Symbols (e.g., metaphors) are what they are because we humans sometimes need to transcend mere literal or "descriptive" language in order to grasp and convey the deeper truths that inform our experience of reality. We cannot entirely leave the realm of conventional language here, assuming we wish to communicate our insights to others. The problem is how to make the conventional language express the deeper insights, which are also in a certain way "conventional"; i.e., because of their long historical heritage and universality. Any good symbol has to survive historical change in order to claim and retain its bona fides. [Which is why the Progressive Left is ever so intent on the transformation of cultural symbols as a major lever of cultural change — a topic for another time perhaps.]
Of course, the Holy Bible excels at this sort of thing. Moreoever, it is the single best-selling book of all time; and this trend seemingly continues into our own day.
Considering its Author, this should come as no surprise to anyone.
But then again, in our skeptical age, we might ask: Why should this be so? This (it seems to me, since the question of legitimate Authorship has been effectively laid aside) is to turn the question to what the Holy Bible is all about.
If I might humbly suggest, what the Holy Bible is all about is the universal description of a Great Hierarchy of Being: God–Man–World–Society. The emphasis is on the God–Man relation, made manifest in the Life and Sacrifice of Our Lord Jesus Christ. I believe that it is through this relation that the other partners in being are established in their respective dignities.
The Bible is not a recipe book, a roadmap, an instruction manual, or scientific textbook of any kind. It does not directly deal with any phenomena of physical nature. Thus its subject matter is entirely beyond the realm of scientific description. Its subject matter is the spiritual dimension of human life and experience — to man's relations with God, Nature, and Society.
According to the late Francis Schaeffer, God ever speaks to us "truly" through the language of the Holy Bible, though not "exhaustively." If He were to speak "exhaustively," there would be no room for human free will in the universe.
I invite you, dear reader, to consider that last observation. And then to give all thanks, praise, and glory to our amazingly Provident God in Whom we rest and have our being, Our loving Father and Creator.
Also why various forms of christanity do the same.. deeming those not "othodox" as heretics.. Who then has the last word on the "symbols"?... Thats the point.. no one does.. except the Holy SPirit.. WHich is why there a Holy SPirit in the first place.. To reveal to "US" what needs to be revealed at the time.. A progressive "revealing" has been my expierence..
If "someone" has us indoctrinated we will/can reject the Holy Spirits revelations.. Seems to be the truth no matter the orthodoxy we belong to.. Being free of orthodoxy may be the wise choice.. not ignorant of it but free from it..
Jewish orthodoxy COST many Jews the blessing of Jesus salvation from Moses law.. and still does.. If the Holy Spirit can define the symbols to us in a progressive revelation then we CAN learn.. else we can get stuck on stupid..
Truly, the words of God are spirit and life - not just language symbols spoken or written. God has hidden Truth in plain view so that only those with 'ears to hear' can receive it.
It is the spirit that quickeneth; the flesh profiteth nothing: the words that I speak unto you, [they] are spirit, and [they] are life. – John 6:63
Therefore speak I to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive: For this people's heart is waxed gross, and [their] ears are dull of hearing, and their eyes they have closed; lest at any time they should see with [their] eyes, and hear with [their] ears, and should understand with [their] heart, and should be converted, and I should heal them. But blessed [are] your eyes, for they see: and your ears, for they hear. – Matthew 13:13-16
For my thoughts [are] not your thoughts, neither [are] your ways my ways, saith the LORD. For [as] the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. – Isaiah 55:8-9