One of the things I am becoming more and more convinced of, is the fact that the Old Testament points to Christ. Mark Harpt says this, "One of the most enlightening events of a Christian's life is the moment he or she discovers that Jesus Christ is interwoven into the entire Old Testament. It is said that Jesus can be found on every page of the Old Testament."
Consider how often Jesus refers to the Old Testament or the "Scriptures" in light of Himself, His ministry, and His fulfillment of them. He spoke of Himself from the Old Testament (the Law, the Prophets, and the Psalms) to the two on the road to Emmaus. He told the spiritual leaders of the day that they were missing the boat, for they studied the scripture, yet failed to see Christ in them.
Remember the story of Philip and the Ethiopian eunuch? This man was reading from the book of Isaiah, and Acts 8 says, Then Philip opened his mouth, and began at the same Scripture, and preached unto him Jesus."
My challenge to myself and to you is this: Look for Christ in the Old Testament. Become familiar with the prophecies about Him. Consider his character in the lives of the Old Testament "heroes." Remember that Jesus took the Old Testament literally. He spoke of Abraham, Moses, David, Naaman, Elijah, Elisha, Noah, etc.
In regard to the book of Ruth, consider that Boaz displays Christ as our Redeemer. He is our kinsman, as the Word become flesh. With His blood, not the blood of bulls and goats, He purchased our redemption, God reconcilling us to Himself through Christ.
Let me finish by quoting this old adage: "The New [Testament] is in the Old [Testament] contained, and the Old is by the New explained."
Tuesday, May 1, 2007
Monday, March 19, 2007
First Public Message on Ruth
Yesterday I had the privilege of giving my first message on the book of Ruth. Pastor Stonehouse had asked if I would share something from my study at Sunday School. So, after much prayer and re-reading of my notes, I got something together. I called the message "Hast Thou Considered My Servant Ruth?" It was an encouragement to all to press on with Bible study and a personal testimony and lesson from the book of Ruth that the Lord had shown me.
Thursday, March 1, 2007
Kindness to Whom?
Of the many interesting statements in Ruth, one that is particularly so occurs in chapter three.
"And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich." (Ruth 3:10)
Here, Boaz is commending Ruth. As one reads this, it may appear at first glance to be referring to kindness shown to Boaz. The popular interpretation of this story is that of a romantic love interest between the two. With this in view, it would seem that Boaz is flattered at Ruth's attention and request, and is expressing his wish that the Lord would bless her for it.
Is this really the case? Is this a proper interpretation of this passage? It is beyond the intended scope of this entry to do a thorough and in depth study to give a definitive answer. However, let us briefly bring up another option which may bring another idea to light.
As we examine Ruth's life, we see a lady who was devoted with all her heart to her mother-in-law and to the Lord. She is continually acting in a way that will benefit her mother-in-law. She asks permission to go to glean. She saves some of what Boaz provides for her, and takes it back to her mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law tells her what she should do in regard to Boaz, it is recorded that she "went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her."
Let me suggest that Ruth went to the threshingfloor primarily in submission to Naomi's request. Let me also suggest that Ruth's kindness was that she considered Naomi and Naomi's family and family name, over and above her own desires. Boaz himself recognizes the unusual nature that Ruth had displayed "inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
So, I put this out for consideration: was Ruth commended for actions to an infatuated Boaz, or was he commending her for the selfless life he had made previous mention of in his barley fields? There is the question. The answer may color the way we view the entire book of Ruth. What do you think?
"And he said, Blessed be thou of the LORD, my daughter: for thou hast showed more kindness in the latter end than at the beginning, inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich." (Ruth 3:10)
Here, Boaz is commending Ruth. As one reads this, it may appear at first glance to be referring to kindness shown to Boaz. The popular interpretation of this story is that of a romantic love interest between the two. With this in view, it would seem that Boaz is flattered at Ruth's attention and request, and is expressing his wish that the Lord would bless her for it.
Is this really the case? Is this a proper interpretation of this passage? It is beyond the intended scope of this entry to do a thorough and in depth study to give a definitive answer. However, let us briefly bring up another option which may bring another idea to light.
As we examine Ruth's life, we see a lady who was devoted with all her heart to her mother-in-law and to the Lord. She is continually acting in a way that will benefit her mother-in-law. She asks permission to go to glean. She saves some of what Boaz provides for her, and takes it back to her mother-in-law. When her mother-in-law tells her what she should do in regard to Boaz, it is recorded that she "went down unto the floor, and did according to all that her mother-in-law bade her."
