The Old Testament is far more than a scattered collection of history, law, and poetry — it is a single, unfolding story of salvation that points the way to Christ. This article traces the major threads running through its books: creation, covenant, sacrifice, kingship, prophecy, and wisdom literature, showing how each one converges on the Messiah. Whether you have read the Bible for years or are just beginning, this piece will help you see the continuity of God's redemptive plan woven through the whole of Scripture.
This article is translated from the ESV Study Bible feature article "History of Salvation in the Old Testament: Preparing the Way for Christ."
(See also the article "Overview of the Bible," which contains a more detailed treatment of "the history of salvation." The notes in this article are keyed to individual verses so that they can be cross-referenced with the verse-by-verse notes. Many notes, however, are relevant to more than the specific verse cited. References to "see note on …" within this article refer only to notes within this article, not to the verse-by-verse study notes in the main text.)
God created a world of abundance and blessing, but Adam's fall shattered that harmony. God purposed to restore abundance and blessing through the offspring of the woman (Gen. 3:15). Christ is that ultimate offspring (Gal. 3:16), who brings decisive victory (Heb. 2:14–15). Genesis traces a line of godly offspring — through Seth, Enoch, and Noah — until God's choice of Abraham and his descendants (Gen. 12:2–3, 7; 13:14–17; 15:4–5; 17:1–14; 18:18; 22:16–18; 26:2–5; 28:13–15).
Gen. 1:1 God's work of creation is the foundation of all biblical history. Numerous passages look back to creation (e.g., Ps. 8; 104; 148; John 1:1–3; 1 Cor. 8:6; Col. 1:15–17; Heb. 1:2; 11:3; 1 John 1:5–7). Everything in Scripture depends indirectly on this foundation.
Gen. 1:3 God spoke, and it came to be. The central role of God's word in creation anticipates the deeper truth revealed in John 1:1 — that the second person of the Trinity is the Word.
Gen. 1:3 God created physical light. Scripture also declares that God is light in a moral and spiritual sense (1 John 1:5). By God's design, the physical dimension of creation can serve as a vehicle for displaying God and his redemptive themes. Jesus is "the light of the world" (John 8:12).
Gen. 1:26 The Son of God is "the image of the invisible God" (Col. 1:15). The manner in which humanity was created reflects the relationships among the persons of the Trinity. Redemption from the fall and sin includes being re-created (2 Cor. 5:17), "created after the likeness of God in true righteousness and holiness" — that is, conformed to the image of Christ (Eph. 4:24).
Gen. 1:28 God established a permanent created order, but he also planned a process of development in which humanity would play a central role. Because Adam failed and fell into sin, Christ as the last Adam comes to accomplish the work of dominion (cf. 1 Cor. 15:22, 45–49; Eph. 1:21–22).
Gen. 1:31 Sin is something that later intruded into an originally good creation, not something inherent to the world itself; therefore, when God accomplishes his purposes at the end, sin will be completely removed (Rev. 22:3–5).
Gen. 2:2 God rested after completing his work of creation, but he continues to work in providence and, after sin entered, in redemption (cf. John 5:17). As human beings, we look forward to entering the rest that God will bring to completion at the end (Heb. 4:4, 9–11).
Gen. 2:3 In the daily cycle of the Sabbath (Exod. 20:8–11) and the yearly cycle (Leviticus 25), humanity imitates God's pattern of work and rest. The Sabbath points forward to the rest accomplished by Christ through his resurrection and ascension (Heb. 10:12–13), which will be fully manifested at the end (Rev. 22:4–5).
Gen. 2:7 God himself has life and gives life to his creatures. The giving of physical life anticipates the giving of spiritual life (John 1:4; cf. 1 Cor. 15:45). Life is in the Son (John 5:21, 26; 1 John 5:12) and comes to us through the Holy Spirit (John 3:5).
Gen. 2:8 The Garden of Eden and paradise remind us of what was lost (Joel 2:3) and point forward to what will be renewed in the new heavens and new earth (Isa. 51:3; Rev. 22:1–3).
Gen. 2:9 After the fall, the tree of life was barred from human access (Gen. 3:24). But God promises that those who know him will bear abundant fruit (Ps. 1:3), as will those who gain wisdom (Prov. 3:18). Eternal life is obtained in Christ (John 5:24), and in the final consummation humanity will freely come to the tree of life once more (Rev. 22:2).
Gen. 2:24 Divorce departs from God's design in creation (Matt. 19:4). The marriage relationship is a type of the relationship between Christ and the church (Eph. 5:22–33). See the discussion of Christ as the last Adam in the article "Overview of the Bible."
Gen. 3:1 Later Scripture makes clear that Satan acted through the serpent (Isa. 27:1; Rev. 12:9). Satan has been defeated by Christ's work on the cross (Heb. 2:14–15) and will be utterly destroyed in the final events (Rev. 20:7–10).
Gen. 3:4 Throughout history Satan has been at work in deception (2 Thess. 2:9–12; Rev. 12:9), causing people to doubt God's word. Christ refused Satan's lies when tempted (Matt. 4:1–11). Despite Satan's continual attacks, God's word stands forever (Ps. 119:89; Matt. 24:35).
Gen. 3:8 God's appearance to judge Adam and Eve anticipates the final day of judgment in Christ (John 5:22). Because of Christ's atoning work, judgment can be exercised with mercy toward those who belong to Christ.
Gen. 3:15 The offspring of the woman who deals the decisive blow to the serpent is Christ (Heb. 2:14). But during the Old Testament period, certain figures who foreshadowed Christ brought partial victories that anticipated this final conflict. (See the article "Overview of the Bible.")
Gen. 3:24 When Christ opened the way to eternal life, the barrier blocking the path to life was removed (John 14:6; Heb. 10:19–22; Rev. 22:2).
Gen. 4:26 Seth's line appears to be a more godly branch, corresponding to the promise of the woman's offspring (Gen. 3:15), while Cain and his descendants correspond more to the offspring of the serpent. Seth's line ultimately leads to Christ (Luke 3:38).
Gen. 5:5 Death recurs repeatedly as a sobering reminder of the reality of the curse (Gen. 2:17; 3:19) and of the necessity of God's ultimate solution to death through Christ in his mercy (John 11:25–26; Rev. 1:18; 21:4).
Gen. 5:24 Enoch walked with God, making him an early example of faith (Heb. 11:5–6). His being taken by God without experiencing death anticipates the eternal resurrection life given by Christ (Rom. 8:11).
Gen. 6:9 For Noah's faith, see Heb. 11:7. Noah's righteousness saved not only himself but his whole household, foreshadowing how Christ's righteousness saves his spiritual family.
Gen. 6:18 God's covenantal promise to save Noah (see the article "Overview of the Bible") foreshadows the new covenant in Christ, through which we receive eternal salvation (1 Cor. 11:25; Heb. 10:15–18).
Gen. 7:23 The flood brought the whole world to an end (2 Pet. 2:5; 3:6). It foreshadows the final judgment — ending the present heavens and earth and bringing in a new world (Rev. 21:1). God preserved those who belong to Christ; Christ is the ultimate Noah.
Gen. 8:13 The appearance of a new world foreshadows the creation of the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:1–4; cf. 2 Pet. 3:5–7).
Gen. 9:7 God reaffirms the command given to humanity in 1:28. Noah is the new representative and head of humanity, foreshadowing Christ — the ultimate head of the new humanity (1 Cor. 15:45–48). All of Noah's descendants are blessed through him.
Gen. 9:11 God covenantally assures all humanity of the blessings that come through Noah. He acts in mercy on the basis of sacrifice (Gen. 8:21), ultimately pointing to the mercy brought by Christ's sacrifice (Heb. 10:12).
Gen. 10:32 All the nations of the world are within God's plan. He chose Abram alone (Gen. 12:1–3), but ultimately "all the nations of the earth" will be blessed through him (Gen. 18:18; cf. Gen. 12:3; Rev. 5:9).
Gen. 11:4 Babel — later Babylon (Revelation 17–18) — is the archetypal worldly city, where humanity attempts to exalt itself to God's position. It stands in contrast to the holy city of God's people, whose name is made great not through human pride but through God's power (Gen. 12:2; Rev. 21:2).
Gen. 12:1 God's intention to make Abram's name great stands in contrast to the Babel builders' desire for self-exaltation (Gen. 11:4). Abram's call narrows the line of the woman's offspring (Gen. 3:15) to Abram's descendants. Abraham is ultimately great because he is the ancestor of Christ (Rom. 9:5).
Gen. 12:2 God's promises are repeatedly reaffirmed and expanded over time (Gen. 13:14–17; 15:4–5; 17:1–14; 18:18; 22:16–18; 26:2–5; 28:13–15; 35:10–12).
Gen. 12:3 The inclusion of all the families of the earth anticipates the spread of the gospel and salvation in Christ to the ends of the earth (Matt. 28:18–20; Acts 1:8; Gal. 3:8).
Gen. 12:7 God's promise received a near fulfillment when the people of Israel conquered Canaan under Joshua (Josh. 21:43; cf. 1 Kings 4:21). Ultimately, the offspring focuses on Christ (Gal. 3:16), whose authority extends not merely over Canaan but over the whole earth (Matt. 28:18). The land of Canaan foreshadows the eternal inheritance in Christ (Heb. 4:1–11; 11:10, 13–16). In Christ, believers are Abraham's offspring (Gal. 3:7, 29).
Gen. 13:15 God confirms and expands the promise to Abram (see notes on Gen. 12:1; 12:2; 12:7).
Gen. 14:18 Melchizedek, who was both priest and king, foreshadows Christ's priestly office (Heb. 7:1–8:6).
Gen. 15:6 Abram's trust in God is the model for Christian trust in God's promises in Christ (Gal. 3:6–9). Righteousness is "counted" or imputed — not on the basis of our achievements, but because we look in faith to God who grants righteousness in Christ (Rom. 4:5–9; 2 Cor. 5:21; Gal. 3:6).
Gen. 15:17 The flame representing God passed between the pieces of the animals, symbolizing that God himself would bear the penalty if the promise were violated. Ultimately, Christ bore the punishment for our transgressions.
Gen. 16:10 Because of the line of the chosen offspring leading to Christ (Gal. 3:16), some blessings overflow even to collateral descendants such as Ishmael.
Gen. 16:13 Hagar perceived that Yahweh had spoken to her, implying that "the angel of Yahweh" is divine. Some understand this as a pre-incarnate appearance of Christ. Christ is the ultimate divine messenger of the covenant (Mal. 3:1), already anticipated in this scene.
Gen. 17:4 The multiplication of the nation of Israel was a near fulfillment of God's promise (Exod. 1:7). Those who trust in Christ, Abraham's offspring (Gal. 3:16), now become Abraham's children (Gal. 3:6–9), so that ultimately all who are saved (Rev. 5:9) have Abraham as their father (Rom. 4:17–18).
Gen. 17:10 Circumcision symbolized the covenantal relationship with God, requiring holiness. This finds its fulfillment in Christ's work of cleansing believers (Col. 2:11).
Gen. 18:2 Two of the three "men" are later revealed to be angels (Gen. 19:1), while the third is Yahweh (Gen. 18:22). God's appearance in human form anticipates the incarnation of the Son (John 1:1–18).
Gen. 18:10 The birth of a son through the power of God's word in an impossible situation anticipates later instances of God's word overcoming "dead" wombs to bring new life: Gen. 25:21; 30:22; 1 Sam. 1:20; Isa. 54:1. This pattern reaches its climax in Christ's virgin birth (Luke 1:35) and is relevant to understanding God's sovereignty in election (Rom. 9:8–9).
Gen. 18:24 Abraham's limited intercession could not save Sodom, whereas Christ's perfect intercession is eternally effective (Heb. 7:23–25).
Gen. 19:16 Although Lot was a compromised figure, God still saved him and his family, foreshadowing God's mercy in eternal salvation (2 Pet. 2:7–9).
Gen. 19:24 The destruction of Sodom and Gomorrah foreshadows eternal judgment (2 Pet. 2:6, 9–10; Rev. 14:10–11).
Gen. 20:6 Although Abraham failed Sarah, God mercifully preserved her — she carried the line of the holy offspring leading to Christ.
Gen. 21:2 The miraculous birth of Isaac, the special child of promise, foreshadows Christ's coming in fulfillment of all God's promises.
Gen. 21:4 Circumcision represents cleansing and holiness, anticipating Christ's purity (Luke 2:21; 3:22; Col. 2:11; cf. Gen. 17:10).
Gen. 21:10 The distinction between the child of promise and the child born of human scheming foreshadows the distinction between the church and Abraham's physical descendants (Gal. 4:30).
Gen. 22:3 Abraham demonstrated the reality of his faith through action, serving as our model for good works that display faith (James 2:18–24).
Gen. 22:8 Isaac was nearly offered as a sacrifice, but God provided a substitute. Ultimately God would offer his only Son to die in our place (Gal. 3:13, 16). The ram foreshadows Christ's sacrifice.
Gen. 22:16 Abraham's willingness to offer his son brought great blessing to his offspring. God's offering of his only Son brings even greater blessing to Christ's spiritual offspring (Rom. 5:8–11; Heb. 6:13–14).
Gen. 23:19 Abraham's careful burial of Sarah expressed his faith in God's promise that he would possess the land. Since the land did not belong to them during Sarah's and Abraham's lifetimes, this points forward to the resurrection of the dead (Heb. 11:13–16).
Gen. 24:4 Isaac's marriage was of great importance because he was the child of promise through whose offspring all nations would be blessed. God's special provision of a wife for Isaac foreshadows God's promised offspring, Christ, taking his bride — the church (Rev. 19:7).
Gen. 25:23 The chosen Jacob and the unchosen Esau foreshadow the transgenerational conflict between God's chosen people and their enemies (Mal. 1:2–3; Rom. 9:10–13). This principle applies to Israel in the Old Testament and to the church in the New Testament.
Gen. 26:28 Abimelech's respect for Isaac foreshadows the nations being saved through Abraham's offspring in Christ (Gen. 18:18).
Gen. 27:35 God exercised his sovereign will to confirm Jacob as the chosen branch of Abraham's line (Gen. 12:7; 25:23), even though Isaac intended to bless Esau and even though Jacob's deception was sinful.
Gen. 28:12 The opening of the way to heaven anticipates the permanent access to God that Christ opened (John 1:51; Heb. 10:19–20).
Gen. 29:25 Even amid deception, God sovereignly gave Jacob wives through whom the promise of multiplying Abraham's offspring was fulfilled (Gen. 15:5).
Gen. 30:1 Amid the sordid rivalry between Leah and Rachel, God sovereignly accomplished the first stage of fulfilling his promise to multiply Abraham's offspring (Gen. 12:2; 15:5; 17:5; 26:4; 28:14).
Gen. 31:24 God protected Jacob, fulfilling his earlier promise (Gen. 28:13–15) and guarding the line of the chosen offspring leading to Christ (Gal. 3:16).
