In the Old Testament there is a large and varied store of typical teaching, but the mine will only yield its wealth to the diligent worker. "The slothful man roasteth not that which he took in hunting." The Spirit of God has laid under contribution, persons, places, events, and things in general in teaching Christ to us, and in the unfolding of the circle of Divine truth of which He is the center.
The 39 books comprising the Old Testament are like a picture gallery, but the collection of pictures although large and varied, is meaningless and uninteresting without a guide to explain and a key to unlock the boundless treasure. But the Holy Spirit—the guide into all truth has come—and the "Son" sent from God, the key surely to the whole Word of God; and now these typical pictures stand out before us conveying their precious lessons, and unfolding the Christ of God in His glories and work to our hearts. This kind of teaching is solid food, "belonging to them that are of full age, even to those who by reason of use have their senses exercised to discern both good and evil."
The dispensational types of Genesis, the redemption types of Exodus, the sacrificial types of Leviticus, the wilderness types of Numbers, the Canaan types of Joshua, the Kingdom types of the historical writings and the prophetic types of the Prophets will yield a harvest both rich and abundant to all who care to labor in this profoundly interesting field of Bible research.
The study of the types, however, require careful handling, and the student will need grace to curb imagination and check severely the mere working of mind or intellect; for our encouragement, however, let us remember that we are endowed with the mind of Christ (1 Cor. 2:1616For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ. (1 Corinthians 2:16)) and the Holy Ghost the power of the new man.
The following list is a brief one, and the remarks upon each character of the briefest kind possible:-
Aaron, mountainous (Heb. 9). Christ, the Christian’s Great High Priest, now within the Veil. Name occurs about 350 times in the Scriptures.
Abel, vapor, vanity (Gen. 4). Christ as a martyr slain for righteousness sake (Psa. 69). Name occurs 12 times in the Scriptures.
Abigail, the father's joy (1 Sam. 25). The Church cleaving to Christ in the day of His rejection, afterward married to the Lord. Name occurs about 15 times and only in the Old Testament.
Abimelech, father of the King (Gen. 11). The Gentiles in external relationship to God and His people on earth. Common designation of the Philistine Kings. Name occurs about 24 times and only in the Old Testament.
Abiram, lather of exaltation (Num. 16). Abiram with others—princes of the congregation—allied with Korah—head of the ministering tribe—joined in open revolt against the authority of Moses and Aaron; figuring future union of Church and State in open rebellion to the royal and priestly rights of Christ. Name occurs about 10 times and in the Old Testament only.
Abner, father of light (2 Sam. 2;3). Abner an upright man, connected with the royal house of Saul, fighting against the Lord's anointed to maintain the falling honor and dignity of his house - figures the morality of the day, fighting for and supporting the decaying fortunes of the world, which is, after all, in opposition to Christ. Name occurs about 60 times and only in the Old Testament.
Abraham, father of a great multitude (Gen. 17). Father of a spiritual race (believers) and of a natural race - Israel (Rom. 4). Root of the Olive Tree-general testimony on the earth (Rom. 11). Name occurs including " Abram " about 300 times in the Scriptures.
Absalom, father of peace (2 Sam. 15). The future Antichrist, i.e., "the bloody and deceitful man" (Psa. 5:66Thou shalt destroy them that speak leasing: the Lord will abhor the bloody and deceitful man. (Psalm 5:6)). Name occurs about 106 times and only in the Old Testament.
Adonijah, Jehovah is my master (1 Kings 1). Usurper of the royal rights of Christ; will find its counterpart more fully during the early part of Christ's millennial reign. Name occurs about 24 times and only in the Old Testament.
Agag, high, tall (1 Sam. 15). The flesh in its pride and in its best and highest pretensions doomed to utter destruction (Exod. 17:8-148Then came Amalek, and fought with Israel in Rephidim. 9And Moses said unto Joshua, Choose us out men, and go out, fight with Amalek: to morrow I will stand on the top of the hill with the rod of God in mine hand. 10So Joshua did as Moses had said to him, and fought with Amalek: and Moses, Aaron, and Hur went up to the top of the hill. 11And it came to pass, when Moses held up his hand, that Israel prevailed: and when he let down his hand, Amalek prevailed. 12But Moses' hands were heavy; and they took a stone, and put it under him, and he sat thereon; and Aaron and Hur stayed up his hands, the one on the one side, and the other on the other side; and his hands were steady until the going down of the sun. 13And Joshua discomfited Amalek and his people with the edge of the sword. 14And the Lord said unto Moses, Write this for a memorial in a book, and rehearse it in the ears of Joshua: for I will utterly put out the remembrance of Amalek from under heaven. (Exodus 17:8‑14)). Name occurs about 8 times and only in the Old Testament.
