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To understand prophecy, it is important to understand the symbols used. The meaning of the symbols can be found in the covenant, the sanctuary, the feasts and the exodus. The symbols used in prophecy are consistent. God does not use a symbol in one place and then change its meaning in another. So we will use Scripture to interpret Scripture:
We also find that God uses different sets of symbols to describe things in different ways.

Meaning | Symbols
--- | ---
Church | Woman, moon, stars, Israel, Zion, flock
Leader, prophet | Man, star, horn, rock, tree
Jesus | Shepherd, lamb, morning star
People | Grass, sand, sea, hair
Power | Beast, animal, head, horn, mountain, rock
Sin, corruption | Darkness, Whore, fornication, abomination, unclean, wine, dregs, leaven, sea
Sanctuary | Lamp, bread, grape drink, incense, blood, clean flowing water, salt
Sacrifice | Circumcision, blood
Separation | Door, fence, wall
Judgment or trial | Measuring rod, scale, trumpets, cup
Judgment executed | Bow, sword or any weapon of destruction
War | Horses, locust
Victory | White robes, crown, palm branches
Our response | Eye, ear, hand, heart, forehead, tongue

Symbols | Source | Good | Evil
--- | --- | --- | ---
The origin of a symbol is generally from these sources: The creation story. The assigned natures of the creatures who filled the created containers (heaven, sea, earth). Clean and unclean. The agricultural cycle describes the life and destiny of humans. The Sanctuary and feast systems. They define God's actions and requirements. The blessings and curses of the covenant. | Creation | Earth, spring, river, mountain, sun, moon, star | Abyss, sea
Creatures | Lamb, dove and clean animals | Dragon, frog, snake, dogs
Agriculture | Seed, season, wheat, barley, tree, grass, harvest, rain, planting | Weed
Sanctuary | Israel, Jerusalem, priests, altar, lamp, table of shewbread, altar of prayer, ark | False sanctuary
Covenant | Blessings | curses
Each symbol has one basic meaning. However, the meaning can be modified by the following requirements from the sanctuary: The color. The action on the symbol. Addition - Mixture, contamination or association with another symbol. Subtraction - Defect | Color | White, blue, yellow, red, green, purple, orange | Black
Action | Changing the color, location or association. War is the act of putting things back in their proper location. | Falling star
Association | Contamination occurs if a good symbol is mixed with a bad one, unclean, old. | Wine, vinegar, dregs
Defect | It is missing a required item or action. e.g. water must flow | Whore without the law
The origin and use of symbols are explained in more detail here. How will it end? Judgment of the wicked The Millennium. The dragon and the sea will be banished to the abyss. Banished from the presence of God. Babylon - the great whore. The false sanctuary system will be destroyed. The Return of Christ - The weeds will be separated from the good harvest and then burned. This is the executive judgment. Judgment and reward of the righteous. The Millennium. Living with God. New Heart. Darkness will be replaced by light. New Jerusalem. The people of God will move from the outer court to the Most Holy Place.

Abomination
  An Idol in God's Sanctuary
  In the broadest use it means breaking the laws of God while in the house of God - especially by those in charge of God's house. In the most common usage, it specifically points to the presence of idolatry in the house of God or items not in their proper place or use.
  An Idol or image in the house of God - (Isaiah 44: 19)
  (Matthew 24: 14-15; Ezekiel 8: 6-19; Ezekiel 7: 20; Ezekiel 14: 2-6; Deuteronomy 27: 25; 2 Kings 23: 13-14).
  Committing adultery, serving idols and breaking the ten commandments while in the presence of God - (Jeremiah 7: 9-10).
  Those who received the seal of God, were those who were against the abomination - Ezekiel 9.
  See Seal of God
Abyss
  See Bottomless pit

Agricultural Symbols
Green | Life
Seed | Life
Tree | Israel
Withered Tree | Israel rejected
Tree watered | Israel fed by God with life
Grass | The living. People.
Wheat | Good people
Tares or weed | Evil people
Vineyard | Earth
Vine | Jesus
Attached to the vine | Linked to the source of life
Branches | People, king
Fruit | Characters
Wine press | Judgment
Season | Expects fruit in autumn
With Fruit | Good, affected by the Holy Spirit
Without Fruit | Bad in some seasons
Pruning | Building the perfect man
Grafting | Added to the people of God
Harvest | Gathering the fruits, separating food from weed. Judgment.

Agricultural or Earth Symbols
  Many symbols originate from one of the three regions of creation where life exists.
  - Heaven. These are usually related to God.
  - Sea. The wicked people.
  - Earth. People. Among these are agricultural and animal symbols.
  See Animals
Angel
  Messenger from God.
  Are they not all ministering spirits sent out to minister for them who shall be heirs of salvation. Hebrews 1: 14.
  Luke 1: 19; Luke 1: 26; Daniel 9: 21; Daniel 8: 16.
Animals and Beasts
  Animals or Beasts represent a kingdom.
  These great beasts ... are four kings ... (Daniel 7: 17).
  The fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom ... (Daniel 7: 23).
  Evil is symbolized by at least two characteristics.
  1. Unclean animal.
  2. Animals who travel between the regions. Amphibious creatures such as frogs are a good example. The problem is that everyone is confined to a specific location. We are quarantined. An unclean animal who travels from one region to another contaminates both regions. When Satan fell from heaven to earth, he contaminated the earth.
  There are exceptions to the rule. These occur when God describes His actions of justice. Just as the symbols of Christ that are associated with death are actually good in the context of the work of Christ, so is the symbol of the eagle in the context of the destruction of the wicked. God is described as a lion and an eagle. Both are kings of their region. The eagle is a bird of Prey whose primary work occurs during the millennium. It is an unclean animal. God describes the destruction of the wicked as His "strange act". It is uncharacteristic of Him.

  Animal Symbols
  Animal | Meaning | Region
  --- | --- | ---
  Clean animals | Nations of the world ( in a religious context) | All
  Unclean animals | Nations of the world | All
  Unclean birds | Liars | Heaven
  Dove | Holy Spirit | Heaven
  Eagle | Destroyer | Heaven
  Lamb, Bull | Jesus Christ | Earth
  Lion | Satan, the roaring lion | Earth
  Lion | Jesus, the lion of Judah | Earth
  Sheep | Good people | Earth
  Dog | Unclean sinful people (Gentiles) | Earth
  Goat | Clean sinful people (Jews) | Earth
  Scapegoat | Satan (the fallen clean one) | Wilderness
  Serpent | Satan (the deceiver) | Earth
  Dragon | Satan | Heaven and sea
  Frogs | Evil leaders | Earth and sea
  Fish | The wicked | Sea

  See Horn, Mountain, People symbols
Arm
  The arm is the military strength of a king. Especially the right arm. The arm holds the sword in battle. Jesus is the right hand of God. Ezekiel 30: 21-26.
Baalam
  Deceiver, plot to corrupt God's people.
  See Numbers 22: 5-25
  See Nicolaitans
Bald
  See hair.
Beast
  Kingdom, empire, political power or government that comes in contact with God's people.
  ... the fourth beast shall be the fourth kingdom on the earth. Daniel 7: 23.
  See Animals, Horn, Mountain
Bird
  Lying and deceit
  Like a cage full of birds, so their houses are full of deceit. (Jeremiah 5: 27).
  The Holy Spirit is called the "Spirit of Truth" - he is symbolized by a dove. Therefore an unclean bird symbolizes lies and a clean bird symbolizes truth.
Black
  Sin, satanic control, separation from the light of God and moral darkness
  To open their eyes, and to turn them from darkness to light, and from the power of Satan to God, that they may receive forgiveness of sins. Acts 26: 18.
  See Colors
Blood
  Life.
  The meaning of the symbol is tied to the actions. Life was meant to be given - not taken. Therefore, the symbol can appear to have two opposite meanings (life and death). The symbol itself means life, it is the way the blood (life) is taken that gives its meaning. Is it given voluntarily or is it taken? Where does it go after it is taken? Is it eaten or is it eventually absorbed by the earth?
  Giving blood leads to death but it is a sacrifice of your life. The blood of the sanctuary was "stored" on the altar, then on the day of atonement it was placed on the head of the scapegoat that eventually died in the wilderness and was absorbed by the earth.
  Drinking or spilling blood is murder, you are taking another life into your own.
  For the life of the flesh is in the blood: and I have given it to you on the altar to make an atonement for your souls: for it is the blood that makes an atonement for the soul. Leviticus 17: 11.
  For it is the life of all flesh; the blood of it is for the life: therefore I said to the children of Israel, you shall eat the blood of no kind of flesh: for the life of all flesh is the blood: whoever eats it shall be cut off. Leviticus 17: 14.
  Only be sure that you do not eat the blood: for the blood is the life; and you may not eat the life with the flesh. Deuteronomy 12: 23.
  See Bread, Wine
Blue
  Color of the Law and obedience
  The ten commandments were carved from a blue sapphire stone
  And they saw the God of Israel: and there was under his feet as it were a paved work of a sapphire stone, and as it were the body of heaven in his clearness. And the LORD said to Moses, Come up to me into the mount, and be there: and I will give you tables of the stone, and a law, and commandments which I have written; that you may teach them. Exodus 24: 10,12.
  Speak to the children of Israel, and tell them to make fringes in the borders of their garments throughout their generations, and that they put on the fringe of the borders a ribbon of blue: And it shall be to you for a fringe, that you may look on it, and remember all the commandments of the LORD, and do them; and that you seek not after your own heart and your own eyes, after which you used to go a whoring. Numbers 15: 38,39.

