Christ In The Old Testament
Some people may take a view that the Old Testament is merely an appendage to the New Testament. A collection of books, predating the arrival of the Messiah, that generally gives a back history of the people from whom he would spring. The same usually comes with an interest in the first few chapters of Genesis and soon thereafter withers into boredom, perhaps around the book of Numbers. However, there is much more in those ancient pages if people would take but a closer look. There is something much deeper and more meaningful.
It will be my undertaking to demonstrate that Christ pervades the Old Testament in a number of instances. In doing this, I will present three different viewpoints. The first viewpoint will show several Christophanies within the Old Testament. The second will treat the foreshadowing of the revealed Christ. The third will deal with prophecies regarding the coming Savior.
CHRISTOPHANIES
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1, English Standard Version). Ironically, I have chosen to begin within the New Testament. However, the reason for doing so is to point backward. In this verse, the apostle John has exposed us of Christ’s divinity. Therefore logically, he was present at the creation of the world. Even so, Genesis 1:26 makes contribution to this point. In the latter mentioned verse, we find the plural, “let us”, a reference to the Trinity, of which the Word (Christ) is a member. “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3, ESV). In such, we see that Christ was the creating force of all things, in being the Word of God. Christ stated, “Not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.” (John 6:46, ESV) His statement within this verse would imply that all manifestations of the Lord would in reality, be the Word, the preincarnate Christ. In following with this line of reasoning, it would have been Christ at the fall of man who made the pronouncements upon Adam, Eve, and the serpent in Genesis 3:3-19. It also would have been Christ who spoke to and gave instruction to Noah in Genesis chapters six through nine. It would have been Christ as well, who called Abram out of Ur and made the promises to him as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3. Another considerable event to take into account with regard to Abram would have been the Lord’s appearance to him. The Lord renamed him Abraham, and followed with a restating of the great promise, Genesis 17:1-8. Given what we already know, it would be entirely feasible to assume it was the second Person of the Trinity that appeared to Abraham.
Also seen are appearances of the Angel of the Lord at different intervals. One of these instances involves Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarai, Abrams wife. Hagar had conceived with Abram, an idea conjured by Sarai, the result being an ensuing drama. Hagar takes flight from Sarai and is found by the Angel of the Lord at a spring in the wilderness. The Angel of the Lord comforts her and has her return to Sarai along with the parting words, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” (Genesis 16:10, ESV) Matthew Henry in his commentary states, “The declaration of the Angel, I will, shows this Angel was the eternal Word and Son of God.” (Henry, commentary on Genesis 16:10) Other instances of the Angel of the Lord making appearances include, Gideon called by the Angel of the Lord, Judges 6:11-23. The Angel of the Lord appearing to Manoah and his wife to inform, and instruct them, regarding Samson. One note regarding the aforementioned scene, after having made a sacrifice and witnessing the Angel ascend up into the smoke, Manoah and his wife became very afraid that they would die. The same resulting from having seen God, Judges 13:3-23. The Angel also appears to Elijah in the wilderness while Elijah was in low spirits after hearing of Jezebels’ threat against him, 1 Kings 19:5-7. The Angel appears, as well, in a night vision to Zechariah, Zechariah 1:12. John Macarthur makes an interesting observation in regards to this Angel of the Lord, “The Angel of the Lord, who does not appear after the birth of Christ, is often identified as the preincarnate Christ.” (Macarthur, Note on Genesis 16:7)
Further appearances of the Lord include His coming to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre just before the destruction of Sodom, Genesis 18:1. The Lord wrestling with Jacob, and Jacob in turn being renamed Israel, Genesis 32:24-29. Moses, being called to deliver Israel out of Egypt from the burning bush, Exodus 3:14. The pillar of cloud and fire that went before the children of Israel to lead them, Exodus 13:21. E.W. Hengstenberg made the following comment regarding the revealed God, the Son or Logos, “and even at the creation itself, filled up the immeasurable distance between the Creator and the creation; who has been the Mediator in all of God’s relations to the world.” (Hengstenberg 115) As we can see, Christ was there well before Matthew 1:1.
FORESHADOWINGS
Persons
The next area of the Old Testament where Christ makes appearances is in various foreshadowing’s. Such as in individuals, in animals, and in even in certain practices and ceremonies.
In regards to individuals, first and foremost, we find a picture of Christ in Adam. The apostle Paul makes an allusion to this in Romans 5:14, where he calls Adam a type of Christ. One difference, however, being that Adam brought about a curse upon mankind. Christ redeems mankind from that same curse, all who will accept him.
