Revelation of Jesus 4, Chiastic Structure

In order to understand the symbolism of the book of Revelation we need to look into the insights the Old Testament provides, namely, the literary technique called chiastic structure. The book of Daniel, in particular, provides a model for what we can expect in the content of Revelation.

Besides the Old Testament, the book of Revelation itself gives us important keys to understanding what at first seems very disorganized and confusing.

Surprisingly, the book of Revelation is actually highly organized, but to see that you have to read it very carefully.

Chiastic structure in Old Testament

The chiastic structure is a mirror-image pattern. It uses words, phrases, symbols, or ideas in the first half that are mirrored by the same or similar elements in the second half, progressing and building toward a climax.

Just like many other works of ancient literature as well as parts of the Old Testament, the book of Revelation was also written with this form of literary technique.

In fact, the Book of Revelation is the most extensive and amazing chiasm in the Bible, and the complex details make it clear that John did not dream this up; God Himself inspired John to write in a way that created it.

The chiastic structure is an impressive literary accomplishment. But it also provides crucial information and important keys for interpreting the obscure but critical prophecies of the book. Prophecies that are more relevant today than ever before.

You can find many more details about the chiastic structure and the rest of the Book of Revelation in the book “A Revelation of Jesus” by David Lackey.