Thomas Williams

“ The sun and moon are by the interpreters of dreams put for the persons of kings and queens; but in sacred prophecy, which regards not single persons, the sun is put for- the whole series and race of kings in the kingdoms of the world politic, shining with regal power and glory ”

“ Thus the sun, moon and stars and heavenly bodies denote kings, queens, rulers, and persons in great power; their increase of splendor denotes increase of prosperity; their darkening, setting or falling denotes a reverse of fortune, or the entire ceasing of that power or kingdom to which they refer. Great earthquakes and the shaking of heaven and earth denote the commotion and overthrow of kingdoms ”

“ The question is sometimes asked, What are the works therein, if the word earth refers to the people? The answer is, The earth represents the social system as a whole, and the works are the various productions of the people which feed their vanity and pride.
The figurative and symbolic use of terms in relation to the heavens and earth finds a good explanation in the following from Dr. Adam Clarke's introduction to Isaiah's prophecy:
"By images borrowed from the world natural, the prophets frequently understand something analogous in the world politic. ”