Perhaps as difficult as parsing the words of Isaiah is figuring out the words of John in Revelation. Interesting, because the rest of the words of John are relatively accessible. This, of course, has led many scholars to dispute the authorship of Revelation. We know from latter-day revelation, however, that it is John the Apostle who wrote these things.
The language in Revelation is symbolic and can therefore only be understood as the symbols are meant and as they apply to us. Whenever I read something that is symbolic - and even in some things that are very literal - I ask myself, so what? Why is this significant? What's the point? How does this apply to me and my life? And what can I do to better understand the context, meaning, and application of this symbol?
Joseph Smith taught that the Revelation was the most clear book he'd ever read. I've heard elsewhere that the symbols are used for the same reason that Christ spoke in parables. That is, that those who would apply themselves to understand the symbols and their meaning would find a richness and meaning that otherwise would be kept for them. Those who do not pursue this course do not enjoy the same blessing. It is a protection, further, from giving too much unnecessary information and knowledge to those who cannot handle it. We become ready to handle the further light and knowledge as we prepare our minds and hearts to receive the word. I have also found that this preparation also enables us to enjoy the full measure of the Lord's Spirit, and that we can enjoy a taste of what the original writers experienced when they originally received the word.
I am not going to claim that I have a particular knowledge of things. I am also not going to claim that my interpretations are anything other than my own feeble understanding. But I have found some things that may be of interest, so I thought I'd pass them along. Please feel free to comment/question as occasion provides. I may not know the answer, but if I don't I'll tell you. I'm very interested in what you think as well.
First off, we must remember that John was bearing testimony of the things he saw, and that everything he saw bears relation to Jesus Christ. The grand opening scenes of this Revelation include the introduction of the Savior. This is a pattern we see repeatedly throughout the scriptures, but particularly in the Doctrine and Covenants. Reminding us all of who He is reminds us also of who we are and our relationship to Him. He is the Almighty. We are His children, His brothers, His servants. Ultimately, I hope to be called His friend.
Then there are numbers. In this chapter, the number seven is used repeatedly. Seven is a powerful number. It is, according to Hebrew tradition, a number that symbolizes creation (as in the seven days of creation), perfection, and eternity. Certainly there were more churches in Asia (which is modern-day Turkey) than seven. And just as certainly, this was not written solely for their benefit. So the number seven must have some kind of symbolic meaning as well.
The stars are the angels - or, according to the Joseph Smith translation, servants - and the candlesticks are the seven churches. Thus, each church had an angel or servant or messenger sent to them. In our modern era, we have difficulty relating to the problems associated with communication in the ancient world. We want to send a message - we just email, or telephone, or Skype, or get on Facebook, or send a tweet, or even (and this one still amazes me) send an instant message. It's even called "instant" message! This kind of rapid communication is a great blessing for us. It makes other kinds of communication quite antiquated, though. When was the last time you actually wrote a letter? I mean - a REAL letter? It still means a lot to get these kinds of notes, but they are becoming obsolete as fast as the newest text message arrives.
We'll see the number seven again.
Remember that the numbers can also be twisted and used for the nefarious purposes of the adversary, so don't get two hung up on them. If they seem to be representing one thing, they probably are, whether that's good or bad.
As an example of this, think about the symbol of the serpent. In the garden of Eden, the adversary appears to Adam and Eve in the guise of the serpent. Later, Moses raises a brass serpent in the wilderness as a symbol of the healing power of Christ and His atonement. Thus, the same symbol can be used in various ways with very different meanings. Carefully consider the context of each application and the meanings will usually be clear. Incidentally, I think that Satan using the symbol of the serpent was not mere happenstance. I think that he knew what he was doing when he appeared in the form of a serpent, purposefully and deliberately trying to appear like our elder Brother in an attempt to deceive and garner trust. Seems to have worked, don't you think?
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