Sаmаrkаnd stаtе institutе оf fоrеign lаnguаgеs fоrеign lаnguаgе аnd litеrаturе еnglish fаculty II

Reasons for figurative language:
presents descriptive truth, rather than propositional truth
more concrete (not just abstract ant theoretical)
efficient and compact presentation of ideas
emotional and more engaging
easier to remember
Take, for example, Psalm 91:4 describes God protecting us under His wings, in the same way that a hen would protect her chicks under her wings. Obviously this hen image doesn't mean God is a big bird. Rather, it communicates important truths about God. It does so descriptively, rather than in in prose, as straight propositional truth. It presents an image that is real to us, rather than an abstract set of theological concepts. It teaches about God's love, compassion, comfort, protection, etc. to us. It does so in a way that is more concrete, easier to remember, and more compact that a paragraph long prose exposition would be on the same theme. II. Literary devices (figures of speech)
Below are the different types of literary devices used in Scripture:
1. simile
A comparison of two items using a connective such as like, as, etc.;
2. metaphor
A direct comparison of two items, or X=Y.
3. metonomy
In this type of metaphor, one item or concept is used to signify another that is closely related or associated with it; a, metaphorical or spiritual association between two items, such that one is used interchangeably to mean the other. For example, in communion, wine and blood are used interchangeably for one another. Hence, sometimes a literal item serves as a metaphor for an abstract item.
4. synecdoche
Similar to metonomy; a part is used to symbolize the whole to which it belongs; e.g., in English: "three heads of cattle" means three whole cattle.
5. merism
A listing of opposite parts stand for a whole. E.g., "day...night" in the Psalms mean 'all the time'.
Psalm 91.5: You will not fear the terror of night, nor the arrow that flies by day.