A Bible School Manual: Studies in the Book of Revelation / An introduction, analysis, and notes, containing a concise interpretation according to the symbolic view, numerous references to authorities, and general mention of other interpretations, with the text of the American revised version edited in paragraphs, for the use of Bible students

by Stephen Alexander Hunter

4 A Message to the Church when Struggling, as in Thyatira:—“Hold Fast till I Come.”

5 A Message to the Church when Dying, as in Sardis:—“Stablish the Things that Remain.”

6 A Message to the Church when Steadfast, as in Philadelphia:—“Hold Fast ... That No One Take thy Crown.”

7 A Message to the Church when Self-Deceived, as in Laodicea:—“Be Zealous ... and Repent.”

---

Appendix E: The Symbolism of Numbers

(A Key to Scripture Interpretation)

The value of the symbolism of numbers in the general interpretation of Scripture is variously estimated, but its importance in interpreting the Revelation is almost universally conceded, for without it we cannot understand aright the symbolic teaching of the book. The attentive student will not fail to notice the wide use of numbers throughout, and the effect of addition, subtraction, multiplication, and division, upon the symbolism of the simpler numbers. The author believes that a cautious use can often be made of numbers in the interpretation not only of the Revelation where their use is so manifest, but of many other parts of Scripture, if not too much stress be laid on the symbolic meaning, for the Hebrew mind delighted itself in symbols. The value of this knowledge lies in the fact that an additional thought may often be caught in this way that would otherwise escape our attention, though it is usually subordinate and does not occupy so prominent a place as in the Revelation. The symbolism of the numbers used in the book is concisely stated in this appendix for the convenience of the reader.

One (a unit), the Primary Number. The symbol of that which is single, alone, or representative. One hour, and one day, in the Revelation stand for a relatively short time, and a half-hour for a clearly limited period, even though these may not be actually short from the human point of view. The fractions one-half, one-third, and one-fourth do not represent definite parts, but in a general way portions less than the whole, that which is of limited extent in relation to the whole.