Symbol Modification
Book or scroll | Message or record
Eating the book | Understanding the message and doing the instructions
Reading the book | Learning the message
Opening the book | Revealing the message
Sealing the book | Hiding the message

Book or scroll
  The written message of God. This could be a prophecy or the testimony in the ark or the ten commandments or Jesus (the word of God).
  This symbolism is also an action symbol. Eating the book is learning the message from God so that you digest it in your body and mind to understand it. It is a deeper level of understanding than simply reading the book.
  Moreover he said to me, Son of man, eat what you find; eat this roll, and go speak to the house of Israel. So I opened my mouth, and he caused me to eat that roll. And he said to me, Son of man, cause your belly to eat, and fill your bowels with this roll that I give you. Then I ate it; and it was in my mouth as honey for sweetness. Ezekiel 3: 1-3.
  your words were found, and I did eat them; and your word was to me the joy and rejoicing of my heart: for I am called by your name, O LORD God of hosts. Jeremiah 15: 16
  See Seal
Bottomless Pit or Abyss
  Earth in chaos as it was before creation. Dark, empty and unsuitable for life or human habitation. A place that was not good in the eyes of God.
  In the beginning God created the heaven and the earth. And the earth was without form, and void; and darkness was on the face of the deep. And the Spirit of God moved on the face of the waters. Genesis 1: 1-2.
  I saw the earth, and, lo, it was without form, and void; and the heavens, and they had no light. I saw the mountains, and, lo, they trembled, and all the hills moved lightly. I looked, and, lo, there was no man, and all the birds of the heavens were fled. I looked, and, lo, the fruitful place was a wilderness, and all the cities there were broken down at the presence of the LORD, and by his fierce anger. For thus has the LORD said, The whole land shall be desolate. Jeremiah 4: 23-28.
  And I saw an angel come down from heaven, having the key of the bottomless pit and a great chain in his hand. And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years, And cast him into the bottomless pit, and shut him up, and set a seal on him, that he should deceive the nations no more, till the thousand years should be fulfilled: and after that he must be loosed a little season. Revelation 20: 1-3.
  As history progresses, we see that the abyss and all the unpleasant things before the creation are physically reclaiming the earth as it spiritually declines.
  After sin, moral darkness enters the world and Satan claims the right to rule. After the flood, the physical sea reclaims about 78% of the surface of the earth. In the end, the earth becomes an abyss again and the dragon is confined to the dark abyss with the wicked dead for a millennium. Significantly, the symbol for the wicked is the roaring sea. In the end, it is a dead sea.

  Before Creation | Spiritual life declines | Millennium
  --- | --- | ---
  Abyss | Dragon | Sea | Darkness | Dragon | Moral Darkness | Sea | Abyss | Dragon | Sea | Darkness
  No physical life | Satan | Sin | Flood | Earth | Satan | Wicked Dead | Land of Sin

  See Sea
Bow
  Judgment against evil, taking action to conquer evil
  God judges the righteous, and God is angry with the wicked every day. If he turn not, he will whet his sword; he has bent his bow, and made it ready. Psalm 7: 11-12.
  And in your majesty ride prosperously because of truth and meekness and righteousness; and your right hand shall teach you terrible things. Your arrows are sharp in the heart of the king's enemies; by which the people fall under you. Psalm 45: 4-5.
  See Sword
Bread or Manna
  Bread represents life or body with life
  Jesus said I am the bread of life.
  Sanctuary - Table of Shewbread called the bread of the presence.
  In the baker's dream interpreted by Joseph. the 'bread' eaten by birds was his life taken away.
  Your fathers did eat manna in the wilderness, and are dead. This is the bread which comes down from heaven, that a man may eat it, and not die. Then Jesus said to them, Truly, truly, I say to you, Except you eat the flesh of the Son of man, and drink his blood, you have no life in you. John 6: 49-50,53.
Candle
  Gives light, removes the darkness
  See Light
Circumcision
  The sacrifice of Christ. The cutting off of the seed.
  See Blood

Symbol Modification
Symbol | Meaning
--- | ---
Robe | Character
White Robe | Christ's righteous
Naked | No righteousness
White Color | Clean, no sin
Dirt | Unclean, sin
Barefoot | No works of man

Clothes, Robe, Garments
  Character. The righteousness of Christ that covers us and gives us salvation.
  The color of the robe and the impurities also changes the character. To be totally righteous it must be white, clean and must cover the body. And deviation from this is a corruption caused by personal sin.
  I will greatly rejoice in the LORD, my soul shall be joyful in my God; for he has clothed me with the garments of salvation, he has covered me with the robe of righteousness, as a bridegroom decorates himself with ornaments, and as a bride adorns herself with her jewels. Isaiah 61: 10.
  Awake, awake; put on your strength, O Zion; put on your beautiful garments, O Jerusalem, the holy city: for from now there shall no more come into you the uncircumcised and the unclean. Isaiah 52: 1.
  Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the angel. And he answered and spoke to those that stood before him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And to him he said, look, I have caused your iniquity to pass from you, and I will clothe you with a change of garment. And I said, Let them set a fair mitre on his head. So they set a fair mitre on his head, and clothed him with garments. And the angel of the LORD stood by. Zechariah 3: 3-5.
  But put you on the Lord Jesus Christ, and make not provision for the flesh, to fulfil the lusts in there. Romans 13: 14.
  See Colors
Cloud
  The presence and glory of God.
  Israel was protected by a pillar of fire and clouds in the desert.
  This is a white object from heaven. Since it is water it can change into a form that belongs in all three areas. Solid, liquid and gas occupy the earth, sea and sky. Only God can occupy all these areas. In addition, clouds are a pure form of water that is constantly moving.
  From this imagery, incense symbolizes prayer. Prayer is communication that goes to God and becomes an important part of God.
  Related symbols : Smoke, Incense, Water
Colors

Color | Meaning
--- | ---
Red | Sacrifice, blood, death
Orange | Perfection under fire
Gold | Perfect character
Green | King, life
Blue | Law
Purple | Priest
White | Righteousness and purity
Black | Sin and separation from God

  Sanctuary Colors represent different attributes of God.
  See a detailed study of the Colors of God
Compass
  The four directions of the compass. These are related to the orientation of the sanctuary.
  1. East. The direction from which God comes. The direction where the kings and priests lived. The direction of the rising sun. It was the direction where there were no walls in the sanctuary. The tribe of Judah who were kings and the tribe of Levi who were priests camped on this side.
     For as the lightning comes from the east and flashes as far as the west, so will be the coming of the Son of Man. (Matthew 24: 27)
  2. West. The direction of heaven and eternal life. The ark of the covenant. The tribes of Joseph (Ephraim and Manasseh) and Benjamin. They are the children of Rachel. The Levites who carried the fabric structure of the sanctuary live on this side.
  3. North. The direction of judgment. The table of shewbread was on this wall. The tribes of Dan, Levi, Asher and Naphtali and the Levites who carried the sanctuary structure. Levi replaces Dan in Heaven.

     North Wall | - | People in the Outer Court | East
     --- | --- | --- | ---
     West Wall | Most Holy Place | Holy Place
     South Wall

  4. South. The menorah was on this wall. The tribes of Gad, Simeon, Reuben and the Levites who carried the furniture.
  Four Winds, Four Corners. All directions. The whole world.
Corruption
  Several things or processes cause corruption.
  • Aging or existing beyond a time limit. For example, vinegar, wine and alcohol corrupts the fruit of the vine.
  • Remains or sediment. The dregs at the bottom of the cup.
  • Adding dirt or something classified as unclean. Dirty clothes, the sea.
  • Adding something bitter or harmful. Gall, wormwood,
  • Leaven (being puffed up with pride).
  • Improper status. Water must flow to be pure.
  • Removing or replacing a pure item. Turning off a light. Making darkness.
  • Pure things forming permanent unions with the impure. Marrying an unbeliever.
Cross
  The crucifixion. The sanctuary promise fulfilled.
  The cross is the sanctuary collapsed into one symbol and the feasts collapsed into three days. These symbols show both the actions of God to reconcile humans and the wages for sin paid by God. Christ was both cursed and killed.

