The Bible is a book of symbols. Like an ascending staircase, it unlocks sublime vistas at every level. It weaves themes and images into symbolic threads that converge in a cosmic vision.
The Bible survives as a compilation of many books. It was likely authored, edited and assembled by many people over many centuries. The fact that it resembles a story is quite remarkable, and why Christians believe it is revealed.
In the coming months, I want to mine the Bible for its wealth of symbolism. I have a few insights up my sleeve, but that’s about it. If a critical, historical, or grammatical approach is like science, this will be pure poetry.
Our approach will be to circle around an image on a journey to its centre. Like the angels in William Blake’s painting of Jacob’s Dream, we’ll ascend and descend the staircase, seeing each symbol at four different resolutions:
1. Starting in the book of Genesis, we’ll get a feel for an image in its literal sense. E.g. what does water evoke?
2. We’ll trace out occurrences in key stories. Is there a pattern or play of opposites? E.g. water destroys but also revivifies.
3. Having detected a pattern, we’ll look for a cosmic exemplar. Is there an ultimate pattern, or reconciliation of opposites? E.g. the waters of chaos and the river of life are united in X.
4. Here, at the nexus of these images, we’ll contemplate its mystical significance. How is the cosmic made concrete in us? E.g. how do the waters of chaos and the river of life play out in our lives?
I’m really looking forward to this as a devotional exercise. I hope you’ll join me and share your wisdom and reflections along the way.