Ahab, father's brother (1 Kings 16). Apostate civil power leagued with the idolatrous power (Jezebel) in the closing days of Christendom. Name occurs about 90 times and only in the Old Testament.
Ahasuerus, Majesty of the prince (Esther 1). Supreme authority in the world and its connection with the Jewish people now and in the closing days. Name occurs about 30 times and only in the book of Esther.
Ahithophel, brother of foolishness (2 Sam. 15). Satan's latter-day plans and counsels against the Lord's Anointed defeated. Name occurs about 20 times in the Old Testament only.
Aholah, her own tent or temple (Ezek. 23). Samaria or the ten-tribed kingdom and her idolatrous worship. Name occurs 5 times, and only in the reference chapter.
Aholibah, my tent or sanctuary in it (Ezek. 23). Jerusalem or the kingdom of Judah, in midst of which Jehovah had placed His "sanctuary," exceeding even her sister Samaria in idolatry. Name occurs 6 times, and only in the reference chapter.
Baali, my Lord or husband (Hos. 2:1616And it shall be at that day, saith the Lord, that thou shalt call me Ishi; and shalt call me no more Baali. (Hosea 2:16)). Jehovah in relationship to Israel as her husband and Lord. There is but one occurrence of this name in the Scriptures.
Balaam, destruction of the people (Num. 22). Ecclesiastical corruption turned to account by Satan for the hurt of God's people. Name occurs about 60 times in the Scriptures.
Balak, empty (Num. 22). The future civil power leagued with the ecclesiastical (Balaam) power for the hurt of God's people. Name occurs about 40 times in the Scriptures.
Belshazzar, prince whom Bel. (god of Babylon) favors (Dan. 5). This last of the Chaldean monarchs illustrates profanity at its height, visited by the sharp and sudden judgment of God; it is also typical of impiety of a like kind, and of judgment as suddenly executed in the closing days of Christendom's apostacy. Name occurs about 8 times, and only in the prophet Daniel.
Boaz, in him is strength (Ruth 2). Christ, in whom is treasured up the sure mercies of David, making good in a future day Israel's blessing in relationship and inheritance. Name occurs about 24 times in the Scriptures.
Cain, acquired (Gen. 4). Typically, the Jews who slew Christ (as Cain did Abel) and then sent to wander on the earth as fugitives, but marked off and preserved by God. Name occurs about 18 times in the Scriptures.
Caleb, barker, hence a dog (Num. 13). Faithfulness to God commanded and rewarded. Name occurs about 30 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Cyrus, sun (Isa. 44:28; 45:128That saith of Cyrus, He is my shepherd, and shall perform all my pleasure: even saying to Jerusalem, Thou shalt be built; and to the temple, Thy foundation shall be laid. (Isaiah 44:28)
1Thus saith the Lord to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut; (Isaiah 45:1)). Cyrus, the destroyer of Babylon and deliverer of the Jews, points to the future day when the Gentiles in the hands of Jehovah will be used for the blessing and help of His earthly people. Name occurs about 24 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Daniel, God my Judge (Dan. 1). The Prophet figures the Lord as the revealer and interpreter of the Ways of God; also as the future Jewish remnant, faithful to God and confessing national iniquity and sin. Name occurs about 80 times in the Scriptures.
David, beloved (1 Sam. 16). The Messiah anointed for the Throne, then rejected as now, and also the early part of the millennial reign. Name occurs about 1120 times in the Scriptures.
Delilah, languishing (Judg. 16). The beguiling power of the world over the Christian. Name occurs 6 times, and only in the reference chapter.
Eliezer, God the helper (Gen. 24). Figures the Holy Ghost leading home the bride through the desert, to Christ risen and in heaven, as Eliezer conducted Rebekah to Isaac, received from the dead in a figure (Heb. 11:1919Accounting that God was able to raise him up, even from the dead; from whence also he received him in a figure. (Hebrews 11:19).) and dwelling in Canaan—type of heaven. Name occurs but once in Scripture (Gen. 15:22And Abram said, Lord God, what wilt thou give me, seeing I go childless, and the steward of my house is this Eliezer of Damascus? (Genesis 15:2).), but it is the same who is repeatedly referred to as the "Servant," in Genesis 242And Abraham said unto his eldest servant of his house, that ruled over all that he had, Put, I pray thee, thy hand under my thigh: (Genesis 24:2).