Gen. 32:24 God's appearance in human form anticipates the incarnation of Christ.
Gen. 33:4 God saved Jacob and his family from Esau's potential attack, fulfilling his promises to Jacob and his descendants (Gen. 28:14–15) and guarding the line of offspring leading to Christ.
Gen. 34:9 Although Simeon and Levi were later rebuked for their treachery and violence (Gen. 49:5–7), God used them to preserve the holy line of offspring from intermarriage with foreigners (cf. Deut. 7:3), thereby guarding that line until Christ — the ultimate offspring — came (Gal. 3:16).
Gen. 35:10 God confirms the promises previously given to Abraham and his offspring (see note on Gen. 12:2).
Gen. 36:1 The record of the rejected line of offspring (Gen. 25:23) precedes the continuation of the line leading to Christ (Gal. 3:16).
Gen. 37:7 The prophetic dreams about God's plan for the child of promise anticipate God's ultimate revelation of his will through Christ.
Gen. 37:20 Joseph — a key deliverer of God's people — was nearly killed, yet was ultimately exalted (Gen. 41:41), foreshadowing the suffering and glorification of Christ, the ultimate deliverer.
Gen. 38:29 Despite the unrighteous sexual conduct of several men, God accomplished his purpose and continued the line of offspring leading to Christ (Matt. 1:3).
Gen. 39:9 Unlike Adam and Eve, Joseph firmly refused temptation, anticipating Christ's refusal of temptation (Matt. 4:1–11; 16:23).
Gen. 40:23 The trials Joseph endured tested his faith, foreshadowing the trials Christ experienced as a man (Matt. 4:1–11) and the trials Christ's disciples would face (Acts 14:22; 1 Thess. 3:4).
Gen. 41:36 Through the prophetic gift God gave him, Joseph saved not only Jacob and his family but also Egypt from famine. He foreshadows Christ — whose prophetic teaching and suffering bring eternal salvation to both Jews and Gentiles (cf. Gen. 18:18).
Gen. 42:9 God acted according to his plan, which had already been revealed in Joseph's dreams (Gen. 37:5–9). God watched over the line of offspring leading to Christ (Gen. 3:15; Gal. 3:16).
Gen. 43:9 Judah offered himself as a substitute, foreshadowing Christ — from the tribe of Judah — as the substitutionary sacrifice.
Gen. 44:33 See note on Gen. 43:9.
Gen. 44:29 The salvation that came through Joseph was not merely deliverance from famine but also an inward transformation in the brothers — in contrast to their earlier jealousy and violence toward Joseph. This transformation of the heart foreshadows the transforming work Christ does in human hearts through the Holy Spirit (John 3:3–8).
Gen. 45:15 Reconciliation flows from forgiveness, foreshadowing God's reconciliation and forgiveness in Christ.
Gen. 46:4 God saved the whole family from famine and promised his eternal care, anticipating the exodus from Egypt (Exodus 1–14) and the subsequent generations leading to Christ.
Gen. 47:6 Through Joseph's deliverance, abundant blessing came to his family, foreshadowing the blessings that redemption in Christ brings.
Gen. 48:5 One tribe (Joseph) was divided into two, further displaying the abundance of blessing in the line of offspring chosen and blessed by God.
Gen. 49:10 At this early stage, God had already revealed a royal line continuing through Judah, ultimately pointing to Christ — the great, eternal King (Matt. 1:1–16).
Gen. 50:20 God even used evil to accomplish his good purposes, anticipating how he would bring the supreme good — eternal salvation — out of the evil of those who condemned and crucified Jesus (Acts 2:23; 4:25–28).
Gen. 50:24 God's promises remained steadfast across the generations (Gen. 12:7; 15:13–14). His faithfulness finds its climactic expression in the sending of the Son (2 Cor. 1:20).
God redeemed his people from slavery in Egypt through Moses, foreshadowing Christ's eternal redemption of his people from slavery to sin.
Exod. 1:7 The multiplication of the people fulfilled God's promise to increase Abraham's offspring (Gen. 15:5) and to bless all nations through them (Gen. 18:18), ultimately accomplished through Christ (Gal. 3:8).
Exod. 1:13 Suffering precedes deliverance, symbolizing the misery under sin that precedes salvation from sin in Christ.
Exod. 2:10 Moses, as God's special instrument of salvation, had his life preserved, anticipating the infant Jesus being rescued from Herod's slaughter (Matt. 2:13).
Exod. 2:15 God accomplishes salvation by his own power and means — through the weakness of the cross, not through human impulses toward justice (1 Cor. 1:25).
Exod. 3:5 The surpassing holiness of God's presence anticipates God's presence in the incarnation of Christ.
Exod. 3:12 God sent Moses with his word and power, foreshadowing the sending of Christ to accomplish his mission (Matt. 3:17).
Exod. 3:14 The name "I AM" anticipates Jesus' "I am" declarations (cf. John 8:58), revealing his deity.
Exod. 4:13 Moses' reluctance ultimately points to the need for a divine deliverer — Jesus Christ.
Exod. 5:2 Pharaoh's refusal to acknowledge the true God foreshadows the world's resistance to Christ's claims, even when miracles confirm them.
Exod. 6:8 The mention of the patriarchs (cf. Gen. 12:7) demonstrates God's faithfulness and the continuity of his purposes across the generations. This faithfulness ultimately bears fruit in the sending of the Son.
Exod. 7:17 The plagues on Egypt anticipate the calamities before Christ's return (Rev. 11:6).
Exod. 9:16 God even used those who opposed his purposes, foreshadowing his use of Herod and Pilate (Acts 2:23).
Exod. 10:4 The plague of locusts anticipates the judgment associated with the day of the Lord (Joel 1–2; Rev. 9:1–11).
Exod. 11:5 The plague of death reminds us that the wages of sin is death (Rom. 6:23). Only through the death of God's Son are we saved.
Exod. 12:6 Salvation through the blood of the lamb foreshadows the coming of the Lamb of God, who accomplishes final redemption through his death (John 1:29).
Exod. 12:46 Because Jesus is the fulfillment of the Passover lamb (1 Cor. 5:7), it was fitting that not one of his bones was broken (John 19:36).
Exod. 13:3 We now look back to the ultimate Passover — in which Christ accomplished eternal redemption from sin (1 Cor. 5:7) — and we commemorate it in the Lord's Supper (1 Cor. 11:23–26).
Exod. 14:19 God's special presence in the pillar of cloud foreshadows his presence in Christ — who is our protection and refuge against all the attacks of Satan.
Exod. 14:22 The people symbolically passed through death and came up alive, foreshadowing the reception of resurrection life through Christ (cf. Rom. 6:4; 1 Cor. 10:2).
Exod. 14:30 The destruction of the Egyptians anticipates the final overthrow of all God's enemies (Rev. 20:15; 21:8).
Exod. 15:2 Praise for God's salvation anticipates the songs celebrating Christ's ultimate work of redemption (Rev. 5:9–14; 15:3).
Exod. 15:17 The conquest of Canaan foreshadows entry into the ultimate sanctuary of God's presence, which Christ has opened (Heb. 10:19–20; Rev. 21:22).
Exod. 16:4 The manna foreshadows Christ — the bread that came down from heaven, giving eternal life (John 6:31–35).
Exod. 16:18 The sufficiency of the manna foreshadows Christ's sufficiency to meet all the needs of his people (Phil. 4:19).
Exod. 17:6 God struck the rock and water came out, foreshadowing Christ being struck to give the living water of eternal life (John 4:14; 19:34).
Exod. 18:18 Moses' limitations point to the need for Christ — the divine Judge — and for the pastors (elders) he establishes under himself to carry out his will (1 Pet. 5:1–4).
Exod. 19:6 Israel's privileges foreshadow the greater privileges of the new covenant church (1 Pet. 2:9–10), won through Christ's redemption (Heb. 10:10).
Exod. 19:12 The threat of death shows that sinners cannot approach a holy God. This impossibility is overcome only through Christ's sacrifice and mediation (Heb. 10:19–20).
Exod. 20:2 Christians now obey God's commandments because he has brought us out of sin and death (Rom. 13:9; Col. 1:13; Rev. 1:5–6).
Exod. 20:11 Sabbath observance looks back to creation (see note on Gen. 2:2–3), back to redemption from Egyptian slavery (Deut. 5:15), and forward to the final rest enjoyed through faith in Christ (Heb. 4:1–11).
Exod. 20:13 The Ten Commandments are deepened through Jesus' teaching (Matt. 5:17–48) and fulfilled in Jesus' perfect righteousness (Heb. 4:15; 5:9).
Exod. 21:2 The laws concerning servants anticipate our release from slavery to sin and our becoming servants of Christ (Rom. 6:20–22; 1 Cor. 7:22).
Exod. 21:12 The principles of retribution and restitution, while restraining sin and providing partial remedy, cannot bring about the perfect kingdom; they point forward to the perfection of Christ's kingdom (Isa. 9:6–7; Matt. 5:38–48).
Exod. 23:1 God's truthfulness, which reaches its climax in Christ, should be reflected in honesty between people; God's mercy and justice should likewise be reflected in how we treat others.
Exod. 24:8 Consecration through blood foreshadows consecration through the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:18–26).
Exod. 24:11 Fellowship with God foreshadows our seeing God in the face of Jesus Christ (John 14:9). Christians enjoy fellowship with God in Christ — who is the bread of eternal life (John 6:53–58) — symbolized in the Lord's Supper and fully realized in the final banquet (Rev. 19:9; 22:4).
Exod. 25:8 The construction of God's dwelling place anticipates Solomon's temple (1 Kings 6) and foreshadows God dwelling with humanity in Christ (Matt. 1:23; John 2:19–21; Rev. 21:22), in the church (1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:19–22), in each individual Christian (1 Cor. 6:19), and in the final consummation (Rev. 21:3, 22–27). The actual construction of the tabernacle is recorded in Exodus 36–39.
Exod. 25:22 God's meeting and speaking with his people foreshadows his intimate fellowship with believers through Christ (John 15:4).
Exod. 25:30 The bread of the Presence expresses fellowship with God, foreshadowing Jesus feeding us as the bread of life (John 6:35, 52–58).
Exod. 25:37 Providing light before God foreshadows Jesus as the light of the world (John 1:4–9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5).
Exod. 25:40 The tabernacle is a shadow or copy of the ultimate heavenly dwelling, as Heb. 8:5 indicates. Therefore the symbols within the tabernacle consistently foreshadow Christ and the church (see note on Exod. 25:8).
Exod. 26:33 The curtain barred everyone from entering except the specially qualified high priest (Leviticus 16), foreshadowing that only Christ can open the way into God's presence (Heb. 9:7–14; 10:20).
Exod. 27:1 Approaching God was possible only through the sacrifice at the altar (Lev. 4:10), foreshadowing the necessity of Christ's sacrifice (Heb. 9:12–14).
Exod. 27:9 The curtains of the court established yet another barrier to approaching God, thereby emphasizing his holiness. See note on Exod. 26:33.
Exod. 28:2 The outward holiness and glory of the priests foreshadows Christ's perfect holiness (Heb. 7:23–8:6).
Exod. 29:1 The priests' need for a sin offering because of their own sin stands in contrast to Christ's perfect priestly office (Heb. 7:26–28).
Exod. 30:1 The burning of incense represents intercessory prayer (Rev. 5:8), foreshadowing Christ's intercession (Heb. 7:25).
Exod. 30:16 The atonement money foreshadows Christ's ransoming us with his own precious blood (1 Pet. 1:18–19).
Exod. 30:20 Washing foreshadows the cleansing of sin in Christ (Zech. 13:1; 1 Cor. 6:11).
Exod. 31:3 The giving of the Spirit foreshadows Christ building the church through the Holy Spirit (Matt. 16:18; 1 Cor. 14:12; Eph. 2:20–22). The building of the church is grounded in Christ's resurrection through the Spirit (John 2:19–21; Rom. 8:11). See note on 1 Kings 7:14.
Exod. 32:12 Moses' intercession foreshadows Christ's intercessory prayer (Heb. 7:25).
Exod. 32:32 Moses offered himself as a substitute, foreshadowing Christ's substitutionary death (Heb. 10:10).
Exod. 33:19 God exercises his sovereign will in election (Rom. 9:15).
Exod. 33:22 Moses, because of his sin, had to be shielded from the full weight of God's holiness, foreshadowing Christ shielding us from God's wrath (Rom. 5:9–11).
Exod. 34:9 God's mercy foreshadows the mercy given in Christ (Rom. 4:8).
Exod. 35:21 The people's willing generosity foreshadows Christ's willing self-sacrifice (John 10:18) and his work within us, making us willing to be used by God (Rom. 12:1; 2 Cor. 8:9–15; 9:7, 13–15).
Exod. 36:10 Building strictly according to God's design (26:1–6; cf. 39:42) foreshadows building the church according to God's design (Eph. 4:11–16) and the construction of the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 21:2).
Exod. 37:1 The construction corresponds to Exod. 25:10–22. See note on Exod. 25:22.
Exod. 37:10 The construction corresponds to Exod. 25:23–30. See note on Exod. 25:30.
Exod. 37:17 The construction corresponds to Exod. 25:31–39. See note on Exod. 25:37.
Exod. 37:25 The construction corresponds to Exod. 30:1–10. See note on Exod. 30:1.
Exod. 38:1 The construction corresponds to Exod. 27:1–8. See note on Exod. 27:1.
Exod. 38:8 The construction corresponds to Exod. 30:17–21. See note on Exod. 30:20.
Exod. 38:9 The construction corresponds to Exod. 27:9–19. See note on Exod. 27:9.
Exod. 39:1 The priestly garments correspond to Exod. 28:1–43. See note on Exod. 28:2.
Exod. 40:34 Cf. the parallel passage at 1 Kings 8:10–11. The glory of God filling the tabernacle foreshadows the fullness of the Spirit in Christ (Matt. 3:16–17; John 1:14; 3:34–35) and in the church (Acts 2:3–4; 1 Cor. 3:16).
The requirement of holiness points to Christ's holiness (Heb. 7:26–28). The various sacrifices foreshadow Christ's sacrifice (Heb. 10:1–10).
Lev. 1:9 Offering the whole animal to God foreshadows Christ's complete self-offering (Heb. 10:5–10). The whole animal ascending in smoke foreshadows Christ's ascension (Heb. 9:24).
Lev. 2:1 Offering the produce of the earth foreshadows giving glory to God through the abundant fruit borne through Christ (John 13:31–32; 1 Cor. 15:23).
Lev. 3:1 The greater part of the peace offering was eaten by the worshiper (7:15–16), expressing fellowship with God and blessing from God. This finds fulfillment in Christ's reconciliation and his giving himself as spiritual food (John 6:52–57; Rom. 5:9–11).
Lev. 4:2 The promise of forgiveness finds fulfillment in Christ's offering of himself as a sin offering (Rom. 8:3; Heb. 10:1–10).
