Paying attention to symbolism

As I practiced my study skills for my religion class at BYU-I this week, I selected "symbolism" from our list of choices.  I was surprised at how much more this could impact my study and interest in the scriptures.  I realized that many times I don't actually stop to really ponder the symbolism.  I get a general idea of what it means and I move on.  As if reading the number of scriptures is more important than actually stopping to really contemplate the meaning of one verse.

In 1 Cor 10 there are three verses in a row that use symbolism.  I spent about an hour just studying those three verses.  I looked up the symbols in the topical guide, read related scriptures, and contemplated why those specific words and references were used. It was interesting and helped make the scriptures come alive for me.

In 1 Cor 10:2 it  says "all were baptized unto Moses in the cloud and the sea." I would have skimmed this in the past, but as I stopped to ponder it, I thought this is more than being baptized by immersion in the water.  What does it mean to be baptized unto moses in the cloud?"

Here are my rough notes about the three scriptures and how I pondered the symbolism contained:

I Cor 10:2 "baptized unto Moses in the cloud and the sea"

• sea - water, baptism by immersion
• cloud - heaven, promised land

1 Cor 10:3  “spiritual meat”

• Meat – food
• Moses food – manna
• Spiritual food – the gospel is our spiritual food and comes from heaven like manna.  We are given as much as we need to sustain us. May not be able to feel it or appreciate it if we “fall away.”

1 Cor 10:4 “spiritual drink” “spiritual rock” “Rock was Christ”

• drink – sustaining,
• rock – Ex 17:6 smite rock, water
• Rock of Christ – foundation, strength
• Drinking of the rock of Christ – building a foundation of learning by drinking the teachings of Christ.

Have you stopped to ponder the symbolism in the scriptures?  How has it impacted your study of the scriptures.