@mchill said
Literally or symbolically?
No way to answer this. The book of Revelation was written by a man many centuries ago, trying to explain future events using his limited vocabulary and understanding of technology or of many things we know of today.
The whole Bible is said, and widely accepted that it was written by men many centuries ago. Theologians explain that the bible was written by men through inspiration, and is the word of God.
The passage was from Revelation, which begins like this: The revelation from Jesus Christ, which God gave him to show his servants what must soon take place. He made it known by sending his angel to his servant John, who testifies to everything he saw—that is, the word of God and the testimony of Jesus Christ. Blessed is the one who reads aloud the words of this prophecy, and blessed are those who hear it and take to heart what is written in it, because the time is near.
Are you saying the Bible is not God's inspired word? Are you denying God the ability to be omniscient? What a ludicrous assumption you have. Limiting God’s vocabulary and understanding of the future things He prophesies through His prophets and holy people is really more than foolish, especially coming from someone who claims to be a faithful believer and also claims to understand the Bible well enough to explain it to others.
Psalm 147:5: “Great is our Lord and abundant in strength; His understanding is infinite.”
Psalm 139:4: “Even before a word is on my tongue, behold, O Lord, You know it altogether.”
1 John 3:20: “For whenever our heart condemns us, God is greater than our heart, and He knows all things.”