TO LOVERS OF THE WORD
WHO THROUGH THE YEARS HAVE HEARD
MUCH OF THE MATERIAL IN THIS BOOK
IN MY BIBLE STUDY CLASSES AND IN MY
CONGREGATIONS, THIS VOLUME IS
AFFECTIONATELY DEDICATED
PREFACE
THE MATERIAL in these studies has been given as lessons in Bible study classes, or sermons preached from the author's pulpit, through the course of many years. It has been brought together in this form that it might be a help to busy pastors and Bible teachers in their preparation of messages, and that it might be of practical and devotional value for all Bible students and Christian workers, who want to understand the rich teaching of Old Testament types.
The author does not claim to have exhausted the possible types of the Old Testament in these studies. But he has endeavored to deal with some sections of Scripture that without the typical approach would find little of practical application for the Christian today. For this reason the chapter dealing with types in Leviticus has been made the longest chapter in the book. We trust that that book of the Bible will mean more to the reader after studying this chapter.
The study of the Tabernacle in the Wilderness from the typical viewpoint has always been a joy to the hearts of Bible students. But the author has discovered that a study of the typical truths of Solomon's Temple is equally valuable and precious. We suggest that Bible teachers give more attention to this neglected subject.
These studies are of necessity fairly brief. Many Scriptures have been included that throw light on the particular subject. But the material herewith presented should be suggestive, and wise students of Scripture can add other details to what has been given. May the Lord use these studies to help many to understand and make practical application of Old Testament truth to the lives of modern-day Christians.
INTRODUCTION
Definition of a type. For the purpose of our study, a type is a person, thing, or event in the Old Testament designed to represent or prefigure some person, thing, or event in the New Testament. The one resembles the other in certain particulars. The two things thus related are called type and antitype. The antitypes for the most part center about the person of Christ and His redemption; the conversion, life, and the service of the Christian; and the Church.
Why we should study types. A wise study of types clarifies and illustrates spiritual truth. Some parts of the Old Testament would have little meaning for us today if we did not make use of typical teaching. And many godly ministers and teachers have used the study of types successfully. Thus there is plenty of warrant for such a study.
Jesus used types as a method of teaching. In John 1:51 He claimed to be the antitype of Jacob's ladder. In John 3:14, 15 He referred to Himself as the antitype of the Brazen Serpent in the wilderness. In John 6:35 He taught that He Himself was the antitype of the manna sent down from Heaven to the children of Israel. Then in Matthew 12:42 He spoke of Solomon as a type of Christ.
Paul used types as a method of teaching. In Romans 5:14 Paul mentions Adam as a type of Christ. In I Corinthians 5:7 he speaks of the Passover as a type of Christ. In I Corinthians 10:4 he refers to the rock as a type of Christ. And in Colossians 2:16, 17 he talks of "the shadow of things to come," of which the body or antitype is Christ.
How we should study types. We should avoid two extremes in our study of types. Some have sought for types in every detail of Scripture. This was done by certain of the Church fathers, and resulted in fanciful interpretations. On the other hand, some Bible teachers have limited the study of types to those declared to be types by writers of the New Testament. These writers were teaching us how to gather spiritual lessons from the storehouse of the Old Testament by the examples of typical teaching they used; they were not indicating that they had exhausted the possibility of such a study.
We should study types prayerfully in dependence upon the Holy Spirit for guidance. We should study them scripturally. We should note wherever the New Testament gives us warrant for an Old Testament type. We should study all Old Testament types in the light of New Testament teaching. And we should make our study of types practical and helpful for our everyday living.
