''(I use the term 'shadow' based on [[Heb 10:1 ]] and others)''

# Since God has said that not a jot or tittle will pass away ([[Mt 5:18]]), until one knows why each jot and tittle is there, a complete understanding has not been derived. (This keeps us humble). See [[Small_stuff_matters]].# Since man shall live “..by every word” ([[De 8:3]], [[Mt 4:4]], [[Lu 4:4]]), a doctrine is not sound until it sums up and includes all that God has said about it. (This keeps us searching). See [[Every word matters]]# Since every word concerning life and death must be established by two or three witnesses ([[De 17:6]], [[De 19:15]], [[Mt 18:16]], [[2Co 13:1]], 1 Ti [[1Ti 5:19]], [[Heb 10:28]]), every shadow must have at least two supporting scripture witnesses. This means we cannot define a shadow (metaphor) with a single verse. (This keeps us rigorous in methodology). See [[Corroboration matters]]# Since God’s word is established forever ([[Ps 119:89]], 1 Pe [[1Pe 1:25]], [[Is 40:8]]) , a shadow means the same thing everywhere is it used. So, since a donkey is a shadow of a prophet, everywhere there is a donkey, it is a shadow of a prophet. This rule alone makes the shadows humanly impossible to fabricate as it requires the interlocking of a double entendre found in all the scriptures. (This keeps us in awe). See [[Validation matters]]# The riddle of Samson ([[Jud 14]]) tells us Christ is the answer to all the riddles. If the shadow doesn’t look like Christ, it isn’t a good shadow. (This keeps us focused) . See [[Christ matters]]# And since we are to "let God be true, but every man a liar”, outside references are not required to solve the riddles and see the shadows. (This keeps us devoted). See [[Purity of the word matters]]

An example is that of 'leaven'. Some say that leaven represents sin, but since Jesus said that the Kingdom of God was like leaven ([[Mt 13:33]]) it just doesn't work. But the disciples understood it to represent 'teaching' ([[Mt 16:12]]) which works everywhere that leaven is used in scripture, and then sheds light on the nature of the kingdom of heaven. (It is teaching). It is in that context that I first read GOT.