Let me suggest that Ruth went to the threshingfloor primarily in submission to Naomi's request. Let me also suggest that Ruth's kindness was that she considered Naomi and Naomi's family and family name, over and above her own desires. Boaz himself recognizes the unusual nature that Ruth had displayed "inasmuch as thou followedst not young men, whether poor or rich."
So, I put this out for consideration: was Ruth commended for actions to an infatuated Boaz, or was he commending her for the selfless life he had made previous mention of in his barley fields? There is the question. The answer may color the way we view the entire book of Ruth. What do you think?
Tuesday, January 30, 2007
From the Archives - March 28, 2006
• Naomi asks her daughters-in-law to return three times (Orpah leaves on the second). Why?
• Naomi indicates her belief in God's personal judgement (1:13) (1:20)
• Naomi's heart is revealed (1:6). It was not the elimination of an authority structure that prompted Naomi to return. Instead, she had heard there was food. She didn't return when her husband died. She didn't return when her sons died.
• Naomi was reverse-evangelizing. Three times she entreats them to return...why?
• Naomi knows God's judgement is right, just and true. Yet she is sorry that her mistakes have affected others.
Ruth's Confession:
• She did not follow Naomi because of potential gain down the road. Naomi would not have more children, she was a widow and childless.
• Ruth had also suffered under the Lord's hand of judgement
• 'Where you go, I will go'
The word "go" is the word for walk, to move, to conduct one's self, a way of life
• 'Where you lodge, I will lodge'
• 'Your people shall be my people'
The new Christian adopts/is adopted by a whole new family (people)
• 'And your God, my God'
Turning to Christ means forsaking all other gods, as long as you both shall live. It is no longer the things I worship, the things I choose, the things I want. We have a "new" Master. (death to self) (no longer our own, bought with a price)
• 'Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried'
A commitment to Christ is fatal. We are His through the point of death and beyond. This was not a "try before you buy" kind of deal!
• Ruth's confession and their journey took place about the time of year that Passover was celebrated.
• In His sacrifice, Christ made Himself a "people" who were not "His people"
"As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God." (Rom 9:25-26)
• The Moabites were descendants of Lot
• Naomi indicates her belief in God's personal judgement (1:13) (1:20)
• Naomi's heart is revealed (1:6). It was not the elimination of an authority structure that prompted Naomi to return. Instead, she had heard there was food. She didn't return when her husband died. She didn't return when her sons died.
• Naomi was reverse-evangelizing. Three times she entreats them to return...why?
• Naomi knows God's judgement is right, just and true. Yet she is sorry that her mistakes have affected others.
Ruth's Confession:
• She did not follow Naomi because of potential gain down the road. Naomi would not have more children, she was a widow and childless.
• Ruth had also suffered under the Lord's hand of judgement
• 'Where you go, I will go'
The word "go" is the word for walk, to move, to conduct one's self, a way of life
• 'Where you lodge, I will lodge'
• 'Your people shall be my people'
The new Christian adopts/is adopted by a whole new family (people)
• 'And your God, my God'
Turning to Christ means forsaking all other gods, as long as you both shall live. It is no longer the things I worship, the things I choose, the things I want. We have a "new" Master. (death to self) (no longer our own, bought with a price)
• 'Where you die, I will die, and there I will be buried'
A commitment to Christ is fatal. We are His through the point of death and beyond. This was not a "try before you buy" kind of deal!
• Ruth's confession and their journey took place about the time of year that Passover was celebrated.
• In His sacrifice, Christ made Himself a "people" who were not "His people"
"As he saith also in Hosea, I will call them my people, which were not my people; and her beloved, which was not beloved. And it shall come to pass, that in the place where it was said unto them, Ye are not my people; there shall they be called the children of the living God." (Rom 9:25-26)
• The Moabites were descendants of Lot
From the Archives - March 27, 2006
Going to Moab was a fatal mistake. Elimelech took his family there, and died there. The plan was to sojourn or just stay temporarily. Then he died. His compromise did not end with him. His sons took a further step and married daughters of the Moabites. They didn't just sojourn there, they dwelled/abode/"sat down" in Moab.
This reminds me of Lot's progression towards Sodom. First he pitched his tent near Sodom (Gen 13:12). Then he dwelt in Sodom (Gen 14:12). Finally, we find him in the gate of the city (Gen 19:1)...(also compare Ps 1)
This reminds me of Lot's progression towards Sodom. First he pitched his tent near Sodom (Gen 13:12). Then he dwelt in Sodom (Gen 14:12). Finally, we find him in the gate of the city (Gen 19:1)...(also compare Ps 1)
Monday, January 29, 2007
From the Archives - March 26, 2006
• Elimelech: "my God is King"
• A man who was named after God. A man whose name signified a recognition of the God of the universe.
