Moses as a Type of Christ in Scripture and Theology
Moses as a Type of Christ
Moses is considered a significant type of Christ in both Scripture and Christian theology. The biblical account presents Moses as a mediator between God and Israel, a role that is fulfilled more completely in Jesus Christ [1]. The law was given through Moses, while grace and truth came through Jesus Christ, as stated in John 1:17 [2].
The typology between Moses and Christ is rooted in their shared roles as mediators, prophets, and leaders. Moses is described as a faithful servant of God, a characteristic that is also attributed to Christ [6]. In Hebrews 3:2, Christ is compared to Moses, highlighting their faithfulness to God's trust [9]. The author of Hebrews notes that Moses was faithful in God's house, just as Christ is faithful as our mediating High Priest.
The New Testament writers frequently draw parallels between Moses and Christ. For instance, Jesus is referred to as the Prophet like Moses, foretold in Deuteronomy 18:15-18 [3]. The Gospel writers also present Jesus as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets, with Moses and Elijah appearing alongside Jesus during the Transfiguration (Matthew 17:3) [5]. This event demonstrates that Jesus is the fulfillment of everything written in the Law and the Prophets.
Moses' role as a mediator is particularly significant in the typology. In Deuteronomy 5:5, Moses is described as standing between God and Israel to declare God's words. Similarly, Christ is the Mediator between God and humanity, as stated in 1 Timothy 2:5 [1]. The writer of Hebrews notes that Moses was a mediator of the old covenant, while Christ is the Mediator of a better covenant (Hebrews 8:6; 12:24) [1].
The early Christian interpreters and theologians further developed this typology. For example, John Gill notes that Moses wrote about Christ in his writings, pointing to passages that speak of the seed of the woman and the seed of Abraham [4]. Similarly, Adam Clarke observes that Moses was a type of Christ, prophesying about Him and experiencing reproach for his faithfulness to God [7].
The significance of Moses as a type of Christ lies in the way it highlights Christ's fulfillment of Old Testament roles and institutions. By drawing parallels between Moses and Christ, the New Testament writers demonstrate that Christ is the culmination of God's redemptive plan, which was foreshadowed in the lives and experiences of Old Testament figures like Moses.
The typology also underscores the continuity between the Old and New Testaments. As Matthew Henry notes, Moses is a remarkable type of Christ in his roles as prophet, savior, lawgiver, and mediator [8]. This continuity emphasizes that the God of the Old Testament is the same God who acts in Christ in the New Testament.
Sources
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Mediator — In virtue of his atonement -- Eph 2:13-18; Heb 9:15; 12:24. The only one between God and man -- 1Ti 2:5. Of the gospel covenant -- Heb 8:6; 12:24. Typified Moses. -- De 5:5; Ga 3:19. Aaron. -- Nu 16:48.”
- John “John 1:17 (BSB) — For the law was given through Moses; grace and truth came through Jesus Christ.”
- Torrey's Topical Textbook “Torrey's Topical Textbook: Christ, the Prophet — Foretold -- De 18:15,18; Isa 52:7; Na 1:15. Anointed with the Holy Spirit -- Isa 42:1; 61:1; Lu 4:18; Joh 3:34. Alone knows and reveals God -- Mt 11:27; Joh 3:2,13,34; 17:6,14,26; Heb 1:1,2. Declared his doctrine to be that of the Father -- Joh 8:26,28; 12:49,50; 14:10,24; 15:15; 17:8,16. Preached the gospel, and worked miracles -- Mt 4:23; 11:5; Lu 4:43. Foretold things to come -- Mt 24:3-35; Lu 19:41,44. Faithful to his trust -- Lu 4:43; Joh 17:8; Heb 3:2; Re 1:5; 3:14. Abounded in wisdom -- Lu 2:40,47,52; Col 2:3. Mighty in deed and word -- M”
- John (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on John 5:45: For had ye believed Moses,.... The doctrine of Moses, and what he says in his writings: ye would have believed me; for there is an agreement between Moses and Christ; Christ is the end of the law of Moses, and in him is the accomplishment of his writings: for he wrote of me; in the books written by him, Christ is spoken of, as the seed of the woman, that should bruise the serpent's head; as the seed of Abraham, in whom all nations of the earth should be blessed; as the Shiloh, to whom the gathering of the people should be; and as that prophet, who should be like unt”
- Matthew (Protestant academic) “Tyndale House on Matthew 17:3: 17:3 Moses symbolizes the law and Elijah the prophets. They appeared as witnesses to Christ, to demonstrate that Jesus, God’s Son, is the fulfillment of everything written in the Law and the Prophets (see 5:17-20; 11:2-6; 12:28).”
- Psalms (Baptist/Reformed) “John Gill on Psalms 105:26: He sent Moses his servant,.... Into Egypt, to deliver his people Israel out of the hands of the Egyptians; in which, as in other things, he approved himself to be a faithful servant to the Lord; of this mission of his, see Exo 3:10. In this he was a type of Christ, who appeared in the form of a servant, and really was one; God's righteous servant as Mediator, though his Son as a divine Person; sent by him to redeem his people out of worse than Egyptian bondage, from sin, Satan, the law, its curse and condemnation. And Aaron whom he had chosen; to go along with Mos”
- Hebrews (Methodist/Wesleyan) “Adam Clarke on Hebrews 11:26: The reproach of Christ - The Christ or Messiah had been revealed to Moses; of him he prophesied, Deu 18:15; and the reproach which God's people had, in consequence of their decided opposition to idolatry, may be termed the reproach of Christ, for they refused to become one people with the Egyptians, because the promise of the rest was made to them, and in this rest Christ and his salvation were included: but, although it does not appear these things were known to the Hebrews at large, yet it is evident that there were sufficient intimations given to Moses concerni”
- Exodus (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Exodus 2 (introduction): This chapter begins the story of Moses, that man of renown, famed for his intimate acquaintance with Heaven and his eminent usefulness on earth, and the most remarkable type of Christ, as a prophet, saviour, lawgiver, and mediator, in all the Old Testament. The Jews have a book among them of the life of Moses, which tells a great many stories concerning him, which we have reason to think are mere fictions; what he has recorded concerning himself is what we may rely upon, for we know that his record is true; and it is what we may be satisfied with, for ”
- Hebrews (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Hebrews 3:2: He first notes the feature of resemblance between Moses and Christ, in order to conciliate the Hebrew Christians whom He addressed, and who still entertained a very high opinion of Moses; he afterwards brings forward Christ's superiority to Moses. Who was faithful--The Greek implies also that He still is faithful, namely, as our mediating High Priest, faithful to the trust God has assigned Him (Heb 2:17). So Moses in God's house (Num 12:7). appointed him--"made Him" HIGH PRIEST; to be supplied from the preceding context. Greek, "made"; so in Heb 5:”