Person Types in the Old Testament Prefiguring Christ's Role
Old Testament Figures Prefiguring Christ
The Old Testament contains numerous figures and events that prefigure Christ's role, a concept rooted in the biblical text itself. The apostle Paul speaks of Adam as "the figure of him who was to come" (Romans 5:14) [2]. This typological relationship is a key aspect of understanding the connection between the Old and New Testaments.
Adam as a Type of Christ
Adam is considered a type of Christ because both are representative figures. While Adam's disobedience led to sin and death, Christ's obedience resulted in righteousness and life (Romans 5:14-19) [2]. This contrast highlights the significance of Christ's role as the second Adam, who undoes the damage caused by the first Adam.
Other Old Testament Figures Prefiguring Christ
Other Old Testament figures also prefigure Christ's role. Abel, for instance, is seen as a type of Christ due to his innocent suffering and death (Genesis 4:8, 10; Hebrews 12:24) [1]. Abraham, as the father of the faithful, is another example, with his faith and obedience foreshadowing Christ's role as the ultimate recipient of faith (Genesis 17:5; Ephesians 3:15) [1].
Priestly and Sacrificial Types
The priestly figures of the Old Testament, such as Aaron, also prefigure Christ's role. Aaron's role as high priest, particularly on the Day of Atonement, is seen as a type of Christ's sacrifice and intercession (Leviticus 16:15; Hebrews 5:4-5; 9:7, 24) [1]. The sacrifices offered during the Day of Atonement are similarly understood as prefiguring Christ's atoning work.
Royal and Prophetic Types
David, as a king and shepherd, is another Old Testament figure who prefigures Christ's role. His faithfulness and obedience to God, as well as his role as a mediator between God and his people, are seen as types of Christ's kingship and mediation (2 Samuel 8:15; Ezekiel 37:24; Psalm 89:19-20; Philippians 2:9) [1]. Prophetic figures, such as Jeremiah, are also understood as prefiguring Christ's role, particularly in their experiences of suffering and rejection (Jeremiah 18:20; Psalm 109:4-5; John 15:25) [3].
The Significance of Typology
The typological connections between Old Testament figures and Christ's role are not limited to individual persons. Events, such as the Exodus and the construction of the tabernacle, are also seen as prefiguring Christ's work. The brazen serpent, for example, is understood as a type of Christ's crucifixion and salvation (Numbers 21:9; John 3:14-15) [1]. These typological connections demonstrate the unity and coherence of the biblical narrative, highlighting Christ's central role in God's plan of salvation.
The New Testament writers, including the apostle Paul and the author of Hebrews, frequently employ typology to illustrate the connection between the Old Testament and Christ's role [4]. This approach is rooted in the conviction that Christ is the fulfillment of Old Testament expectations and types.
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: Adam, a type — The apostle Paul speaks of Adam as "the figure of him who was to come." On this account our Lord is sometimes called the second Adam. This typical relation is described in Rom. 5:14-19.”
- Jeremiah (Presbyterian) “Jamieson, Fausset & Brown on Jeremiah 18:20: In the particulars here specified, Jeremiah was a type of Jesus Christ (Psa 109:4-5; Joh 15:25). my soul--my life; me (Psa 35:7). I stood before thee . . . to turn away thy wrath--so Moses (Psa 106:23; compare Eze 22:30). So Jesus Christ, the antitype of previous partial intercessors (Isa 59:16).”
- Hebrews (Nonconformist/Puritan) “Matthew Henry on Hebrews 1:1: Here the apostle begins with a general declaration of the excellency of the gospel dispensation above that of the law, which he demonstrates from the different way and manner of God's communicating himself and his mind and will to men in the one and in the other: both these dispensations were of God, and both of them very good, but there is a great difference in the way of their coming from God. Observe, I. The way wherein God communicated himself and his will to men under the Old Testament. We have here an account, 1. Of the persons by whom God delivered his mind”