  Location | Cross | Meaning
  --- | --- | ---
  Outer Court | Lamb on the altar | Jesus was the lamb of God who was killed for the sins of the world.
  Holy Place | Table, Altar, Lamp | Jesus suffered the curse. Vinegar to drink, prayers not heard, darkness over the cross
  Most Holy Place | Ark of the covenant | Jesus as the ark. He kept the law and was perfect. Blood and water came from His side
  Passover | First death avoided | Jesus died for us
  Yom Kippur | Second death avoided | God judged in favor of us
  Judgment | Satan was judged
  Tabernacles | Presence of God | The resurrection and the people resurrected with Christ

  The cross functioned as the following pieces of furniture:
  - Altar. The cross was the wood on the altar of earth and stone on which the Lamb was killed.
  - Table of Shewbread. On the cross was the bread of the presence (Jesus) who was broken and given vinegar to drink.
  - Ark. On it was the presence of God who had within Him the unbroken law and the stream of blood and water. Outside, He was flanked by two people with outstretched arms.
  See Lamb
Crown
  Victory, life, royalty.
  There are two types of crowns, the royal crown and the wreath of victory (stephanos) placed on the head of the winner.
  I have fought a good fight, I have finished my course, I have kept the faith: From now there is laid up for me a crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous judge, shall give me at that day: and not to me only, but to all them also that love his appearing. 2 Timothy 4: 7-8.
  Blessed is the man that endures temptation: for when he is tried, he shall receive the crown of life, which the Lord has promised to them that love him. James 1: 12.
  And he brought out the king's son, and put the crown on him, and gave him the testimony; and they made him king, and anointed him; and they clapped their hands, and said, God save the king. 2 Kings 11: 12.
  Thus says the Lord GOD; Remove the diadem, and take off the crown: this shall not be the same: exalt him that is low, and abase him that is high. I will overturn, overturn, overturn, it: and it shall be no more, until he come whose right it is; and I will give it him. Ezekiel 21: 26-27.
  See Bread
Cup
  Punishment measured out.
  Punishment and judgment from God.
  Usually it is the same crime that you are guilty of. The contents are bitter, full of impurities and not fit to drink. It could be intoxicating wine, blood or bitter water.
  On the wicked he shall rain snares, fire and brimstone, and an horrible tempest: this shall be the portion of their cup. Psalm 11: 6.
  For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he pours out of the same: but the dregs in it, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. Psalm 75: 8.
  Awake, awake, stand up, O Jerusalem, which has drunk at the hand of the LORD the cup of his fury; you have drunken the dregs of the cup of trembling, and wrung them out. Isaiah 51: 17.
  Thus says your Lord the LORD, and your God that pleads the cause of his people, look, I have taken out of your hand the cup of trembling, even the dregs of the cup of my fury; you shall no more drink it again: But I will put it into the hand of them that afflict you; which have said to your soul, Bow down, that we may go over: and you have laid your body as the ground, and as the street, to them that went over. Isaiah 51: 22-23.
  For thus says the LORD God of Israel to me; Take the wine cup of this fury at my hand, and cause all the nations, to whom I send you, to drink it. And they shall drink, and be moved, and be mad, because of the sword that I will send among them. Then took I the cup at the LORD'S hand, and made all the nations to drink, to whom the LORD had sent me. Jeremiah 25: 15-17.
  For thus says the LORD; look, they whose judgment was not to drink of the cup have assuredly drunken; and are you he that shall altogether go without punishment? you shall not go without punishment, but you shall surely drink of it. Jeremiah 49: 12.
  See Dregs

Prophetic Time | Real Time
--- | ---
Day | 1 year
Month | 30 years
Year | 360 years
Time | 360 years
Hour | 15 days
Half hour | 7 or 8 days

Day
  A Day is equal to One year.
  There are over 120 examples of this in the scripture. One day in prophecy is equal to a year of real time.
  Numbers 14: 34. After the number of the days in which you searched the land, even forty days, each day for a year, shall you bear your iniquities, even forty years.
  Ezekiel 4: 6. ... lie down on your right side, and you shall bear the iniquity of the house of Judah forty days: I have appointed you each day for a year.
  Genesis 29: 27. Fulfill her week, and we will give you this also for the service which you shall serve with me yet seven other years.
  See Time
Desire of Women
  The Messiah.
  The hope of every Jewish mother was to give birth to the Messiah.
  In the context in which this was used, the others listed were all gods. Therefore, the conclusion is that this phrase also refers to a God.
  1. God of his fathers. Possibly YHWH, the true God.
  2. Desire of women. The Messiah.
  3. Any other god. False gods.
  Daniel 11: 37. "He will show no regard for the gods of his fathers or for the desire of women, nor will he show regard for any other god; for he will magnify himself above them all.
Dew
  Resurrection or Life. The mist rising from the earth to give life to plants represents the resurrection from the grave.
  In holy array from the womb of the dawn, Your youth are to You as the dew. Psalm 110 : 3
Dog
  Those on the outside. Those who think that they are spiritual but are actually worldly.
  For outside are dogs and sorcerers and whoremongers and murders and idolaters and whoever loves and makes a lie. Revelation 22: 15
  Beware of dogs, beware of evil doers, beware of the false circumcision. Philippians 3: 2

Symbol | Meaning
--- | ---
Door | Separation
Open door | Opportunity
Knocking | Invitation
Closed door | Separation

Door
  Division between God and man
  This is another action symbol. The door itself is the separation between God and man. If the door is closed, God will ask us to open it. He then invites us over to His side or asks us if He can come in to talk to us. But at some point He can also shut the door or refuse to invite us to His side. Depending on who has closed the door, a closed door can be a permanent separation or a situation that needs an invitation.
  Furthermore, when I came to Troas to preach Christ's gospel, and a door was opened to me of the Lord. 2 Corinthians 2: 12.
  Look, I stand at the door, and knock: if any man hear my voice, and open the door, I will come in to him, and will eat with him, and he with me. Revelation 3: 20.
  See Key
Dragon
  The devil or his representative
  And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was cast out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12: 9.
  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. Revelation 20: 2.
  In that day the LORD with his sore and great and strong sword shall punish leviathan the piercing serpent, even leviathan that crooked serpent; and he shall slay the dragon that is in the sea. Isaiah 27: 1.
  The burden of the beasts of the south: into the land of trouble and anguish, from whence come the young and old lion, the viper and fiery flying serpent, they will carry their riches on the shoulders of young asses, and their treasures on the bunches of camels, to a people that shall not profit them. Isaiah 30: 6.
  You divided the sea by your strength: you broke the heads of the dragons in the waters. you broke the heads of leviathan in pieces, and gave him to be meat to the people inhabiting the wilderness. Psalm 74: 13-14.
  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. Revelation 12: 7-8.
  Speak, and say, Thus says the Lord GOD; look, I am against you, Pharaoh king of Egypt, the great dragon that lies in the midst of his rivers, which has said, My river is my own, and I have made it for myself. Ezekiel 29: 3.
  Nebuchadrezzar the king of Babylon has devoured me, he has crushed me, he has made me an empty vessel, he has swallowed me up like a dragon, he has filled his belly with my delicates, he has cast me out. Jeremiah 51: 34.
  See Serpent
Dregs
  Punishment. Something remaining in the cup of punishment that makes the experience bitter.
  For in the hand of the LORD there is a cup, and the wine is red; it is full of mixture; and he pours out of the same: but the dregs in it, all the wicked of the earth shall wring them out, and drink them. Psalm 75: 8.
  See Cup
Eagle
  Speed
  The LORD shall bring a nation against you from far, from the end of the earth, as swift as the eagle flies; a nation whose tongue you shall not understand. Deuteronomy 28: 49.
  And to the woman were given two wings of a great eagle, that she might fly into the wilderness, into her place, where she is nourished for a time, and times, and half a time, from the face of the serpent. Revelation 12: 14.
  See Wings.
Earth
  Relatively unpopulated area. New place. More peaceful than the roaring seas
  See water
East
  Direction of the Kings and priests of God.
  See Compass
Eating a Book
  Learning the message from God so that you can understand it.
  See Book
Egypt
  False religion, godlessness and atheism.
  It more accurately refers to the desire to create a false religion apart from the true God.
  And Pharaoh said, Who is the LORD, that I should obey his voice to let Israel go? I know not the LORD, neither will I let Israel go. Exodus 5: 2.
  See Sodom
Eyes
  Divine intelligence. Omniscient.
  Ezekiel's vision of the throne of God had wheels full of eyes (Ezekiel 1: 18).
Eye salve
  Antidote to blindness
  That the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give to you the spirit of wisdom and revelation in the knowledge of him: The eyes of your understanding being enlightened; that you may know what is the hope of his calling, and what the riches of the glory of his inheritance in the saints, And what is the exceeding greatness of his power to us who believe, according to the working of his mighty power. Ephesians 1: 17-19.
  Open my eyes, that I may see wonderful things out of your law. Psalm 119: 18.
  But you have an unction from the Holy One, and you know all things. But the anointing which you have received from him abides in you, and you need not that any man teach you: but as the same anointing teaches you of all things, and is truth, and is no lie, and even as it has taught you, you shall abide in him. 1 John 2: 20,27.
  See Colors
Fat
  Abundance.
  Fat was separated from the offering and burned on the altar as a sweet savor to God. It was not to be eaten as food like blood. God gave His life blood for sin and sent the Holy Spirit to give us eternal life.
  "But the transgressors shall be destroyed together: the end of the wicked shall be cut off."
  "It shall be a perpetual statute for your generations throughout all your dwellings, that you eat neither fat nor blood" Leviticus 3:17, 38.
  » Fat represents abundance.
  They drink their fill of the fat of your house. And You give them to drink of the river of Your delights. Psalm 36:8.
  » Fat represents life. It represents life. Life will eventually be separated from the sinners and destroyed and that is a satisfying event to God. The life goes back to God who gave it.
  See Leviticus 4:31; 7:30
  But the wicked shall perish and the enemies of the Lord shall be as the fat of lambs: they shall consume; into smoke shall they consume away. Psalm 37: 20.
  In the specific case of Jesus, fat represents a guarantee that His body would not undergo decay when He was dead. It would remain fat and pleasant smelling with life, not shrunken and stink in death.
  The fat was also taken from specific areas of the body, near the liver and kidneys. These are the ancient seat of emotions. So fat represents the emotional life, memories and personalities that are part of the spirit that goes back to God at death so that it can be preserved until He gives us life at the resurrection.
  » Jesus Christ (Blood) and the Holy Spirit (Fat). Both blood and fat represent life. The smoke is the Holy Spirit.
  See Blood and Salt
Fire