Lev. 4:12 The place outside the camp foreshadows Christ being crucified outside the city of Jerusalem (Heb. 13:11–14).
Lev. 5:1 Sins of falsehood and violations of holiness are forgiven in anticipation of Christ's work in holiness (Heb. 9:23–26; 10:11–20).
Lev. 6:13 The altar fire burning continually shows that the repeated sacrifices were not sufficient (Heb. 10:1–4), in contrast to the sufficiency of Christ's once-for-all sacrifice (Heb. 10:10) and the adequacy of his intercession (Heb. 7:25).
Lev. 7:20 Fellowship with God and with what belongs to God requires holiness, foreshadowing Christ's holiness that sanctifies us (Heb. 10:10; 12:14).
Lev. 8:1 For the instructions regarding ordination, see Exodus 29.
Lev. 8:30 Consecration through anointing oil and blood foreshadows cleansing from sin through the Spirit and the blood of Christ (Heb. 9:19–26; 1 Pet. 1:2).
Lev. 9:24 God's acceptance of the offering foreshadows his acceptance of Christ's sacrifice (Heb. 9:13–14).
Lev. 10:2 Human invention is rejected, foreshadowing that Christ alone is the way to God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Lev. 11:45 Separation from unclean things symbolizes separation from sin in order to draw near to God. This foreshadows Christ's sanctifying work (Heb. 7:26; 10:10).
Lev. 12:7 Since Adam, human birth has been tainted by sin. The remedy lies in the new birth through Christ (John 3:3–8; Rom. 5:15–21).
Lev. 13:46 Skin disease symbolizes the spread of sin, which isolates us from God and from others. Only Christ can restore the fellowship that sin has broken (1 John 1:3).
Lev. 14:2 The cleansing ritual foreshadows Christ's work of cleansing from sin (Luke 5:12–14; Heb. 9:9–14).
Lev. 15:1 Bodily disorders symbolize the disorder of sin, which requires cleansing by Christ (Heb. 9:9–14).
Lev. 16:16 The symbolic atonement foreshadows Christ's ultimate atonement (Heb. 9:7–14).
Lev. 17:11 Blood symbolizes life, foreshadowing Christ's blood — his poured-out life that brings atonement for sin (Rom. 3:25; Heb. 9:12–14, 18–26).
Lev. 17:14 In the greater blessings of the new covenant, we share in Christ's blood as the source of spiritual life (John 6:53–56).
Lev. 18:3 Separation from pagan practices is part of holiness before God, foreshadowing Christ's holiness (Heb. 7:26) and the holiness of his people (2 Cor. 6:14–18).
Lev. 18:5 Ultimately, God's holiness demands perfect obedience, which is found only in Christ (2 Cor. 5:21). Sinful human beings cannot keep the law (Rom. 10:5; Gal. 3:12–14).
Lev. 19:2 Faithfulness to God requires living a holy life (1 Pet. 1:15–22).
Lev. 19:18 The commandment to love finds fulfillment in Christ and in those who belong to him (Matt. 22:39; Rom. 13:9; Gal. 5:14; James 2:8; 1 John 3:11–18; 4:7–21).
Lev. 20:2 Sin brings the consequences of curse and death, foreshadowing Christ's death as the bearer of sin (1 Pet. 2:24) and also eternal death in hell (Rev. 20:14–15).
Lev. 21:1 Holiness requires separation from death — which symbolizes sin. The priests foreshadow Christ's priestly office (Heb. 7:26–28) and the priestly identity of those he has redeemed (1 Pet. 2:5, 9; Rev. 1:6; 5:10).
Lev. 22:3 Sin, symbolized by uncleanness, separates us from heavenly things and must be cleansed by Christ (Heb. 9:8–13).
Lev. 23:5 Cf. Deut. 16:1–8. The Passover foreshadows the Last Supper and Christ's death (Matt. 26:19, 26–28; 1 Cor. 5:7).
Lev. 23:16 Cf. Deut. 16:9–12. This is "Pentecost," fulfilled in Acts when the firstfruits of the nations were gathered into the church (Acts 2:1–11).
Lev. 23:28 The Day of Atonement — the annual festival described in Leviticus 16 — foreshadows Christ's once-for-all atonement (Heb. 9:7–14; 10:3–5).
Lev. 24:2 The perpetual light foreshadows Jesus as the light of the world (John 1:4–9; 3:19–21; 8:12; 9:5).
Lev. 24:8 The regular bread of the Presence foreshadows Jesus as the bread of life (John 6:35, 48–51).
Lev. 25:4 The rest given to the land foreshadows the final rest given in the eschatological consummation (Heb. 4:9–11; Rev. 21:1–22:5). See note on Gen. 2:2–3.
Lev. 25:10 The Year of Jubilee foreshadows the freedom given by Christ (Isa. 61:1–2; Luke 4:18–21).
Lev. 26:14 Sin leads to curse, anticipating Christ's bearing of the curse (Gal. 3:13–14); sin ultimately leads to hell (Rev. 20:14–15).
Lev. 27:10 The eternal nature of holiness foreshadows the eternity of redemption (John 10:28–29) and the permanence of the new heavens and new earth (Rev. 22:5).
The wilderness journey foreshadows the Christian journey through this present age toward the new heavens and new earth (1 Cor 10:1–11; Heb 4:3–10).
Num 1:3 Preparation for battle foreshadows spiritual warfare (Eph 6:13).
Num 2:17 God's people are to be organized with God at the center (Eph 4:4–6).
Num 3:12 The Levites as a holy substitute foreshadow Christ as priest, representative, and substitute (Heb 7:23–28).
Num 4:15 Death for approaching God's holy things shows the need for Christ's perfect mediation (Heb 9:23–26).
Num 5:20 Faithfulness required in marriage foreshadows the church's faithfulness to Christ (2 Cor 11:2–4; Eph 5:25–27).
Num 6:5 The Nazirite's special holiness foreshadows Christ's holiness (Heb 7:26).
Num 7:5 Holy service foreshadows Christ's service (Heb 7:23–8:2) and the service of his people (Rom 12:1–2).
Num 8:16 Christ substitutes for us and represents us before God (Heb 7:23–28).
Num 9:10 Purity required to keep the Passover foreshadows moral purity in the church (1 Cor 5:7–8).
Num 10:2 The summoning blast of the trumpets foreshadows God's instruction to the church (Eph 4:1; 1 Thess 4:1–3).
Num 11:17 The distribution of the Spirit anticipates the broader outpouring at Pentecost (Num 11:29; Joel 2:28; Acts 2:4, 16–18).
Num 12:8 Rejecting Moses foreshadows the gravity of rejecting Christ's unique prophetic office (John 3:32–36; 5:23).
Num 13:31 Israel's unbelief contrasts with Christ's faithfulness (Matt 4:1–10) and the faith of Christians (Heb 3:7–4:3).
Num 14:35 Death demonstrates judgment on unbelief (Heb 3:16–19).
Num 15:30 Being cut off foreshadows apostasy from Christ (Heb 10:26–31).
Num 16:2 Rebellion foreshadows false teaching in the church (Jude 10–13).
Num 17:5 The exclusive selection of Aaron foreshadows Christ as the only way (John 14:6).
Num 18:5 The priests' turning away of wrath foreshadows Christ's propitiation (Rom 3:23–25).
Num 19:9 The purification rite foreshadows the cleansing of Christ's work (Heb 9:13–14).
Num 20:24 The failure of the priest points to the need for Christ's superior priesthood (Heb 7:23–25).
Num 21:9 Looking at the bronze serpent foreshadows looking to the lifted-up Christ (John 3:14–16).
Num 22:12 God prevails over every scheme that opposes his purposes (Acts 2:23; Eph 1:11–12).
Num 24:17 Partial fulfillment in the reigns of David and Solomon anticipates Christ's royal rule over his enemies (1 Cor 15:24–27; Eph 1:20–22).
Num 25:3 Idolatry leads to punishment and death (1 Cor 10:20; Rev 14:9–11).
Num 27:4 Inheriting the land anticipates the eternal inheritance of the new heavens and new earth (Heb 11:13–16).
Num 28:3 Repeated, regular sacrifices anticipate Christ's once-for-all offering (Heb 10:1–10).
Num 30:3 The authority of the husband anticipates Christ's authority over the church (Eph 5:21–24).
Num 31:16 War foreshadows the holy war against sin (Eph 6:11; 1 Pet 2:11).
Num 32:17 The two and a half tribes receive their inheritance in Josh 13:8–33. The tribes' commitment to the whole nation foreshadows cooperation within the church (1 Cor 12).
Num 33:2 The record of place names bears witness to God's faithfulness to his promise to bring his people into the land (Gen 12:7; Exod 6:4), foreshadowing his faithfulness to believers in Christ (2 Cor 1:20).
Num 34:13 The land is distributed in Josh 14–19. The allotment of the land foreshadows the eternal inheritance Christ gives to each of his people (Eph 1:11; Col 1:12).
Num 35:11 See Josh 20. Rescue from death foreshadows Christ as his people's refuge from death (John 8:51; Heb 2:14; 6:18).
Num 36:2 See note on Num 27:4.
The righteousness and wisdom of God's law foreshadow the righteousness of Christ—a righteousness given to his people. The anticipation of entering the promised land foreshadows the Christian hope for the new heavens and new earth (Rev 21:1–22:5).
Deut 1:32 The people's unbelief (cf. Num 14) contrasts with the faith that enters God's rest (Heb 3:7–4:11).
Deut 2:24 God's power, not human strength, grants victory (3:22), foreshadowing the victory won in Christ (Heb 2:14–15).
Deut 3:12 Moses reviews Num 32; see note on Num 32:17.
Deut 3:26 Moses' inadequacy contrasts with Christ's sufficiency—Christ has entered the eternal inheritance on our behalf (Heb 9:23–26; 10:19–22).
Deut 4:6 Israel, if obedient, was to be a light to the nations. Christ, through his obedience, became the light Israel failed to be (Isa 42:6; John 1:4–9).
Deut 5:2 The covenant at Horeb (Sinai) anticipates the new covenant—in which obedience flows from the heart (Heb 8:8–13) through the cleansing Christ provides (Heb 10:14).
Deut 6:5 Love for God is the greatest commandment (Matt 22:37–38). Relationship with God himself is the core of life, and truly loving God and being reconciled to him is possible only in Christ (John 14:6; Rom 5:1–10).
Deut 6:14 Holiness before God, avoiding compromise with evil, foreshadows Christ's holiness (Heb 7:26) and the holiness of his people (1 Pet 1:15–16; 2:11).
Deut 8:18 Gratitude rather than pride characterizes God's people (1 Cor 1:28–31; 2 Cor 9:15).
Deut 9:19 Moses' intercession foreshadows Christ's intercession (Heb 7:23–25).
Deut 10:16 Circumcision of the heart comes through renewal by the Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9–13; Col 2:11; Heb 8:8–13).
Deut 11:9 Obedience is the foundation of life, foreshadowing Christ's resurrection life as the reward of his obedience (Phil 2:8–11).
Deut 12:5 Drawing near to God at a single location (Jerusalem, 1 Kgs 8:16; Ps 122:4) foreshadows access to God through Christ alone (John 14:6).
Deut 13:2 False prophets anticipate the danger of false teaching that leads people away from serving God through Christ (2 Pet 2:1).
Deut 14:2 Abstaining from unclean food symbolizes separation from sin (2 Cor 6:17).
Deut 15:2 The cancellation of debts anticipates the great release from sin obtained through Christ (Luke 4:18–19).
Deut 16:1 The three great festivals (cf. Lev 23) foreshadow the celebration of Christ's redemption (1 Cor 5:7).
Deut 17:7 Purging evil foreshadows the removal of evil from the church (1 Cor 5:13) and the final elimination of evil at the end (Rev 21:8).
Deut 17:15 The king foreshadows Christ, the perfectly righteous king (Isa 9:6–7; Matt 27:37; Rev 19:16).
Deut 18:18 The prophet anticipates Christ—the ultimate prophet (Acts 3:22–26).
Deut 19:4 The guarantee of justice foreshadows the justice of Christ's reign (Isa 9:6–7).
Deut 20:4 God himself fights, anticipating Christ's ministry against evil in the world (Matt 12:28–29), his victory in his death (Heb 2:14–15), and his victory at his return (Rev 19:15–21).
Deut 21:9 The ordinances for cleansing and justice anticipate the ultimate cleansing and justice found in Christ (Heb 9:23–28).
Deut 21:23 The curse anticipates Christ bearing God's curse in our place—when he was crucified ("hung on a tree") (Gal 3:13).
Deut 22:22 The ordinances for sexual purity anticipate the purity of the church as Christ's bride (Eph 5:25–27; Rev 19:7–8).
Deut 23:9 God's presence in the camp (20:4) requires holiness, foreshadowing the holy war waged in Christ (Rev 19:14–16).
Deut 24:1 The certificate of divorce was permitted because of hardness of heart, falling short of God's design (Matt 19:3–9), which is to be fulfilled in Christ (Eph 5:22–33).
Deut 25:4 Provision for the ox illustrates a broader principle—providing for those who labor in the church (1 Cor 9:9–11; 1 Tim 5:18).
Deut 25:5 The arrangement for preserving name and inheritance foreshadows God's promises and provision for our name (Rev 2:17) and inheritance (Eph 1:13–14; 1 Pet 1:4–5). It also foreshadows Christ—as Adam's "brother"—raising up a living spiritual offspring (Heb 2:13).
Deut 26:8 Gratitude for redemption foreshadows the Christian's gratitude for redemption in Christ (Heb 13:15–16).
Deut 27:26 All people are under the curse, which can only be removed by Christ personally bearing it (Gal 3:10–14).
Deut 28:1 The blessings of eternal salvation come in Christ (Gal 3:14), who removes the curse we deserve (Gal 3:13).
Deut 29:4 The renewal of the heart is to be realized in Christ (Rom 11:8; Heb 8:8–13).
Deut 30:12 Christ grants the ability to obey God's will from the heart (Rom 10:6–8).
Deut 31:26 God made provision for the preservation of the law so that future generations—including us—might benefit (Rom 15:4; 1 Cor 10:11).
Deut 32:5 Israel's rebellion contrasts with the faithfulness that should characterize God's children (Phil 2:15).
Deut 32:6 God's care for Israel foreshadows his care for the people of Christ (Rom 8:15–17).
Deut 32:21 Israel's apostasy anticipates the rejection of the gospel (Rom 10:19).
Deut 34:10 Moses' uniqueness anticipates the uniqueness of Christ (Acts 3:22–26).
The conquest led by Joshua foreshadows Christ's conquest of his enemies—including Satan (Heb 2:14–15) and a rebellious world. This conquest unfolds through the gospel (Matt 28:18–20) and will be fully realized in judgment at Christ's return (Rev 19:11–21).
Josh 1:6 Joshua's role foreshadows Jesus empowering and commissioning his disciples (Matt 28:18–20; Acts 1:8).
