Great Doctrines of the Bible
Lesson 23
Typology in the Old Testament

Introduction
As I began to prepare this lesson, the vast number of types in the Pentateuch overwhelmed me. I immediately became aware that not all of them could be included in this lesson. I earnestly hope, however, that the types I have included will create in you a spiritual hunger to know them all.
One must ever bear in mind that the Lord Jesus Christ is the subject and theme of the Old Testament as well as the New Testament.

• John 5:39 – “Search the scriptures; (O.T. scriptures)...they are they which testify of me.”
• Luke 24:27 – “Beginning at Moses and all the prophets, he expounded unto them, in all the scriptures (O.T.) the things concerning himself.”
• Luke 24:44 – “...all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning me.”
• Acts 8:35 – “Then Philip...began at that same scripture (Isaiah 53) and preached unto him Jesus.”
• Acts 17:2-3 – “And Paul...reasoned with them out of the scriptures (O.T.),...alleging, that Christ must needs have suffered, and risen again from the dead: and that this Jesus, whom I preach unto you, is Christ.”
  In the Old Testament the gospel of Christ is concealed in types, shadows, symbols, prophecies, patterns and figures of speech. In the New Testament He is fully revealed. As it has been so aptly put before, “The New is in the Old contained and the Old is by the New explained.” More than 800 Old Testament quotations are found in the New Testament and most of these refer to Christ.

My objective in presenting this study on typology is to awaken in you a greater awareness of the value of Old Testament study that will result in a deeper love for Christ.

Importance of this Lesson

• Christ is the center, the subject, and the theme of all the scripture. He is pictured in every book.
• Numerous types of Christ are evident throughout the Pentateuch. An earnest study of typology will add zest to your Bible study and give you a profound appreciation for the Old Testament and a deeper devotion to Christ.
• A knowledge of types makes the Old Testament leap with life and reaffirms the fact that the Bible, although containing 66 books, is actually one great book revealing man’s redemption through the sacrifice, resurrection, and future glory of Christ.

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The Lesson

I. THE AUTHORITY FOR TYPES

1. As to persons and events – read and study 1 Corinthians 10:1-11.
2. As to objects, symbols, colors, special days, sacrifices, feasts – in short, as to the Tabernacle – read Hebrews 9:1-26.

II. THE MEANING OF A TYPE

1. Positively:
   1. A type is a divinely planned and purposed illustration in the Old Testament of a truth clearly revealed in the New Testament. It can pertain to:
      1. People, like Adam (Romans 5:14).
      2. A whole nation, like Israel (1 Corinthians 10:11).
      3. A thing, like the veil (Hebrews 10:19-20).
      4. An institution, like the atonement (Hebrews 9:11-12).
      5. A ceremony, like the feast of unleavened bread (1 Corinthians 5:7).
      6. An animal, like the lamb (John 1:29).
   2. Types are referred to in the New Testament as patterns (Hebrews 8:5), figures (Hebrews 9:9) and shadows (Hebrews 10:1).
2. Negatively:
   1. A person or thing should not be considered a perfect type unless authority for it can be found in a New Testament anti-type or fulfillment.
   2. Exception: something or someone like Joseph (with no given anti-type) can be considered a type if the analogies and spiritual significance is such that the Spirit’s meaning is clear.

III. THE PURPOSE OF TYPES

1. For example – 1 Corinthians 10:11 – “Now all these things happened unto them for examples.…” In other words, types were illustrations of what we should expect in our relationship to and service for Christ.
2. For our admonition – 1 Corinthians 10:11 – “...they are written for our admonition.…” Types were not merely illustrations but exhortations, given to admonish us to holier, more dedicated living (2 Timothy 3:16-17).
3. For our learning – Romans 15:4 – “whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning.…” Types were not simply illustrations as to the meaning of great truths (Romans 4:23-24).
4. For revealing and magnifying Christ and teaching us regarding Him – Luke 24:27 – “he expounded unto them, in all the scriptures, the things concerning himself.” Luke 24:44 – “...testify of (concerning) me…” (John 5:39).