The Effect of Fire
God | His physical form
Church | Trial for perfection
Evil | Death

  The nature of God. The physical presence of God.
  The effect of the physical presence of God in a corrupt world.
  Evil and anything impure cannot exist in His presence. It will be burned up just by reason of His presence - not just by His actions. The meaning of the symbol depends on the effect of on the object acted on. Is the object good or evil?
  Does the possessor of the object want to give it to God? If we possess something evil in ourselves then we cannot live in the presence of God. The burning evil that we possess will also consume us. But if we give the evil to God, he will destroy it - then we can live in His presence.
  For our God is a consuming fire. Hebrews 12: 29.
  And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 4: 5.
  And I will bring the third part through the fire, and will refine them as silver is refined, and will try them as gold is tried: they shall call on my name, and I will hear them: I will say, It is my people: and they shall say, The LORD is my God. Zechariah 13: 9.
  That the trial of your faith, being much more precious than of gold that perishes, though it be tried with fire, might be found to praise and honour and glory at the appearing of Jesus Christ. 1 Peter 1: 7.
  I counsel you to buy of me gold tried in the fire, that you may be rich; and white clothes, that you may be clothed, and that the shame of your nakedness does not appear; and anoint your eyes with eye salve, that you may see. Revelation 3: 18.
  The same shall drink of the wine of the wrath of God, which is poured out without mixture into the cup of his indignation; and he shall be tormented with fire and brimstone in the presence of the holy angels, and in the presence of the Lamb. Revelation 14: 10.
  Therefore shall her plagues come in one day, death, and mourning, and famine; and she shall be utterly burned with fire: for strong is the Lord God who judges her. Revelation 18: 8.
  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. And whoever was not found written in the book of life was cast into the lake of fire. Revelation 20: 14,15.
  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21: 8.
  See Wrath
Forehead
  Mind, decision making, using the will or the conscience.
  I thank God through Jesus Christ our Lord. So then with the mind I myself serve the law of God; but with the flesh the law of sin. Romans 7: 25.
  Look, I have made your face strong against their faces, and your forehead strong against their foreheads. As an adamant harder than flint have I made your forehead: fear them not, neither be dismayed at their looks, though they be a rebellious house. Ezekiel 3: 8-9.
  See Hand
Fornication
  Unlawful relationship, unfaithfulness
  But you trusted in your own beauty, and played the harlot because of your renown, and poured out your fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. Ezekiel 16: 15.
  you have also committed fornication with the Egyptians your neighbours, great of flesh; and Have increased your whoredoms, to provoke me to anger. Ezekiel 16: 26.
  And it shall come to pass after the end of seventy years, that the LORD will visit Tyre, and she shall turn to her hire, and shall commit fornication with all the kingdoms of the world on the face of the earth. Isaiah 23: 17.
  you adulterers and adulteresses, know you not that the friendship of the world is enmity with God? whoever therefore will be a friend of the world is the enemy of God. James 4: 4.
  These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb wherever he goes. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits to God and to the Lamb. Revelation 14: 4.
  See Woman
Four Corners
  Four directions (all the earth).
  And on Elam will I bring the four winds from the four quarters of heaven, and will scatter them toward all those winds; and there shall be no nation where the outcasts of Elam shall not come. Jeremiah 49: 36.
Gall
  See wine
Goat
  The wicked people. The most important goat was the scape goat who is Satan.
  All nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25: 32.
  See Sheep
Grass
  People
  All flesh is grass. Isaiah 40: 6.
  The grass withers, the flower fade: because the spirit of the LORD blows on it: surely the people is grass. Isaiah 40: 7
  See tree and hair
Gold
  Perfect character, true riches of faith.
  But he knows the way that I take: when he has tried me, I shall come out as gold. Job 23: 10.
  Listen, my beloved brethren, has not God chosen the poor of this world rich in faith, and heirs of the kingdom which he has promised to them that love him?. James 2: 5.
  See Colors
Grape
  Blood. The fruit of the vine represents the life of Christ. This life was in his blood.
  And of the blood of grapes you drank wine. (Deuteronomy 32: 14).
  He washes his garment in wine and his clothes in the blood of grapes. (Genesis 49: 11)
Green
  King, life, life giver.
  And to every beast of the earth, and to every fowl of the air, and to every thing that creeps upon the earth, in which there is life, I have given every green herb for meat: and it was so. (Genesis 1: 30).
Hair
  People. Just as a beast is a kingdom, the hair on its body is the people and the horn is its leaders. Also, grass is like the hair that grows up from the surface of the earth.
  » Baldness. This is a symbol of death because the hair is being cut down.
  » Shaving. When a righteous person or a cleansing ritual requires shaving, it is a symbol of the old rejected self dying so that the new, more perfect person can come to life.
  » Nazarite Vow and "Hair of Dedication". One who takes this vow does not cut their hair. When the period of the vow is over, then the hair is cut and given to the temple. While the person is making the vow their life belongs to God. The hair that grows in that period is a symbol of that dedicated life. So when the time is over that hair, which now belongs to God, must be cut and given to God like an offering.
  See Beast and Grass
Hand
  Work, behavior or actions. What you do.
  Woe to them that devise iniquity, and work evil on their beds! When the morning is light, they practice it, because it is in the power of their hand. Micah 2: 1.
  Whatever your hand finds to do, do it with your might; for there is no work, nor device, nor knowledge, nor wisdom, in the grave, where you go. Ecclesiastes 9: 10.
  See Forehead
Harlot or Whore
  Corrupt church that has an illicit relationship with a king other than God. They trust in the power of the king, not in God. They rely on the worldly government, not on God.
  See Woman
Harvest
  See Sickle
Head (of a Beast)
  Leader or leadership position. A definite powerful branch or division of a kingdom
  So he carried me away in the spirit into the wilderness: and I saw a woman sit on a scarlet coloured beast, full of names of blasphemy, having seven heads and ten horns. And there are seven kings: five are fallen, and one is, and the other is not yet come; and when he comes, he must continue a short space. Revelation 17: 3,10.
  See beast
Horn
  Ruler, head of a kingdom, Power strength. A symbol of kings, kingdoms, divisions of kingdoms, power, authority. It is generally a kingdom with a military force.
  Horn with crowns - Monarchies
  Ten horns are ten kings (kingdoms) that shall arise. (Daniel 7: 24)
  The great horn is the first king (kingdom). (Daniel 8: 21)
  The ten horns are ten kings. (Revelation 17: 12)
  For you are the glory of their strength: and in your favour our horn shall be exalted. But my faithfulness and my mercy shall be with him: and in my name shall his horn be exalted. Psalm 89: 17,24.
  Then lifted I up my eyes, and saw, and look four horns. And I said to the angel that talked with me, What be these? And he answered me, These are the horns which have scattered Judah, Israel, and Jerusalem. Zechariah 1: 18-19.
  See Animal
Horses and Chariots
  Army, those sent for battle.
  My anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts has visited his flock the house of Judah, and has made them as his goodly horse in the battle. Zechariah 10: 3.
  Which brings out the chariot and horse, the army and the power; they shall lie down together, they shall not rise: they are extinct, they are quenched as a wick. Isaiah 43: 17.
  I saw by night, and look a man riding on a red horse, and he stood among the myrtle trees that were in the bottom; and behind him were there red horses, speckled, and white. Then said I, O my lord, what are these? And the angel that talked with me said to me, I will show you what these are. And the man that stood among the myrtle trees answered and said, These are they whom the LORD has sent to walk back and forth through the earth. Zechariah 1: 8-10.
Incense
  Prayer
  Revelation 5: 8; Leviticus 24: 5-8; Leviticus 5: 11; Leviticus 6: 15.
  Let my prayer be set out before you as incense; and the lifting up of my hands as the evening sacrifice. Psalm 141: 2.
  And when he had taken the book, the four beasts and four and twenty elders fell down before the Lamb, having every one of them harps, and golden vials full of odours, which are the prayers of saints. Revelation 5: 8.
  And another angel came and stood at the altar, having a golden censer; and there was given to him much incense, that he should offer it with the prayers of all saints on the golden altar which was before the throne. And the smoke of the incense, which came with the prayers of the saints, ascended up before God out of the angel's hand. Revelation 8: 3-4.

