Allusions, Exegetical Method, and the Interpretation of Revelation 8:7-12

Abstract

"This dissertation attempts to overcome some of the major obstacles to the development of a comprehensive exegetical method that can enable an interpreter to unlock the meaning of such difficult apocalyptic passages as Rev 8:7-12. The first chapter utilizes a survey of previous research to explore four issues whose resolution is vital to the interpretation of the book of Revelation: (1) the sources of the Apocalypse, (2) how the Revelator used them, (3) the language and text tradition of the OT that he used, and (4) the nature and location of his allusions to earlier literature. The literature survey indicates that the major obstacle to the accurate interpretation of Revelation is the lack of an objective method for evaluating the allusions to prior literature that characterize the book"