Welcome.
These pages are for persons interested in reading the Scriptures with the intent of gaining a better understanding of them. Whether it is unlocking the meaning of a parable, or acquiring a sense for metaphors, or discerning the context behind a particular event- there are many ways you can benefit from your personal reading of scripture. If you sometimes feel 'at sea' regarding what you are reading, you are in good company.
"Concerning this salvation, the prophets, who spoke of the grace that was to come to you, searched intently and with the greatest care, trying to find out the time and circumstances to which the Spirit of Christ in them was pointing when he predicted the sufferings of the Messiah and the glories that would follow. It was revealed to them that they were not serving themselves but you, when they spoke of the things that have now been told you by those who have preached the gospel to you by the Holy Spirit sent from heaven. Even angels long to look into these things."
-1Peter 1:10-12
Yes, even angels desire a fuller knowledge from the Scriptures. And the prophets themselves were not quite clear as to the timing and the circumstances of their prophecies being fulfilled. Hopefully, that is what will be achieved in these pages.
But perhaps a word of caution is in order. Not everything will be plain in these pages, and not all instruction will be welcome. Many people will already have their own ideas. Those persons seeking a literal interpretation of the scriptures, will soon find themselves at odds with these lessons. Just as the parables of Jesus were often not understood by his listeners, so too, many parts of the Bible's teachings come through as illustrations and can easily be missed. For instance, proverbs are often metaphorical. Parables are usually fictitious and meant as comparisons. They teach a moral or a spiritual truth. Discernment is required on the part of the reader.
When the apostle Paul wrote of the tabernacle in the wilderness, he referred to it as "an illustration for the present time." -Hebrews 9:9
Although the tabernacle was real, it also signified something greater. So too with scripture. We do not simply read it- we ponder over it, we meditate about it, and, if we are willing, we learn from it.
This, then, is our first lesson.