Surely the Lord GOD will do nothing, but he revealeth his secret unto his servants the prophets.
Amos 3:7
I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets
Hosea 12:10
According to Amos 3:7, the Lord God has revealed all he has, is, and will do, within the seven thousands years established for reconciliation. However, packing that much information in just one book takes some creative writing. The main method is the use of similitudes which are prophetic in nature.
It is essential to recognize many, if not all, of the historical events in Scripture are similitudes. Although the Bible’s historical record is true, its purpose extends beyond recounting the past. History is guided and controlled and events fashioned by the Lord were recorded for revelation: they reveal God and, equally importantly, illustrate human personalities and character. Many also portray spiritual events.
As similitudes the Scriptures transcend all historical and cultural limitations; the commandments, doctrines, and lessons of the Bible are eternal, as applicable today as when they were written. Its teachings cannot be dismissed on the tenuous excuse of historical progress or cultural bias. The historical times and cultures were designed by God for the settings of the lessons of scripture to convey his exact meaning. These teachings stand at any time in history; man has not evolved to greater truths or cultural advancements but has fallen away from the truth.
Do not mistake God’s guidance of history with Calvinism. Biblical history was recorded after the events occurred, even the prophecies of the accounts of predetermined events the Lord intended to work into the flow of history.
God knew what He intended to convey and guided history as it unfolded, adjusting its course in response to men’s thoughts, intentions, and the decisions made to the choices given. This understanding portrays God as far greater than Calvinistic theology’s predestination describes.
The word of God will stand a thousand readings;
and he who has gone over it most frequently
is the surest of finding new wonders there.
James Hamilton (1814-1867) English Clergy