Recurring Patterns and Historical Cycles
In a sense history repeats itself.
It is like a stage-play.
There are pre-set roles.
The actors change from time to time but only certain types of actor fit specific roles.
The play is rehearsed over and over with the actors changing.
The closer we get to the end times the more realistic does the playing become.
In the end we shall have the real thing.
#2. What Are Prototypical Prophesies?
The Bible has set roles for specific national characters.
We cannot know exactly how matters will turn out but we may discern general tendencies.
We have prophecies about the Philistines.
Isaiah 11: 14 But they shall fly down upon the shoulder of the Philistines toward the west.
Philistines here could mean physical descendants of the ancient Philistines some of whom may be found along the Adriatic coast of central southern Europe.
Or it could be the people who now dwell in the region the ancient Philistines dwelt in, who fulfill a similar role to the ancient Philistines, and who call themselves by a name that in Latin means Philistine i.e. Palestine!
Applying our Prototypical Prophecy Model we may surmise:
At different times and places the prophecies could apply to both these two candidates and perhaps others as well.
Eventually the projected scenario will be played out in its fullness.
The same applies to other Prophecies and identifications.
By the same token one country at different stages etc could play more than one role.
Germany could be Gomer, Assyria, and Edom.
Russia Edom, Magog, Egypt, and others.