IV. TYPES IN GENESIS

1. Adam – Please note 1 Corinthians 15:45 and Romans 5:14 for New Testament verification. Adam was a positive type of Christ in some ways and a contrasting type in others.
   1. Positively:
      1. Both were heads of new creations – Adam, the old (Genesis 1:26-28; Luke 3:38;
         Genesis 2:15-26) and Christ, the new (Revelation 11:15; 20:6; 2 Corinthians 5:17;
         Ephesians 2:10, 4:24).
      2. Both were wounded, and from their wounded sides brides were formed and given: Eve to Adam – The Church to Christ (Genesis 2:22-25; Ephesians 5:22-32).
      3. Both are challenged by Satan (Genesis 3:1-6; Matthew 4:1-11).
      4. Both were tempted as to physical appetite (Genesis 3; and Matthew 4:3-4).
   2. In contrast:
      1. Adam was given life (Genesis 2:7). Christ gives life (1 Corinthians 15:45; John 10:10, 28).
      2. In Adam all die (1 Corinthians 15:22). In Christ all who believe are made alive
         1. Corinthians 15:22; 1 John 5:12; John 20:31).
      3. Adam was given a bride who failed (Genesis 2:22-3:6). Christ is given a bride that cannot fail (Ephesians 5:25-27; Revelation 19:7- 8).
      4. Adam was head of that which was natural and of the earth. Christ was head of that which is spiritual, heavenly! He was the Lord from heaven (1 Corinthians 15:46-48).
2. Eve – a type of the believer and the church:
   1. She was created from Adam (Genesis 2:22). We are created “in Christ Jesus” (2 Corinthians 5:17).
   2. She was to be Adam’s bride and a helper to him (Genesis 2:18-24). The Church is Christ’s bride and worker together with Him (Ephesians 5:22-32; John 3:28-29; 2 Corinthians 6:1).
   3. She was given Adam’s nature (Genesis 5:2; 2 Corinthians 11:2-3). We are given Christ’s nature (Galatians 2:20; 2 Peter 1:4; 2 Corinthians 5:17).
3. The coats of skins (Genesis 3:21) – Provided by God to hide Adam’s shame, these skins are typical of the garment of Christ’s righteousness by which all believers are clothed (Philippians 3:9; 1 Corinthians 1:30; Isaiah 61:10; Romans 3:21; Revelation 19:8).
4. Cain and Abel – These brothers are contrasting types of the unbeliever and the believer (Genesis 4:1-15). Cain refused to recognize his sinfulness and need of sacrifice. Filled with pride, he sought true acceptance of God by bringing an offering of his own hands and choosing. Being rejected, he gave way to anger and murder. Abel is a type of the spiritual man. While not a better man than Cain naturally, he “brought a better sacrifice” (Hebrews 11:4). He was obedient. By faith, he recognized his sinfulness and his need for substitutionary salvation through shed blood (Hebrews 11:4; 9:22; 1 John 3:12).
5. The firstborn of the flock (Genesis 4:4) – A lamb is the most unfailing and continuous type of Christ as the suffering Savior (John 1:29; Hebrews 9:26). Christ was the harmless, humble, spotless lamb who was “led to the slaughter” (Isaiah 53:7; Matthew 26:52-54).