Josh 2:9 Rahab's faith in turning to God anticipates the salvation of Gentiles through faith (Gal 3:6–9; Heb 11:31; Jas 2:25).
Josh 3:11 God's presence leading the people through the waters of death into the promised land foreshadows Christ leading us into eternal life (John 11:25–26).
Josh 4:6 A memorial to God's faithful acts points forward to the message of Christ's salvation.
Josh 5:14 The divine commander foreshadows Christ—the commander of the eschatological spiritual battle (Matt 28:18; Heb 2:14–15; Rev 17:14; 19:11–21).
Josh 6:2 The fall of Jericho foreshadows the fall of Babylon and the end of the world (Rev 18:2).
Josh 7:11 Israel's suffering because of unholiness foreshadows the necessity of maintaining holiness in the church (1 Cor 5:1–13).
Josh 8:32 The permanent record and public reading of the covenant fulfills Moses' command (Deut 27:2–8). Intimate relationship with God through the covenant points forward to the new covenant in Christ (Heb 8:8–13).
Josh 9:3 Although Israel failed by not inquiring of Yahweh (9:14), the outcome foreshadows the future gathering of peoples from all nations to Israel's God through the gospel (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; Rev 5:9–10).
Josh 10:14 God's mighty acts on behalf of his people foreshadow the power of Christ's resurrection and God's firm commitment to saving those who belong to Christ (Eph 1:19–23).
Josh 11:23 The entire conquest was accomplished according to God's plan and promises (Deut 7, etc.), displaying God's covenant faithfulness to Israel and anticipating his commitment to believers in Christ (Eph 1:3–14).
Josh 12:1 The list of defeated kings foreshadows Christ's ultimate victory over all nations (Eph 1:22; Rev 5:9–10; 19:11–21; 20:8–9).
Josh 13:8 The inheritance is distributed as planned (Num 32), foreshadowing God's faithful bestowal of an eternal inheritance in the new heavens and new earth (Eph 1:11, 14; 2:18; 1 Pet 1:4; 2 Pet 3:13).
Josh 14:2 See Num 32–35, especially 32:33; 33:54; 34:17; 35:2. The inheritance is distributed according to God's will, anticipating the eternal inheritance.
Josh 14:6 See Num 14:6–8. Caleb is a special example showing that the inheritance comes to those who trust God and his promises. He foreshadows the eternal inheritance received through faith (Rom 4:13–16; Gal 3:7, 18).
Josh 15:1 The detailed delineation of boundaries assures future generations of their share in the promise. This foreshadows God's careful care and provision for each of us, and anticipates the full inheritance in the new heavens and new earth (1 Pet 1:4; 2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).
Josh 16:1 Every tribe is provided for (Num 33:54), as is every member within each tribe, foreshadowing God's provision for every person who follows Christ (John 10:3, 14; cf. John 6:35).
Josh 18:4 This situation recalls the spying out of the land in Num 13. But this time the outcome is more positive, anticipating the greater blessings God has prepared through the new covenant (Heb 8:8–13).
Josh 19:1 See note on Josh 15:1.
Josh 20:1 The establishment of cities of refuge fulfills Moses' instructions (Num 35:9–29; Deut 19:1–13), providing shelter from death, and foreshadows the coming of Christ—the ultimate refuge and the answer to death (Heb 2:14–15; Rev 1:18).
Josh 21:2 The Levites scattered among the tribes fulfills Gen 49:7 and Num 35:1–8, ensuring that every tribe has teachers of the law (Lev 10:11; Mal 2:4–9). Their teaching foreshadows the blessing of knowing God from the heart under the new covenant (Heb 8:8–13).
Josh 22:26 The altar confirming a share in God's promises foreshadows the Spirit's sealing of believers' share in Christ (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13).
Josh 23:6 The call to faithfulness to the Mosaic covenant foreshadows the call to faith in Christ (Matt 28:18–20; Heb 3:12–14).
Josh 24:15 Serving God must be wholehearted and exclusive (Deut 5:7), foreshadowing exclusive commitment to Christ as the only way of salvation (Matt 6:24; 10:34–39; John 14:6; Acts 4:12; 1 Cor 10:21–22).
The judges deliver Israel and thus foreshadow Christ. Yet the judges themselves are flawed and failing, and Israel repeatedly falls into idolatry (2:19), sliding ever deeper into chaos. They need a king (21:25)—and not just any king, but a perfect king, the Messiah (Isa 9:6–7).
Judg 1:2 Judah's leadership anticipates the rise of a king from the tribe of Judah (Gen 49:10), beginning with King David and finding its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ (Matt 1:1–16).
Judg 2:18 God raising up judges to deliver the people foreshadows the sending of Christ (Matt 1:21). But the judges' help was only temporary (Judg 2:19).
Judg 3:20 An unexpected victory foreshadows the surprising nature of Christ's salvation—what the world regards as weakness, God uses to accomplish great things (1 Cor 1:25).
Judg 4:9 Glory ultimately belongs to God, not to human strength or courage, foreshadowing God's glory displayed through the human weakness of Christ's cross (1 Cor 1:25).
Judg 5:4 The power and glory of God's appearance from Seir (Deut 33:2) foreshadows his present and future victory (Rev 19:6).
Judg 6:15 God again chooses a weak and fearful person to deliver Israel (cf. 4:9), foreshadowing the ultimate display of God's glory through the human weakness of Christ (1 Cor 1:25; 2 Cor 13:4).
Judg 7:3 God's reduction of the army foreshadows his accomplishing eternal salvation through one man—Jesus Christ.
Judg 8:16 Those who despise what God accomplishes through a small number foreshadow those who despise what God has accomplished in Christ (1 Cor 1:18–31).
Judg 9:56 The terror brought by Abimelech demonstrates the people's need for a king, pointing forward to the coming of David and his descendants—especially Jesus Christ, the son of David and the ultimate king.
Judg 10:6 Rebellion and idolatry grow ever worse (see 2:19), further demonstrating the need for permanent deliverance through the line of David.
Judg 11:2 Jephthah is a flawed judge—because of his origins, because he was appointed by the elders rather than directly called by God, and because of his rash vow. His story highlights the necessity of permanent salvation through the line of David.
Judg 12:4 Infighting among Israel's tribes demonstrates the need for a descendant of David to reign and unite the people.
Judg 13:5 Samson was to be a Nazirite (see Num 6), set apart in a special way. He shows great promise as a deliverer of Israel and foreshadows Christ.
Judg 13:8 This "man of God," the "angel of Yahweh" (v. 15), is God himself (v. 22), anticipating the incarnation of Christ.
Judg 14:3 Israelites were commanded not to intermarry with Canaanites (Deut 7:3). In Samson's case, Yahweh turned it to good (Judg 14:4), but it ultimately became the cause of Samson's downfall (ch. 16), showing the need for a perfect Savior to rescue people from spiritual "union" with idolatry.
Judg 15:14 Samson's victory after being handed over to his enemies foreshadows Christ's victory after being handed over to his enemies.
Judg 16:30 Though sinful, Samson saved Israel through his own death, foreshadowing the sinless Christ saving his people through his death.
Judg 17:2 Sins accumulate—theft, the casting of an idol, partial violation of a vow (v. 4), the appointment of an unlawful priest (v. 5). This reveals the people's continued slide into corruption and the need for a descendant of David to reign.
Judg 18:19 The spread of evil demonstrates the need for salvation through a descendant of David.
Judg 19:30 Gibeah resembles Sodom (Gen 19), revealing the depth of sin and the necessity of salvation.
Judg 20:14 Division and war replace unity in righteousness, showing the need for salvation through a descendant of David.
Judg 21:10 The tribe of Benjamin is spared from complete destruction, but at the cost of further division, killing, and chaos. This disaster demonstrates the need for permanent salvation through a king.
The genealogy leading to Christ, from Judah through Boaz to David (4:18–22; Matt 1:5–6). Boaz as the kinsman-redeemer (Ruth 2:20) foreshadows Christ, removing Naomi's shame and bringing the Gentile woman Ruth into God's people (anticipating the inclusion of the Gentiles, Gal 3:7–9, 14–18, 29).
Ruth 1:16 Ruth expresses faith in the God of Israel and love for Naomi, anticipating the role of faith at Christ's coming.
Ruth 1:20 Naomi's transformation from bitterness to blessing foreshadows the experience of God's people in Christ's death and resurrection (Phil 3:10).
Ruth 2:20 The kindness and protection of Boaz as kinsman-redeemer foreshadow the work of Christ—the Redeemer.
Ruth 3:9 Christ extends his protection over the church—his bride (2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:25–27).
Ruth 4:11 The blessing of fruitfulness finds its near fulfillment in the birth of Obed (v. 13), but ultimately points to Christ and his abundant fruit (Heb 2:10).
David is a man after God's own heart (16:7; Acts 13:22), foreshadowing Christ, in contrast to Saul—the kind of king the people wanted for themselves (1 Sam 8:5, 19–20). Saul's persecution of David foreshadows the persecution of Christ and his people by the world.
1 Sam 1:11 God's mighty act in opening the womb of a barren woman, raising up Samuel as his representative, foreshadows Christ's virgin birth (Matt 1:25).
1 Sam 2:7 The exaltation of the lowly experienced by Hannah foreshadows the reversal of status at Christ's coming (Luke 1:48–53).
1 Sam 3:19 Samuel's call from childhood foreshadows Christ's intimate relationship with the Father from eternity as the eternal Son.
1 Sam 4:11 The capture of the ark—which symbolizes God himself—and the death of the priests represent a kind of "humiliation" of God's name, foreshadowing Christ's humiliation on the cross. Yet all of this was within God's sovereign purpose (2:34–35; Acts 2:23; 4:25–28).
1 Sam 5:4 God's judgment on Dagon foreshadows Christ's judgment on all idols and idolatry (Rev 2:20).
1 Sam 6:12 God's miraculous recovery of the ark—the symbol of his name—foreshadows Christ's miraculous rescue from death.
1 Sam 7:8 Samuel's role as faithful judge (v. 15; cf. Judg 13:5), prophet (1 Sam 3:19–20), and priest (7:8–9) foreshadows Christ's work as king, prophet, and priest (Heb 1:1–3).
1 Sam 8:5 The desire for a king like the other nations contrasts with God's kingship (v. 7). God had always planned for Israel to have a king (Deut 17:14–20), but the people's desires and the kings themselves fell short. Saul's failure contrasts with David's success. Yet David too ultimately fell (2 Sam 11). The failure of merely human kingship points to the need for Christ, the perfect king who is both God and man (Isa 9:6–7).
1 Sam 8:7 The people's rejection of God's ways foreshadows the rejection of Christ (Acts 3:13–15; 7:51–53).
1 Sam 9:16 God demonstrates his sovereignty in appointing the king, foreshadowing his appointment of Christ as king over all things (Ps 2:6; Eph 1:20–22; Phil 2:9–11).
1 Sam 10:1 Anointing with oil foreshadows the coming and empowering of the Holy Spirit. Saul's subsequent failure shows that he was merely a shadow of a greater anointing—one that came upon David (16:13) and reached its climax in Christ (Luke 4:18; John 3:34), then upon those who belong to Christ (2 Cor 1:21–22).
1 Sam 11:15 Saul's initial success and God's favor upon him contrast with the eternal favor shown to David and his descendants—especially Christ (Matt 3:17).
1 Sam 12:14 The king's conduct determines the fate of the people. Their failures show the need for Christ—the perfect king—to come and transform the hearts of the people.
1 Sam 13:12 Saul knew that sacrifice was to be performed only by priests (Num 18:7). Saul's sin leads to his replacement by David (1 Sam 13:14; 16:7), foreshadowing the need for Christ, the perfect king.
1 Sam 14:6 On that day Yahweh delivered Israel through Jonathan (v. 23). The ultimate deliverance is accomplished through one man—Jesus Christ (1 Tim 2:5).
1 Sam 15:22 Sinners substitute outward forms for genuine obedience (cf. Mic 6:6–8). Complete obedience from the heart is realized only in Christ (Heb 10:5–10).
1 Sam 16:7 The choice of David contrasts with the human tendency to judge by outward appearance (10:23–24). This contrast foreshadows the world's rejection of Christ's humility and suffering (Isa 53:3; 1 Cor 1:18–31).
1 Sam 17:47 God's deliverance of the nation through David foreshadows universal salvation accomplished through Christ—who conquers Satan (Heb 2:14–15).
1 Sam 18:3 Despite Saul's hostility, Saul's son Jonathan and daughter Michal are drawn to David. David foreshadows the spiritual attraction of Jesus Christ—the ultimate David (Matt 4:18–22; 8:9–13).
1 Sam 19:10 Saul's repeated persecution of the innocent David foreshadows the repeated persecution of Christ (John 8:44–47).
1 Sam 20:33 The conflict between Jonathan and Saul foreshadows the family divisions that arise from loyalty to Christ (Matt 10:34–39).
1 Sam 21:5 The exception made for David—God's anointed—foreshadows Christ's relationship to the law as God's anointed (Matt 12:3–4, 8).
1 Sam 22:16 Saul's continued pursuit of David, with sins accumulating, foreshadows the progressive enslavement to sin of those who refuse to turn to Christ.
1 Sam 23:2 God's repeated guidance helps David choose the way forward, foreshadowing God's direction through Christ toward the path of eternal life (Matt 7:24–27; John 5:24).
1 Sam 24:6 David's respect for Saul's status as God's anointed king contrasts with Pilate's failure to recognize Jesus as God's anointed king (John 19:10).
1 Sam 24:17 David's kindness toward Saul foreshadows Christ's mercy toward those who once opposed him (1 Tim 1:13–16).
1 Sam 25:24 Abigail's voluntary bearing of her foolish husband's guilt foreshadows the gracious substitution of Christ (1 Pet 2:23–25).
1 Sam 25:29 Vengeance belongs to the Lord (Rom 12:19). David's remembrance of this foreshadows Christ's willingness to leave vengeance in God's hands (1 Pet 2:23).
1 Sam 26:9 See note on 1 Sam 24:6.
1 Sam 27:1 Though David is discouraged, God continues to protect him and to accomplish his purpose of making him king (16:1). God's faithfulness to an imperfect man further displays his faithfulness to Christ—the perfect king.
1 Sam 28:7 Saul's consulting of a medium represents a further descent into sin, forming an even sharper contrast with David's righteousness and the ultimate righteousness of the Messiah.
1 Sam 29:11 God continues to show David favor, keeping him from involvement in the deaths of Saul and Jonathan (31:2) and enabling him to return in time to rescue his wives and children at Ziklag (30:1–31). See note on 1 Sam 27:1.
1 Sam 30:6 David's reliance on God's strength as he takes on the role of deliverer foreshadows Christ setting captives free (Luke 4:18–19).
1 Sam 31:6 God fulfills what he declared to Saul (28:19), showing that a ruler's sin brings suffering and death not only to himself but also to those under his rule. Saul's failure demonstrates the need for a perfect ruler from the line of David (Isa 9:6–7).