• So is a Christian. A "Christ-one". This man did not live up to his name. His actions did not reflect the kingship of God in his life.
• A Christian is not a Christian if found in name only.
• A Christian is not simply one who professes to be. Many claim that title but not all are truly Christians.
• Elimelech was not a "Christian" because he was raised in Judah, or Israel. Neither may we claim a relationship with Christ simply because we were brought up in church or raised in a Christian family...anymore than we can claim ourselves to be cars simply because we spend time in the garage.
• Consider these verses:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt 7:21-23)
"And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)
• Do our actions reflect the Lordship of Christ? Do our words and responses say "Christian"?
• Elimelech ignored God's call to repentance:
"And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits." (Lev 26:18-20)
"And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you." (Deut 11:17)
"And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed." (Deut 28:23-34)
"Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it. Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them. Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit. Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity. All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume." (Deut 28:38-42)
"When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillars; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers." (2 Chron 6:26-31)
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;" (2 Chron 7:13)
"And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD." (Amos 4:6)
• Famine was a judgement of God on Israel
• Elimelech tried to avoid or solve his "problems" by turning to the world
• Moabites were not to be wed by the sons of Israel:
"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon cleaved unto these in love." (1 Kings 11:1-2)
• A man who was named after God. A man whose name signified a recognition of the God of the universe.
• So is a Christian. A "Christ-one". This man did not live up to his name. His actions did not reflect the kingship of God in his life.
• A Christian is not a Christian if found in name only.
• A Christian is not simply one who professes to be. Many claim that title but not all are truly Christians.
• Elimelech was not a "Christian" because he was raised in Judah, or Israel. Neither may we claim a relationship with Christ simply because we were brought up in church or raised in a Christian family...anymore than we can claim ourselves to be cars simply because we spend time in the garage.
• Consider these verses:
"Not every one that saith unto me, Lord, Lord, shall enter into the kingdom of heaven; but he that doeth the will of my Father which is in heaven. Many will say to me in that day, Lord, Lord, have we not prophesied in thy name and in thy name have cast out devils? and in thy name done many wonderful works? And then will I profess unto them, I never knew you: depart from me, ye that work iniquity." (Matt 7:21-23)
"And when he had found him, he brought him unto Antioch. And it came to pass, that a whole year they assembled themselves with the church, and taught much people. And the disciples were called Christians first in Antioch." (Acts 11:26)
• Do our actions reflect the Lordship of Christ? Do our words and responses say "Christian"?
• Elimelech ignored God's call to repentance:
"And if ye will not yet for all this hearken unto me, then I will punish you seven times more for your sins. And I will break the pride of your power; and I will make your heaven as iron, and your earth as brass: And your strength shall be spent in vain: for your land shall not yield her increase, neither shall the trees of the land yield their fruits." (Lev 26:18-20)
"And then the LORD's wrath be kindled against you, and he shut up the heaven, that there be no rain, and that the land yield not her fruit; and lest ye perish quickly from off the good land which the LORD giveth you." (Deut 11:17)
"And thy heaven that is over thy head shall be brass, and the earth that is under thee shall be iron. The LORD shall make the rain of thy land powder and dust: from heaven shall it come down upon thee, until thou be destroyed." (Deut 28:23-34)
"Thou shalt carry much seed out into the field, and shalt gather but little in; for the locust shall consume it. Thou shalt plant vineyards, and dress them, but shalt neither drink of the wine, nor gather the grapes; for the worms shall eat them. Thou shalt have olive trees throughout all thy coasts, but thou shalt not anoint thyself with the oil; for thine olive shall cast his fruit. Thou shalt beget sons and daughters, but thou shalt not enjoy them; for they shall go into captivity. All thy trees and fruit of thy land shall the locust consume." (Deut 28:38-42)
"When the heaven is shut up, and there is no rain, because they have sinned against thee; yet if they pray toward this place, and confess thy name, and turn from their sin, when thou dost afflict them; then hear thou from heaven, and forgive the sin of thy servants, and of thy people Israel, when thou hast taught them the good way, wherein they should walk; and send rain upon thy land, which thou hast given unto thy people for an inheritance. If there be dearth in the land, if there be pestilence, if there be blasting, or mildew, locusts, or caterpillars; if their enemies besiege them in the cities of their land; whatsoever sore or whatsoever sickness there be: Then what prayer or what supplication soever shall be made of any man, or of all thy people Israel, when every one shall know his own sore and his own grief, and shall spread forth his hands in this house: Then hear thou from heaven thy dwelling place, and forgive, and render unto every man according unto all his ways, whose heart thou knowest; (for thou only knowest the hearts of the children of men:) That they may fear thee, to walk in thy ways, so long as they live in the land which thou gavest unto our fathers." (2 Chron 6:26-31)
"If I shut up heaven that there be no rain, or if I command the locusts to devour the land, or if I send pestilence among my people;" (2 Chron 7:13)
"And I also have given you cleanness of teeth in all your cities, and want of bread in all your places: yet have ye not returned unto me, saith the LORD." (Amos 4:6)
• Famine was a judgement of God on Israel
• Elimelech tried to avoid or solve his "problems" by turning to the world
• Moabites were not to be wed by the sons of Israel:
"But king Solomon loved many strange women, together with the daughter of Pharaoh, women of the Moabites, Ammonites, Edomites, Zidonians, and Hittites; Of the nations concerning which the LORD said unto the children of Israel, Ye shall not go in to them, neither shall they come in unto you: for surely they will turn away your heart after their gods: Solomon cleaved unto these in love." (1 Kings 11:1-2)
From the Archives
Since last March, I have been taking notes on the book of Ruth. Over the past few days, I have been reading over those notes, and thought it would be good to type up the content for the blog. I am transcribing them pretty much as they are written, so sentence structure, grammer, etc is typical of notations.
