Page 174 - Advanced Biblical Backgrounds Student Textbook

Study Section 19: Old Testament Backgrounds in Revelation

19.1 Connect.

The book of Revelation is a favorite of many and inspires great confusion as well. One reason
this is true is that we do not understand which genre it belongs in. Another reason it is
considered confusing is the use of symbolism, imagery, poetry, and the drawing on many Old
Testament passages. These passages are used in different ways. Some are used as citations,
direct quotations, others as allusions, and possibly as echoes. In this section we will address
some of these differences and their importance in interpreting Revelation. We will also summarize some
of the various Old Testament usage in John’s letter as well. Keep in mind that Revelation is somewhat
mysterious. As we proceed you need to know that we hold a futurist position on Revelation, that is, we
understand that the events prophesied after the chapters on the seven churches have not yet
happened. So while we will address other views, what follows will be from that perspective.

19.2 Objectives.

1. Students should be able to explain the difference between prophecy and apocalyptic literature as
well as the impact that has on interpretation.

2. Students should able to explain the difference types of uses of the Old Testament in Revelation.

3. Students should be able to explain major structures and theories of interpretation regarding
Revelation.

19.3 Old Testament backgrounds in Revelation

One of the most important aspects of understanding any ancient writing is being able identify
what type of literature it contains. Most are unaware of the debate existing today as to whether
Revelation ought to be viewed as apocalyptic or prophetic literature. Apocalyptic literature is
understood to be “revelatory literature with a narrative framework.” 208 Prophetic literature
reveals a predictive future and can take many forms including narrative. Both utilize vivid
imagery to convey meaning. Each interpretive group points to the contents of Revelation and claim total
justification for identifying it as apocalyptic or prophetic. The name of the book in Greek is Apocalypse.
Apocalypse means “revelation” which is what we find in the book. The book itself says it is a prophecy
(Revelation 1:3, 10:11, and 22:6-7). It is even possible it is a combination of the two genres. 209 Some
have even said that it is prophecy in which apocalyptic imagery is utilized. Those who affirm it as
prophecy often see it as both future to John at the time of writing and future to us currently. The early
Church (AD 100-300) for example overwhelmingly viewed Revelation as future - which would be after
the writing of John. They called this view, and many other related aspects, Chiliasm. Others hold the
view that it is apocalyptic and was therefore a veiled addressing of how Heaven and Earth would be

208 Gary M. Burge, Gene L. Green, and Lynn H. Cohick, The New Testament in Antiquity (Grand Rapids, Mich.:
Zondervan, 2009), 427-28.
209 Ibid., 427.

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