David as the model king brings blessing to the nation until his sin with Bathsheba (ch. 11). Though he repents, his remaining reign is marked by failure, pointing to the necessity of Christ—the perfect messianic king—coming.
2 Sam 1:23 David makes no mention of Saul's faults and sins, foreshadowing the grace and forgiveness of Christ.
2 Sam 2:10 Judah and Israel are eventually united under David and Solomon (5:1–5; 1 Kgs 4:20), but division returns under Rehoboam and his successors (1 Kgs 11:11–13; 12:16–24). The strife points to the need for permanent unity, which only Christ's reign can achieve.
2 Sam 3:37 David's kindness and respect toward Abner, in contrast to Joab's revenge, displays the character of a godly king and foreshadows Christ's kindness.
2 Sam 4:11 David's respect for Ish-bosheth, as with his respect for Abner, reveals a heart that seeks reconciliation and forgiveness, foreshadowing Christ's work of reconciliation.
2 Sam 5:2 David's uniting of Israel and Judah under one head fulfills God's prophetic purpose (1 Sam 16:1), foreshadowing the greater unity of God's people in Christ (1 Cor 12; Eph 4:1–16).
2 Sam 6:7 Only the Levites were to carry the ark, and only by its poles (Exod 25:14; Num 4:15). The holy God strikes down the sinner who approaches him improperly, yet his presence also brings blessing (2 Sam 6:12). This tension is resolved only when Christ's cleansing work opens the way for us to draw near to God (Heb 10:19–22).
2 Sam 7:12 God's covenant with David finds its near fulfillment in Solomon (1 Kgs 1:46; 8:15–21). But Solomon fell (1 Kgs 11:1–10). God preserves David's line (1 Kgs 11:12, 36; 15:4; 2 Kgs 8:19) until the eternal king, Christ, comes (Matt 1:1–16).
2 Sam 7:14 God promises David that he will be a father to Solomon. Solomon as God's son foreshadows Christ—the eternal Son (Heb 1:5).
2 Sam 8:15 David as the model king conquering enemies and executing justice foreshadows Christ's royal work (Isa 9:6–7).
2 Sam 9:1 David's kindness to Saul's household, honoring his earlier promises to Saul (1 Sam 24:21–22) and Jonathan (1 Sam 20:15–17), foreshadows the kindness of Christ's reign.
2 Sam 10:2 The Ammonites, whether willingly or not, will ultimately acknowledge David's rule, foreshadowing the willing or compelled submission of all nations under Christ's reign (Ps 2).
2 Sam 11:4 David later repented (12:13). But David, his family, and his governance of the nation bore the consequences for the rest of his life. The destruction caused by a single sin points to the need for a perfect, sinless king from the line of David (Isa 42:1–4).
2 Sam 12:13 God forgives in grace, ultimately because of Christ (1 John 1:9). But sin still brings consequences (2 Sam 12:10–12, 14). See note on 2 Sam 11:4.
2 Sam 13:22 Amnon's sin resembles David's (11:4), setting off a chain of devastating consequences for David's household (12:10–12), including not only Absalom's actions but also David's failure to exercise discipline and justice toward Amnon and Absalom. See note on 2 Sam 11:4.
2 Sam 14:1 David's love for Absalom foreshadows Christ's love for sinners. But David falls short of Christ by neglecting justice: murder was to be punished by death (Num 35:31–34).
2 Sam 15:1 Absalom's betrayal of his father foreshadows Judas's betrayal of Jesus (John 13:18), and more broadly foreshadows the rebellion of all who defy God the Father and Christ.
2 Sam 15:30 David's grief foreshadows Christ's grief as he left Jerusalem and prayed in Gethsemane (Matt 26:30, 36–46).
2 Sam 16:12 David's entrusting of vengeance to God foreshadows Christ's patient endurance before his enemies (1 Pet 2:23).
2 Sam 16:22 Absalom's outrage fulfills God's prophecy in 12:11–12, further displaying the destructive power of sin and the need for a perfect redeeming king.
2 Sam 17:5 God shows mercy to David through Hushai and other circumstances, answering David's plea in 15:31–37. The reversal of sin's consequences and David's rescue from death point forward to the ultimate redemption in Christ.
2 Sam 18:33 David's grief, though misplaced in part (19:2, 5–7), foreshadows God's Son willingly dying in the place of sinners (Rom 5:8).
2 Sam 19:22 Forgiveness following the restoration of the kingdom foreshadows the forgiveness of former rebels under Christ's reign (1 Tim 1:12–16).
2 Sam 20:1 After Absalom's death, division resurfaces, partly because of David's favoritism toward Judah in 19:11–15, which provoked the anger in 19:43. David's kingdom continues to bear the indirect consequences of his sin with Bathsheba, further highlighting the need for Christ, the perfect king. See note on 2 Sam 11:4.
2 Sam 20:10 Although David had been reconciled with Amasa (v. 4), Joab kills him, possibly because of Amasa's role in Absalom's rebellion (17:25). See note on 2 Sam 20:1.
2 Sam 21:3 Atonement and blessing are needed, but David's solution (v. 6) cannot provide ultimate satisfaction (Deut 24:16). The full realization of justice awaits Christ—the divine king of infinite wisdom—and the resurrection of the dead (Rev 20:11–15).
2 Sam 22:1 This song is also found in Ps 18, indicating that it belongs not only to David personally but is to be sung by God's people. See note on 1 Chr 15:16.
2 Sam 22:50 The spread of praise among the nations anticipates the proclamation of the gospel to all peoples (Acts 1:8; Rom 15:9).
2 Sam 22:51 God's deliverance of David foreshadows the deliverance he accomplishes through Christ—the king.
2 Sam 23:8 The list of mighty warriors foreshadows the power of God's army under Christ's reign (Rev 19:11–14).
2 Sam 24:1 From the need for atonement comes the site of Solomon's temple (1 Chr 21:28–22:1), foreshadowing Christ—the ultimate temple where atonement is finally accomplished (John 2:19–21). See note on 1 Chr 22:1.
2 Sam 24:17 The sheep suffer because of the king's sin—a pattern reversed in Christ, who suffers for the sins of the sheep (John 10:15). Christ's suffering answers David's plea that God's hand strike "my father's house"—the very bloodline leading to Christ.
Solomon's reign fulfilled the first stage of God's promise to David—establishing the kingdom of his offspring (2 Sam 7:12). Solomon was in some respects a model king, foreshadowing Christ. Yet his fall into sin (1 Kgs 11), the sins of his descendants, the division and strife between Israel and Judah, and the persistent problem of false worship all point to the need for a perfect king and an eternal kingdom that transcends the entire monarchic era (Isa 9:6–7). Many passages in 1 Kings have parallel accounts in 2 Chronicles.
1 Kgs 1:13 David's resolve to establish Solomon as king foreshadows God's purpose to establish Christ as king—despite many who prefer other options (Ps 2; Acts 13:33).
1 Kgs 2:6 Solomon's wisdom is tested in handling the unfinished business David left behind. Solomon's wisdom foreshadows the wisdom of Christ (Matt 12:42; Col 2:3). The combination of kindness and justice seen in David and Solomon anticipates their fulfillment in Christ.
1 Kgs 3:9 See note on 1 Kgs 2:6. God promises wisdom in 3:12, fulfilled in 3:28 and 4:29–34.
1 Kgs 4:1 The blessings of order, peace, justice, and prosperity under Solomon foreshadow the blessings of Christ's reign.
1 Kgs 4:34 The drawing power of Solomon's wisdom foreshadows the nations listening to the wisdom of Christ (Acts 1:8; Col 2:3).
1 Kgs 5:5 Solomon's building of the temple fulfills God's promise in 2 Sam 7:13 (cf. 1 Chr 17:12) and foreshadows the building of an eternal temple. Christ's resurrected body is the eternal temple (John 2:19–22), and Christ then builds the church as a temple (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 3:16).
1 Kgs 5:8 The assistance of the Gentile Hiram in building the temple foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the building of the church—this spiritual temple (Eph 2:19–22).
1 Kgs 6:2 The temple, like Moses's tabernacle (Exod 25–27; cf. note on Exod 25:8) but far grander, symbolizes the expansion and deepening of God's purpose to dwell with his people. Further development is seen in Ezekiel's vision of the new temple (Ezek 40–43), the church (Eph 2:19–22), and the eschatological new Jerusalem (Rev 21:3, 10–22:5).
1 Kgs 7:14 See note on 1 Kgs 5:8. Hiram's God-given wisdom is like that of Bezalel and Oholiab, who oversaw the construction of the tabernacle (Exod 31:1–6). This foreshadows the wisdom of Christ and the wisdom of his servants in building the church (Eph 2:19–22).
1 Kgs 7:23 The bronze sea greatly expands the scale of the tabernacle's washbasin (Exod 30:17–21). See note on Exod 30:20.
1 Kgs 7:27 The basin stands with their basins (v. 38) are a smaller, mobile version of the bronze sea (vv. 23–26), further emphasizing the abundance of water (cf. note on v. 23). Compared with the single washbasin in Exod 30:17–21, the multiplication of water anticipates a greater abundance—when the water God gives becomes a river of life (Ezek 47:1–12; John 4:10–14; 19:34; Rev 22:1–2).
1 Kgs 8:11 See Exod 40:34–35. The glory of Yahweh later departed because of the people's apostasy (Ezek 10). The presence of God's glory foreshadows the fullness of the Spirit in Christ (Matt 3:16–17; John 3:34–35; 1:14) and in the church (Acts 2:3–4; 1 Cor 3:16).
1 Kgs 8:24 The promise to David is found in 2 Sam 7:13. The temple anticipates the greater fulfillment of God dwelling with humanity through Christ. See notes on 1 Kgs 5:5 and 6:2.
1 Kgs 8:30 The central role of the temple in prayer foreshadows Christ's role as the one through whose name we draw near to God (John 14:13–14; Heb 10:19–22).
1 Kgs 9:8 The desolation is fulfilled in 2 Kgs 25:9–11, showing the need for true obedience and a greater temple—which would come in Christ (John 2:19–21).
1 Kgs 10:1 The queen of Sheba comes to hear wisdom; Matt 12:42 also references this, foreshadowing the nations coming to Christ (Acts 1:8; Col 2:3).
1 Kgs 11:2 Solomon's rebellion leads to catastrophic judgment (vv. 9–11), foreshadowing the judgment that later befalls God's people because of idolatry. Solomon's failure points to the need for a perfect king from the line of David—Christ (Matt 1:1–16).
1 Kgs 12:15 God's prophecy in 11:29–39 begins to be fulfilled, and God's people split into two kingdoms. Rehoboam's failure and the resulting division point to the need for Christ—the perfect king who unites his people (1 Cor 12; Eph 4:1–6).
1 Kgs 13:2 A remarkable prophecy fulfilled in 2 Kgs 23:15–17 demonstrates that even amid sin, corrupted worship, and chaos, God's word is powerfully effective. The power of prophetic speech foreshadows the power of Christ—the ultimate prophet (Acts 3:22–26; Heb 1:1–2).
1 Kgs 13:34 See the description of Jeroboam's sin in 12:26–33. Judgment for sin is prophesied in 14:9–12 and fulfilled in 14:17–18 and 15:29–30. Jeroboam's sin continues through his successors (15:34; 16:2, 7, 19, 26; 22:53; 2 Kgs 3:3; 10:29, 31; 13:2, 11; 14:24; 15:9, 18, 24, 28), ultimately leading to the exile of the northern kingdom (2 Kgs 17:21–23). Judgment on false worship points to the need for true worship and foreshadows Christ as the only way to God (John 14:6).
1 Kgs 14:10 See note on 1 Kgs 13:34. The power of God's word is demonstrated when judgment is fulfilled in 14:17–18 and 15:29–30.
1 Kgs 14:22 Just as the northern kingdom (v. 9), the southern kingdom's false worship ultimately leads to exile (2 Kgs 23:26–27; 25:1–21; cf. note on 1 Kgs 13:34).
1 Kgs 15:4 Despite sin, God keeps his promise to David (2 Sam 7:5–17), preserving the Davidic line (1 Kgs 11:12, 32, 34, 36; 2 Kgs 8:19; 19:34) through the successive kings of Judah until Christ (Matt 1:1–16).
1 Kgs 15:18 In contrast to the kings of Israel (vv. 26, 34), Asa is a good king (v. 11), foreshadowing the righteousness of his descendant Christ. Yet here he fails to rely on God (see 2 Chr 16:7–12), highlighting the need for a perfectly righteous king.
1 Kgs 15:29–30 The slaughter fulfills the prophecy of 14:9–11 (cf. note on 13:34). The annihilation of a royal line contrasts with God's faithfulness in preserving the Davidic line until Christ (cf. note on 15:4).
1 Kgs 16:3 See 1 Kgs 15:29–30. Judgment on the northern kingdom demonstrates the consistency of God's word and his holiness (cf. note on 13:34).
1 Kgs 17:1 The power of prophetic speech foreshadows the power of Christ's word (Heb 1:1–3).
1 Kgs 17:14 The miraculous provision of food through the power of God's word foreshadows Christ's multiplication of loaves (Matt 14:13–21; Mark 8:1–9) and his being himself the bread from heaven (John 6:26–51).
1 Kgs 17:21 The giving of life foreshadows Christ raising Jairus's daughter (Matt 9:18–25), raising Lazarus (John 11:38–44), Christ's own resurrection (John 10:18), and his giving us spiritual life as "the resurrection and the life" (John 11:25–26), leading to the bodily resurrection (John 5:28–29).
1 Kgs 18:39 The power of the miracle anticipates Christ's resurrection—which displays God's power and draws the nations to him (John 12:32).
1 Kgs 19:2 Jezebel's opposition undoes Elijah's earlier success, seemingly resulting in failure (v. 4). But God's purpose through the prophetic word stands firm (vv. 12, 15–18), foreshadowing the ultimate victory of Christ in fulfilling prophecy.
1 Kgs 19:16 See v. 19. Elijah is not the end but one in a succession of prophets, leading to Christ—the ultimate prophet (Heb 1:1–2).
1 Kgs 19:18 The seven thousand illustrate the concept of the remnant, which will be fulfilled in Jewish believers in Christ (Rom 11:3–10; cf. note on Isa 6:13).
1 Kgs 20:28 God's desire to display his glory enables Ahab to defeat Ben-hadad twice (see vv. 19–21). Victory in battle foreshadows the ultimate triumph of Christ and his armies (Rev 19:11–21).
1 Kgs 20:42 Ahab's failure contrasts with Christ's complete destruction of his enemies in the final battle (Rev 19:11–21).
1 Kgs 21:19 This prophecy is fulfilled in 2 Kgs 9:25–26, 36–37 and 10:10–11, 17, demonstrating the power of God's word in judgment. This power foreshadows the power of Christ's word (Heb 1:1–2; 4:12–13; Rev 19:15, 21).