Elihu, my God is Jehovah (Job 32). The Holy Spirit the alone interpreter of God's moral ways and dealings with man. Name occurs about 7 times, and only in the book of Job.
Elijah [whose] God [is] Jehovah (2 Kings 2). That portion of the Church changed and caught up to meet Christ without seeing death, as Moses figures the dead saints raised, hence Moses and Elias in the Mount of Glory (Luke 9:28-3528And it came to pass about an eight days after these sayings, he took Peter and John and James, and went up into a mountain to pray. 29And as he prayed, the fashion of his countenance was altered, and his raiment was white and glistering. 30And, behold, there talked with him two men, which were Moses and Elias: 31Who appeared in glory, and spake of his decease which he should accomplish at Jerusalem. 32But Peter and they that were with him were heavy with sleep: and when they were awake, they saw his glory, and the two men that stood with him. 33And it came to pass, as they departed from him, Peter said unto Jesus, Master, it is good for us to be here: and let us make three tabernacles; one for thee, and one for Moses, and one for Elias: not knowing what he said. 34While he thus spake, there came a cloud, and overshadowed them: and they feared as they entered into the cloud. 35And there came a voice out of the cloud, saying, This is my beloved Son: hear him. (Luke 9:28‑35)); also ministry of power and judgment to apostate Israel in coming days. Name occurs about 100 times in the Scriptures.
Elimelech, God is King (Ruth 1). God, Israel's husband and King, when in her land. Name occurs 6 times, and only in the book of Ruth.
Elisha, God's Salvation (1 Kings 19). The future ministry of grace to guilty Israel succeeding that of judgment. Name occurs about 60 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Enoch, dedicated (Gen. 5). The Church taken to heaven after her walk and testimony for God on earth and before the world is judged, as typified in the flood. Name ( not to be confounded with the son of Cain, Gen. 4) occurs about 9 times in the Scriptures.
Esau, hairy (Gen. 25). Apostate Gentile power in opposition to God and His earthly people. Name of the person and people occurs more than 100 times in the Scriptures; Edom, however, not here included, is the usual way in which the descendants and country of Esau are spoken of in the Bible.
Esther, star (Esther 2). The earthly and Jewish bride of the Lord in millennial glory and dignity (Psa. 45). Name occurs about 58 times, and only in the book of Esther.
Gehazi, valley of vision (2 Kings 4). Divine discovery of and Divine judgment upon sin in those externally near to God. Name occurs about 12 times, and only in second book of Kings.
Gershom, a stranger there (Ex. 2:2222And she bare him a son, and he called his name Gershom: for he said, I have been a stranger in a strange land. (Exodus 2:22)). Christ having been rejecter by Israel, is at present unknown by, and a stranger to, the ancient people (name not to be confounded with son of Levi, Num. 322Those that were numbered of them, according to the number of all the males, from a month old and upward, even those that were numbered of them were seven thousand and five hundred. (Numbers 3:22)) Occurs about 5 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Hagar, fugitive (Gen. 16). Covenant of works or the law made with man in the flesh (Gal. 4). Name occurs about 14 times in the Scriptures.
Haman, honorable (Esther 3). Future Gentile enemy of Israel planning her destruction, and in the midst of his power and plans suddenly destroyed. Name occurs about 54 times, and only in the book of Esther.
Hannah, grace, favor (1 Sam. 1). Israel desolate and in sorrow turns to Jehovah, who then establishes her in the earth in glory and relationship to Himself. Name occurs 13 times, and only in first two chapters of 1 Samuel.
Hazael, God has looked upon (1 Kings 19:1515And the Lord said unto him, Go, return on thy way to the wilderness of Damascus: and when thou comest, anoint Hazael to be king over Syria: (1 Kings 19:15)). God raising up a scourge for His people in the north (the Assyrian of the Prophets) n the latter-day crisis of their history. Name occurs about 24 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Hiram, noble (1 Kings 5). This Tyrian king, in the days of David and Solomon also termed "Huram," represents the Gentiles willingly lending their aid and treasures in building up the Temple in the coming days of the kingdom. Name occurs about 28 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Isaac, laughter (Gen. 22). Christ dead, risen, and dwelling in heaven the heir of all things. Name occurs about 130 times in the Scriptures.
Ish-bosheth, man of shame (2 Sam. 2). Usurpation of the royal power in Judea during the early part of Christ's millennial reign. Name occurs about 13 times, and only in the second book of Samuel.
Jacob, supplanter (Gen. 25). The Jew outcast from home and country, and under the governmental dealing and discipline of God; in some respects, Jacob also typifies the Lord, as in his marriage with Leah and Rachel. Name occurs, including it as applied to the nation, about 370 times in the Scriptures.
