Chapter 35

FIGURATIVE LANGUAGE OF SCRIPTURE--1. Figurative Language defined and illustrated--General Remarks respecting it--2. Rules for the Ascertaining of Figurative Language--Nature of the Subject; Scope, Context, and Analogy of Scripture--Error of understanding Literal Language figuratively--Remark on the Interpretation of Prophecy--3. Different Kinds of Figures--The Trope in its Varieties of Metonymy, Synecdoche, and Metaphor--Remarks on Comparisons--The Allegory--Its Definition and Distinction from the Metaphor--Distinction between True Allegory and the Allegorical Interpretation of History--The Parable--How distinguished from the Allegory--The Fable--The Symbol--Its Various Forms--The Proverb--It always embodies a General Truth--Its Various Forms--Signification of the Word "Myth"--It does not come within the Sphere of Scriptural Interpretation--4. General Remarks on the Interpretation of the Figurative Language of Scripture--5. Its Certainty and Truthfulness--6. Key to the Interpretation of the Allegory-- Examples: The Vine Transplanted from Egypt, Psa. 80; the two Eagles and the Cedar Bough, Ezek. 17:3-10; The Song of Solomon; the Two Allegories of Ezekiel, chaps., 16 and 23-7. The Interpretation of the Parable--How it differs from that of the Allegory--Point of Primary Importance--How far the Details are significant--Examples: The Sower, Matt. 13:3-8, 19-23; the Tares in the Field Matt. 13:24-30, 37-43; the Ten Virgins, Matt, 25:1-13--Remark respecting the Personages introduced in Parables with Illustrations--The Unforgiving Servant, Matt. 18: 23-35; the Importunate Friend, Luke 11:5-8; the Unjust Judge, Luke 18:1-8; the Unfaithful Steward, Luke 16:1-9--8. Scriptural Symbols-How to determine whether they are Real or Seen in Prophetic Vision--Principles on which they are to be interpreted--Examples--9. Remarks on the Interpretation of Numerical Symbols

SECOND DIVISION--INTERPRETATION VIEWED ON THE DIVINE SIDE.