1 Kgs 22:19 God's supreme authority over all earthly thrones is displayed when Micaiah's prophecy (vv. 23, 28) is fulfilled (vv. 34–36). The power of God and his word anticipates the power displayed in Christ's resurrection (Eph 1:20–22) and the spread of the gospel—confounding the rulers of this age (1 Cor 2:6–9).
Continuing the history of 1 Kings, Israel and Judah steadily decline through false worship and rebellion, culminating in exile (2 Kgs 17; 25). Some good kings (especially Hezekiah and Josiah, chapters 18–20; 22:1–23:30) point to the need for Christ—the perfect king—while Elisha points to the need for Christ—the ultimate prophet (Heb 1:1–3). Many passages in 2 Kings have parallel accounts in 2 Chronicles.
2 Kgs 1:4 The prophecy is fulfilled in v. 17. The power of God's word over all opposition foreshadows the victory of Christ and the gospel.
2 Kgs 2:11 Elijah's ascension foreshadows Christ's victory over death and his ascension (Luke 24:51; Acts 1:9).
2 Kgs 2:14 The parting of the waters recalls Moses at the Red Sea (Exod 14:21–22), Joshua at the Jordan (Josh 3:7–17), and Elijah at the Jordan (2 Kgs 2:8), confirming that Elisha has received the prophetic mantle from Elijah (v. 9). The power over the waters (which symbolize death and chaos) foreshadows Christ's resurrection.
2 Kgs 3:17 The provision of water, as in the time of Moses (Exod 17:6; 20:8–11), foreshadows Christ giving the living water of eternal life (John 4:10, 13–14; Rev 22:1).
2 Kgs 4:34 The giving of life, following Elijah's precedent (1 Kgs 17:17–24), foreshadows Christ's resurrection and the life we receive through union with him (Rom 6:4, 8–11; 8:10–11; Col 3:1–4).
2 Kgs 5:14 The cleansing of leprosy (Lev 14) foreshadows cleansing from sin through the power of Christ (Luke 5:12–14). The cleansing of the Gentile Naaman foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in God's salvation (Luke 24:47).
2 Kgs 6:17 The vision of God's angelic armies reveals the spiritual dimension of warfare. It anticipates the spiritual battle at Christ's coming (Matt 12:28–29; Luke 10:18–19; John 12:31; Rev 19:11–21).
2 Kgs 7:1 Provision of food despite unbelief (cf. Exod 16:1–21) foreshadows Christ giving himself as the bread from heaven (John 6:35, 47–51).
2 Kgs 8:15 Hazael fulfills an earlier prophecy (1 Kgs 19:15; 2 Kgs 8:10), demonstrating the power of God's word in judgment (see also 10:32). This power anticipates the power of Christ's word (John 12:48; Heb 1:1–2; 4:12–13; Rev 1:16).
2 Kgs 9:25 The fulfillment of earlier prophecies (1 Kgs 19:16–17; 21:19–24) underscores the powerful authority of God's word in executing judgment. See notes on 1 Kgs 21:19 and 2 Kgs 8:15.
2 Kgs 10:10 Jehu fulfills God's prophecy of judgment on the house of Ahab and eradicates the Baal worship introduced by Jezebel (1 Kgs 16:31–33), displaying the power of God's judgment and anticipating the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15). See note on 1 Kgs 21:19.
2 Kgs 11:2 The rescue of Joash foreshadows Jesus's escape from Herod (Matt 2:13–15). God preserves the Davidic line for the sake of his promise (2 Sam 7:16), in order to accomplish his redemptive purpose through the work of Christ (Rev 12:4–5).
2 Kgs 12:9 Concern for the temple foreshadows the importance of building the church (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 14:12; Eph 2:20–22).
2 Kgs 13:23 God's compassion on a sinning people foreshadows his compassion on sinners in Christ (Matt 9:13; Luke 5:32).
2 Kgs 14:10 A single act of pride by Amaziah brings disaster on the people, pointing to the need for Christ as the perfect, humble king (Zech 9:9).
2 Kgs 15:9 See note on 1 Kgs 13:34. The northern kingdom slides steadily toward the exile of 2 Kgs 17:6–23. This decline points to the need for perfect kingship and a redemption from the heart—both awaiting the coming of Christ.
2 Kgs 16:3 Under Ahaz, the southern kingdom also experiences severe spiritual decline, pointing to the need for Christ's perfect kingship.
2 Kgs 17:7 The exile is God's judgment on sin (cf. note on 1 Kgs 13:34), foreshadowing Christ bearing the judgment for sin as a substitute (1 Pet 2:21–24) and the final judgment at the end of the age (Rev 20:11–15).
2 Kgs 18:5 Hezekiah as a faithful king foreshadows the faithfulness and righteousness of Christ (Isa 9:6–7; 42:1–4) and the fruit of that character in the lives of Christ's people. See the parallel accounts in 2 Chr 32 and Isa 36–38.
2 Kgs 18:30 Rabshakeh represents the voice of Satan—deceiving and attacking the faith of God's people (Gen 3:4–5; Matt 4:1–10; Eph 6:16; Rev 12:9).
2 Kgs 19:22 God vindicating his name against all who blaspheme it foreshadows his name being vindicated in Christ's resurrection (John 12:28).
2 Kgs 20:5 God hearing prayer with compassion anticipates his compassion in Christ—through whose name God hears us (John 14:13–14; 15:16; 16:26–27).
2 Kgs 21:8 Manasseh's flagrant defiance of God's commands and holiness leads to a prophecy of judgment (vv. 12–15) and illustrates the pattern of rebellion leading to exile (24:2–4). By contrast, Manasseh's wickedness further points to the need for Christ as the perfect king.
2 Kgs 22:2 Josiah as a righteous king foreshadows Christ.
2 Kgs 22:13 The prophetic word—not only from Elijah and Elisha but also from Moses (Deut 11:26–28)—shows that God executes judgment according to his will and righteousness. This righteousness finds its supreme expression in Christ: he bore sin though sinless (2 Cor 5:21) and will one day judge the world (Acts 17:31).
2 Kgs 22:20 See 23:30. Josiah is blessed for his righteousness and humility. But unlike Christ (Gal 3:13–14), he cannot reverse the curse and punishment about to come upon the people (cf. 2 Kgs 23:26–27).
2 Kgs 24:2 See notes on 2 Kgs 21:8 and 22:13.
2 Kgs 25:9 God's righteous judgment falls because of accumulated sin (23:26–27; 24:2–4). The judgment also destroys God's own temple, foreshadowing the judgment that would fall on Christ—whose body is the temple (John 2:19–21; Gal 3:13–14).
2 Kgs 25:27 The favorable treatment of the king of Judah—a descendant of David—shows that God still remembers his promise to David (2 Sam 7:16) and anticipates the coming of the Messiah Jesus through the line of Jehoiachin (also called Jeconiah, 1 Chr 3:16; Matt 1:11–12).
David as the righteous king foreshadows Christ the king—not only in his rule over God's people but also in his role in preparing to build the temple. 1 Chronicles surveys God's faithfulness to his people across the whole span of history from Adam (1:1) to David (3:1) and beyond (3:10–24; 9:1–34), demonstrating God's steadfast preparation for the coming of the Messiah: the Messiah is the offspring of Adam (1:1; Gen 3:15; Luke 3:38), the offspring of Abraham (1 Chr 1:28; Gal 3:16), and the offspring of David (1 Chr 3:1; 17:11, 14; Luke 3:23–38; Acts 13:23).
1 Chr 1:1 God promises victory over Satan through the offspring of the woman (Gen 3:15) and the offspring of Abraham (Gen 17:7; cf. notes on Gen 3:15 and 12:1). The genealogy of the chosen line runs from Adam through Seth and Noah (1 Chr 1:4) to Abraham (vv. 27–28), Isaac (v. 34), and Israel (v. 34; 2:1)—Israel being the former name of Jacob (Gen 32:27–28). This line culminates in Christ (Matt 1:1–16; Gal 3:16).
1 Chr 2:1 The genealogy of the chosen line extends from Israel to David, including the promised blessing of offspring—the formation of the twelve tribes (cf. Gen 13:16; 15:5). See note on 1 Chr 1:1.
1 Chr 3:1 The messianic genealogy passes through King David (2 Sam 7:16; Matt 1:1, 6; cf. note on 1 Chr 1:1).
1 Chr 3:10 Solomon and his descendants represent one stage in the progressive fulfillment of God's promise concerning David's offspring (2 Sam 7:16). This line of descent ultimately points to Christ (Matt 1:1–16; cf. note on 1 Chr 1:1).
1 Chr 4:1 After recording the Davidic messianic genealogy leading to Christ (cf. note on 3:10), Chronicles proceeds to record the tribe of Judah, to which David belonged. The individual names and family-by-family record highlight their inclusion in God's promise to Abraham—the promise of blessing, land, and fellowship with God (Gen 17:4–8). This foreshadows the blessing (Gal 3:14), inheritance (Rom 4:13; Heb 11:16; 12:22; Rev 21:1), and fellowship with God (Rom 5:1; Gal 3:26–29) that come through union with the greater David—Christ. God has written our names in his book of life (Rev 13:8; 17:8; 20:15; cf. John 10:3, 14; Eph 1:4).
1 Chr 5:1 The records of Reuben, Gad (v. 11), and Manasseh (v. 23) show that as descendants of Abraham and Israel (2:1–2) they remain included among God's people. This addresses any doubt that might arise because their land lay east of the Jordan (Num 32; Josh 13:8–32; 22:24–29). This assurance foreshadows the assurance given to Christians (2 Cor 1:22; Eph 1:13–14). See note on 1 Chr 4:1.
1 Chr 6:49 The dedicated register of Aaron the priest and the tribe of Levi shows their priestly privilege before God, foreshadowing the priestly privilege Christians receive through Christ the ultimate high priest (Heb 7:23–8:2; 10:19–22).
1 Chr 7:1 The remaining tribes descended from Israel (2:1–2) are briefly listed here. See note on 4:1.
1 Chr 8:33 Saul receives special attention because he was king of Israel (10:14; 1 Sam 10:1). But he was replaced by David (1 Sam 16:1, 12; 2 Sam 7:15; 1 Chr 10:13–14; 17:13), and David's royal line points directly to Christ the king (Matt 1:6–16).
1 Chr 9:2 The register of those who returned from exile demonstrates God's continuing faithfulness to the descendants of Israel. This foreshadows God's record of and faithfulness to those who belong to Christ—the true Israel (Gal 3:14, 16, 28–29; cf. note on 1 Chr 4:1).
1 Chr 10:14 The transfer of kingship to David is the starting point of the royal line leading to Christ (17:11, 14; Matt 1:6–16).
1 Chr 11:3 David's installation as king is the fulfillment of God's purpose (v. 2), foreshadowing the establishment of Christ—the Son of David—as the ultimate king (Ps 2:6–12; Acts 13:33; Eph 1:20–22).
1 Chr 12:23 The unity and fighting strength of God's people under David foreshadows the unity and spiritual power of God's people under Christ the king (Eph 4:1–16; 6:10–20).
1 Chr 13:10 See note on 2 Sam 6:7. Once the Levites properly fulfill their designated role (Exod 25:14; Num 4:15; 1 Chr 15:2, 13–15), the ark is safely transported (1 Chr 15:26).
1 Chr 13:12 God's supreme holiness and his response when sinners draw near evoke awe. The ultimate solution comes through Christ's propitiation, which permanently addresses God's wrath (Rom 3:20–26; 5:1).
1 Chr 14:15 God going with David to defeat Israel's enemies foreshadows Christ defeating Satan and his forces (Matt 12:28–29; Luke 10:18–19; John 12:31; Rev 19:11–21; 20:7–10).
1 Chr 15:2 Unlike Uzzah (13:10), the Levites safely carry the ark because they follow God's instructions (Exod 25:14; Num 4:15). The importance of following God's way foreshadows the one path to God that Christ has opened (John 14:6; Heb 10:19–22).
1 Chr 15:16 David and the singers participated in composing and singing many of the psalms (cf. 1 Chr 16:8–36 and the parallel psalm texts: Pss 96:1–13; 105:1–15; 106:47–48). They foreshadow Christ's role in leading his people in songs of praise to God—singing for the salvation that is ultimately his (Heb 2:12; 13:15; Rev 19:6–8).
1 Chr 16:4 See note on 15:16.
1 Chr 16:8 See Ps 105:1–15. Songs of praise are to be sung repeatedly—not only to praise God but to remind people of his excellence and to anticipate the surpassing display of glory at Christ's coming. See note on 1 Chr 15:16.
1 Chr 16:23 See Ps 96:1–13 and note on 1 Chr 16:8.
1 Chr 16:35 See Ps 106:47–48 and note on 1 Chr 16:8.
1 Chr 17:4 To highlight the importance of the Davidic royal line leading to Christ, Chronicles records the crucial covenant given to David in 2 Sam 7:5–16. See note on 2 Sam 7:12.
1 Chr 17:16 David's amazement at God's grace foreshadows the amazement people will have at the grace that comes in Christ (John 1:16; Eph 2:7–9).
1 Chr 18:6 The conquest of Israel's enemies foreshadows Christ's victory over Satan and his forces (cf. note on 14:15).
1 Chr 18:14 The coming of justice foreshadows the righteousness of the Messiah (Isa 9:6–7; 42:1–4; 2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:11–15).
1 Chr 19:2 See note on 2 Sam 10:2.
1 Chr 20:1 Unlike the parallel narrative in 2 Sam 11, Chronicles omits the account of David's sin with Bathsheba, thereby more effectively highlighting how David's kingship positively points to the ultimate victory of Christ the king.
1 Chr 20:8 David's victory over Goliath in 1 Sam 17 is one of a series of victories that destroy the fearsome enemies of God's people. These victories foreshadow the triumph of Christ and his people (Matt 12:28–29; Luke 10:18–19; John 12:31; Rev 2:7, 11, 17, 26; 12:11; 19:11–21; 20:7–10).
1 Chr 21:7 See note on 2 Sam 24:1.
1 Chr 21:17 See note on 2 Sam 24:17.
1 Chr 22:1 The selection of the site for Solomon's temple is in accordance with God's word through the prophet Gad (21:18). Once built, the temple would be the sole place of atonement and access to God (Deut 12), foreshadowing Christ as the one who ultimately accomplishes atonement and opens the way to God (John 14:6; Heb 10:19–22).
1 Chr 22:9 Solomon foreshadows Christ as the Prince of Peace, who opens the way of reconciliation with God (Rom 5:1–10).
1 Chr 23:26 See Num 4:5–15. God moved David to adjust the Levites' duties to fit the changes brought by the temple. The Levites' service foreshadows Christ's service to God as high priest (Heb 7:23–8:6) and, secondarily, the service of Christians (Rom 12:1; Eph 4:1–16; Heb 13:15).
1 Chr 24:7 The priests are the special group within the tribe of Levi chosen to serve in the sanctuary (Num 18). The priesthood foreshadows Christ the great high priest (Heb 7:23–8:6). The rotation of divisions (cf. Luke 1:5, 8) shows that no priest could serve permanently—until Christ, the eternal priest, came (Heb 7:23–24).