Cities and Places
Jerusalem | City of Peace. Home of God's righteous people
Israel, Zion, Pleasant Land | The righteous nation
Gog and Magog | The wicked nations
Sodom | Place of immorality
Egypt | Place of Idolatry
Babylon | Place of forced false worship

Israel
  The children of God.
  Not as though the word of God has taken none effect. For they are not all Israel, which are of Israel: Neither, because they are the seed of Abraham, are they all children: but, In Isaac shall your seed be called. That is, They which are the children of the flesh, these are not the children of God: but the children of the promise are counted for the seed. Romans 9: 6-8
  And if you be Christ's, then are you Abraham's seed, and heirs according to the promise. Galatians 3: 29
  See Zion
Jerusalem
  The city of God where the people of God lives.
  See Israel
Jezebel
  Leader who corrupted Israel by idolatry and apostasy.
  But there was none like to Ahab, which did sell himself to work wickedness in the sight of the LORD, whom Jezebel his wife stirred up. 1 Kings 21: 25.
  And it came to pass, when Joram saw Jehu, that he said, Is it peace, Jehu? And he answered, What peace, so long as the whoredoms of your mother Jezebel and her witchcrafts are so many? 2 Kings 9: 22.
  Nevertheless I have a few things against you, because you suffered that woman Jezebel, which calls herself a prophetess, to teach and to seduce my servants to commit fornication, and to eat things sacrificed to idols. Revelation 2: 20.
  See Revelation 3: 7-8; Isaiah 22: 22.
  See Woman
Judgment
  See Measure
Keys
  Control
  And the key of the house of David will I lay on his shoulder; so he shall open, and none shall shut; and he shall shut, and none shall open. Isaiah 22: 22.
  And I will give to you the keys of the kingdom of heaven: and whatever you shall bind on earth shall be bound in heaven: and whatever you shall loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven. Matthew 16: 19.
  And to the angel of the church in Philadelphia write; These things says he that is holy, he that is true, he that has the key of David, he that opens, and no man shuts; and shuts, and no man opens; I know your works: look, I have set before you an open door, and no man can shut it: for you have a little strength, and have kept my word, and have not denied my name. Revelation 3: 7-8.
  See Door
Kittim
  Invaders from the Mediterranean Sea.
  Evidence from the dead sea scrolls points to that use of this word.
  Kittim used to mean the "people of Cyprus" and may have referred to the Seleucids. However, it came to mean "invaders from the sea in the West" and was at one time applied to Rome.
  Therefore it may correctly be translated as any powerful invading naval force in the Mediterranean.
Ladder
  The connection between heaven and earth (Jesus Christ).
  And he dreamed, and saw a ladder set up on the earth, and the top of it reached to heaven: and saw the angels of God ascending and descending on it. Genesis 28: 12.
  And he says to him, truly, truly, I say to you, Hereafter you shall see heaven open, and the angels of God ascending and descending on the Son of man. John 1: 51.
  See Door
Lamb
  Like Christ, Christian, sacrifice.
  The next day John sees Jesus coming to him, and says, See the Lamb of God, which takes away the sin of the world. John 1: 29.
  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. 1 Corinthians 5: 7.
  And Isaac spoke to Abraham his father, and said, My father: and he said, Here am I, my son. And he said, see the fire and the wood: but where is the lamb for a burnt offering? And Abraham said, My son, God will provide himself a lamb for a burnt offering: so they went both of them together. Genesis 22: 7-8.
  See Light
Lamp
  See Light
Leaven
  Total submission, pride, sin, corruption, deceitful contamination.
  Purge out therefore the old leaven, that you may be a new lump, as you are unleavened. For even Christ our Passover is sacrificed for us. 1 Corinthians 5: 7
  Leaven. To have leaven means to have pride.
  Unleavened. This means to be totally submitted to the will of God. The leaven is the source of our will and our pride. Only in total submission is it possible to remove sin.
  - Submission. Putting aside pride for the will of God is being totally submitted and humbling ourself.
  - Pride ("Puffed Up"). Leavened bread is puffed up, just like the person who is full of pride and a sense of their own authority. This mental state cannot be achieved with total submission.
    Good pride recognizes the source of what makes them proud. It is God who gives the abilities to accomplish great things. So, when the good person, with the correct attitude towards God acknowledges this then the source of pride becomes a source of extreme gratefulness to God for giving us so much. And this knowledge causes us to submit in gratitude even more.
  - Sin. Eventually, a person who is not totally surrendered to the will of God, will sin because they do what pleases them and fills them with self pride and grandeur.
    Therefore, the source of sin is internal. Some amount of pride is normal. But sin begins with intemperance of pride. When one is so puffed up and consumed with doing their own will, then the will of others becomes unimportant. You then become the source of authority, for yourself and eventually for others.
Life
  Life symbols exist in many realms.

  Symbols of Life
  Region | Pure form | Corrupted form
  --- | --- | ---
  Heaven | Breath, wind | Smoke
  Sea | Flowing fresh water | Sea, stagnant water
  Agriculture | Seed, green, fruit, bread | Bread with leaven
  Animals | Giving blood | Drinking blood

  The throne of God is filled with the symbols of life.
  • River. There is a river of life flowing from the throne.
  • Tree. The river waters a tree of life which produces twelve types of fruit.
  • Green. There is a green rainbow above the throne.
  The Ark of the covenant is filled with the symbols of life. These symbols point to Christ.
  • Manna. The bread of life which came from heaven.
  • Aaron's Rod. The dead branch that sprouted life.
  • Commandments. The law of life.
  See how People symbols come directly from these.

Symbols of Good and Evil
Region | Light | Darkness
--- | --- | ---
Heaven | Sun | Night
Earth | Lamb | Goat
Secondary Source | Candle, lamp, moon, church | Hiding or destroying a source of light.
Message from God | Bible, Word of God, Jesus | Deceiver
Character | White robes | Other colors, naked

Light
  Jesus
  Symbols of good and evil first originate in the idea of light and dark and then in the process of evil corrupting good.
  As long as I am in the world, I am the light of the world. John 9: 5.
  For the LORD God is a sun and shield: the LORD will give grace and glory: no good thing will he withhold from them that walk uprightly. Psalm 84: 11.
  But to you that fear my name shall the Sun of righteousness arise with healing in his wings; and you shall go out, and grow up as calves of the stall. Malachi 4: 2.
  And was transfigured before them: and his face did shine as the sun, and his clothes was white as the light. Matthew 17: 2.
  Then spoke Jesus again to them, saying, I am the light of the world: he that follows me shall not walk in darkness, but shall have the light of life. John 8: 12.
  See Word
Linen
  Pure garment which symbolizes righteousness.
  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Revelation 19: 8.
  See White
Lion
  King, Christ, strength.
  The nature of Christ is that He is both a lion and a lamb. A lamb to His people and a fierce lion to the disobedient.
  And I wept much, because no man was found worthy to open and to read the book, neither to look thereon. And one of the elders says to me, Weep not: see, the Lion of the tribe of Judah, the Root of David, has prevailed to open the book, and to loose the seven seals in there. Revelation 5: 4-9.
  Unless he tears my soul like a lion, tearing it in pieces, while there is none to deliver. Psalm 7: 2.
  Satan is also described as a "roaring lion". This is in his capacity of usurping the leadership of the real Lion of God.
  See Lamb
Locust
  Destruction, pestilence. An army ready for battle.
  That which the palmerworm has left has the locust eaten; and that which the locust has left has the cankerworm eaten; and that which the cankerworm has left has the caterpiller eaten. Joel 1: 4.
  He gave also their increase to the caterpiller, and their labour to the locust. Psalm 78: 46.
  you shall carry much seed out into the field, and shall gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it. All your trees and fruit of your land shall the locust consume. Deuteronomy 28: 38,42.
  See wormwood
Lord's Day
  Sabbath
  For the Son of man is Lord even of the Sabbath day. Matthew 12: 8.
  If you turn away your foot from the Sabbath, from doing your pleasure on my holy day; and call the Sabbath a delight, the holy of the LORD, honourable; and shall honour him, not doing your own ways, nor finding your own pleasure, nor speaking your own words. Isaiah 58: 13.
  But the seventh day is the Sabbath of the LORD your God: in it you shall not do any work, you, nor your son, nor your daughter, your manservant, nor your maidservant, nor your cattle, nor your stranger that is within your gates. Exodus 20: 10.
Manna
  See Bread
Mark
  Approval, sign of ownership
  And the LORD said to him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark on the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the middle of it. Ezekiel 9: 4.
  And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Revelation 7: 2-3.
  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also. Romans 4: 11.
  See Seal