“Joseph was a type of Christ, for though he was the beloved Son of his Father, and hated by a wicked world, yet the Father sent him out of his bosom to visit us in great humility and love.” (Henry, Commentary on Genesis 37:12-22) Joseph is, perhaps, the most excellent example of a foreshadowing of Christ due to the extensive parallels. Such would include,” being a shepherd of his father’s sheep, Genesis 37:2. Loved by their Father dearly, Genesis 37:3. Hated by their brothers, Genesis 37:4. Sent by their Father to brothers, Genesis 37:13-14. Plotted against, Genesis 37:20. Had their robes taken from them, Genesis 37:23. Taken to Egypt, Genesis 37:26. Sold for the price of a slave, Genesis 37:28. Was tempted, Genesis 39:7. Falsely accused, Genesis 39:16-18. Bound in chains, Genesis 39:20. Placed with two other prisoners, one who was saved and the other lost, Genesis 40:2-3”. (MacArthur, Joseph – A Type of Christ, chart)
King David was a foreshadowing of the Messiah, primarily as the king of Israel. Matthew Henry made this observation while commenting on the incident involving Israel’s rejection, in contrast to Judah’s acceptance, of David’s kingship after the death of Saul. They elected instead to follow after Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth. “David was herein a type of Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed of the Father to be a Prince and Saviour to them.” (Henry, commentary on 2 Samuel 2:8-17)
Moses made a direct correlation between Christ and himself in Deuteronomy. “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you - from your brothers – it is to him you shall listen-“ (Deuteronomy 18:15, ESV) This same verse was echoed by the apostle Peter in Solomon’s Portico in Acts 3:22.
There is also the brother of Moses, Aaron. The very first High Priest of Israel. It was he who made intercession, on behalf of Israel to God. Just as Christ is our intercessor now. “Aaron went, and burned incense between the living and the dead, not to purify the air, but to pacify an offended God. As one tender of the life of every Israelite, Aaron made all possible speed. We must render good for evil. Observe especially, that Aaron was atype of Christ.” (Henry, commentary on Numbers 16:14-50)
It is at this juncture I would like to point out, that in the last three individuals covered we have a king, a prophet, and a priest. Three separate persons each with an individual characteristic. In Christ we have one person of the Trinity, with three combined characteristics.
Animals
In reference to animals, in Exodus chapter 12 we have the institution of the Passover, by the Lord. Central to the Passover is the spotless lamb. Parallels can be drawn from this Passover lamb to the Lamb of God. “The paschal lamb was his type (Exo 12). In its spotlessness; Christ was a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18, 19). In its being roasted it was a figure of the cursed death of Christ; for to be roasted bespake one accursed (Jer 29:22; Gal 3:13). In that it was to be eaten—‘Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood’ saith Christ. ‘hath eternal life’ (John 6:54). (Bunyan, Light for Them That Sit In Darkness, 6 - 1)
In the nineteenth chapter of Numbers the Lord sets the standards by which persons could be cleansed from impurity. The same utilized mixing water with the ashes of a red heifer, another sacrificial animal. Again Mr. Bunyan addresses this, “The red cow was his type (Num 19:2) In that she was to be without blemish. In that she was to be slain without the camp—‘Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood suffered without the gate (Heb 13:12). (Bunyan, Light for Them That Sit In Darkness, 6 – 2)
Holy Days
Regarding the Holy Days found within the Old Testament, we have the feasts of Israel. Among these feasts are: The Sabbath, Leviticus 23:3, “…a wonderful reminder of a coming day set aside to rest in the Messiah.” (Kasdan 9)The Passover, Leviticus 23:5, “Slaying of the lamb at Passover foreshadowed the greater redemption found in God’s appointed lamb, the Messiah.” (Kasdan 30) First Fruits, found in Leviticus 23:10, was a time when there was celebration and thanks given to the Lord for the return of sustenance. “The traditional observance of this feast points us to the resurrection of the Messiah.” (Kasdan 43) Day of Atonement, a day when all Israel would assemble to repent and make sacrifices to atone for their sins, as found in Leviticus 23:27. “The prophet Zechariah spoke of a future day of repentance when God will pour out his spirit in the latter days and they will look to the one who is pierced (Zechariah 12:10).” (Kasdan 84) The Feast of Booths is also known as Sukkot and was instituted by the Lord in Leviticus 23:34. “Sukkot was always known as the holy day that commemorates God dwelling with his people. How fitting for the Kingdom of God, when it fully comes to the redeemed earth, to be considered the ultimate fulfillment of this holy day.” (Kasdan 100) Believers who continue to observe these holy days, such as Messianic Jews, must receive a great blessing in light of this knowledge.