One other thing I want to mention is that I wrote these ideas as they came to me. Not all of them are necessarily my opinion now, nor are they necessarily even right. I just documented things as they came to mind. So, take what you read with a grain of salt. These are just ideas, thoughts, lessons or possible analogies or correlations to other parts of scripture.
I hope these encourage you to "study to show thyself approved..." be it in Ruth or in any other book of the Bible.
One other thing I want to mention is that I wrote these ideas as they came to me. Not all of them are necessarily my opinion now, nor are they necessarily even right. I just documented things as they came to mind. So, take what you read with a grain of salt. These are just ideas, thoughts, lessons or possible analogies or correlations to other parts of scripture.
I hope these encourage you to "study to show thyself approved..." be it in Ruth or in any other book of the Bible.
Sunday, January 28, 2007
Typology
There is one last area of Old Testament study that I think we need to take a brief look at before we press on with our study in Ruth. We have set a foundation by discussing the importance of the Old Testament and what the Bible itself says about the Old Testament. Now let us consider an area of study called theological typology.
It is indeed beyond the scope and purpose of this entry to truly explore this branch of Biblical study. What I want to do is to explain what typology is, and then illustrate it from the Bible. The purpose behind this lies in the simple fact that the book of Ruth appears to be full of types, and before you think we are headed off on some trivial rabbit trails, I want you to see the validity of some forms of typology.
First, here is a general definition, taken from Wikipedia: "Typology in Christian theology interprets some characters and stories of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as allegories foreshadowing the New Testament."
Another definition from the Christian Courier puts it like this: "A type is a real, exalted happening in history which was divinely ordained by the omniscient God to be a prophetic picture of the good things which He purposed to bring to fruition in Christ Jesus."
In a nutshell, typology deals with foreshadowing. It works from the premise that things in the Old Testament point towards things in the New. As you will see later on in this entry, the New Testament makes direct usage of typology time and again.
Before we progress any further, let us consider the dangers of typology. One danger is to dismiss much of the Old Testament as allegorical. Now if you are a fundamental, Bible-believing Christian, you may not be tempted into this area. However, higher criticism may tend to dismiss the Divinely-inspired side of Old Testament authorship, and simply attribute the stories and writings to allegory. Let us not forget that the things which are written in the Old Testament were actual events. They really took place.
The second danger we must avoid is extremism. Let us neither deny the existence of typology, nor try to force every Old Testament verse into its confines. If there is typology present, and God reveals it to us, great. If there isn't typology present, we are going to endeavor not to force it into being.
There, now you have the definition and the dangers. Let us now turn our attention to the pages of scripture to see what God says about the subject. As a context verse, let us head to the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians. Here Paul is talking about the congregation in the wilderness and the purpose behind these things being recorded. I suppose these verses could be considered as proof texts for us.
"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." (1 Cor 10:6)
"Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1 Cor 10:11)
While I make no claim on Greek (or Hebrew) scholarship, the reference tools available to us today enable in depth study with no more than a simple knowledge of these languages. In these two passages in Corinthians, Paul uses a Greek word transliterated "tupos." Strong's tells us that this is defined as a "die, a stamp or scar; a shape or statue; a style or resemblance; a sample or a model." Thayer's says it is a "mark left by a blow, a figure thus formed; a form or example; an example to be imitated." According to etymology, we get our word "type" from this same Greek word.