1 Chr 25:1 See note on 15:16. The emphasis on organized singing foreshadows the order of church worship under the power of the Spirit (1 Cor 12; Eph 2:22; 5:18–21).
1 Chr 26:1 The gatekeepers guard access to God's presence in the temple (Num 18:7, 22), foreshadowing the way to God that is through Christ alone (John 10:7; 14:6). Church discipline is exercised under Christ's authority (1 Cor 5:4–5), warning the unrepentant of the danger they face.
1 Chr 26:20 The responsibility of guarding God's gifts foreshadows the security of the eternal inheritance in Christ (1 Pet 1:4–5) and echoes the exhortation to store up treasure in heaven (Matt 6:19–34; cf. 2 Cor 9:6–15). Funds contributed for the needs of God's people are to be carefully managed (2 Cor 8:20–21).
1 Chr 27:1 Military deployment foreshadows spiritual warfare under Christ's command (Eph 6:10–20; cf. note on 1 Chr 14:15).
1 Chr 28:6 The promise made to David in 17:11–14 is now being fulfilled. See note on 2 Sam 7:12.
1 Chr 28:19 The temple is built according to God's instructions, just as the tabernacle was (cf. note on Exod 36:10).
1 Chr 28:20 God's empowering is indispensable, foreshadowing the centrality of God's power in building the church—this new temple (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20–22).
1 Chr 28:21 The earlier arrangements for the Levitical divisions and the people (chapters 23–27) all serve the purpose of temple ministry. This foreshadows God's planning for the building of the church as a temple (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20–22) and the new Jerusalem as the ultimate temple (Rev 21:22–27).
1 Chr 29:6 Generous giving, as in the offerings for the tabernacle (Exod 35:4–36:7), foreshadows the generosity of Christ (cf. note on Exod 35:21).
1 Chr 29:18 Wholehearted commitment is ultimately realized in Christ's perfect obedience (Heb 10:7–10) and in the renewal of heart he works in us through the new covenant (Heb 10:16–17).
Solomon as the wise king and builder of the temple foreshadows Christ the king and builder of the temple. After Solomon, the royal Davidic line continues unbroken, pointing to Christ—the great descendant of David (Matt 1:6–16). But many later kings turn away from God, and they and the people suffer for it, demonstrating the need for Christ the perfect king. Hezekiah (2 Chr 29–32) and Josiah (34–35) as righteous kings foreshadow Christ. 2 Chronicles has many parallels with 1–2 Kings but focuses on the southern kingdom (Judah) and the Davidic line, with particular attention to the temple and its worship, anticipating the fulfillment of temple and worship at Christ's coming (John 2:19–21; 4:20–26; Eph 2:20–22; Rev 21:22–22:5).
2 Chr 1:10 See note on 1 Kgs 3:9. Building the temple required wisdom (1 Chr 29:1; 2 Chr 2:6, 12).
2 Chr 2:3 See note on 1 Kgs 5:8.
2 Chr 2:13 See note on 1 Kgs 7:14.
2 Chr 3:1 See note on 1 Kgs 6:2. The site of the temple was designated in 1 Chr 22:1 (see note on 1 Chr 22:1).
2 Chr 4:1 The altar is twice the size of the tabernacle altar (Exod 27:1–8), indicating a more abundant provision for atonement. See note on Exod 27:1.
2 Chr 4:7 There are ten golden lampstands rather than the one in the tabernacle (Exod 25:31–39), indicating a more abundant provision of light. See notes on Exod 25:37 and 1 Kgs 6:2.
2 Chr 5:14 See note on 1 Kgs 8:11.
2 Chr 6:6 The choice of Jerusalem fulfills the plan communicated by Moses in Deuteronomy 12, foreshadowing Christ being established as the only way of salvation (John 14:6; Heb 5:5–10).
2 Chr 6:15 See note on 1 Kgs 8:24.
2 Chr 6:21 See note on 1 Kgs 8:30.
2 Chr 7:1 God's miraculous approval, as in Elijah's experience in 1 Kgs 18:39 (see note there).
2 Chr 7:2 The glory of Yahweh, symbolizing the majesty of his presence, foreshadows the presence of Christ. See notes on 5:14 and 1 Kgs 8:11.
2 Chr 7:20 See note on 1 Kgs 9:8.
2 Chr 8:5 Solomon's attention to defense against external enemies fulfills an important duty of ancient kings, foreshadowing the spiritual security that Christ the king provides (John 10:28–29; cf. Rev 21:24–27; 22:3).
2 Chr 8:14 David's instructions are found in 1 Chr 23–27. See note on 1 Chr 28:21.
2 Chr 9:1 See note on 1 Kgs 10:1.
2 Chr 9:22 Solomon's wealth and wisdom foreshadow the riches and wisdom of Christ the king (Eph 1:18; Col 2:3; 1 Cor 1:30).
2 Chr 10:15 See note on 1 Kgs 12:15.
2 Chr 11:14 The Levites were dispersed among the tribes (Josh 20–21; cf. note on Josh 21:2). But Jeroboam's false worship (cf. 1 Kgs 12:25–13:5) forced the Levites and others who followed God to move to Judah. The conflict over worship foreshadows the conflict surrounding the exclusive lordship of Christ (cf. note on 1 Kgs 13:34).
2 Chr 12:6 Rebellion against Yahweh brings disaster, but repentance brings deliverance. This pattern anticipates God's ultimate judgment on rebellion (Rev 20:11–15) and the deliverance that comes through repentance and faith in Christ (John 5:24; Rev 20:15).
2 Chr 13:9 On Jeroboam's introduction of false worship, see notes on 1 Kgs 12:25–33 and 13:34. The blessing on true worshipers foreshadows the blessing of worshiping in spirit and truth that Christ brings (John 4:20–24).
2 Chr 14:7 Blessing for following God's ways foreshadows the blessing that comes through Christ—the ultimate way (John 14:6; Eph 1:3–14).
2 Chr 15:8 Asa continues to promote true worship according to the law (Exod 27:1–8; Deut 11:28; 12:1), foreshadowing Christ establishing true worship (Matt 21:12–16; John 4:20–24).
2 Chr 16:9 God's judgment is executed in history and in the final end (Rev 20:11–15). The climax of judgment is Christ bearing judgment as a substitute and then being rewarded in resurrection for his blamelessness (Phil 2:10–11). See note on 1 Kgs 15:18.
2 Chr 17:5 See note on 14:7.
2 Chr 18:18 See note on 1 Kgs 22:19.
2 Chr 19:7 Moses's instructions for judges are found in Exod 23:8 and Deut 16:18–20. Administering justice is one of the king's duties, foreshadowing the righteousness of Christ the king (Isa 9:6–7; 42:1–4).
2 Chr 20:22 God honoring those who trust him anticipates the glory Christ received in his resurrection (Phil 2:10–11) and the blessing of those who trust in Christ (Gal 3).
2 Chr 21:7 The Davidic royal line is nearly wiped out but not entirely cut off, foreshadowing Herod's massacre (Matt 2:13–18) and God's faithfulness to Christ—the descendant of David. See note on 1 Kgs 15:4.
2 Chr 22:11 See note on 2 Kgs 11:2.
2 Chr 23:11 The true king being installed despite all opposition foreshadows Christ being established as king (Ps 2:7–12; Acts 13:33).
2 Chr 24:4 See note on 2 Kgs 12:9.
2 Chr 24:20 See note on 12:6.
2 Chr 25:16 The prophetic warning gives an opportunity for repentance, but Amaziah hardens his heart. Amaziah's failure points to the need for a perfect king (Matt 21:5). The call to repentance foreshadows the call to repentance and faith in the New Testament. See note on 2 Chr 12:6.
2 Chr 25:19 See note on 2 Kgs 14:10.
2 Chr 26:16 Uzziah's sin and its consequences point to the need for a perfect king (Matt 21:5).
2 Chr 27:6 See note on 14:7.
2 Chr 28:3 See note on 2 Kgs 16:3.
2 Chr 28:15 This unusual act of kindness displays God's compassion (v. 9), anticipating the love embodied by Jesus (Matt 8:14–17; Luke 7:21–22; 1 John 3:16; 4:7–12), the love he taught (Luke 10:25–37), and the love he creates among his followers (John 13:34–35; 1 John 4:17–21).
2 Chr 29:8 The judgment on false worship (foretold in Deut 11:28) is reversed by Hezekiah, foreshadowing Christ the king coming to remove the curse of sin (Gal 3:13–14).
2 Chr 30:9 The theme of compassion and repentance points to God's compassion in Christ for those who turn to him in repentance (Luke 18:13). See notes on 2 Chr 12:6 and 25:16.
2 Chr 30:19 The intention of the heart matters more than mere outward compliance (1 Sam 15:22; Hos 6:6; Mic 6:6–8; Matt 9:13; 25:25–28), anticipating the centrality of heart renewal in Christ's work (Heb 8:10).
2 Chr 30:26 The contrast with the past shows what a difference a good leader makes, foreshadowing the ultimate renewal that comes with Christ (Heb 8:8–12).
2 Chr 31:2 Hezekiah restores the temple service prescribed by Moses (Num 18) and David (1 Chr 23–26). His obedience foreshadows the obedience of Christ and of those who follow Christ (Eph 4:1–16). See note on 2 Kgs 18:5.
2 Chr 32:8 Trusting Yahweh to fight for us foreshadows trusting Christ as the conqueror of the kingdom of evil (Col 1:13; 2:15; Heb 2:14–15).
2 Chr 32:15 See note on 2 Kgs 18:30.
2 Chr 32:17 See note on 2 Kgs 19:22.
2 Chr 33:7 See note on 2 Kgs 21:8.
2 Chr 33:12 See note on 12:6.
2 Chr 34:2 Josiah as a righteous king foreshadows Christ.
2 Chr 34:21 See note on 2 Kgs 22:13.
2 Chr 35:1 Keeping the Passover is another high point of service to God (cf. note on 30:26).
2 Chr 35:4 See note on 31:2.
2 Chr 36:16 God's righteous judgment on sin foreshadows the greater display of righteousness in Christ's death and resurrection and in the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15). See notes on 2 Chr 12:6 and 16:9, and note on 2 Kgs 25:9.
2 Chr 36:21 This judgment confirms God's faithfulness to his word, anticipating his faithfulness in Christ. It also gives the land its sabbath rest as required by Leviticus 25, foreshadowing the ultimate rest (cf. note on Lev 25:4).
2 Chr 36:23 The decree of Cyrus—prophesied in Isa 44:28 and recorded in Ezra 1:1–4—shows that God has not forgotten his people (Rom 11:1). His continuing faithfulness and his repeated acts of compassion and deliverance point to the coming of Christ—the supreme culmination of faithfulness and compassion.
The restoration and rebuilding after exile is the fulfillment of prophecy (1:1), foreshadowing Christ's salvation (Col 1:13) and the building of the church (Matt 16:18; Eph 2:20–22), and pointing toward the ultimate fulfillment of salvation in the new heaven and new earth (Rev 21:1).
Ezra 1:1 God raising up Cyrus foreshadows his raising up Christ—the one who, in the gospel, issues the proclamation to build God's new people (Isa 44:28–45:1).
Ezra 1:5 God empowering the people to participate in the restoration, just as he empowered Cyrus, foreshadows his empowering his people through the Spirit (Acts 1:8; 2:1–4; Rom 8:10–11).
Ezra 2:1 The detailed record of names demonstrates God's knowledge of individuals and families, symbolizing his intimate knowledge of those chosen for salvation (Eph 1:4; Rev 13:8; 17:8; cf. note on 1 Chr 4:1).
Ezra 3:2 Restoring true worship of God is central to the overall restoration. Sacrificial worship foreshadows the sacrifice of Christ (Heb 10:1–10).
Ezra 3:10 The building of the temple, analogous to what Solomon did (2 Chr 3), foreshadows Christ's body as the temple (John 2:19–21), the church as the temple (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20–22), and the new Jerusalem as the ultimate temple (Rev 21:9–22:5). For prophecies about the restoration, see Haggai and Zechariah.
Ezra 3:11 The singing follows the refrain of 1 Chr 16:34 and Psalm 136, in the pattern of 1 Chr 25, pointing to the praise Christ offers (Heb 2:12) and the praise of his people (Heb 13:15).
Ezra 4:1 These adversaries, instigated by Satan behind the scenes, represent opposition to God's people's plans, foreshadowing the opposition to Christ and his people (Matt 4:1–11; Rev 12:3–4, 7–17).
Ezra 5:1 Prophetic direction and the decree of Cyrus (1:1–4) play a key role in the restoration, foreshadowing the role of God's word in building the church (Eph 2:20–22; 4:6–16).
Ezra 6:6 God reverses the enemies' schemes, using Darius to protect the restoration work, foreshadowing God's work in blessing the church (Rom 8:28; Acts 4:29–31; 8:4).
Ezra 7:27 Through Ezra and Artaxerxes, God displays his providential care for the restoration work, foreshadowing his willingness to supply our needs (2 Cor 9:6–12).
Ezra 8:31 God providing protection foreshadows his protection of those who are in Christ (John 10:27–29).
Ezra 9:1 Intermarriage with foreigners is prohibited in Deut 7:3–4 because it leads to idolatry (cf. Ezra 9:11–14). Being set apart foreshadows uncompromising allegiance to Christ (Matt 10:34–39; Luke 14:26–33; 2 Cor 6:14–7:1).
Ezra 10:2 See note on 2 Chr 12:6.
Ezra 10:3 For the sake of holiness, families formed through intermarriage are dissolved to remove the compromise of idolatry (Deut 7:3–4; cf. note on Ezra 9:1). Christ's holiness has greater power, so in the New Testament Christians may remain in households with unbelievers, in the hope that the unbelieving partner will also come to know Christ (1 Cor 7:12–16).
The restoration and rebuilding after the exile foreshadow Christ's salvation (Col 1:13) and the building of the church (Matt 16:18; Eph 2:20–22).
Neh 1:11 Nehemiah's intercession for the people foreshadows Christ's intercession for us before God the Father (Heb 7:25).
Neh 2:18 The rebuilding of Jerusalem foreshadows the building of the church (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 14:4–5, 12; Gal 4:26; Eph 2:20–22).
Neh 3:1 God's recording of the builders' names shows that He knows every contribution. The division of labor foreshadows the coordination of members within the body of Christ (Rom 12:3–8; 1 Cor 12; Eph 4:1–16).
Neh 4:1 Opposition to the building work foreshadows persecution of the church and of Christians (John 15:18–20).
Neh 5:7 The law God gave through Moses prohibited charging interest to fellow Israelites (Exod 22:25; Lev 25:36). Helping the poor anticipates the church's care for those in need (Acts 2:44–45; 4:32–37; 2 Cor 9:6–15), a care grounded in God's generosity toward us in Christ (2 Cor 8:9; 9:15).