PROPHECIES
The whole of the Old Testament is inundated with prophecies of the coming Messiah who will free mankind from the grip of sin and evil. The first, of which, would be the Protoevangelium. The same is to be found in Genesis 3:15. It is at this point where we find the first mention of a coming redeemer who would triumph over the havoc wreaked by the serpent in the Garden of Eden, causing Adam and Eve to fall into a sinful state. Such was the state that would be passed down to all their succeeding generations.
Another prophecy to be found within the first book of the Bible includes, Genesis 12:3. In this verse God promises Abram that in him, all the families of the earth would be blessed. It was in Christ that the same came to fruition. The same prophecy is echoed, by God, again in Genesis 22:18.
There is a prophecy to be found in Genesis 49:8-10. Here Jacob (Israel), before his death, blesses each of his sons. The blessing for Judah is apparently a prophetic one, in that reference is made to the Lion of Judah. He was to be triumphant over his enemies, nor would the scepter (he would be a king) depart from him and he would have the obedience of the peoples.
Nathan the prophet relayed to David a word from God, in reference to his wish to build a temple for the Lord, found in 2 Samuel 7:11-16. Through Nathan, the Lord tells David that he will raise up his offspring and establish his kingdom forever and he would be a father to him as he will be his son. This was a forecast of the father, son relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son.
Psalms is a book holding numerous prophecies. Such are chapters two, sixteen, twenty-two, forty, and one-hundred ten. John MacArthur states in regards to Psalm 110, “This psalm contains one of the most exalted prophetic portions of scripture presenting Jesus Christ as both a holy king and a royal high priest – something that no human monarch of Israel ever experienced.” (MacArthur, Note on Psalm 110:1-7)
Isaiah made several references to the coming Messiah. Chapters two, seven, nine, eleven, forty, forty – two, forty – nine, and of course fifty – three. Chapter fifty – three is such a vivid description of Christ’s suffering, it is breath taking. Matthew Henry sums it up as such, “Nowhere in all of the Old Testament is it so plainly and fully prophesied that Christ ought to suffer, and then to enter into his glory as in this chapter.” (Henry, commentary on Isaiah 53:1-3)
The Minor Prophets also have hidden within them allusions to the coming King. Such as Jeremiah 23:5,6 where Christ is referenced as the righteous branch. In Daniel 7:27 the everlasting kingdom is again mentioned. Zechariah 12:10-14, is in regards to a future prophecy which involves the repentance of Israel, after having looked upon, “him whom they have pierced”, this was addressed earlier regarding the Day of Atonement. In a unique twist, the book of Malachi foretells of the coming of John the Baptist. It was his lot to prepare the way, for the coming, “great and awesome day of the Lord”, in verses 3:1 and in 4:5, 6.
“The whole of the Old Testament is rather to be looked upon as bearing a prophetic character.” (Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Old Testament prophecy entry)
Christ is weaved all throughout the Old Testament, as we have seen, whether it is in a manifestation, foreshadowing, or in a prophecy. He was, and is, there, since the very beginning.
In closing, I would like to say, we must not discount the Old Testament as only a history book. To overlook it is to remove the New Testament from a larger context. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV).
J. Lashley
Works Cited
Bunyan, John “The Works of Bunyan Volume 1.” Chapel Library. Mount Zion Bible Church, 2009. Kindle eBook file
Hengstenberg, E. W. Christology of The Old Testament and a Commentary On The Messianic Predictions. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1854. Print.
Henry, Matthew Concise Commentary on the Bible. Christian Classics Ethereal Library; 1.1 edition (July 27, 2010). Kindle eBook file.
Kasdan, Barney. God’s Appointed Times. Baltimore: Lederer Messianic Publications, 1993. Print.
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2007.Kindle eBook file.
Unger, Merrill F. Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1987. Print.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Bibles, 2007, Kindle eBook file.
It will be my undertaking to demonstrate that Christ pervades the Old Testament in a number of instances. In doing this, I will present three different viewpoints. The first viewpoint will show several Christophanies within the Old Testament. The second will treat the foreshadowing of the revealed Christ. The third will deal with prophecies regarding the coming Savior.