6. Enoch (Genesis 5:22-24) – A type of those believers, alive at the rapture, who will be “caught up in the clouds” to meet the Lord, before the terrible time of the tribulation (Hebrews11:5; 1 Thessalonians 4:16-17).
7. Abraham (Genesis 15:6) – is both the father and type of all who are justified by faith (Galatians 3:6-7; Romans 4:3; James 2:23). He is also a type of God the Father who spared not his own son (Genesis 22:9; Romans 8:32), and who sought a bride for his son (Genesis 24; Romans 7:4; 2 Corinthians 11:2).
8. Melchizedek, a priest whose name means “King of Righteousness” (Genesis 14:17-18) – is a type of Christ the King Priest. He was also king of Salem which means “peace.” As a type, it strictly applies to the priestly work of Christ in resurrection – the royal authority and endless duration of His priesthood (Hebrews 7:2; 5:6; 6:20).
9. Sarah (Genesis 21:3 – a type of grace “the free woman” in contrast to Hagar (Genesis 17:15-19; Galatians 4:21-31).
10. Isaac (Genesis 21:3) – a type of several things. The most prominent are:
    1. of Christ, obedient unto death (Genesis 22:1-10; Philippians 2:5-8).
    2. of Christ, as the bridegroom of a Gentile, called-out bride (Genesis 24; Ephesians 5:22-31; Matthew 25:10).
    3. of resurrection (Hebrews 11:17-19).
11. The ram in the thicket (Genesis 22:13) – a type of Christ, our substitute, who was offered up in our stead (Hebrews 10:5-10; 11:17-19).
    • The following (L-O) are found in Genesis 24 – the entire chapter!
12. Abraham – of the Father who wants a bride for his son.
13. The servant – of the Holy Spirit who never speaks of himself – Who wins the bride by exalting the bridegroom – Who bestows great gifts from the bridegroom upon the bride (1 Corinthians 12:7-11; Galatians 5:22-23) and Who brings the bride to the bridegroom (1 Thessalonians 4:16-17; Romans 8:11).
14. Rebekah – of the Church as the virgin – called-out bride (Genesis 24:16; 2 Corinthians 11:2; Ephesians 5:28-32).
15. Isaac – the bridegroom, who loves the bride through the testimony of the servant (1 Peter 1:8) then goes out to meet and receive his bride (1 Thessalonians 4:16-18).
16. Joseph – a type of Christ. While this is not asserted in the New Testament the analogies are so abundant and clear, the typology is unavoidable.
    1. He was the object of his father’s love (Genesis 37:3; John 3:35; 5:20; 17:24, 26).
    2. He was hated by his own brethren (Genesis 37:4; John 15:25).
    3. His claims despised and rejected by his brethren (Genesis 37:8; Isaiah 53:3; John 15:18, 24, 25).
    4. Figuratively, he was slain by his brethren (Genesis 37:24; Matthew 27:35-37; Acts 2:23).
    5. Figuratively, in resurrection, he became a blessing to the Gentiles and gained a Gentile bride (Genesis 41:1-45; Acts 15:14; Ephesians 5:20-32).
    6. He reconciles himself to his brethren and exalts them (Genesis 45:1-15; Deuteronomy 30:1-10 (note especially verses 3 & 5); Romans 11:1, 15, 25, 26).

