I have also spoken by the prophets, and I have multiplied visions, and used similitudes, by the ministry of the prophets. I have also spoken - I have used every means, and employed every method, to instruct and save you. I have sent prophets, who spake plainly, exhorting, warning, and beseeching you to return to me. They have had Divine visions, which they have declared and interpreted. They have used similitudes, symbols, metaphors, allegories, etc., in order to fix your attention, and bring you back to your duty and interest. And, alas! all is in vain; you have not profited by my condescension. This text St. Paul seems to have had full in view, when he wrote, Hebrews 1:1 (note): "God who, at Sundry Times and in Divers Manners, spake in time past unto the Fathers by the Prophets." See the note on the above.
Dr. Dodd supposes that there are three distinct kinds of prophecy mentioned here:
1. Immediate inspiration, when God declares the very words.
2. Vision; a representation of external objects to the mind, in as lively a manner as if there were conveyed by the senses.
3. Parables and apt resemblances.