Bible interpretation should not be overly symbolic. Biblical precedents are much more literal. Some prophecy is given in figurative language such as the description of the antichrist as a beast. An angel even explained the literal version of some visions to Daniel when he appealed. Here are actual fulfillments of Bible prophecies that vary little from how they were spoken:
Isaiah 53:5 But He was pierced (soldier pierced His side to be sure he was dead) for our offenses,
He was crushed for our wrongdoings;
The punishment for our well-being was laid upon Him (died for our sins),
And by His wounds we are healed.
Isaiah 53:7 He was oppressed and afflicted,
Yet He did not open His mouth;
Like a lamb that is led to slaughter (dragged to the cross),
And like a sheep that is silent before its shearers,
So He did not open His mouth (true).
Isaiah 53:9 And His grave was assigned with wicked men,
Yet He was with a rich man in His death (buried in Joseph of Arimathea’s tomb),
Because He had done no violence,
Nor was there any deceit in His mouth.
Isaiah 53:12 …And was counted with wrongdoers (crucified w/thieves);
Yet He Himself bore the sin of many, (He bore our sins)
And interceded for the wrongdoers.
Bible Prophecy is Trustworthy!
Daniel fulfilled and nearly fulfilled prophecy
X = fulfilled
TBA has not happened yet
x TBA in progress
1. Babylon replaced by Medo-Persia Daniel 2,7, and 8 X
2. Medo-Persia replaced by Greece, Daniel 2,7, and 8 X
3. Greece replaced by the final empire of Europe, Rome. Daniel 2,7, and 8 X
4. Christ to appear 483 years (Jewish 360 day) from the decree to restore and rebuild Jerusalem. There were two. The successful one was 444 B.C. Daniel 9 X
5. Messiah would be cut off afterwards (33 A.D) Daniel 9 X
6. Jerusalem would be destroyed (70 A.D.) Daniel 9 X
7. The temple would be there at the end of time (Temple Mount Society) TBA Daniel 9 x
8. The seven-year covenant broken in the middle and the sacrifice stopped TBA Daniel 9
Jesus fulfilled and nearly fulfilled prophecy
1. Messiah appears, tells of what will follow Daniel 9 X
2. Messiah crucified (33 A.D.) Daniel 9, Isaiah 53 (cut off) X
3. Daniel 11 is so accurate concerning historical events in the Middle East that liberals post-date Daniel to the mid-first century B.C. after the events took place. Here are some examples:
Daniel 11:2 Three kings: Cambyses II, Darius I, Xerxes
Xerxes attacks Greece 480 B.C. His victory last only a year.
Daniel 11:3 Alexander the Great (356-323 B.C.)
Daniel 11:4 Alexander’s 4 generals divide up his empire
Daniel 11:5 Ptolemy I Soter (303-382 B.C.)
Daniel 11:6 Bernice, daughter of Ptolemy II is given in marriage to Antiochus II Theos after he divorces his wife Laodice. Ptolemy dies. Antiochus later brings Laodice back and she poisons Bernice and her son. Bernice’s brother Ptolemy III invades Syria and has Laodice killed.
Daniel 11:7 Ptolemy III attacks Seleucus II Callinicus
Daniel 11:8 Ptolemy III carries away riches from the Seleucid Empire
Daniel 11:9 Seleucus II enters Egypt but returns without confrontation
Daniel 11:10 His sons Seleucus III Ceraunus and later Antiochus III
Daniel 11:11 Ptolemy IV Philopater victoriously attacks the great army of Antiochus III The Great but it was only a partial victory
Daniel 11:12 Antiochus III becomes over confident
Daniel 11:13 Antiochus III, along with Philip of Macedon, and a massive army attack Egypt under Ptolemy Epiphanes, only five years old, with surrogates running his kingdom
Daniel 11:14 These are stated to be some insurrections during the early years of Ptolemy Epiphanes, and a league which some of the Jews made with Antiochus the Great against Ptolemy.
4. Jerusalem surrounded by armies, Temple will be destroyed (70 A.D.) Matthew 24:2 X
5. Wars, famine, earthquakes Matthew 24:7 X
6. Persecuted by all nations Matthew 24:9 X
6. Jerusalem trodden under by gentiles until their time is up (1967 retaken) Luke 21:24 X
7. Many will claim to be the Messiah Luke 21:8 X
8. Gospel preached in the whole world, the end comes (almost complete) Mathew 24:14 xTBA
9. Roaring and tossing of the sea (oceans rise, hurricane increase due to global warming, worsening with time) Luke 21:25 x TBA
10. Signs in sun, moon, and stars Luke 21:25 FUTURE TBA
11. Antichrist will appear in the restored holy place (temple) FUTURE TBA
12. Christ returns in the clouds at an unexpected hour – FUTURE TBA