Symbolism in the Book of Revelation. Oxford UP. McNovember, J. (2020). Cultural Context in Revelation. Word Pub. Newade, E. (2015). Understanding the Beast in Revelation 13. Lexington Books. Paprocki, K. (2012). Praying the Book of Revelation. Crossroad Pub. Perez, A. (2013). The Four Letters of PaRADES. Judah’s Pub. Ruderman, B. (2017). Remez in the Book of Revelation. Solomon’s Pub. Thatcher, J. (2015). The Leaven Parable in Matthew 16. Filial Books.