Judgment
Cup | Filled with bitter fluid
Scales | Weighed
Measuring stick | Measured

Measure, weigh, count
  Judging against a standard.
  The handwriting on the wall at the fall of Babylon said "Your days are counted, you are weighed in the scale and found deficient". Daniel 5: 25-28.
  The wrath of God is given without being measured.
  TEKEL; You are weighed in the balances, and are found wanting. Daniel 5: 27.
  Let me be weighed in an even [just, righteous] balance, that God may know my integrity. Job 31: 6.
  Judgment also implies punishment. God punishes by exposing us to deliberate or unavoidable actions.
  Deliberate Actions.
  • God gives people what they want. When the offerings of God are rejected, we are left with the trash that remains. The dregs in the cup. The spoiled wine.
  • God gives people what they give others.
  Unavoidable Actions.
  While we are still sinners, God has to hide his true physical nature from us. This is because His presence is like a consuming fire. The wicked are burnt up because God has to physically reveal Himself when He occupies the earth. And the wicked cannot live in His presence.
  See cup
Measuring Rod
  God's Law is the measuring standard of Judgment. His wrath is the punishment that is measured out.
  All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished to all good works. 2 Timothy 3: 16-17.
  Let us hear the conclusion of the whole matter: Fear God, and keep his commandments: for this is the whole duty of man. For God shall bring every work into judgment, with every secret thing, whether it be good, or whether it be evil. Ecclesiastes 12: 13-14.
  See Cup, Measure, Wrath
Michael
  The archangel who is Jesus Christ
Mist
  See Dew
Moon
  Witness in Heaven and the church of God.
  Once have I sworn by my holiness that I will not lie to David. His seed shall endure for ever, and his throne as the sun before me. It shall be established for ever as the moon, and as a faithful witness in heaven. Psalm 89: 35-37.
  The moon is a feminine symbol that represents the church of God which is a witness in heaven. In contrast, the stars are individual people and more directly the prophets to the church.
  In Joseph's dream of the sun, moon and eleven stars, the sun was his father, the moon his mother and the stars were his brothers. (Genesis 37: 9)
  In heaven, the church gathers every new moon and every Sabbath. Both symbolize rest and new beginning for the church. (Isaiah 66: 23)
Morning Star
  Jesus Christ
  I Jesus have sent my angel to testify to you these things in the churches. I am the root and the offspring of David, and the bright and morning star. Revelation 22: 16.
  See Stars
Mountain
  Nations and Kingdoms, including God's Kingdom.
  Zion is the mountain of the Lord's house -Isaiah 2: 1-5; 11: 9; 13: 4; 41: 15; 42: 15
  The Rock from the mountain of God replaces the kingdoms of the earth - Daniel 2: 35, 44,45;
  Ezekiel 35: 2, 7, 8
  Zechariah 4: 7
  A mountain and an animal both represent kingdoms. But the mountain may represent a more eternal kingdom. This may be because of their nature. An animal lives a short time and dies. But a mountain is tall and permanent. It can reach the heavens. A mountain may represent the kingdom of God or a kingdom that tries to be like God.
  Animal Symbols. An animal represents an earthly kingdom. Animal symbols can also be clean or unclean. Clean animals represent kingdoms related to God. Unclean animals represent kingdoms that are not related to God. But animals like the goat can also represent animals that used to be clean, but have turned against God.
  See the (Rock) which comes from the mountain.
  See Horn, Animal
Mystery of God
  The gospel
  Having made known to us the mystery of his will, according to his good pleasure which he has determined in himself: That in the dispensation of the fullness of times he might gather together in one all things in Christ, both which are in heaven, and which are on earth; even in him. Ephesians 1: 9-10.
  And to make all men see what is the fellowship of the mystery, which from the beginning of the world has been hid in God, who created all things by Jesus Christ. Ephesians 3: 9.
Naked
  See Clothes
Net
  A trap or a snare. Ezekiel 17: 20.
New Jerusalem
  City of God
  And I John saw the holy city, new Jerusalem, coming down from God out of heaven, prepared as a bride adorned for her husband. Revelation 21: 2.
  See Israel
Nicolaitans
  Deceiver, plot to corrupt God's people with false doctrines.
  See Numbers 22: 5-25
  See Baalam
Numbers
  See Bible numbers
Oil
  Holy Spirit
  And out of the throne proceeded lightnings and thunderings and voices: and there were seven lamps of fire burning before the throne, which are the seven Spirits of God. Revelation 4: 5.
  And said to me, What do you see? And I said, I have looked, and saw a candlestick all of gold, with a bowl on the top of it, and his seven lamps thereon, and seven pipes to the seven lamps, which are on the top: And two olive trees by it, one on the right side of the bowl, and the other on the left side. So I answered and spoke to the angel that talked with me, saying, What are these, my lord? Then the angel that talked with me answered and said to me, Do you not know what these are? And I said, No, my lord. Then he answered and spoke to me, saying, This is the word of the LORD to Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, says the LORD of hosts. Zechariah 4: 2-6.
Pearl
  Wisdom, the message of the Gospel
  See the story of the pearl of great price in Matthew 13.
  The acquisition of wisdom is above that of pearls. (Job 28: 18)
People Symbols
  The symbolism for people is seen in the three regions of creation that were created to be filled with life. These are heaven, earth and sea.

  People Symbols
  Region | All | God | Righteous | Wicked
  --- | --- | --- | --- | ---
  Heaven | Stars | Sun | Sun, moon | Stars | Fallen star
  Sea | Water | Cloud | Spring, fresh water | Cloud, rain | Sea, flood
  Earth | Grass | Smoke | Tree | Wheat, seed | Tares, weed
  Creatures | Animals, horn, hair | Lamb, dove | Shepherd | Sheep, flock | Dogs, goat, frogs, fish, scapegoat, serpent, dragon
  Church | Woman | Groom | Good Woman, bride | Prostitute

