Types And Shadows II In part one I discussed different types and shadows in the Bible. Remember according to Easton’s Illustrated Bible Dictionary, “The word “type” is generally used to denote a resemblance between something present and something future, which is called the “antitype.” Types can appear in different forms, such as a person, a tangible object, a ceremony, or an event, while there are some differences, when I use the words “types”, “shadows”, or “figure”, I am basically referring to the same.
One of the most mysterious people in the
Bible is also a “type” for Christ. Melchizedek is introduced to us in Genesis
14:18-20. However, it is from the book
of Hebrews that we get most of our information about Him. Hebrews 7:1-3, “For this Melchisedec, king of
Salem, priest of the most high God, who met Abraham returning from the
slaughter of the kings, and blessed him; To whom also Abraham gave a tenth part of all;
first being by interpretation King of righteousness, and after that also King
of Salem, which is, King of peace; Without
father, without mother, without descent, having neither beginning of days, nor
end of life; but made like unto the Son of God; abideth a priest continually”.
Notice the parallels to Jesus; King of Salem (Peace), priest of the most high
God, blessed Abraham, without father or descendants, having no beginning nor
end of days, Son of God, and a priest forever!
We also have one of the most beloved people
in the Bible that is a “type” of Christ – Joseph. Joseph’s story can be read in Genesis 30:24 –
50:26. Here are just a few observations
that parallel the lives of Joseph and Jesus. They were both rejected by their own, stripped
of their robes, and cast into a pit (tomb). Both were exemplary servants, overcame
temptation, unjustly accused and condemned, and became the Savior for the
people.
Our last type this week is one of the most
recognized leaders in Israel’s history, – Moses. It is not hard to see the foreshadowing of
Jesus in the life of Moses. A king tried
to kill both Moses and Jesus as infants. Both were hidden to avoid death, both ended up
in Egypt in order to preserve their life. Moses was the Price of Egypt, Jesus was the
Prince of Peace. Moses was sent to
redeem Israel, Jesus was sent to redeem mankind. Moses gave the commandments from God, Jesus
gave “a new commandment”, John 13:34. Moses
offered his life for the salvation of his people, Jesus gave His life for the
salvation of the world. “For God sent
not his Son into the world to condemn the world; but that the world through him
might be saved.” John 3:17.
Elder Tim White Ider, Alabama