Now, as we consider this word in light of the texts, we see that Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to look back, to remember those things which happened in the past, and to take heed to their message. He states that the things that happened are to be examples to us, or "types." One man described the Old Testament as a picture book or illustrated publication.
I want to make a short list here of verses which illustrate Biblical typology. You may be suprised at some of these, and some will perhaps be familiar.
Jonah:
"But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matt 12:39-40)
Serpent in the wilderness:
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:14-15)
Sarah and Hagar:
"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which engendereth to bondage, which is Hagar. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all." (Gal 4:22-26)
Water from the Rock:
"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (1 Cor 10:4)
Lawful tradition:
"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." (Col 2:16-17)
Melchizedek:
"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." (Heb 7:3)
Levitical priesthood:
"Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." (Heb 8:5)
Passover lamb:
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" (1 Cor 5:7)
Feast of Unleavened Bread:
"Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Cor 5:8)
Adam:
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." (Rom 5:14-15)
As I mentioned previously, this is just a small, "eclectic" (to use a word I have grown fond of) sampling of typological verses found in the Bible. If your interest has been stirred, there are a myriad of resources available on the Web. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. In closing, I'll leave you with this verse from Romans:
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Rom 15:4)
It is indeed beyond the scope and purpose of this entry to truly explore this branch of Biblical study. What I want to do is to explain what typology is, and then illustrate it from the Bible. The purpose behind this lies in the simple fact that the book of Ruth appears to be full of types, and before you think we are headed off on some trivial rabbit trails, I want you to see the validity of some forms of typology.
First, here is a general definition, taken from Wikipedia: "Typology in Christian theology interprets some characters and stories of the Old Testament (Hebrew Bible) as allegories foreshadowing the New Testament."
Another definition from the Christian Courier puts it like this: "A type is a real, exalted happening in history which was divinely ordained by the omniscient God to be a prophetic picture of the good things which He purposed to bring to fruition in Christ Jesus."
In a nutshell, typology deals with foreshadowing. It works from the premise that things in the Old Testament point towards things in the New. As you will see later on in this entry, the New Testament makes direct usage of typology time and again.
Before we progress any further, let us consider the dangers of typology. One danger is to dismiss much of the Old Testament as allegorical. Now if you are a fundamental, Bible-believing Christian, you may not be tempted into this area. However, higher criticism may tend to dismiss the Divinely-inspired side of Old Testament authorship, and simply attribute the stories and writings to allegory. Let us not forget that the things which are written in the Old Testament were actual events. They really took place.
The second danger we must avoid is extremism. Let us neither deny the existence of typology, nor try to force every Old Testament verse into its confines. If there is typology present, and God reveals it to us, great. If there isn't typology present, we are going to endeavor not to force it into being.
There, now you have the definition and the dangers. Let us now turn our attention to the pages of scripture to see what God says about the subject. As a context verse, let us head to the New Testament book of 1 Corinthians. Here Paul is talking about the congregation in the wilderness and the purpose behind these things being recorded. I suppose these verses could be considered as proof texts for us.
"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." (1 Cor 10:6)
"Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1 Cor 10:11)
While I make no claim on Greek (or Hebrew) scholarship, the reference tools available to us today enable in depth study with no more than a simple knowledge of these languages. In these two passages in Corinthians, Paul uses a Greek word transliterated "tupos." Strong's tells us that this is defined as a "die, a stamp or scar; a shape or statue; a style or resemblance; a sample or a model." Thayer's says it is a "mark left by a blow, a figure thus formed; a form or example; an example to be imitated." According to etymology, we get our word "type" from this same Greek word.
Now, as we consider this word in light of the texts, we see that Paul is encouraging the Corinthians to look back, to remember those things which happened in the past, and to take heed to their message. He states that the things that happened are to be examples to us, or "types." One man described the Old Testament as a picture book or illustrated publication.
I want to make a short list here of verses which illustrate Biblical typology. You may be suprised at some of these, and some will perhaps be familiar.
