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ORIGINAL: ChristopherJ

This is a Bible forum, so I don't think its off topic... anyway, I will try to answer your question...

The story you're referring to takes place in Genesis 19, and is a part of a historical narrative part of the Bible. Therefore, I believe the events described actually happened. How did the guests know the angels were there? The Bible says that when they first arrived in town, they had appeared in human form, and walked through the town before arriving at Lot's house. There are also many occurances of angels appearing to people in human form.

Another great resource you can pick up is "How to Read the Bible for all its Worth" by Gordon Fee and Douglas Stuart. In it they go through all the different genres of literatura in the Bible and talk about how to interpret them. For example, the historical parts of the Bible - the stories of Abraham, David, Noah, Jonah, etc - are all historical accounts of real people. However, the book of Revelation is apocalyptic literature and highly symbolic with many visions and dreams, and therefore must be interpreted in light of that.

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ORIGINAL: ChristopherJ

mikejones,

Here is a list that I shared with my Hermeneutics students when I taught Bible Research at Pacific Life Bible College several years ago... the material is originally quoted from Howard Hendricks "Living by the Book" if I remember correctly... hope this helps!

TEN PRINCIPLES FOR FIGURING OUT THE FIGURATIVE:
1. Use the literal sense unless there is some good reason not to.
For example, when the Bible says that Jesus is a Lamb, it doesn’t mean He’s a literal little sheep that’s running around. It’s symbolic of His work at our atoning sacrifice!
2. Use the figurative sense when the passage tells you to do so.
Dreams, visions, and prophetic descriptions are often in symbolic language
3. Use the figurative sense if a literal meaning is impossible or absurd.
For example, in Revelation 1:16, where Jesus appears with a sharp, two-edged sword coming out of His mouth, this is likely a symbolic representation. A word study shows this type of sword is one of victory and judgment, carried by a conquering king, used to execute the vanquished after a triumphal procession – a theme in Revelation.
4. Use the figurative if a literal meaning would involve something immoral.
For example, Jesus was not literally telling people to eat His body in John 6:53-55.
5. Use the figurative sense if the expression is an obvious figure of speech.
For example, a simile, using like or as, is commonly used to make a comparison.
He knew his wife, and he fell asleep, are common figures of speech in the Bible.
6. Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation goes contrary to the context and scope of the passage.
For example, in Revelation 5:1-5 where a fascinating scene is described before the throne of God, we read about “the Lion of the tribe of Judah”. This is obviously not a literal lion, because it would make no sense in the context. John is using a title given to the Messiah – Jesus Christ!
7. Use the figurative if a literal interpretation goes contrary to the general character and style of the book.
Remember, the context must be based upon the paragraph, section, and book its in.
For example, Psalm 63:7, “In the shadow of Thy wings I sing for joy.” does not mean that God has wings and feathers, rather, that He protects His children with the same watchful care and concern a mother eagle might for her nestlings.
8. Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation goes contrary to the plan and purpose of the author.
For example, Psalm 1:3 “In whatever he does he prospers.“ is not referring to financial prosperity, but rather a description of the quality of a person’s outcome.
9. Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation involves a contradiction of other Scripture.
The great interpreter of Scripture is Scripture. The Bible never contradicts itself!
In Mark 10:25 Jesus said “It is easier for a camel to go through the eye of a needle than for a rich man to enter the kingdom of God.” Jesus is not saying that rich people cannot be saved, because that contradicts the rest of Scripture.
10. Use the figurative sense if a literal interpretation would involve a contradiction of doctrine.
For example, 1 Corinthians 3:16-17 says that “If any man destroys the temple of God, God will destroy him…” This does not mean that if a person commits suicide, he loses his salvation (some have taken it that way). This contradicts the context of the passage, and conflicts with the doctrine of eternal security, the teaching that God will preserve His children (Philippians 1:6, Jude 24-25). Also, Paul told us to read that passage figuratively (4:6). A literal interpretation makes no sense.

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My question is, how much of this is literally happening. Is this taking place on earth? How did the guest know the angels were there? Did they physically see them?

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Everything is literal.