CHRISTOPHANIES
“In the beginning was the Word, and the Word was with God, and the Word was God.” (John 1:1, English Standard Version). Ironically, I have chosen to begin within the New Testament. However, the reason for doing so is to point backward. In this verse, the apostle John has exposed us of Christ’s divinity. Therefore logically, he was present at the creation of the world. Even so, Genesis 1:26 makes contribution to this point. In the latter mentioned verse, we find the plural, “let us”, a reference to the Trinity, of which the Word (Christ) is a member. “All things were made through Him, and without Him was not anything made that was made.” (John 1:3, ESV). In such, we see that Christ was the creating force of all things, in being the Word of God. Christ stated, “Not that anyone has seen the Father except he who is from God; he has seen the Father.” (John 6:46, ESV) His statement within this verse would imply that all manifestations of the Lord would in reality, be the Word, the preincarnate Christ. In following with this line of reasoning, it would have been Christ at the fall of man who made the pronouncements upon Adam, Eve, and the serpent in Genesis 3:3-19. It also would have been Christ who spoke to and gave instruction to Noah in Genesis chapters six through nine. It would have been Christ as well, who called Abram out of Ur and made the promises to him as recorded in Genesis 12:1-3. Another considerable event to take into account with regard to Abram would have been the Lord’s appearance to him. The Lord renamed him Abraham, and followed with a restating of the great promise, Genesis 17:1-8. Given what we already know, it would be entirely feasible to assume it was the second Person of the Trinity that appeared to Abraham.
Also seen are appearances of the Angel of the Lord at different intervals. One of these instances involves Hagar, the Egyptian servant of Sarai, Abrams wife. Hagar had conceived with Abram, an idea conjured by Sarai, the result being an ensuing drama. Hagar takes flight from Sarai and is found by the Angel of the Lord at a spring in the wilderness. The Angel of the Lord comforts her and has her return to Sarai along with the parting words, “I will surely multiply your offspring so that they cannot be numbered for multitude.” (Genesis 16:10, ESV) Matthew Henry in his commentary states, “The declaration of the Angel, I will, shows this Angel was the eternal Word and Son of God.” (Henry, commentary on Genesis 16:10) Other instances of the Angel of the Lord making appearances include, Gideon called by the Angel of the Lord, Judges 6:11-23. The Angel of the Lord appearing to Manoah and his wife to inform, and instruct them, regarding Samson. One note regarding the aforementioned scene, after having made a sacrifice and witnessing the Angel ascend up into the smoke, Manoah and his wife became very afraid that they would die. The same resulting from having seen God, Judges 13:3-23. The Angel also appears to Elijah in the wilderness while Elijah was in low spirits after hearing of Jezebels’ threat against him, 1 Kings 19:5-7. The Angel appears, as well, in a night vision to Zechariah, Zechariah 1:12. John Macarthur makes an interesting observation in regards to this Angel of the Lord, “The Angel of the Lord, who does not appear after the birth of Christ, is often identified as the preincarnate Christ.” (Macarthur, Note on Genesis 16:7)
Further appearances of the Lord include His coming to Abraham by the oaks of Mamre just before the destruction of Sodom, Genesis 18:1. The Lord wrestling with Jacob, and Jacob in turn being renamed Israel, Genesis 32:24-29. Moses, being called to deliver Israel out of Egypt from the burning bush, Exodus 3:14. The pillar of cloud and fire that went before the children of Israel to lead them, Exodus 13:21. E.W. Hengstenberg made the following comment regarding the revealed God, the Son or Logos, “and even at the creation itself, filled up the immeasurable distance between the Creator and the creation; who has been the Mediator in all of God’s relations to the world.” (Hengstenberg 115) As we can see, Christ was there well before Matthew 1:1.
FORESHADOWINGS
Persons
The next area of the Old Testament where Christ makes appearances is in various foreshadowing’s. Such as in individuals, in animals, and in even in certain practices and ceremonies.
In regards to individuals, first and foremost, we find a picture of Christ in Adam. The apostle Paul makes an allusion to this in Romans 5:14, where he calls Adam a type of Christ. One difference, however, being that Adam brought about a curse upon mankind. Christ redeems mankind from that same curse, all who will accept him.