Jonah:
"But He answered and said unto them, An evil and adulterous generation seeketh after a sign; and there shall no sign be given to it, but the sign of the prophet Jonah: for as Jonah was three days and three nights in the whale's belly; so shall the Son of man be three days and three nights in the heart of the earth." (Matt 12:39-40)
Serpent in the wilderness:
"And as Moses lifted up the serpent in the wilderness, even so must the Son of man be lifted up: that whosoever believeth in Him should not perish, but have eternal life." (John 3:14-15)
Sarah and Hagar:
"For it is written, that Abraham had two sons, the one by a bondmaid, the other by a freewoman. But he who was of the bondwoman was born after the flesh; but he of the freewoman was by promise. Which things are an allegory: for these are the two covenants; the one from the mount Sinai, which engendereth to bondage, which is Hagar. For this Hagar is mount Sinai in Arabia, and answereth to Jerusalem which now is, and is in bondage with her children. But Jerusalem which is above is free, which is the mother of us all." (Gal 4:22-26)
Water from the Rock:
"And did all drink the same spiritual drink: for they drank of that spiritual Rock that followed them: and that Rock was Christ." (1 Cor 10:4)
Lawful tradition:
"Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of a holy day, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ." (Col 2:16-17)
Melchizedek:
"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." (Heb 7:3)
Levitical priesthood:
"Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern showed to thee in the mount." (Heb 8:5)
Passover lamb:
"Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened. For even Christ our passover is sacrificed for us:" (1 Cor 5:7)
Feast of Unleavened Bread:
"Therefore let us keep the feast, not with old leaven, neither with the leaven of malice and wickedness; but with the unleavened bread of sincerity and truth." (1 Cor 5:8)
Adam:
"Nevertheless death reigned from Adam to Moses, even over them that had not sinned after the similitude of Adam's transgression, who is the figure of Him that was to come. But not as the offense, so also is the free gift. For if through the offense of one many be dead, much more the grace of God, and the gift by grace, which is by one man, Jesus Christ, hath abounded unto many." (Rom 5:14-15)
As I mentioned previously, this is just a small, "eclectic" (to use a word I have grown fond of) sampling of typological verses found in the Bible. If your interest has been stirred, there are a myriad of resources available on the Web. If you have any questions or comments, please let me know. In closing, I'll leave you with this verse from Romans:
"For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the Scriptures might have hope." (Rom 15:4)
Saturday, January 27, 2007
What the Bible Says About the Old Testament
An important aspect of Bible study is to learn what the Bible says about itself. In our present case, we are looking at what the Bible says specifically about the Old Testament. This may be from the perspective and writings of Old Testament figures who wrote about what they had, God's law. This may also be from New Testament personages who, looking back, see the whole of the Old Testament and make comment on it.
Consider the Lord's words to Joshua:
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Josh 1:8)
Or this description of Ezra:
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgements." (Ezra 7:10)
The author of the first Psalm describes the way of the righteous man in this manner:
"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (Ps 1:2)
Psalm 119 is full of descriptions of God's word:
- "according to Thy word"
- "all Thy commandments are faithful"
- "for with them (Thy precepts) Thou hast quickened me"
- "how sweet are Thy words"
- "but Thy law I do love"
- "through Thy precepts I get understanding"
- "teach me Thy statutes"
- "Thy word is very pure"
- "all Thy commandments are truth"
- "all Thy commandments are righteousness"
Let us not forget that the author is speaking of God's law. At this point in time, the Old Testament wasn't canonized. We can easily agree with the author when we consider the entire Bible, but can we honestly say we agree with him in his boundless enthusiasm for the law? It is an interesting and searching question!
"...but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (Prov 29:18)
Over and again throughout the Old Testament, the results of obedience or disobedience are clearly exemplified. Let us now consider some of what is said by characters from the New Testament. They provide a unique look, for, like us, they are looking back at a "canonized" Old Testament, yet unlike us, are living in another part of the Bible, that of the New Testament.
Jesus says:
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." (Matt 5:17)
"The law and the prophets were until John..." (Luke 16:16)
"...all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me." (Luke 24:44)
"But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, 'They hated Me without cause.'" (John 15:25)
And consider these:
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, 'We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.'" (John 1:45)
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;" (Rom 3:20-21)
"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:" (Rom 8:3)
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Gal 3:24)
"For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinance; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;" (Eph 2:14-15)
"For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." (Heb 7:19)
And these:
"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet..." (Matt 1:22)
"Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet..." (Matt 2:17)
"And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets.." (Matt 2:23)
"But He answered and said, 'It is written...'" (Matt 4:4)
"Jesus said unto him, 'It is written...'" (Matt 4:7)
"Then saith Jesus unto him, 'Get the hence, Satan: for it is written...'" (Matt 4:10)
And finally:
"For even Christ pleased not Himself: but, as it is written, 'The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.' For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Rom 15:3-4)
"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." (1 Cor 10:6)
"Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1 Cor 10:11)
In summation, let's consider what these verses have shown us. First, we see that the law was to be held in high regard, for it was God's law. We see the attitudes of David and others towards God's law. We see blessing for obedience.
Secondly, we see that the New Testament refers often to the writtings of the law, the prophets and the psalms. Jesus uses these to describe the reason for His coming. The writers of the New Testament use these to describe how Christ fulfilled them, and to point to the purpose of the law.