  See Agricultural symbols
Pleasant Land
  Israel
  They despised the pleasant land, they believed not his word. (Psalm 106: 24)
  But I scattered them with a whirlwind among all the nations whom they knew not. Thus the land was desolate after them, that no man passed through nor returned: for they laid the pleasant land desolate. (Zechariah 7: 14)
Purple
  Royalty. Rulership, priest, sacrifice of a king
  Ashes from the sacrifice was covered in purple. Jesus was covered in purple on his way to the crucifixion.
  They shall take away the ashes from the altar and spread a purple cloth over it. Number 4: 13
  And the soldiers plaited a crown of thorns, and put it on his head, and they put on him a purple robe, Then came Jesus out, wearing the crown of thorns, and the purple robe. And Pilate said to them, See the man. John 19: 2,5
  See Colors
Rain
  The Word of God
  Isaiah 55: 10-11.
Rainbow
  Sign of the Covenant promise.
  And I will establish my covenant with you ... And the bow shall be in the cloud; and I will look on it, that I may remember the everlasting covenant between God and every living creature of all flesh that is on the earth. Genesis 9: 11-17.
Red
  Blood, sacrifice, sin, death and destruction.
  Because it is the color of blood.
  Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1: 18.
  For this is the day of the Lord GOD of hosts, a day of vengeance, that he may avenge him of his adversaries: and the sword shall devour, and it shall be satiate and made drunk with their blood: for the Lord GOD of hosts has a sacrifice in the north country by the river Euphrates. Jeremiah 46: 10.
  See also Psalm 75: 8.
  See Blood
  See Color
Reins
  Affections, heart, motives
  Oh let the wickedness of the wicked come to an end; but establish the just: for the righteous God tries the hearts and reins. Psalm 7: 9.
  Examine me, O LORD, and prove me; try my reins and my heart. Psalm 26: 2.
  I the LORD search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings. Jeremiah 17: 10.
Rib
  A people or nation.
  Adam's Rib. His rib was used to create Eve.
  Bear with 3 Ribs. This Bear was Persia, swalling up three nations (Egypt, Lydia and Babylon).
  Breast Offering. This belonged to the Priest as a symbol of the nations that belong to Christ.
Rock
  Christ
  The chief corner stone (Isaiah 28: 16).
  The foundation stone (1 Corinthians 10: 4).
  Christ is the Rock (Luke 20: 17-18).
  See the (Mountain)
Salt
  Seasoning. Something that adds meaning, good flavor and preserves the dead. Before refrigeration, salt was used to keep meat from decaying. When it is used on the offering, it is a prophecy that the body of Jesus will not undergo decay. God will preserve Him in death. (Psalm 16: 10)
  And every grain offering of your meat offering you shall season with salt; neither shall you allow the salt of the covenant of your God to be lacking from your meat offering: with all your offerings you shall offer salt. Leviticus 2:13
  You are the salt of the earth: but if the salt has lost its savor, how shall it be salted? It is therefore good for nothing, but to be cast out. Matthew 5:13.
  As salt, the righteous people keep the stench of death away caused by sin controlling the world.
  See Fat
Scales
  Judging against a standard
  See Measure
Scarlet
  Blood, death
  See the (Red)
Scorpion
  One who causes others to Sin and Die
  See Dragon, Serpent, Sting
Sea
  Sea or Waters represents multitudes of peoples
  It is the place where Satan lives.
  The waters ... are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues (Revelation 17: 1,15).
  The wicked are like a troubled sea. (Isaiah 57: 20).
  The noise of the sea, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. (Psalm 65: 7).
  Isaiah 17: 12, 13.
  Jeremiah 51: 41, 42.
  Daniel 7: 2.
  Knowledge. Knowledge is compared to water covering the earth (Habakkuk 2:14 and Isaiah 11:9).
  "For the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the glory of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea. (Habakkuk 2:14)
  So waters represents people because it is the knowledge of people about God that is valued. The turbulence of the wicked is their refusal of knowledge that borders on foolishness. This lack of understanding creates turbulence in their behavior and relationships.
  Satan is the master of the turbulent sea because he is the source of disinformation and lies about God.
  See earth, People Symbols
Seal of God
  Sabbath
  (Ezekiel 9) those who received the mark or seal of God were those who were against the breaking of God's laws.
  And he received the sign of circumcision, a seal of the righteousness of the faith which he had yet being uncircumcised: that he might be the father of all them that believe, though they be not circumcised; that righteousness might be imputed to them also. Romans 4: 11.
  And I saw another angel ascending from the east, having the seal of the living God: and he cried with a loud voice to the four angels, to whom it was given to hurt the earth and the sea, Saying, Hurt not the earth, neither the sea, nor the trees, till we have sealed the servants of our God in their foreheads. Revelation 7: 2-3.
  And the LORD said to him, Go through the midst of the city, through the midst of Jerusalem, and set a mark on the foreheads of the men that sigh and that cry for all the abominations that be done in the middle of it. Ezekiel 9: 4.
  See the Abomination - idolatry in God's house
Second Death
  Eternal Death
  But the fearful, and unbelieving, and the abominable, and murderers, and whoremongers, and sorcerers, and idolaters, and all liars, shall have their part in the lake which burns with fire and brimstone: which is the second death. Revelation 21: 8.
  And death and hell were cast into the lake of fire. This is the second death. Revelation 20: 14
Seed
  Life
  See the (Blood)
Serpent
  Deceiver, Satan
  And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was thrown out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12: 7-9.
  And he laid hold on the dragon, that old serpent, which is the Devil, and Satan, and bound him a thousand years. Revelation 20: 2.
  See Dragon, Scorpion, Sting
Sheep
  The people of God. The most important sheep was the lamb of God. Ezekiel 34: 12; Matthew 10: 6, 16;
  All nations will be gathered before Him; and He will separate them from one another, as the shepherd separates the sheep from the goats. Matthew 25: 32.
  See lamb, Goat, People symbols, Animal Symbols
Shepherd
  Leader of God's people. Matthew 25: 32.
  See Sheep
Sickle
  Harvest at the end of the world which results in the separation of the righteous from the wicked.
  The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. Matthew 13: 39.
  And I looked, and saw a white cloud, and on the cloud one sat like to the Son of man, having on his head a golden crown, and in his hand a sharp sickle. Revelation 14: 14.
  See Harvest
Smoke
  The glory of God
  See Cloud, People symbols
Sodom
  Immorality
  And your elder sister is Samaria, she and her daughters that dwell at your left hand: and your younger sister, that dwells at your right hand, is Sodom and her daughters. Yet you have not walked after their ways, nor done after their abominations: but, as if that were a very little thing, you were corrupted more than they in all your ways. As I live, says the Lord GOD, Sodom your sister has not done, she nor her daughters, as you have done, you and your daughters. See, this was the iniquity of your sister Sodom, pride, fullness of bread, and abundance of idleness was in her and in her daughters, neither did she strengthen the hand of the poor and needy. And they were haughty, and committed abomination before me: therefore I took them away as I saw good. Ezekiel 16: 46-55.
  I have seen also in the prophets of Jerusalem an horrible thing: they commit adultery, and walk in lies: they strengthen also the hands of evildoers, that none does return from his wickedness: they are all of them to me as Sodom, and the inhabitants there as Gomorrah. Jeremiah 23: 14.
  But before they lay down, the men of the city, even the men of Sodom, compassed the house round, both old and young, all the people from every quarter: And they called to Lot, and said to him, Where are the men which came in to you this night? bring them out to us, that we may know them. ... I have two daughters which have not known man; let me, I pray you, bring them out to you, and do you to them as is good in your eyes: only to these men do nothing . Genesis 19: 4-14.
  See Egypt
South
  See Compass
Stars
  Leaders of the people of God.
  Revelation 12: 1; Daniel 12: 3; Matthew 13: 43; Jude 12, 13.
  And he had in his right hand seven stars: and out of his mouth went a sharp two-edged sword: and his countenance was as the sun shines in his strength. "The mystery of the seven stars which you saw in my right hand, and the seven golden candlesticks. The seven stars are the angels of the seven churches: and the seven candlesticks which you saw are the seven churches. Revelation 1: 16,20.
  And his tail drew the third part of the stars of heaven, and did cast them to the earth: and the dragon stood before the woman which was ready to be delivered, for to devour her child as soon as it was born. And there was war in heaven: Michael and his angels fought against the dragon; and the dragon fought and his angels, And prevailed not; neither was their place found any more in heaven. And the great dragon was cast out, that old serpent, called the Devil, and Satan, which deceives the whole world: he was thrown out into the earth, and his angels were cast out with him. Revelation 12: 4,7-9.
  When the morning stars sang together, and all the sons of God shouted for joy?. Job 38: 7.
Sun
  See light, People symbols
Sting
  Sin
  Sin is the Sting of Death.
  O death, where is your victory? O death, where is your sting?
  The sting of death is sin, and the power of sin is the law. 1 Corinthians 15: 55-56
  See Dragon, Scorpion, Serpent
Sword
  Power and Legal Authority to Punish.
  Religious Authority (Word of God). It becomes a sword because it will be used for judgment based on the laws in the Word of God. But if people are obedient it becomes the word of life - bread.
  And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. Ephesians 6: 17.
  For the word of God is quick, and powerful, and sharper than any two-edged sword, piercing even to the dividing apart of soul and spirit, and of the joints and marrow, and is a discerner of the thoughts and intents of the heart. Hebrews 4: 12.
  Think not that I am come to send peace on earth: I came not to send peace, but a sword. Matthew 10: 34.
  And he has made my mouth like a sharp sword; in the shadow of his hand has he hid me, and made me a polished shaft; in his quiver has he hid me. Isaiah 49: 2.
  Civil Authority. The civil government also has the authority of the sword - the authority of the law. (Romans 13: 1-4)
  See Bow
Testimony of Jesus
  The Spirit of prophecy.
  A prophet gives the spoken word of Jesus. A testimony is a speech.
  And I fell at his feet to worship him. And he said to me, See you do it not: I am your fellow servant, and of your brethren that have the testimony of Jesus: worship God: for the testimony of Jesus is the spirit of prophecy. Revelation 19: 10.
  See Word
Time
  One year. Times = Two Years. "Dividing of Time" = Half year.
  3½ Years. And he shall speak great words against the most High, and shall wear out the saints of the most High, and think to change times and laws: and they shall be given into his hand until a time and times and the dividing of time. Daniel 7: 25.
  See day
Tree
  People, leaders and nations.
  Psalm 1: 1-3; Psalm 52: 8 ; Ezekiel 20; Ezekiel 31; Luke 23: 31 ; Matthew 21: 19
  Happy are those who do not follow the advice of the wicked, or take the path that sinners tread, or sit in the seat of scoffers; but their delight is in the law of the Lord, and on his law they meditate day and night. They are like trees planted by streams of water, which yield their fruit in its season, and their leaves do not wither. In all that they do, they prosper. (Psalm 1: 1-3)
  But I am like a green olive tree in the house of God. I trust in the steadfast love of God forever and ever. (Psalm 52: 8)
  A tree needs three things to grow, sunlight, water and air. A righteous person needs God to grow and God symbolizes Himself as all three elements that make a tree grow.
  - Sunlight. Men are urged to seek the Light rather than darkness. The Father is the source of light.
  - Water. Jesus is described as having springs of "Living Waters".
  - Air. The Holy Spirit came in the wind on Pentecost and He is described as having the "breath of life".
  A tree that is fed by the breath of life and the living waters and the light of God eventually becomes "the Tree of Life".
  Branch. A branch or a shoot is an offspring of the leader.
  Rod. A branch that is a rod or a scepter is a king.
  Grass. All people.
  See Agricultural symbols
Two Witnesses
  Scriptures and the Holy Spirit.
  Search the scriptures; for in them you think you have eternal life: and they are they which testify of me. John 5: 39
  He that rejects me, and does not receive my words, has one that judges him: the word that I have spoken, the same shall judge him in the last day. John 12: 48
  See word
Vinegar
  Stale wine that is one method of corrupting a source of drink so that it is used as a punishment. The fruit of the vine goes through three phases from its path as a food for drink to a liquid that is undesirable.
  Grape Grape juice (unfermented wine ) fermented wine vinegar.
  See wormwood
War

