Examples of Typology in the Bible Beyond the Passover and Tabernacle
Typology in the Bible involves discerning patterns and correspondences between earlier events, persons, or institutions (types) and later, more complete realities (antitypes), particularly Christ and the New Covenant [3]. While the Passover and Tabernacle are prominent examples, numerous other types illuminate God's redemptive plan.
Individuals often serve as types of Christ. Adam, for instance, is identified as a type of Christ in Romans 5:14 and 1 Corinthians 15:45 [1]. Similarly, figures like Abel, Abraham, Aaron, and David are also considered types of Christ [1]. David, as a sufferer, is seen as typifying Christ, though his confessions of sin are not applied to Christ, only the pains he bore for humanity [5]. Eliakim, mentioned in Isaiah 22:20-22, is also listed as a type of Christ, with Revelation 3:7 drawing a connection [1].
Beyond individuals, various objects, rituals, and events function typologically:
- The Ark of Noah is understood as a type of Christ, providing salvation from judgment, as referenced in Genesis 7:16 and 1 Peter 3:20-21 [1].
- The Brazen Serpent that Moses lifted in the wilderness (Numbers 21:9) is explicitly identified by Jesus as a type of himself in John 3:14-15, foreshadowing his crucifixion and the salvation it brings [1].
- The Brazen Altar and the Burnt Offering in the Old Testament sacrificial system are types of Christ's atoning sacrifice (Exodus 27:1-2; Hebrews 13:10; Leviticus 1:2,4; Hebrews 10:10) [1].
- The Cities of Refuge (Numbers 35:6) prefigure the refuge and security found in Christ (Hebrews 6:18) [1].
- The Ark of the Covenant (Exodus 25:16) is seen as a type of Christ, representing God's presence and covenant faithfulness (Psalm 40:8; Isaiah 42:6) [1].
- Sacrifices offered on the Day of Atonement (Leviticus 16:15-16) are types of Christ's ultimate sacrifice, which provides true atonement (Hebrews 9:12, 24) [1].
- First-fruits (Exodus 22) are also listed as a type, pointing to Christ as the first-fruits of the resurrection [1].
- The Heifer used in the ritual for an unsolved murder (Deuteronomy 21:3) is interpreted by some as a type of Christ, symbolizing his strength, labor, and patience [4].
The concept of "example" itself can carry typological weight. Christ is presented as an example for believers (1 Peter 2:21; John 13:15), and pastors are to be examples to their flocks (Philippians 3:17; 1 Peter 5:3) [2]. Even the experiences of the Jews are presented as a warning example (Hebrews 4:11) [2]. These examples, while not always direct types of Christ, demonstrate a pattern of divine instruction and human response that can be understood typologically.
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”
- Easton's Bible Dictionary “Easton's Bible Dictionary: Example — Of Christ (1 Pet. 2:21; John 13:15); of pastors to their flocks (Phil. 3:17; 2 Thess. 3:9; 1 Tim. 4:12; 1 Pet. 5:3); of the Jews as a warning (Heb. 4:11); of the prophets as suffering affliction (James 5:10).”
- 1 Corinthians (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on 1 Corinthians 5:7: 5:7-8 Paul draws an analogy between the traditional Jewish Passover celebration and the sacrifice of Christ. In the Passover celebration, a lamb was sacrificed and unleavened bread was eaten (see Exod 12:1-27; 13:3-7). The sacrifice of Christ, which occurred at Passover (Matt 26:2; cp. John 1:29; 1 Pet 1:19), results in the removal of sin for believers.”
- Deuteronomy (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Deuteronomy 21:3: And it shall be, that the city which is next unto the slain man,.... And so suspected, as the Targum of Jonathan, of the murder; or the murderer is in it, or however belonged to it: even the elders of the city shall take an heifer; of a year old, as the same Targum, and so Jarchi; and in this the Jewish writers agree, that it must be a year old, but not two; though heifers of three years old were sometimes used in sacrifice, Gen 15:9 a type of Christ, in his strength, laboriousness, and patience; see Num 19:2. which hath not been wrought with; in ploughing la”
- Psalms (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Psalms 38:21: (Compare Psa 22:19; Psa 35:3). All terms of frequent use. In this Psalm the language is generally susceptible of application to Christ as a sufferer, David, as such, typifying Him. This does not require us to apply the confessions of sin, but only the pains or penalties which He bore for us. Next: Psalms Chapter 39”