V. TYPES IN EXODUS

1. The entire book is a type of redemption.
   1. It was wholly of God (Exodus 3:7-8; John 3:16; Ephesians 1:7).\
   2. It was through a person (Exodus 2:3; John 3:17; Colossians 1:14).
   3. It was by blood (Exodus 12:13, 23, 27; 1 Peter 1:18-19).
   4. It was by power (Exodus 6:6; 13:14; Romans 8:2; Galatians 5:16).
2. Moses – A type of Christ (Deuteronomy 18:15; Acts 3:22) – our divinely chosen deliverer (Exodus 3:7-10; Isaiah 61: 1-2; Luke 4:18; 2 Corinthians 1:10; 1 Thessalonians 1:10).
   1. Divinely chosen (Exodus 3:7-10; Acts 7:25).
   2. Rejected by Israel, he turned to the Gentiles (Exodus 2:11-15; Acts 28:17-28).
   3. In rejection, gained a bride (Exodus 2:16-21; 2 Corinthians 11:2).
   4. Appears again as Israel’s deliverer and is accepted (Exodus 4:29-31; Acts 15:14-17; Romans 11:24-26).
   5. Typifies Christ as Prophet (Acts 3:22-23); Advocate (Exodus 32:31-35; 1 John 2:1-2); Intercessor (Exodus 17:1-6; Hebrews 7:25); Leader (Deuteronomy 33:4-5; Hebrews 2:10).
3. The Passover (Exodus 12:1-28) – Type of Christ, our passover lamb and our redeemer (John 1:29; 1 Corinthians 5:6-7; 1 Peter 1:18-19). The lamb had to be:
   1. Without blemish (Exodus 12:5-6; Luke 11:53-54; John 8:46; 18:38; 1 Peter 1:19).
   2. The “tested” lamb was to be slain (Exodus 12:6; 1 Peter 1:19; Hebrews 9:22; Acts 2:23; Revelation 5:6; 13:8; Luke 9:22).
   3. The blood must be applied (Exodus 12:7). We appropriate Christ’s blood by faith (John 3:36; Romans 3:25).
   4. The applied blood alone provided a perfect shelter from judgment (Exodus 12:13; Hebrews 10:10, 14; 1 John 1:7).
   5. The feast, following deliverance, typifies Christ, the Bread of Life and corresponds to the Lord’s Supper (John 6:48; Matthew 26:26-28; 1 Corinthians 11:23-26).
4. Marah (Exodus 15:22-27) – The bitter water made sweet by a tree typifies Christ, who by the “tree” of Calvary, makes our bitter lives sweet (1 Peter 1:6-8).
5. Manna (Exodus 16:35) – This “light bread” (Numbers 21:5) or “corn from heaven” (Psalm 78:24-25) is a type of Christ, the “bread of heaven,” in humiliation giving His life that the believer might have life (John 6:49-51). To reflect upon Christ, is to feed on the manna from heaven (John 6:38-41). It was typical of Christ as to its size (small, humanity, humiliation), shape (round, eternal), name (meant “what is it,” the world knew Him not), and amount (there was enough for all).
6. The rock in Horeb (Exodus 17:6) – a type of Christ, the ROCK of our salvation (1 Corinthians 3:11; 10:4; Matthew 16:18; 1 Peter 2:4-8; Ephesians 2:20; Psalm 62:2,6; Isaiah 8:14; 28:16; Numbers 20:11).
   There are many aspects to this beautiful type:
   1. Smitten (as was Christ) by God (Isaiah 53:4) and by man (John 18:22-23).
   2. Water poured out, typical of the life-giving power of the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39; Romans 8:2;
      John 6:63).
   3. The people were unworthy, and so are we (Romans 3:9-12).
   4. The water was free, so is salvation (Romans 5:16, 18).
   5. All by God’s grace and power, so is salvation (Ephesians 2:8-9).
   6. The water was abundant, so is God’s grace (2 Corinthians 9:8; Romans 5:20).
   7. The people had only to drink and live by faith, so it is with us (John 7:38-39).