War Places and Battles
Heaven | Satan against Michael
Armageddon | Last battle
Abyss | Place of exile
Hell | Place of punishment
1260 year persecution | War against the saints
War Weapons
Rock | Destroys the idolatrous nations
Bow | Weapon
Sword | Word of God
Horses | Vehicle
Darts, arrows | Attack by Satan
Shield | Defence against Satan
Armor of God | Defence against Satan
Victory Symbols
Wreath | Winning the race
Crown | Crown of righteousness
Palm branches | Celebration with the King

  In the conflict between good and evil, both sides are at war. The forces of evil are trying to access locations that they are forbidden to go. The forces of Good are trying to reconcile all systems and place them in their proper condition and location. As a part of this reconciliation, the forces of evil have lost their right to their original status and God has prepared a new location and status for them. These are declared in a judgment.
  See Measure
Water
  Life. Sea or Waters represents multitudes of restless peoples
  The waters ... are peoples and multitudes and nations and tongues (Revelation 17: 1,15)
  The wicked are like a troubled sea. (Isaiah 57: 20)
  The noise of the sea, the noise of their waves, and the tumult of the people. (Psalm 65: 7)
  Holy Spirit. Water also represents life and the Holy Spirit. The sea of turbulent water represents wicked people. But fresh spring water or a river represents the Holy Spirit. Clean water in the form of rain or dew also represents the Holy Spirit.
  Symbol Modification. Fresh, flowing spring water is a good symbol of life. But life also has the good and bad. So the meaning can be modified by many things.
  » Standing Water. Loss of purity that leads to death.
  » Stagnant Water. Death.
  » Flowing Water. Living.
  » Spring. A gentle flowing stream of fresh water represents the righteous.
  » Sea. The turbulent violent sea represents the wicked.
  » Water Location. Is the source from the earth, sea or sky?
  » Poisoned Water. How pure is the water? Water can be poisoned, made unfit to drink or unpleasant to drink. Wormwood and gall is used to make water bitter and it is used as a punishment.
  » Unclean Water. Water tainted with blood and used for drink.
  » Liquids for Food. Any source of drink or nourishment takes on the same significance as water, because it sustains life. So vinegar to drink is an unpleasant symbol.
  See earth, Sea, Cloud, People symbols
West
  See Compass
White
  Purity. Righteousness
  Purge me with hyssop, and I shall be clean: wash me, and I shall be whiter than snow. Psalm 51: 7.
  Come now, and let us reason together, says the LORD: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. Isaiah 1: 18.
  And to her was granted that she should be arrayed in fine linen, clean and white: for the fine linen is the righteousness of saints. Revelation 19: 8.
Winds
  A symbol of war and strife - diplomatic, political and military that shapes history.
  (Jeremiah 49: 36-37)
  (Revelation 7: 1)
  Look, the whirlwind of the LORD goes forward with fury, a continuing whirlwind: it shall fall with pain on the head of the wicked. Jeremiah 30: 23.
Wine
  (Fermented Wine) False doctrine
  A corrupting influence that mingles with the true and deceives.
  Wine brings deception. (Proverbs 20: 1)
  Wine is a symbol of condemnation and judgement. (Psalm 75: 8)
  End time Babylon drinks the wine and corrupts the nations. (Revelation 17: 2-5)
  The fall of end time Babylon is linked to wine. (Revelation 18: 2-3)
  The fruit of the tree of the knowledge of good and evil brought nakedness and a curse. (Genesis 3: 6-7,14)
  Like the forbidden fruit of Eden, wine brings nakedness and a curse. (Genesis 9: 20-21,25)
  Intoxicating wine was forbidden in the sanctuary service. (Leviticus 10: 9)
  See (Unfermented Wine) Grape Juice. This unfermented wine represents the blood of Christ.
  See Vinegar. This is stale wine and is the opposite of the grape juice.
Wings
  Wings represent great speed for conquest.
  Habbakuk 1: 6-8 - ... swifter than leopards ... shall fly as the eagle ...
  Jeremiah 4: 13 - His (Babylon's) horses are swifter than the eagles of heaven.
  Deuteronomy 28: 49 - The Lord shall bring a nation against you ... as swift as the eagle flies.
  See Eagle

Symbol | Meaning
--- | ---
Woman | Church
Virgin | Obedient church
Whore | Unfaithful church

Woman
  Church. Israel. The body of Christ.
  The color of the clothes and the dress tells the activity of the church.
  A woman in white with the word of God is a pure church.
  A woman in red who is called a whore, who drinks wine is a corrupting and impure church.
  I have likened the daughter of Zion to a comely and delicate woman. Jeremiah 6: 2
  For I am jealous over you with godly jealousy: for I have espoused you to one husband, that I may present you as a chaste virgin to Christ. 2 Corinthians 11: 2.
  But you trusted in your own beauty, and played the harlot because of your fame, and poured out your fornications on every one that passed by; his it was. And of your garments you took, and decorated your high places with many colours, and played the harlot there: the like things shall not come, neither shall it be so. You have also taken your fair jewels of my gold and of my silver, which I had given you, and made to yourself images of men, and committed whoredom with them, And took your embroidered garments, and covered them: and you have set my oil and my incense before them. My meat also which I gave you, fine flour, and oil, and honey, with which I fed you, you have even set it before them for a sweet savour: and so it was, said the Lord GOD. Moreover you have taken your sons and your daughters, whom your have borne to me, and these have you sacrificed to them to be devoured. Ezekiel 16: 15-58.
  Son of man, there were two women, the daughters of one mother: And they committed whoredoms in Egypt ... Thus were their names; Samaria is Aholah, and Jerusalem Aholibah. And Aholah played the harlot when she was mine; and she doted on her lovers, on the Assyrians her neighbours. Ezekiel 23: 2-21.
  How is the faithful city become an harlot! it was full of judgment; righteousness lodged in it; but now murderers. Isaiah 1: 21.
  ... Have you seen that which backsliding Israel has done? she is gone up on every high mountain and under every green tree, and there has played the harlot... . Jeremiah 3: 6-9.
  See Clothes - how the woman is dressed.
  See Wine - what the woman eats.
  See Jezebel - a leader who corrupted Israel.
  See People symbols.
Word
  God's message
  The message from God comes in many forms:
  • Law. Written word and prophecies contained in the laws.
  • Prophets. Spoken word given to the prophets.
  • Holy Spirit. Interprets the message.
  • Jesus. God's clearest message. His life fulfilled all the laws and prophets who spoke about Him.
  Your word is a lamp to my feet and a light to my path. (Psalm 119: 105)
  See light
Wormwood
  Idolatry, sorrow, bitterness
  Deuteronomy 29: 17, 18; Jeremiah 9: 15
  Therefore thus says the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel; Look, I will feed them, even this people, with wormwood, and give them water of gall to drink. Jeremiah 9: 15.
  Remembering my affliction and my misery, the wormwood and the gall. Lamentations 3: 19
  See Vinegar, Gall, Water
Wrath of God
  His punishments. God gives people what they want - to be separated from Him.
  And I saw another sign in heaven, great and marvelous, seven angels having the seven last plagues; for in them is filled up the wrath of God. Revelation 15: 1.
  See Measuring rod
Zion
  God's people
  And I have put my words in your mouth, and I have covered you in the shadow of my hand, that I may plant the heavens, and lay the foundations of the earth, and say to Zion, you are my people. Isaiah 51: 16.
  See Israel
Numbers
  See a detailed study of Bible numbers
  See a detailed study of the origin of symbols

  Number | Meaning | Example
  --- | --- | ---
  1 | God | God is 1
  4 | All directions, everywhere | 4 corners of the world
  5 | A judgment cycle ends | 5 curses, 5 bars holds the sanctuary
  6 | Man's total time | 666
  7 | God's time | Sabbath
  8 | Beginning of a new cycle of seven | Eighth day. Day of circumcision
  12 | People of God | 12 tribes and disciples
  40 | God's people's time | 4 X 10
  49 | God's time | Sabbath of Sabbaths
  50 | Beginning of a new cycle of 49 (7 x 7) | Jubilee, pentecost
  X 10 | Total time of trial | 40, 70, 490
  Squared | Temporary judgment time. Freedom for people who are judged. | Jubilee, 144,000
  Cubed | Heaven (Permanent place for people who are free) | Cubed city of the New Jerusalem

God causes all things to work together for good to those who love God. Romans 8: 28 | Time: 100 minutes Print: 26 pages
Copyright Updated : August 16, 2002. January 25, 2004 Author: Laverna Patterson. Editor: Credits: • Information received in Bible study classes • How to understand the End Time Prophecies of the Bible - LaRondelle, Hans • Some supporting texts from the Presents of God Ministry whose original source was the Revelation Seminars