Examples of Old Testament Typology Foreshadowing Christ's Coming
Old Testament Typology Foreshadowing Christ's Coming
The concept of typology in the Old Testament refers to the prefiguration of New Testament events, persons, or institutions in the history, rituals, or personalities of the Hebrew Bible. One of the most significant aspects of this typology is its foreshadowing of Christ's coming. Various Old Testament figures, events, and rituals are seen as types or shadows that anticipate the life, death, and redemption brought by Jesus Christ [1, 3].
Biblical Anchor
The New Testament writers frequently draw upon the Old Testament to illustrate how Christ's coming was prefigured in the Hebrew scriptures. For instance, the apostle Paul writes that Adam is a type of Christ (Romans 5:14; 1 Corinthians 15:45) [1]. The Gospel of John notes that the brazen serpent lifted up by Moses in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9) is a type of Christ's crucifixion (John 3:14-15). The writer of Hebrews elaborates on several Old Testament types that foreshadow Christ, including the sacrifices offered on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:15,16; Hebrews 9:12,24) and the cities of refuge (Numbers 35:6; Hebrews 6:18) [1].
Examples of Typology
Several Old Testament figures and events are identified as types of Christ or elements of his redemptive work.
- Adam: As mentioned, Adam is considered a type of Christ, with the New Testament drawing parallels between the two figures in terms of their representative roles [1].
- The Brazen Serpent: The lifting up of the brazen serpent in the wilderness is seen as a prefiguration of Christ's crucifixion, with both serving as means of salvation for those who look upon them in faith (Numbers 21:9; John 3:14-15) [1].
- Melchizedek and the Priesthood: The priestly order of Melchizedek is seen as a type of Christ's eternal priesthood (Psalm 110:4; Hebrews 5:6, 7:17).
- The Passover and Exodus: The Passover lamb and the Exodus event are understood as prefiguring Christ's sacrifice and the redemption he brings to his people (Exodus 12; 1 Corinthians 5:7).
- Jonah and the Resurrection: Jonah's three days in the belly of the whale are seen as a type of Christ's three days in the tomb, prefiguring his resurrection (Jonah 1:17; Matthew 12:40).
Interpretation Across Traditions
The interpretation of Old Testament typology in relation to Christ's coming is a common thread across various Christian traditions. Protestant academic sources, such as the Tyndale House commentary on Luke 24:27, emphasize that the Old Testament scriptures point forward to the coming of Jesus the Messiah [2]. Similarly, Presbyterian interpreters like Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 42:9, see the Old Testament predictions as not only referring to immediate historical events but also as having a deeper fulfillment in the coming of Messiah [4].
Historical Development
The understanding and articulation of Old Testament typology in relation to Christ have developed over the history of Christian theology. Early Christian writers and the New Testament authors themselves laid the groundwork by identifying various Old Testament types and their fulfillment in Christ. This typological interpretation continued through the patristic era and into the Reformation period, where it was further elaborated upon by theologians.
The recognition of Old Testament typology as foreshadowing Christ's coming underscores the unity and coherence of the biblical narrative, highlighting the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. This interpretive approach not only illuminates the meaning of Old Testament texts but also deepens the understanding of Christ's role in God's overall plan of salvation.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Types of Christ — Adam -- Ro 5:14; 1Co 15:45. Abel -- Ge 4:8,10; Heb 12:24. Abraham -- Ge 17:5; Eph 3:15. Aaron -- Ex 28:1; Heb 5:4,5; Le 16:15; Heb 9:7,24. Ark -- Ge 7:16; 1Pe 3:20,21. Ark of the Covenant -- Ex 25:16; Ps 40:8; Isa 42:6. Atonement, sacrifices offered on the day of -- Le 16:15,16; Heb 9:12,24. Brazen serpent -- Nu 21:9; Joh 3:14,15. Brazen altar -- Ex 27:1,2; Heb 13:10. Burnt offering -- Le 1:2,4; Heb 10:10. Cities of refuge -- Nu 35:6; Heb 6:18. David -- 2Sa 8:15; Eze 37:24; Ps 89:19,20; Php 2:9. Eliakim -- Isa 22:20-22; Re 3:7. First-fruits -- Ex 22”
- Luke (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Luke 24:27: 24:27 All the Scriptures, meaning all of the Old Testament, point forward to the coming of Jesus the Messiah and the salvation that he would bring.”
- Colossians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Colossians 2:17: 2:17 The reality of Christ was anticipated by the Old Testament rituals, which Paul calls shadows (see also Heb 10:1).”
- Isaiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Isaiah 42:9: former things--Former predictions of God, which were now fulfilled, are here adduced as proof that they ought to trust in Him alone as God; namely, the predictions as to Israel's restoration from Babylon. new--namely, predictions as to Messiah, who is to bring all nations to the worship of Jehovah (Isa 42:1, Isa 42:4, Isa 42:6). spring forth--The same image from plants just beginning to germinate occurs in Isa 43:19; Isa 58:8. Before there is the slightest indication to enable a sagacious observer to infer the coming event, God foretells it.”