   8. The Tabernacle (Exodus 25-31; 36-40) – The entire Tabernacle is typical of Christ in minute detail. An entire lesson on it would be justified. I trust my abbreviated thoughts will arouse your spiritual interest to study it thoroughly. First, read carefully, Hebrews 9:1-26 for authority to call the Tabernacle a type.
      1. Generally, the New Testament declares the Tabernacle to be typical in three ways:
         1. Of the church or sanctuary (Exodus 25:8 ) – as a “habitation of God through the Spirit” (Ephesians 2:19-22).
         2. Of the believer (2 Corinthians 6:16).
         3. As a figure or pattern of heavenly things (Hebrews 9:23-24).
      2. Even the colors used were typical. The widely accepted significance of them are as follows:
         1. Gold represents Christ’s deity.
         2. Silver signifies redemption.
         3. Bronze speaks of judgment.
         4. Blue represents that which is heavenly in nature and origin.
         5. Purple signifies Christ’s royalty.
         6. Scarlet speaks of blood sacrifice.
      3. The ark (Exodus 25:10; 37:1-5) – made of shittim (acacia) wood and gold – the ark typified the humanity and deity of Christ. Its contents of the law, manna, and Aaron’s rod (Hebrews 9:4), typified Christ as having the law in His heart, as being food for His people and as being a resurrected Christ.
      4. The mercy seat (Exodus 25:17-23; 37:6-9) – This gold covering for the ark was sprinkled with blood by the High Priest on The Day of Atonement. When God saw that blood of an innocent substitute, He knew His holy demands had been met. His justice was vindicated, His righteousness satisfied. What would have been a judgment seat became a “mercy seat.” All was typical of Christ who is our propitiatory, substitutionary sacrifice who satisfies God’s righteousness on our behalf (Romans 3:24-26).
      5. The table of showbread (Exodus 25:23; 37:10-16) – Reveals Christ as the life-giving, life-sustaining Bread of God (John 6:32-58).
      6. The lamp stand (Exodus 25:31; 37:17-24) – Typical of Christ, The Light of the World shining in the power of the seven-fold Spirit (John 1:4, 9; 8:12; 9:5; Isaiah 11:2; Revelation 1:4).
      7. The fine-twined linen (Exodus 26:1; 36:8) – Typifies the righteousness of the saints (Revelation 19:8), and Christ’s personal righteousness.
      8. The inner wall (veil) (Exodus 26:31; 36:35) – A type of Christ’s body. (Read Hebrews 10:20; Matthew 23:26; 27:50-51.)
      9. The brazen altar (Exodus 27:1; 38:1-2) – A type of Christ on the cross as our whole “burnt offering,” offering Himself without spot to God (Hebrews 9:14).
      10. The oil, “beaten for the light” (Exodus 27:20; 35:8, 28) – A type of the Holy Spirit. Only through the Spirit can we walk in the Light (Zechariah 4:2-6; 1 John 1:7; Galatians 5:16; Hebrews 1:9). Christ was anointed with the Holy Spirit (Acts 10:38).
      11. Aaron and his sons (Exodus 28:1; Numbers 3:10) – Christ conducts His priestly office after the pattern of Aaron (Hebrews 8:1-6; 9:1-28). Aaron’s sons typify the believer priests of the church age (Revelation 1:6; 1 Peter 2:9).
      12. The altar of incense (Exodus 30:1; 37:25-29 – A type of Christ, our intercessor (Hebrews 7:25; John 17:1-26).
      13. The gate (Exodus 38:18-23) – Typical of Christ, the only door of salvation (John 10:9; 14:6). The hangings speak of Christ’s humility, the colors speak of His character and the pillars speak of the four gospels upholding His deity.

