Sunday, August 17, 2025

Apocalyptic

Apocalyptic: Biblical Poetry II

by the Rev. AJ Ochart

Scripture

Sermon Notes

This week we continue the Summer Sermon Series, ‘How to Read the Bible’ based on the Bible Project series by the same name.

This week continue to reflect on biblical poetry, and focus on the sub-genre of ‘Apocalyptic Literature.’ In our culture, Apocalyptic or Apocalypse tends to be understood as being about the end of the world, or at least the end of an era or system. To be sure, biblical apocalyptic literature is a major reason for that, often picturing a meeting out of divine justice upon the injustice of humanity. Many of our examples of apocalyptic literature, like the book of Revelation or the second half of Daniel, are written during times of religious and political oppression. It is written by those who long to see the destruction of the oppressive structures over them, and may only be able to picture this destruction coming at the hands of God. However, other apocalyptic literature; like that found in Ezekiel, Isaiah, and even the Creation accounts in Genesis; is paired with a Prophetic Critique of the writer’s own leaders. This literature develops the theological and biblical concept of the day of the LORD in which God will one day come and bring justice, meaning reward for those who have been unjustly treated, and punishment on those who have unjustly profited off of the suffering of others. This is simultaneously a joyous and terrifying idea, depending on which side you are on (or which side you think you are on).

The Greek word Apocalypsos means ‘revelation’ as in an unveiling of deep truth or wisdom. Apocalyptic literature uses vibrant (sometimes over the top) imagery as an attempt to rip the veil away from the way we usually see the world, and see it for how it ‘really is.’ Like frogs being boiled in a pot, we get used to ‘the way things are’ and can be blind to things that are going on around us. Apocalyptic literature attempts to shock its reader-hearers into seeing the injustice around them, and the almost cosmic struggles of good and evil.

While Apocalyptic literature is meant to unveil deeper truth, this vibrant imagery also serves to veil or obscure as well. This literature often becomes popular in times of deep political turmoil and autocratic violence and power. As such, saying things directly could easily get one killed. For instance, it might be very dangerous in 1st Century Palestine to say that Rome and Caesar were an evil power in opposition to the God of Israel and Jesus of Nazareth, but talking about a great beast with seven heads gives some plausible deniability. Speaking out against Emperor Nero could get you invited to one of his garden parties (as a torch), but adding up the numbers associated with the letters of his name could give you a way to sneakily talk about him (666, 626, 8647).

We are surrounded by many examples of apocalyptic literature in our culture, which seeks to do the same thing: use vibrant imagery and special effects to reveal deep truths about justice, the human condition, and human nature.

If you would like to explore the topic of Biblical Poetry more, please see the following notes (these are the same resources from last week, so you have a chance to catch up).