CONTENTS
01. TYPES IN GENESIS
The First Adam, a Type of the Last Adam
The Offering of Abel, a Type of the Sacrifice of Christ
The Translation of Enoch, a Type of the Translation of Believers
The Ark of Noah, a Type of God's Salvation
Melchizedek, a Type of Christ as King and Priest
Events in the Life of Isaac That Point to Christ
Jacob's Ladder, a Type of Christ as the Way to Heaven
The Character and Experiences of Joseph That Typify the Saviour
02. TYPES IN EXODUS
The Passover, a Type of the Cross
Crossing the Red Sea, a Type of Turning the Back on the World
The Manna, a Type of God's Provision Through Christ and the Word
Water from the Rock, a Type of Christ's Gift of the Holy Spirit
The Pillar of Cloud and Fire, a Type of the Protection and Guidance of the Holy Spirit
The Tabernacle in the Wilderness, a Manifold Type of Christ and His Church
The High Priest and His Garments, a Type p& Christ as Our Priest
03. TYPES IN LEVITICUS
The Classes and Varieties of the Offerings of Israel, a Type of Christ and the Freeness of His Salvation
The Burnt Offering, a Type of the Consecration of Christ and Ourselves to God
The Meal Offering, a Type of the Consecration of Christ's and Our Life Work
The Peace Offering, a Type of Friendship Between God and Believers Through Christ
The Sin Offering, a Type of Atonement for Sin Resulting in Forgiveness
The Trespass Offering, a Type of Compensation for Offenses
The Ceremony for the Consecration of the Priests, a Type of the Consecration of Christian Workers
The Strange Fire of Nadab and Abihu, and Modern Strange Fire
Leprosy, a Type of Sin
The Day of Atonement, a Picture of Atonement for, and Removal of, Sins
The Feasts of Israel, Types of Special Events and Blessings from the Cross to the Second Advent The Year of Jubilee, a Type of Gospel Deliverances and Millennial Blessings
04. TYPES IN NUMBERS
The Nazarite, a Type of an Extraordinary Christian Worker
Aaron's Rod That Budded, a Type of Resurrection Life
The Ordinance of the Red Heifer, a Type of Cleansing from Defilement for the Christian
The Twice-Smitten Rock, or Spoiling a Type of Christ by Unbelief
The Brazen Serpent, a Type of Christ Crucified for Us
The Continual Burnt Offering, a Type of Constant Access to God Through Christ
05. TYPES IN DEUTERONOMY
Clean and Unclean Food for Israel, and Its Meaning for Christians Today
Christ, the Prophet Like unto Moses
Forbidden Diversity for Israel, and for Christians
06. TYPES IN JOSHUA
Joshua, a Type of Christ
Rahab's Deliverance, a Type of Salvation by Grace
Israel Crossing Jordan, a Type of the Christian Entering into the Victorious Life
Conquering Jericho, a Type of Prayer Strategy Against the Enemy of the Church
Overcoming Giants in the Promised Land, a Challenge to Christians Today
The Old Testament Cities of Refuge, a Type of Christ as a Refuge for Sinners
07. TYPES IN JUDGES
Reasons for Success or Failure in Driving Out the Enemy in Israel, and in Christian Life and Service
Ancient Types of Modern Foes of the Church
Gideon's Victory, a Type of the Church Overcoming the Enemy
08. TYPES IN RUTH
Naomi, a Type of the Returning Backslider
Boaz, a Type of Christ as Our Kinsman-Redeemer
09. TYPES IN FIRST AND SECOND SAMUEL
The Kingdom of Saul, a Type of the Self-life
The Friendship Between Jonathan and David, a Type of the Friendship Between Christ and the Believer
David at the Cave of Adullam, a Type of Christ Our Captain
Bringing the Ark to Jerusalem, a Type of Revival in the Church
Mephibosheth, the Type of a Sinner Saved by Grace
Bringing Back King David, a Type of Bringing Back the King of Kings
10. TYPES IN KINGS AND CHRONICLES
The Temple of Solomon, a Type of the Church as God's Spiritual Temple
The Visit of the Queen of Sheba to King Solomon, the Type of a Seeking Sinner's Relationship to Christ
Elijah Bringing Fire from Heaven, a Type of Getting Revival from God
The Double Portion of Elijah's Spirit, a Type of a Christian Young Person's Enduement for His Life-work
Filling the Empty Vessels, a Type of Being Filled with the Holy Spirit
The Healing of Naaman's Leprosy, a Type of the Cleansing of a Sinner
11. TYPES IN THE SONG OF SOLOMON
The Lover, a Type of the Lord as Israel's Bridegroom
The Lover, a Type of Christ as the Church's Bridegroom
The Lover, a Type of Christ as the Bridegroom of Individual Believers
12. TYPES IN THE PROPHETIC BOOKS
The Resurrection of Dry Bones, a Type of Spiritual Life Imparted to That Which Is Dead
The River of Ezekiel, a Type of Abundant Life in the Golden Age, Now, and in Heaven
The Fiery Furnace Experience, a Type of Fiery Trials for Courageous Christians
Jonah, a Type of the Jewish Nation in Relation to Its Divine Commission
Jonah, a Type of the Church in Relation to Its Missionary Task
Jonah, a Type of the Death, Burial, and Resurrection of Christ