“Joseph was a type of Christ, for though he was the beloved Son of his Father, and hated by a wicked world, yet the Father sent him out of his bosom to visit us in great humility and love.” (Henry, Commentary on Genesis 37:12-22) Joseph is, perhaps, the most excellent example of a foreshadowing of Christ due to the extensive parallels. Such would include,” being a shepherd of his father’s sheep, Genesis 37:2. Loved by their Father dearly, Genesis 37:3. Hated by their brothers, Genesis 37:4. Sent by their Father to brothers, Genesis 37:13-14. Plotted against, Genesis 37:20. Had their robes taken from them, Genesis 37:23. Taken to Egypt, Genesis 37:26. Sold for the price of a slave, Genesis 37:28. Was tempted, Genesis 39:7. Falsely accused, Genesis 39:16-18. Bound in chains, Genesis 39:20. Placed with two other prisoners, one who was saved and the other lost, Genesis 40:2-3”. (MacArthur, Joseph – A Type of Christ, chart)
King David was a foreshadowing of the Messiah, primarily as the king of Israel. Matthew Henry made this observation while commenting on the incident involving Israel’s rejection, in contrast to Judah’s acceptance, of David’s kingship after the death of Saul. They elected instead to follow after Saul’s son, Ish-bosheth. “David was herein a type of Christ, whom Israel would not submit to, though anointed of the Father to be a Prince and Saviour to them.” (Henry, commentary on 2 Samuel 2:8-17)
Moses made a direct correlation between Christ and himself in Deuteronomy. “The Lord your God will raise up for you a prophet like me from among you - from your brothers – it is to him you shall listen-“ (Deuteronomy 18:15, ESV) This same verse was echoed by the apostle Peter in Solomon’s Portico in Acts 3:22.
There is also the brother of Moses, Aaron. The very first High Priest of Israel. It was he who made intercession, on behalf of Israel to God. Just as Christ is our intercessor now. “Aaron went, and burned incense between the living and the dead, not to purify the air, but to pacify an offended God. As one tender of the life of every Israelite, Aaron made all possible speed. We must render good for evil. Observe especially, that Aaron was atype of Christ.” (Henry, commentary on Numbers 16:14-50)
It is at this juncture I would like to point out, that in the last three individuals covered we have a king, a prophet, and a priest. Three separate persons each with an individual characteristic. In Christ we have one person of the Trinity, with three combined characteristics.
Animals
In reference to animals, in Exodus chapter 12 we have the institution of the Passover, by the Lord. Central to the Passover is the spotless lamb. Parallels can be drawn from this Passover lamb to the Lamb of God. “The paschal lamb was his type (Exo 12). In its spotlessness; Christ was a lamb without blemish and without spot (1 Peter 1:18, 19). In its being roasted it was a figure of the cursed death of Christ; for to be roasted bespake one accursed (Jer 29:22; Gal 3:13). In that it was to be eaten—‘Whoso eateth my flesh and drinketh my blood’ saith Christ. ‘hath eternal life’ (John 6:54). (Bunyan, Light for Them That Sit In Darkness, 6 - 1)
In the nineteenth chapter of Numbers the Lord sets the standards by which persons could be cleansed from impurity. The same utilized mixing water with the ashes of a red heifer, another sacrificial animal. Again Mr. Bunyan addresses this, “The red cow was his type (Num 19:2) In that she was to be without blemish. In that she was to be slain without the camp—‘Jesus also, that he might sanctify the people with his own blood suffered without the gate (Heb 13:12). (Bunyan, Light for Them That Sit In Darkness, 6 – 2)
Holy Days
Regarding the Holy Days found within the Old Testament, we have the feasts of Israel. Among these feasts are: The Sabbath, Leviticus 23:3, “…a wonderful reminder of a coming day set aside to rest in the Messiah.” (Kasdan 9)The Passover, Leviticus 23:5, “Slaying of the lamb at Passover foreshadowed the greater redemption found in God’s appointed lamb, the Messiah.” (Kasdan 30) First Fruits, found in Leviticus 23:10, was a time when there was celebration and thanks given to the Lord for the return of sustenance. “The traditional observance of this feast points us to the resurrection of the Messiah.” (Kasdan 43) Day of Atonement, a day when all Israel would assemble to repent and make sacrifices to atone for their sins, as found in Leviticus 23:27. “The prophet Zechariah spoke of a future day of repentance when God will pour out his spirit in the latter days and they will look to the one who is pierced (Zechariah 12:10).” (Kasdan 84) The Feast of Booths is also known as Sukkot and was instituted by the Lord in Leviticus 23:34. “Sukkot was always known as the holy day that commemorates God dwelling with his people. How fitting for the Kingdom of God, when it fully comes to the redeemed earth, to be considered the ultimate fulfillment of this holy day.” (Kasdan 100) Believers who continue to observe these holy days, such as Messianic Jews, must receive a great blessing in light of this knowledge.
