It would seem symbols make up signs not seen shadows of something coming.
No symbol. no sign .Know the symbol, understand the sign.
We can see that in the time period as a
parable or called a
figure when there were Kings in Israel, a pagan tradition before the reformation.
The Holy Ghost this signifying, that the way into the holiest of all was not yet made manifest, while as the first tabernacle was yet standing: Which was a figure for the time then present, in which were offered both gifts and sacrifices, that could not make him that did the service perfect, as pertaining to the conscience;Which stood only in meats and drinks, and divers washings, and carnal ordinances, imposed on them until the time of reformation. Hebrews 9:8- 11
The proper prescription must be applied to show what the sign points to. The Holy Spirt who lovingly commands us to study rightly dividing as a way us seeking His approval has not left us as orphans without the tools needed to hear what the Spirit says to the churches, us.
2 Corinthians 4:18 While we look not at the things which are seen, but at the things which are not seen: for the things which are seen are temporal; but the things which are not seen are eternal.