VI. TYPES IN LEVITICUS – there is no mention of the Holy Spirit. All the types in Leviticus concern Christ.

1. The offerings – these five show forth the one great offering of the body of Christ. The first three are “sweet savor offerings,” typifying Christ in His own perfection and His devotion to the will of the Father. The last two are “non-sweet savor offerings,” typifying Christ as bearing the guilt and blame of the sinner.
   1. The burnt offering (Leviticus 1:3-17; 6:8-13) – represents Christ’s work God-ward, offering Himself without spot to God. God’s holiness is satisfied and justice vindicated. It is voluntary and substitutionary. There is no mention of sin for “by Him all that believe are justified from all things...” (Acts 13:39; Hebrews 10:7-8; 2 Corinthians 5:19).
   2. The meal offering (Leviticus 2; 6:14-23; 21:17) – no blood! typical of the unblemished manhood of Christ. It is a gift offering to God to secure favor. Christ is our “meal offering,” the bread of God, the One who sustains life, the One on whom the believer feeds (Hebrews 7:26; John 6:51).
      • The meal offering was made of unleavened cakes of fine flour mixed with oil and topped with frankincense. It was not meat. It was wafers or cakes baked in an oven (Leviticus 2:1-11).
   3. The peace offering (Leviticus 3:1-17; 7:11-13) – Christ, by death, becomes our peace and our reconciliation with God (Romans 5:1; Colossians 1:20).
   4. The sin offering – Christ atoning for man’s sinful nature. Here Christ is “made sin for us” (2 Corinthians 5:21). Here sin is “missing the mark” (Romans 3:23). The animal was burned “without the camp.” So Christ was offered “outside the camp” (Hebrews 13:11).
   5. The trespass offering – views Christ as bearing the sinful acts and trespasses of the believer. The sinner’s trespasses are forgiven through the One who bore them in His own body on the cross (1 Peter 2:24; Isaiah 53:6).
      • The sin and trespass offerings are identical except for their typical meaning (Leviticus 4, 5, and 6:1-7).
2. The Feasts of Israel
   1. The Feast of the Passover (Leviticus 23:4-5; Exodus 12:12-13) – It commemorated the slaying of the Paschal lamb and the sprinkling of its blood on the door lintels and posts to secure safety from the death angel. Christ is our Passover (1 Corinthians 5:7).
   2. The Feast of Unleavened Bread (Leviticus 23:6-8) – All leavened (a type of sin) bread was put away. Christ is the sinless (unleavened) One on whom we feed. We must rid ourselves of “leaven” if we would feed upon and have fellowship with Him (1 Corinthians 5:7; 2 Corinthians 7:11; Galatians 5:9).
   3. The Feast of First Fruits (Leviticus 23:9-14 – Fruits of the early harvest were waved before the Lord. Christ was put to death at the Passover feast. He rose again and became the “first-fruits of them that slept” (1 Corinthians 15:20, 23).
   4. The Feast of Pentecost (Leviticus 23:15-25) – second of the great feasts – means 50 (also of 15-25 weeks). This occurred 50 days after “First Fruits.” Pentecost occurred 50 days after Christ’s resurrection. Loaves are now brought, not sheaves. Leaven is present. At Pentecost, the Holy Spirit formed believers into one loaf (1 Corinthians 12:12-13), but sin (leaven) was in the church (Acts 5:1-10).
   5. The Feasts of Trumpets (Leviticus 23:23-25) – A new year’s feast after the harvest. Trumpets were blown, business ceased. When Christ returns, trumpets will sound the dawning of a new day (1 Thessalonians 4:16; 1 Corinthians 15:52). This feast anticipates the repentance and restoration of Israel. Christ is our High Priest (Hebrews 9:1-11, 26). In typology, this feast speaks of the cleansing and preparation of Israel for Christ’s return (Deuteronomy 30:1-10).
   6. The Feast of Atonement (Leviticus 23:26-32) – Observed annually for fasting and rest five days before the Feast of Tabernacles. On this day the High Priest entered the Holy of Holies and made atonement for Israel. Christ is our High Priest (Hebrews 9:1-11, 26). In typology, this feast speaks also of the cleansing and preparation of Israel for Christ’s return (Deuteronomy 30:1-10).
   7. The Feast of Tabernacles (Leviticus 23:33-34) – “Tabernacles” refer to the booths the Israelites dwelt in during this feast. Once a year at Jerusalem, like the Lord’s supper for the Church, it commemorated their past deliverance (verse 43), and looked forward to future glory (1 Corinthians 11:24-26).

VII. OTHER OLD TESTAMENT TYPES

1. The serpent of brass (Numbers 21:5-9) – A type of Christ being made sin for us (2 Corinthians 5:21; John 3:14-15).
2. Joshua – means “Jehovah Savior” (Joshua 1:1-9) – a type of Christ, the captain of our salvation (Hebrews 2:10).
   1. He follows Moses (John 1:17).
   2. He leads to victory (2 Corinthians 2:14).
   3. He was an advocate in defeat (1 John 2:1-2).
   4. He allotted their inheritance (Ephesians 1:11, 14).
3. The crossing of the Jordon River (Joshua 3) – A type of our death and resurrection with Christ (Romans 6:1-10; Ephesians 2:5-6; Colossians 3:1-3). Possessing Canaan is not a type of entering heaven, for it is a time of testing, conflicts, battles with defeats and victories. It is a type of our resurrected life in Christ in which we wage war against the powers of darkness (Ephesians 6:12-13) and the weakness of our flesh (Galatians 5:16-17).
4. Ruth and Boaz, in the book of Ruth – (Ruth 2:1; 3:10-18; 4:1-10). Ruth, a Gentile, recognizes that her hope of redemption is in Boaz whom she recognizes as her kinsman-redeemer. Boaz pays the redemption price and marries Ruth. Christ is our Kinsman-Redeemer.

Conclusion:
Keep before you that a study of types assures us that all scripture is given by inspiration of God (2 Timothy 3:16), and testifies concerning the Lord Jesus Christ (John 5:39; Luke 24:27, 44: Acts 8:35). Bear in mind that we have but grazed in the field. There are types we have not touched and truths we have not taught. Our prayer is that this study has created in you an appetite to linger longer and dive deeper in the Word until your soul is satisfied.

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