PROPHECIES
The whole of the Old Testament is inundated with prophecies of the coming Messiah who will free mankind from the grip of sin and evil. The first, of which, would be the Protoevangelium. The same is to be found in Genesis 3:15. It is at this point where we find the first mention of a coming redeemer who would triumph over the havoc wreaked by the serpent in the Garden of Eden, causing Adam and Eve to fall into a sinful state. Such was the state that would be passed down to all their succeeding generations.
Another prophecy to be found within the first book of the Bible includes, Genesis 12:3. In this verse God promises Abram that in him, all the families of the earth would be blessed. It was in Christ that the same came to fruition. The same prophecy is echoed, by God, again in Genesis 22:18.
There is a prophecy to be found in Genesis 49:8-10. Here Jacob (Israel), before his death, blesses each of his sons. The blessing for Judah is apparently a prophetic one, in that reference is made to the Lion of Judah. He was to be triumphant over his enemies, nor would the scepter (he would be a king) depart from him and he would have the obedience of the peoples.
Nathan the prophet relayed to David a word from God, in reference to his wish to build a temple for the Lord, found in 2 Samuel 7:11-16. Through Nathan, the Lord tells David that he will raise up his offspring and establish his kingdom forever and he would be a father to him as he will be his son. This was a forecast of the father, son relationship between God the Father and Jesus Christ the Son.
Psalms is a book holding numerous prophecies. Such are chapters two, sixteen, twenty-two, forty, and one-hundred ten. John MacArthur states in regards to Psalm 110, “This psalm contains one of the most exalted prophetic portions of scripture presenting Jesus Christ as both a holy king and a royal high priest – something that no human monarch of Israel ever experienced.” (MacArthur, Note on Psalm 110:1-7)
Isaiah made several references to the coming Messiah. Chapters two, seven, nine, eleven, forty, forty – two, forty – nine, and of course fifty – three. Chapter fifty – three is such a vivid description of Christ’s suffering, it is breath taking. Matthew Henry sums it up as such, “Nowhere in all of the Old Testament is it so plainly and fully prophesied that Christ ought to suffer, and then to enter into his glory as in this chapter.” (Henry, commentary on Isaiah 53:1-3)
The Minor Prophets also have hidden within them allusions to the coming King. Such as Jeremiah 23:5,6 where Christ is referenced as the righteous branch. In Daniel 7:27 the everlasting kingdom is again mentioned. Zechariah 12:10-14, is in regards to a future prophecy which involves the repentance of Israel, after having looked upon, “him whom they have pierced”, this was addressed earlier regarding the Day of Atonement. In a unique twist, the book of Malachi foretells of the coming of John the Baptist. It was his lot to prepare the way, for the coming, “great and awesome day of the Lord”, in verses 3:1 and in 4:5, 6.
“The whole of the Old Testament is rather to be looked upon as bearing a prophetic character.” (Unger’s Bible Dictionary, Old Testament prophecy entry)
Christ is weaved all throughout the Old Testament, as we have seen, whether it is in a manifestation, foreshadowing, or in a prophecy. He was, and is, there, since the very beginning.
In closing, I would like to say, we must not discount the Old Testament as only a history book. To overlook it is to remove the New Testament from a larger context. “All Scripture is breathed out by God and profitable for teaching, for reproof, for correction, and for training in righteousness.” (2 Timothy 3:16, ESV).
J. Lashley
Works Cited
Bunyan, John “The Works of Bunyan Volume 1.” Chapel Library. Mount Zion Bible Church, 2009. Kindle eBook file
Hengstenberg, E. W. Christology of The Old Testament and a Commentary On The Messianic Predictions. Edinburgh: T. & T. Clark, 1854. Print.
Henry, Matthew Concise Commentary on the Bible. Christian Classics Ethereal Library; 1.1 edition (July 27, 2010). Kindle eBook file.
Kasdan, Barney. God’s Appointed Times. Baltimore: Lederer Messianic Publications, 1993. Print.
MacArthur, John. The MacArthur Study Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway, 2007.Kindle eBook file.
Unger, Merrill F. Unger’s Bible Dictionary. Chicago: Moody Press, 1987. Print.
The Holy Bible, English Standard Version. Wheaton, Illinois: Crossway Bibles, 2007, Kindle eBook file.