Joebob787, I'm not sure you understand me when I say, "symbolic". Symbolism was used extensively in Daniel as well as Revelations. The lion in Daniel was Babylon. That's symbolic: using a creature to represent a country is symbolism. If it was literal, then Babylon would truly be a big cat roaming around roaring and snarling. This was my point: Revelations is SYMBOLIC, not LITERAL.
The head of the beast that is wounded to death by a sword is most likely a powerful country that is destroyed by war. SYMBOLISM. The mark of the beast in the hand and the head is the example of thought and action in conjunction with the beast. SYMBOLISM. Notice that those who are saved have a seal in their foreheads and palms in their hands showing peace and the love of God. SYMBOLISM. The angel goes on to say that the 7 heads are 7 kings. SYMBOLISM.
In fact, nearly all prophecy regarding Jesus is symbolic. Very little is literal, such as the fact that He'd be born in Bathlehem. Jesus, too, spoke many parables to illustrate points. Symbolism.
I could go on and on. The entire book (except the first three chapters) are symbolic. As you see from the first verse in chapter 4, the door is opened in heaven for John to "come and see" what was to happen.
Thank you for your response!