Finally, we see that the things in the Old Testament were written as examples for us. We are to learn from them. We are to avoid those mistakes they made. "Learn from the mistakes of others."
So, what is the conclusion of the matter? I believe that we can safely say that one of the most important aspects of the Old Testament, if not THE most important aspect, is that the Old Testament points to Christ. It is a collection of Divinely-inspired writings which direct our attention towards the coming Redeemer. Remember and hold on to that thought, for as we progress, I believe it will be vital in our understanding of the book of Ruth.
I am sorry for the brevity of coverage of this topic. I have taken a very eclectic sampling of verses to illustrate these points. It would take pages and pages to scratch the coating of the reasons behind the Old Testament. I'm sure that even Old Testament Survey classes barely break the surface of this vast reservoir of stupendous truth. Yet, since this is not an Old Testament survey, and pursuing this topic is not our undergirding purpose, I believe we have established a summarily brief foundation upon which to launch our study.
Consider the Lord's words to Joshua:
"This book of the law shall not depart out of thy mouth; but thou shalt meditate therein day and night, that thou mayest observe to do according to all that is written therein: for then thou shalt make thy way prosperous, and then thou shalt have good success." (Josh 1:8)
Or this description of Ezra:
"For Ezra had prepared his heart to seek the law of the LORD, and to do it, and to teach in Israel statutes and judgements." (Ezra 7:10)
The author of the first Psalm describes the way of the righteous man in this manner:
"But his delight is in the law of the LORD; and in His law doth he meditate day and night." (Ps 1:2)
Psalm 119 is full of descriptions of God's word:
- "according to Thy word"
- "all Thy commandments are faithful"
- "for with them (Thy precepts) Thou hast quickened me"
- "how sweet are Thy words"
- "but Thy law I do love"
- "through Thy precepts I get understanding"
- "teach me Thy statutes"
- "Thy word is very pure"
- "all Thy commandments are truth"
- "all Thy commandments are righteousness"
Let us not forget that the author is speaking of God's law. At this point in time, the Old Testament wasn't canonized. We can easily agree with the author when we consider the entire Bible, but can we honestly say we agree with him in his boundless enthusiasm for the law? It is an interesting and searching question!
"...but he that keepeth the law, happy is he." (Prov 29:18)
Over and again throughout the Old Testament, the results of obedience or disobedience are clearly exemplified. Let us now consider some of what is said by characters from the New Testament. They provide a unique look, for, like us, they are looking back at a "canonized" Old Testament, yet unlike us, are living in another part of the Bible, that of the New Testament.
Jesus says:
"Think not that I am come to destroy the law, or the prophets: I am not come to destroy, but to fulfill." (Matt 5:17)
"The law and the prophets were until John..." (Luke 16:16)
"...all things must be fulfilled, which were written in the law of Moses, and in the prophets, and in the psalms, concerning Me." (Luke 24:44)
"But this cometh to pass, that the word might be fulfilled that is written in their law, 'They hated Me without cause.'" (John 15:25)
And consider these:
"For the law was given by Moses, but grace and truth came by Jesus Christ." (John 1:17)
"Philip findeth Nathanael, and saith unto him, 'We have found Him, of whom Moses in the law, and the prophets, did write, Jesus of Nazareth, the son of Joseph.'" (John 1:45)
"Therefore by the deeds of the law there shall no flesh be justified in His sight: for by the law is the knowledge of sin. But now the righteousness of God without the law is manifested, being witnessed by the law and the prophets;" (Rom 3:20-21)
"For what the law could not do, in that it was weak through the flesh, God sending His own Son in the likeness of sinful flesh, and for sin, condemned sin in the flesh:" (Rom 8:3)
"Wherefore the law was our schoolmaster to bring us unto Christ, that we might be justified by faith." (Gal 3:24)
"For He is our peace, who hath made both one, and hath broken down the middle wall of partition between us; having abolished in His flesh the enmity, even the law of commandments contained in ordinance; for to make in Himself of twain one new man, so making peace;" (Eph 2:14-15)
"For the law made nothing perfect, but the bringing in of a better hope did; by the which we draw nigh unto God." (Heb 7:19)
And these:
"Now all this was done, that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet..." (Matt 1:22)
"Then was fulfilled that which was spoken by Jeremiah the prophet..." (Matt 2:17)
"And he came and dwelt in a city called Nazareth: that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophets.." (Matt 2:23)
"But He answered and said, 'It is written...'" (Matt 4:4)
"Jesus said unto him, 'It is written...'" (Matt 4:7)
"Then saith Jesus unto him, 'Get the hence, Satan: for it is written...'" (Matt 4:10)
And finally:
"For even Christ pleased not Himself: but, as it is written, 'The reproaches of them that reproached thee fell on me.' For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope." (Rom 15:3-4)
"Now these things were our examples, to the intent we should not lust after evil things, as they also lusted." (1 Cor 10:6)
"Now all these things happened unto them for examples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come." (1 Cor 10:11)
In summation, let's consider what these verses have shown us. First, we see that the law was to be held in high regard, for it was God's law. We see the attitudes of David and others towards God's law. We see blessing for obedience.
