An allegory is a prolonged metaphor
Examples: Psalm 80:8-19; Isaiah 5:1-7 (mixed); Genesis 49:9 (brief); Ezekiel 17:1-10 (2 great eagles - mixed)
Rules for interpreting allegories
- Determine the scope of the allegory -- the area of truth covered.
- Seize the main teaching which that allegory is intended to give.
- Interpret all accessories in harmony with the main truth of teaching (use Isaiah 5:1-7 as an example).