Introduction
Apocalyptic is probably the least accessible of all the types of literature in the Old Testament, the most difficult for us to understand today. Apocalyptic appeals to the emotions, as something to be lived and experienced in the imagination rather than analysed. The use of images makes it very vivid literature, and an effective means of communication.
Apocalyptic is a specialised form of prophetic writing with a different emphasis, and using different methods, but the distinction between the two is often blurred.
Prophecy and apocalyptic compared
Prophecy laments the sinfulness of God’s people, and urges them to repent, while apocalyptic considers that wickedness is beyond hope and the only solution is total destruction.
Prophecy declares that God is displeased with the attitudes and conduct of his people, while apocalyptic assumes that the readers are already displeased with the evil around them, and are anxious for God to provide a solution.
The prophet’s purpose is to call God’s people back to obedience to God and his covenant, while apocalyptic calls the faithful few to persevere to the end, keeping pure in the face of persecution.
The prophet announces that God is going to judge sin and offer salvation through natural means such as sword, famine or pestilence or through human enemies, while apocalyptic announces that God will intervene and supernaturally judge the world, and rule the nations.
The prophet presents his message as direct speech from God, characteristically declaring, 'Thus says the Lord', while apocalyptic presents the message through graphic images, visions and symbols, often shrouded in mystery.
The prophet predicts both immediate and distant aspects of God's judgement and salvation, while apocalyptic focuses on final solutions, as the situation is too bad for short-term answers. The only hope is for God to being the history of man’s sinfulness to an end, and establish an eternal solution.
Non-canonical apocalyptic
Apocalyptic was almost an uniquely Jewish style of writing, which was later adopted by Christian writers. Most Jewish apocalyptic is part of the collection of Jewish literature known as Pseudepigrapha written during the inter-testamental period. One of the most well-known is 1 Enoch, which has similarities with OT apocalyptic. Christian apocalyptic also became popular after the first century, and the completion of the Book of Revelation. These include The Shepherd of Hermas, and the Apocalypse of Peter.
Apocalyptic in the Old Testament
Apocalyptic is mostly found in the later Old Testament writings, particularly those from the time during and after the Babylonian exile. Towards the end of the OT period, there was a gradual shift from prophetic to apocalyptic eschatology. The office of prophet was gradually replaced by a seer or wise man who was guided through visions by an angel. Through the 400 so-called ‘silent years’, there were no prophets, and apocalyptic grew more and more prominent.
The following passages are normally classified as apocalyptic
Isaiah 24 - 27
Sometimes called The Apocalypse of Isaiah, this is one of the earliest examples of apocalyptic writing. Isaiah saw no hope for the earth apart from an intervention by God.
Daniel 7 - 12
Daniel was given a series of visions of strange beasts, the coming of the Son of Man, and the kingdom which will never be destroyed (ch 7). As the end comes closer, there will be terrible trials for God’s people in ‘the beautiful land’ (ch 8). Daniel is shown that there is a time limit for wickedness as God is in control (ch 9).
Ezekiel 38 - 39
The invasion and destruction of Gog, a graphic description of God’s judgement on Israel’s enemies.
Zechariah 1 - 6
Zechariah’s eight visions showing God’s intervention to remove evil and bring a future blessing.
Zechariah 12 - 14
Two oracles predicting the restoration of Judah and Israel under the good shepherd, and the final battle and victory for Jerusalem ‘on that day’.
How apocalyptic functions
Apocalyptic was written at a time of serious crisis of faith for God's people, who were facing hardships and persecution by the political forces of their time. The question people were asking was if God is really in control, then why has he allowed the situation on earth and for his people to get so bad? The answer in apocalyptic writing was that God has not turned his back on the world, but will radically and unexpectedly intervene to bring a universal solution which will solve all problems. Those faced with a crisis are given a glimpse beyond the problems of the present.
The purpose of Apocalyptic literature
Apocalyptic literature has several functions. One is to give perspective, helping the persecuted believer to see that their misfortunes are only small compared with the bigger problems of the world. The present evil will continually get worse, with wickedness increasing to an unimaginable extent, which will ultimately set the scene for God’s sudden intervention on the Day of the Lord.
It also stimulates worship, helping the readers to see that God is in control, and he will bring an everlasting solution with eternal peace on earth. It reminds the reader of how great God is, and is a call to stand in awe and to worship the sovereign Lord of the universe.
It also brings comfort and hope for the future. The faithful are given a new hope that this evil world will eventually come to an end, and will be replaced with a new age of blessing when God’s will be done on earth as it is in heaven.
It also brings spiritual revelation that the suffering the saints were experiencing was merely part of the larger conflict between God and Satan. It reminds the reader that if the persecution ends in death or martyrdom, the saints have better things to look forward to in the glory of the new heaven and the new earth. In the meantime the readers are urged to be patient, and wait for the time that God will come to the earth to punish the wicked, and to create a radically new world. In the meantime, there is a call for purity and holiness, and rewards promised to those who remain faithful until the end.
Guidelines for interpreting apocalyptic literature
When approaching this type of literature it is easy to ask the wrong questions, often because they are asked from a modern western mind-set. By asking questions that are not intended to be asked, the result is to misuse the literature. As with all other Scripture, apocalyptic must be set in the original context of the author and the original readers, in their culture and history.
We need to remember apocalyptic was written in a crisis. The author wrote for readers who were in despair, encouraging them to keep to the faith, and to give them hope for the future.
Apocalyptic gives hope for future, rather than specific information about the future, or the timing of the end. It is not designed to give us a chronological account of the future, but to give a vivid impression of God’s future victory, taking the reader’s attention away from their current problems.
Apocalyptic is full of figurative language and uses many figures of speech, and certainly is not intended to be taken literally. It deliberately describes things in very vivid language, creating almost ‘fairy-tale’ images, designed to effect the emotions of the reader.
Apocalyptic literature is mysterious, so it is not helpful to attempt to identify every little detail. The images are often fluid, even within the same passage. Similar images in other passages of Scripture may have different meanings, often leaving us with a puzzle which we cannot solve.
We need to look for the main point of the text. Reading apocalyptic is rather like looking at an impressionist painting. You need to stand back and see the overall impression. Trying to examine all the details can cause you to miss the whole point.
We need to appreciate the rich symbolism. We can enjoy the beautiful imagery used to describe heaven and the glorious future, and allow it to affect our spirit. We need to remember that it is aiming to describe something outside human experience, and human language is often inadequate to describe that.
It is important to recognise that apocalyptic is not the same as allegory. It is not helpful to attempt to match up all the details of the image with their corresponding reality.
Finally, we need to grasp the message of hope. In the face of dreadful evil, God's people are exhorted to persevere to the end, and wait for the day when God supernaturally intervenes bringing the final judgement. God will bring a permanent solution to the problem of evil, and we will be there to enjoy it.