Jeremiah, exalted of the Lord (Jer. 32). Christ buying the earthly inheritance in presence of the world's hostile power. (Matt. 13:4444Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto treasure hid in a field; the which when a man hath found, he hideth, and for joy thereof goeth and selleth all that he hath, and buyeth that field. (Matthew 13:44)). Christ weeping and lamenting over Jerusalem (Luke 19:41,4241And when he was come near, he beheld the city, and wept over it, 42Saying, If thou hadst known, even thou, at least in this thy day, the things which belong unto thy peace! but now they are hid from thine eyes. (Luke 19:41‑42)) is figured in the "Lamentations" of the same Prophet. Name occurs about 140 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Jezebel, no habitation (1 Kings 16). Idolatrous religious system leagued with the Apostate civil power in the closing days. Name occurs about 23 times in the Scriptures.
Joab, Jehovah-father (2 Sam. 2). Craft; boldness. Type of a clever, cunning man of the world. Name occurs about 140 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Job, treated with hostility (Job 1). Self and human righteousness withered up by the hand and in the presence of God. Name occurs about 60 times in the Scriptures.
Jonathan, [whom] the Lord hath given (1 Sam. 14). The future Jewish remnant cleaving to Christ during the reign of Antichrist. Name occurs about 100 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Joshua, the Lord's salvation (Josh. 1). Christ in victorious power by the Spirit leading His people through death into present blessing in the heavenly places (Eph. 1). Name occurs about 210 times in the Scriptures.
Keturah, incense (Gen. 25). Israel's future establishment in the land, and relationship to Jehovah. Name occurs 4 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Korah, ice (Num. 16). Christendom's future apostasy and terrible doom (Jude it). Name occurs about 20 times in the Scriptures.
Labatt, white (Gen. 24). A man worldly-wise in external relationship to God's people, and using religion as a stepping-stone for self and family aggrandizement. Name occurs about 54 times, and only in the book of Genesis.
Lamech, strong (Gen. 4). Lust, self-will, and cruelty of the last days in connection with Israel. Name occurs 5 times, and only in the reference chapter.
Leah, wearied (Gen. 29). The Gentile bride first possessed by Christ, although Rachel (the Jew) was first loved and sought. Name occurs about 34 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Lot, covering, protection (Gen. 13). An illustration of the wretched principle "making the best of both worlds." Name occurs about 36 times in the Scriptures.
Maher-shalal-hash-baz, hastening to the spoil (Isa. 8). A prophetic sign of the approaching and desolating ravages of the Assyrian—the great enemy of Israel in the past and future periods of her history. Name occurs but twice, and only in the reference chapter.
Mara, bitter (Ruth 1:2020And she said unto them, Call me not Naomi, call me Mara: for the Almighty hath dealt very bitterly with me. (Ruth 1:20)). Israel's future return to her land accomplished in bitterness and sorrow. There is but one occurrence of the name in Scripture.
Melchizedek, king of righteousness (Gen. 14). The combined kingly and priestly millennial reign of Christ. Name occurs about 11 times in the Scriptures.
Mephibosheth, signification doubtful (2 Sam. 9). Illustration of the kindness of God displayed to a poor sinner. Name occurs about 14 times, and only in second Samuel.
Mordecai, worshippers of Mars (Esther 2). Christ exercising the power and glory conferred upon Him in connection with His earthly people in the last days. Name occurs about 58 times, and only in the book of Esther.
Moses, drawn out of the water (Ex. 2). Christ, the future deliverer of His earthly people from their sins, and from their enemies. Name occurs. about 805 times in the Scriptures.
Naaman, pleasant (2 Kings 5). The pride of man thoroughly humbled, and the kingdom received as a little child. Name occurs about 12 times in the Scriptures.
Nadab and Abihu, noble, and whose father is God (Num. 3). The daring presumption of mere nature, aided by religious ordinances and ecclesiastical position, to enter the Lord's presence. These names occur about 12 times, always in conjunction, and only in the Old Testament.
Nebuchadnezzar, prince of god mercury (Dan. 2). Absolute and universal power in the hands of man. Name occurs about 90 times in the Scriptures.
Noah, rest (Gen. 6). Figures Christ in some respects, and in others the future remnant of Israel. Name occurs about 55 times in the Scriptures.
Obadiah, servant of the Lord (1 Kings 18). A servant of the Lord in fellowship with the world, hence the walk and testimony is of a hidden character. Name occurs 7 times, and only in the reference chapter.