Secondly, we see that the New Testament refers often to the writtings of the law, the prophets and the psalms. Jesus uses these to describe the reason for His coming. The writers of the New Testament use these to describe how Christ fulfilled them, and to point to the purpose of the law.
Finally, we see that the things in the Old Testament were written as examples for us. We are to learn from them. We are to avoid those mistakes they made. "Learn from the mistakes of others."
So, what is the conclusion of the matter? I believe that we can safely say that one of the most important aspects of the Old Testament, if not THE most important aspect, is that the Old Testament points to Christ. It is a collection of Divinely-inspired writings which direct our attention towards the coming Redeemer. Remember and hold on to that thought, for as we progress, I believe it will be vital in our understanding of the book of Ruth.
I am sorry for the brevity of coverage of this topic. I have taken a very eclectic sampling of verses to illustrate these points. It would take pages and pages to scratch the coating of the reasons behind the Old Testament. I'm sure that even Old Testament Survey classes barely break the surface of this vast reservoir of stupendous truth. Yet, since this is not an Old Testament survey, and pursuing this topic is not our undergirding purpose, I believe we have established a summarily brief foundation upon which to launch our study.
Friday, January 26, 2007
Why the Old Testament?
Before we consider the question, "why the book of Ruth?", I believe we must ask ourselves the same question about the Old Testament. The Old Testament differs from the New Testament in many ways. In the Old Testament, we see creation, we see the introduction of sin, we see God sovereignly choosing a people for Himself, and we see how He brought those people through thick and thin to a land He had prepared for them. We see the law for the very first time and read of the righteous requirements found in it. We see the tabernacle, and the institution of the priesthood. We see sacrifices and offerings. As we continue on through the Old Testament, we learn of the establishment of the kings. Finally, as the books are ordered today, we read through books of prophecy, some which have already come to pass, and others that yet lay ahead.
Without the inclusion of the Old Testament, the New Testament would be very confusing. One would commence reading in Matthew, only to find a list of people he has never heard of before. To make matters worse, the New Testament continually references the Old, so these quotes would be meaningless.
No, the Old Testament is indeed very important. The dry passages of Leviticus are no less God's word than the theology-ridden pages of the Book of Romans. The endless lists of names in Numbers and Chronicles are no less Divinely-inspired than the doctrine-filled paragraphs of 1 John. Consider what Paul wrote to Timothy, "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Next time, we will look at the testimony of the Old and New Testament writers as they discuss the meaning and significance of the Old Testament. I believe that as we study these things, they will enable us to gain a new perspective as to "why the book of Ruth?".
Without the inclusion of the Old Testament, the New Testament would be very confusing. One would commence reading in Matthew, only to find a list of people he has never heard of before. To make matters worse, the New Testament continually references the Old, so these quotes would be meaningless.
No, the Old Testament is indeed very important. The dry passages of Leviticus are no less God's word than the theology-ridden pages of the Book of Romans. The endless lists of names in Numbers and Chronicles are no less Divinely-inspired than the doctrine-filled paragraphs of 1 John. Consider what Paul wrote to Timothy, "All scripture is given by the inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: that the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works." (2 Tim 3:16-17)
Next time, we will look at the testimony of the Old and New Testament writers as they discuss the meaning and significance of the Old Testament. I believe that as we study these things, they will enable us to gain a new perspective as to "why the book of Ruth?".
Thursday, January 25, 2007
Welcome to Six Measures
Ok, you are all probably wondering why the title...at least I usually do when I come across a blog for the first time. Well, I wanted one that would be easy to remember, original, and cover a good portion of the varied facets of the Book of Ruth. Those of you who have been through the book recently will recall that near the end of chapter three, Boaz "measured six measures of barley..." This is a unique circumstance that brings Boaz (a type of Christ, the Redeemer), Ruth (a type of the Gentiles, the church) and the blessing bestowed upon her by the Redeemer for the benefit of Naomi (a type of Israel), all together in one setting. This is a unique and descriptive summation of this little book and will hopefully be easy to remember. Thank you for your interest in this study and, welcome to Six Measures.
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