Figures always have a figurative meaning, and are used much in prophecy, to represent future things, times and events; such as mountains, meaning governments; beasts, meaning kingdoms. MWV1 21.4
Waters, meaning people.
Lamp, meaning Word of God.
Day, meaning year. MWV1 21.5
Daniel 2:35, 44. 7:8, 17. Revelation 17:1, 15. Psalm 119:105. Ezekiel 4:6. MWV1 21.6