Greetings,
As we recently observed the day of Pentecost, in some of the messages given we were able to appreciate the simplicity of the plan of salvation which God presents to us in the form of agrarian harvests. The physical harvests in their seasons teach us about the spiritual harvests. God often uses types and antitypes as a teaching tool. Types are object lessons – the type pictures an aspect of God’s plan that is fulfilled by the antitype.
Let us walk through an example. In a recent sermon I made a statement that Eliakim was a type of Christ. While this concept has been acknowledged by the Church in the past, many had not heard of it and some did not understand the connection between Eliakim and Christ. The details of Eliakim are found in Isaiah 22:20-25.
The account begins with the removal of Shebna who held a high office “over the house.” God designates Eliakim to be his replacement. Shebna had become vain and proud, exalting himself. God says clearly that He will remove him, not only from office but also by captivity. What common traits or characteristics do we find in the story of Eliakim that confirm a correlation to aspects of Christ’s role?
Eliakim was a servant of God – as was Christ (John 12:44, 49).
God called him to the high office to replace Shebna, whom God removed from his office. Christ qualified to replace Satan as ruler of the earth and God will remove Satan from his office.
God committed government (dominion, government, power to rule) to Eliakim. Clearly God has committed dominion, government, power, to Christ to rule over the earth (Isaiah 9:6, 7).
The key of the house of David was laid on Eliakim’s shoulder. Revelation 3:7 identifies Christ as having the key of David with authority to open and shut and none shall hinder Him.
The reference to a peg [or nail] indicates something that is to hold firmly and to keep upright (Commentary on the Old Testament) – this then rolls into a throne to his father’s house. It is through Christ that we are held firmly and kept upright and He sits on a throne in His father’s house.
“And now for a little while grace has been shown from the Lord our God, to leave us a remnant to escape, to give us a peg in His holy place, that our God may enlighten our eyes and give us a measure of revival in our bondage” (Ezra 9:8). See also Ecclesiastes 12:11 and Zechariah 10:4.
“And I bestow upon you a kingdom, just as My Father bestowed one upon Me” (Luke 22:29). “To him who overcomes I will grant to sit with Me on My throne, as I also overcame and sat down with My Father on His throne” (Revelation 3:21).
Matthew Henry Commentary:
“Our Lord Jesus, having the key of the house of David, is as a nail [or peg] in a sure place, and the glory of His father’s house hangs upon Him. That soul cannot perish, nor that concern fall to the ground, though ever so weighty, that is by faith hung upon Christ.”
The New Bible Commentary: Revised:
“This is the background of the commission to Peter and to the Church – with warning against abuse implied above (verse 25). Ultimate authority, however, is claimed, in these terms, for Christ Himself.”
The New Unger’s Bible Handbook:
“Eliakim, serving as a type of Christ, would be given the ‘key to the house of David’ (Rev 3:7). But it is ultimately Christ who possesses the right to reign as the Holy and True One.”
While there are other more easily identifiable types (sacrificial system, tabernacle etc.) this serves to demonstrate that God provides ample evidence of His participation in the affairs of mankind to bring His great plan to fruition. Our faith can be strengthened by knowing the antitype fulfillment as types are typically representations of something yet future.
On another note, Cliff Veal has passed this prayer request along: Just a quick note to ask you to pray for Kakuze, one of our members in Rwanda. She had a gallstone operation around Passover time and had done well, but now she is back in the hospital with a bad infection. She could really use your prayers.
Warm Regards,
Brian Orchard
