1. The lamb is Christ in 26 of 27 verses Rev. 5:6
2. The dragon is Satan Rev 12:9
3. The harlot on the beast is a false religious system Rev. 17:1
4. The beast with heads and horns is a final world empire Rev. 13:1 and 17
5. The woman giving birth is Israel Rev. 12:1
The prophetic purpose of the symbolism is found throughout apocalyptic literature such as Daniel and Revelation. It was used to veil the meaning, especially from the enemies of the Jews. It was used to allow the wise to search out the truth (prov. 25:2). Prophetic symbolism is found in the numbers, colors, and imagery of the animal symbols. The Bible interprets itself and Revelation and Daniel are twin books in symbolism! The symbolism protected the book of Revelation from being destroyed. They did not really understand all the content in John's day.
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