The Bible, Its Own Interpreter

Our interpretation of Scripture is largely influenced by our assumptions. Those who consider the Bible as a mere collection of ancient documents are unable to see any unity among its various books. But by taking into consideration the basic principle that “all Scripture is inspired by God and beneficial” (2 Tim. 3:16, NASB), we can appreciate its underlying unity and allow the Bible to be its own interpreter.

A superficial reading of Matthew 5:17–48 can give the impression that Jesus was replacing the teachings of the Old Testament with new ones of His own. But a more careful reading makes clear that Jesus was unfolding the deep, spiritual dimensions of the Old Testament. In this sense, He was fulfilling the promise of Jeremiah 31:31–33 that, under the new covenant, God’s law would be put in the minds and written on the hearts of His people (compare with Heb. 8:8–10, Heb. 10:16).

Sometimes the interpretation of a given passage is provided within the same book in which the passage appears. For example, in Daniel 2, we find the description of the mysterious dream of King Nebuchadnezzar (Dan. 2:31–35), followed by the interpretation of the dream (Dan. 2:36–45). Likewise, in Matthew 13, we have the parable of the sower (Matt. 13:1–9) and then its interpretation (Matt. 13:18–23).

Sometimes the interpretation of a message is provided by a later prophet. For instance, 2 Chronicles 36:22, 23 confirms the fulfillment of the prophecy of the 70 years, as predicted in Jeremiah 25:11, 12 and Jeremiah 29:10. However, many Old Testament types were fulfilled in Christ, and many Old Testament passages are interpreted in the New Testament.

“The Old Testament is the gospel in figures and symbols. The New Testament is the substance. One is as essential as the other.”—Ellen G. White, Selected Messages, book 2, p. 104. Indeed, the New Testament is the inspired interpreter of the Old Testament.

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Additional Reading: Selected Quotes from Ellen G. White

Daniel sought the Lord when the decree went forth to slay all the wise men of the kingdom of Babylon because they could not relate or interpret a dream that had gone from the king’s mind. He demanded not only the interpretation of the dream, but the relation of the dream itself. . . .
The magicians were full of fear and trembling. They declared that the request of the king was something unreasonable, and a test beyond that which had ever been required of anyone. The king became furious and acted like all persons who have great power and uncontrollable passions. He decided that every one of them should be put to death, and as Daniel and his fellows were numbered with the wise men, they also were to share their fate. . . .
Daniel came before the king and pleaded for time to bring this matter before the supreme court of the universe, from whose decision there could be no appeal. When his request was granted, Daniel laid the whole matter before his companions who were united with him in worshiping the true God. The matter was carefully considered, and on their bended knees, they pleaded that God would give them the power and wisdom that alone would avail them in their great necessity. . . . With contrition of heart they submitted their case to the great Judge of the earth. It was all that they could do. . . .
Daniel prayed, “I thank thee, and praise thee, O thou God of my fathers, who hast given me wisdom and might, and hast made known unto me now what we desired of thee: for thou hast now made known unto us the king’s matter.” . . .
Daniel was imbued with the Spirit of Jesus Christ, and he pleaded­ that the wise men of Babylon should not be destroyed. The followers of Christ do not possess the attributes of Satan, which make it a pleasure to grieve and afflict the creatures of God. They have the spirit of their Master, who said, I am “come to seek and to save that which was lost.” . . .
“Then Arioch brought in Daniel before the king in haste, and said thus unto him, I have found a man of the captives of Judah, that will make known unto the king the interpretation.” . . . Then in all humility of mind he [Daniel] acknowledges that the wisdom is not in him, but in the God of heaven, and that the vision has been revealed to him for the sake of God’s servants, and that the king might know the thoughts of his heart.—Christ Triumphant, p. 176.