Obed-edom, serving Edom (2 Sam. 6). Jehovah's care over those who care for His interests on earth (Matt. 6:3333But seek ye first the kingdom of God, and his righteousness; and all these things shall be added unto you. (Matthew 6:33)). Name occurs about 9 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Orpah, a hind or fawn (Ruth 1). A backslider and apostate from Jehovah, His truth and people. Name occurs but twice, and only in the reference chapter.
Pharaoh, prince or king (Ex. 1). Supreme authority in the world. Common designation of the Egyptian kings, of whom there are at least seven thus titled in the Scriptures.
Rachel, a ewe or sheep (Gen. 29). The Jew first loved and sought by Christ, but Leah (the Gentile) first possessed. Name occurs about 48 times in the Scriptures.
Rahab, enlargement (Josh. 2). Faith in the word and work of Jehovah, securing immunity from judgment, and a place with God, and with His people. Name occurs about 8 times in the Scriptures.
Rebekah, binding (Gen. 24). The bride traveling through the wilderness to Christ on high, cheered and sustained by the comforts of the Holy Ghost. Name occurs about 31 times in the Scriptures.
Ruth, beauty (Ruth 1). Israel taken up in the future, on the ground of sovereign grace alone, figured by Ruth, a Moabitess, in herself utterly destitute of right to blessing (Deut. 23:33An Ammonite or Moabite shall not enter into the congregation of the Lord; even to their tenth generation shall they not enter into the congregation of the Lord for ever: (Deuteronomy 23:3)). Name occurs about 13 times in the Scriptures.
Sarah, princess (Gen. 17). Covenant of grace or promise (Gal. 4:22-3122For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. 23But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. 24Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which gendereth to bondage, which is Agar. 25For this Agar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. 26But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all. 27For it is written, Rejoice, thou barren that bearest not; break forth and cry, thou that travailest not: for the desolate hath many more children than she which hath an husband. 28Now we, brethren, as Isaac was, are the children of promise. 29But as then he that was born after the flesh persecuted him that was born after the Spirit, even so it is now. 30Nevertheless what saith the scripture? Cast out the bondwoman and her son: for the son of the bondwoman shall not be heir with the son of the freewoman. 31So then, brethren, we are not children of the bondwoman, but of the free. (Galatians 4:22‑31)) offered to the Jews (Acts 3:2525Ye are the children of the prophets, and of the covenant which God made with our fathers, saying unto Abraham, And in thy seed shall all the kindreds of the earth be blessed. (Acts 3:25)). Name occurs about 60 times in the Scriptures.
Seth, appointed (Gen. 4). Christ in resurrection (Abel in death), the appointed heir of all things, and head of the new creation. Name occurs about 9 times in the Scriptures.
Solomon, peaceable (1 Kings 11). Christ's millennial reign in all its glory, and sought to by the near and distant heathen. Name occurs about 312 times in the Scriptures.
Shear-Jashub, a remnant shall return (Isa. 7:33Then said the Lord unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shear-jashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field; (Isaiah 7:3)). A prophetic sign and name, intimating that a remnant of Israel will be spared from judgment, and recommence the history of the nation in her land. Name occurs but once.
Uzzah. strength (2 Sam. 6). The daring presumption of man instantly checked by Divine judgment. Name occurs about 8 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Vashti, beauty (Esther 1). Gentile bride refuses to show her beauty in the world and before her Lord, but this the Jewish bride (Esther) will do in the coming day. Name occurs about 10 times, and only in the book of Esther.
Zerubbabel, sown, i.e., begotten in Babylon (Zech. 4:6-106Then he answered and spake unto me, saying, This is the word of the Lord unto Zerubbabel, saying, Not by might, nor by power, but by my spirit, saith the Lord of hosts. 7Who art thou, O great mountain? before Zerubbabel thou shalt become a plain: and he shall bring forth the headstone thereof with shoutings, crying, Grace, grace unto it. 8Moreover the word of the Lord came unto me, saying, 9The hands of Zerubbabel have laid the foundation of this house; his hands shall also finish it; and thou shalt know that the Lord of hosts hath sent me unto you. 10For who hath despised the day of small things? for they shall rejoice, and shall see the plummet in the hand of Zerubbabel with those seven; they are the eyes of the Lord, which run to and fro through the whole earth. (Zechariah 4:6‑10)). Christ building up the glory in millennial times; completing it amidst shoutings of "grace." Name occurs about 22 times, and only in the Old Testament.
Zipporah, bird (Ex. 2). Gentile wife of the Lord during His absence from Israel. Name occurs three times, and only in the book of Exodus.