Neh 6:2 The adversaries not only mocked and threatened but also resorted to deception (cf. note on 4:1). This deception reveals the crafty nature of Satan—the great enemy—(John 8:44; 2 Thess 2:9–10; Rev 12:9; 20:3).
Neh 7:6 See note on Ezra 2:1.
Neh 8:3 The teaching of God's word plays a central role in building up God's people. This foreshadows the role of Christ as the Word of God (John 1:1; Rev 19:13), the role of the gospel (Rom 1:16–17; 1 Thess 2:13; 1 Pet 1:23), and the role of Scripture (1 Tim 3:13; 2 Tim 3:16–17; cf. Ps 119).
Neh 9:8 God's faithfulness is displayed in fulfilling His promises to Abraham (Gen 12:1–3, 7; 13:14–17; 15:4, 13–21; 17:1–14). His faithfulness to those promises is supremely manifested in Christ (2 Cor 1:20–22), who brings eternal blessing to God's people (Eph 1:3–14).
Neh 9:38 The signing of names signifies personal and family commitment, foreshadowing personal commitment to Christ (Acts 2:38–41; cf. note on Ezra 2:1).
Neh 10:29 Obedience to the law anticipates the obligation of Christ's disciples to follow Him in all things (Matt 10:37–39; Luke 14:25–33; John 14:15, 23). Only Christ perfectly obeyed God (Heb 4:15).
Neh 11:1 Jerusalem as the holy city holds a central place. In the New Testament, all of God's people are citizens of the heavenly Jerusalem (Gal 4:26–28; Phil 3:20; Heb 12:22–24).
Neh 11:4 The recording of names and numbers reveals God's knowledge of individual and family details. See note on Ezra 2:1.
Neh 12:27 The role of the Levites in singing was established in 1 Chronicles 25. The celebration anticipates the praise and rejoicing over Christ's resurrection (Eph 5:19–20; Heb 13:15) and the final celebration (Rev 19:1–8).
Neh 13:3 See note on Ezra 9:1.
Neh 13:15 The people had promised to keep the Sabbath (10:31). The Sabbath is a sign of the covenant with God (Exod 20:8–11; 31:12–17), celebrating both creation (Exod 20:11) and redemption (Deut 5:15). It points to Christ—who is the Creator (Col 1:15–16) and Redeemer (Col 1:18–20) and has prepared a place of rest for us (John 14:2–3). See notes on Gen 2:2 and 2:3.
Neh 13:23 See note on Ezra 9:1.
God's providential deliverance of His people through Esther foreshadows the ultimate deliverance accomplished through Christ.
Esth 1:12 Vashti's removal is one step in God's providential action to save the Jewish people (cf. note on 2:15), introducing the key themes of rejection and election—through which God prepares the way of salvation.
Esth 2:15 God causes the Jewish woman Esther to be chosen, which will play a decisive role in the later deliverance of the Jewish people. Esther's beauty foreshadows the glory of the church as the bride of Christ (2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:26–27; Rev 19:7–8; cf. note on 1:12).
Esth 2:22 God's providential hand guides Mordecai to take a crucial action that will prove significant later (6:2). God's providential governance demonstrates His continual care for His people (John 10:27–29; Rom 8:28; Eph 1:22).
Esth 3:1 The conflict between Mordecai and Haman can be understood in light of 1 Sam 15:2–3, 32–33. Haman was an Agagite—that is, an Amalekite—an enemy of Israel and a descendant of the people Saul was supposed to have destroyed.
Esth 3:6 Haman represents all who oppose God's people, and especially represents Satan (cf. Rev 12:10–12).
Esth 4:16 Esther's willingness to lay down her own life foreshadows Christ's willingness to lay down His life for us (Rom 5:6–11).
Esth 5:2 The king's favor toward Esther foreshadows God's favor toward Christ—the obedient Son and our Redeemer (Matt 3:17; 2 Pet 1:17). This is the turning point of the story, foreshadowing the resurrection as the turning point of redemption.
Esth 5:11 Pride goes before destruction (Prov 16:18). Haman is the archetypal example of the false confidence of those who belong to Satan's kingdom.
Esth 6:1 A series of seemingly "coincidental" events reveals God's providential governance and His hidden power at work on behalf of His people (cf. note on 2:22).
Esth 7:10 Just retribution falls on Haman, who suffers the very punishment he had intended for Mordecai (Obad v. 15). This retribution foreshadows the justice of God's final judgment (Rev 20:11–15) and the destruction of the enemies of God's people (Rev 20:7–10; 21:8, 27).
Esth 8:8 The effects of the victory extend to all the Jewish people, foreshadowing how Christ's triumph extends to those who belong to Him (Rom 8:10–11; 1 Cor 15:54–57; Col 3:1–4).
Esth 9:1 The reversal of fortunes anticipates the reversal of status at Christ's coming (Luke 1:48–53; 14:11; 18:14) and the justice of God's final judgment (cf. note on 7:10).
Esth 10:3 The blessing that came to the Jewish people through Esther and Mordecai foreshadows the blessing that comes to us through Christ (Eph 1:3–14; cf. note on 8:8).
Job's suffering and ultimate restoration foreshadow Christ's suffering and glory.
Job 1:1 Though not sinless, Job was upright, foreshadowing the righteousness of Christ (Heb 4:16).
Job 1:11 Satan is the accuser of God's people (Rev 12:10). Redemption in Christ provides the ultimate answer to Satan's accusations—both by declaring the ungodly righteous (Rom 4:5) and by making the ungodly godly (Rom 6:4, 15–19; Rev 19:8; 21:27).
Job 1:21 Though unaware of Satan's accusations, Job trusted God. He is an example of one who walks by faith and not by sight (2 Cor 5:7). Christ, as a human being, trusted God perfectly (Heb 2:13; 5:7–10).
Job 2:6 God even uses Satan's actions to accomplish His own glory and the sanctification of His people. God did not permit Satan to take Job's life. Yet when Christ came, He was permitted to die at the hands of sinners (Acts 2:23). This was the supreme act of trust, the moment when God's name was vindicated, and the decisive victory over Satan (John 12:31).
Job 3:3 Extreme suffering negates all sense of life's meaning, highlighting that suffering and death are the terrible consequences of the fall (Gen 3:19). The answer can only be found in Christ's purposeful suffering (Phil 3:10) and His resurrection—the resurrection that marks the beginning of the end of all suffering (Rev 21:4).
Job 4:7 Eliphaz speaks as though God's protection of the righteous were a universal, invariable rule. Yet the mystery of the death of the sinless Christ exposes the shallowness of his reasoning.
Job 4:15 Eliphaz did not realize that what he may have encountered was an evil spirit—one who, like Satan, accuses God's people (cf. note on 1:11).
Job 4:17 A person can indeed be pure, as Christ's purity has demonstrated. Moreover, Christ gives His righteousness to His people through justification (Rom 5:1; 2 Cor 5:21).
Job 5:13 According to 1 Cor 3:19, God catches the wise in their own craftiness through the foolishness of the cross. Ironically, Eliphaz himself—who claimed to be wise—was ensnared by his own words (Job 42:7), because he did not understand the wisdom of the cross and its significance for the suffering of the innocent.
Job 5:18 This parallels Hos 6:1. Eliphaz correctly describes God's discipline of sinners. But he failed to see that God may discipline the innocent for deeper purposes (Job 1:12; 2 Cor 5:21; cf. note on 4:7).
Job 6:15 Job's pain was compounded by his friends, anticipating Christ's betrayal by Judas (John 13:18) and abandonment by His disciples (Matt 26:31).
Job 7:17 Note the parallel with Ps 8:4 and Heb 2:6. God sets His heart on humanity and permits suffering in order to accomplish redemption in Christ—though Job could not yet see the full picture.
Job 8:3 God is just, but His justice is far deeper than simple reward and punishment in this life. The question of justice points to the accomplishment of justice in Christ's work (Rom 3:23–26) and to the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15).
Job 9:2 See note on 4:17.
Job 9:14 Job sees the need for a mediator, anticipating Christ's intercession (Heb 7:25).
Job 9:24 The frustration over injustice can only be resolved in the future, with the coming of ultimate salvation (Rev 20:11–22:5). In the meantime, the righteous may suffer while the wicked prosper, anticipating the human injustice of Christ's crucifixion.
Job 9:30 Isa 1:18 gives hope—God Himself makes us white as snow, accomplished in Christ (Rom 8:1).
Job 9:33 Christ, being both God and man, will stand in the middle (1 Tim 2:5–6; cf. note on 9:14).
Job 10:4 The doubt about whether God sympathizes with humanity is answered in the compassion Christ displayed (Heb 4:15).
Job 10:11 The care and intimacy God showed in creating Job (cf. Ps 139:13–16) anticipates the love displayed in Christ's incarnation (John 1:14).
Job 11:17 The life of the righteous will end in days of light (Prov 4:18), ultimately the day of final consummation (Rev 21:23–22:5). But Zophar underestimates the complexity involved. The mystery of God's providence leads to consummation only through the suffering of Christ (1 Pet 2:21–25) and the suffering of His people (Phil 2:10–11).
Job 12:3 Job's knowledge of God's wisdom and power only deepened his anguish, because it seemed inconsistent with his circumstances. God's wisdom and power are supremely displayed in Christ's suffering (1 Cor 1:18–25).
Job 13:3 See note on 9:14.
Job 13:15 Job's persistent hope anticipates Christ's unwavering trust even unto death (Matt 26:38–39).
Job 14:14 Job sees that resurrection is needed to resolve the mystery of suffering. He thereby anticipates the resurrection of Christ (Rom 4:25) and the resurrection of Christ's people (John 5:24–25, 29; 1 Thess 4:13–18).
Job 14:17 Job anticipates the forgiveness of sins, now accomplished in Christ (Rom 4:7–8; 8:1).
Job 15:9 See note on 12:3.
Job 15:14 See note on 4:17.
Job 16:11 Job's abandonment foreshadows Christ's abandonment (Matt 20:18–19).
Job 16:17 Cf. the parallel description of Christ's suffering in Isa 53:9.
Job 16:19 Job anticipates Christ's intercession—His advocacy on our behalf (Rom 8:34).
Job 16:21 See note on 9:14.
Job 17:6 Job's being despised anticipates Christ's being despised (Ps 69:11; Isa 50:6; Matt 27:30).
Job 18:21 God will judge the wicked (Rev 20:11–15). But justice is delayed for the sake of salvation (Ps 73:3; 2 Pet 3:9).
Job 19:7 Cf. the parallel in Hab 1:2–4. Faith is required while waiting for Christ's day of justice.
Job 19:19 Job's abandonment by his friends anticipates Christ's abandonment on the cross (Ps 55:13; John 13:18).
Job 19:25 Job anticipates Christ's vindicating justification (Rom 4:25) and the public display of righteousness in the final judgment (2 Cor 5:10; Rev 20:11–15).
Job 19:26 Seeing God means seeing Christ—both now (John 14:9) and at the final consummation (Rev 22:4). See note on Exod 33:22.
Job 20:29 See note on 18:21.
Job 21:7 A similar struggle is found in Ps 73:3. See notes on 18:21 and 19:7.
Job 22:8 False accusations mirror Satan's accusations (1:11; 2:5) and anticipate the false accusations against Christ (Matt 26:59–60; 27:13; Luke 23:10, 14) and against His people (Rev 12:10).
Job 23:7 Job's longing to draw near to God and be declared innocent anticipates the justification received in Christ (Rom 4:25–5:1; 8:1).
Job 24:12 Cf. Ps 50:21 and note on 9:24.
Job 25:4 See note on 4:17.
Job 26:13 God's victory over the serpent anticipates the ultimate triumph over Satan through Christ (John 12:31; Rev 20:7–10). Job knew well that God's ways are beyond searching, yet he held fast to hope.
Job 27:5 Job's holding to his integrity anticipates Christ's unwavering faithfulness to God and our privilege of holding to His righteousness (2 Cor 5:21).
Job 28:12 Job could not fathom God's ways, but wisdom is ultimately found in Christ (1 Cor 1:30; Col 2:3).
Job 28:27 Wisdom was with God at creation, as described in Prov 8:22–31. The connection between wisdom and creation anticipates the revelation that Christ (the wisdom of God) was with God from the beginning and is the agent of creation (John 1:1–3; Col 1:15–17).
Job 28:28 Cf. Prov 1:7.
Job 29:3 Job's season of blessing anticipates the blessing that comes through Christ (John 8:12).
Job 30:10 See note on 17:6.
Job 30:20 The unanswered cry anticipates Christ's abandonment on the cross (Ps 22:1–2; Matt 27:46).
Job 31:1 Job's commitment to God anticipates Christ's perfect integrity (Heb 4:15).
Job 32:12 God places within us a longing for wisdom and understanding that can only be satisfied in Christ (1 Cor 1:30; Col 2:3; cf. notes on 28:12 and 28:27).
Job 33:23 The longing for a mediator anticipates Christ's unique mediatorial office (1 Tim 2:5–6; cf. notes on 9:14 and 9:33).
Job 34:11 That God rewards and punishes justly is a recurring theme (e.g., Ps 62:12; Prov 24:12; Rev 2:23; 20:12–13). But ultimate retribution awaits the accomplishment of justice and mercy in Christ (cf. notes on 8:3 and 11:17). God's justice does not support shallow conclusions about Job's situation.
Job 35:2 See notes on 34:11 and 8:3.
Job 37:5 God's wisdom is beyond reach and can only be known through Christ (Col 2:3; 1 Cor 1:30; cf. note on 28:12).
Job 37:24 The danger of human-centered wisdom is real (e.g., Prov 3:7; Rom 11:25; 12:16), and it prevents people from humbly seeking God and His wisdom in Christ (1 Cor 1:18–31).
Job 38:4 See note on 28:27.
Job 38:17 Only God has authority over death, anticipating Christ's victory over death (Heb 2:14–15; Rev 1:18).
Job 39:9 Wisdom and power belong to God, not to humanity (cf. note on 12:3).
Job 40:8 Humanity has a God-given sense of justice, but it proves inadequate before the depths of God's ways. The depth of God's justice, mercy, and wisdom will be displayed in Christ (1 Cor 1:30; cf. notes on 12:3 and 28:12).
Job 40:14 Job faces not only questions of wisdom and justice but ultimately the question of salvation. Salvation is finally accomplished in Christ (1 Cor 1:30).
Job 41:1 God has authority even over the most untameable of creatures, and will ultimately prevail over Satan—named Leviathan (Isa 27:1). Christ's victory over Satan (John 12:31) will ultimately answer all of humanity's frustration in the face of suffering and injustice (Rev 21:4).
Job 42:3 Job finds satisfaction in knowing God and His wisdom. Ultimate satisfaction is found in Christ (John 16:33; 17:3; Col 2:3; Rev 21:4).
Job 42:10 Job's vindication after suffering anticipates Christ's vindication after His suffering.
The Psalms express the emotional highs and lows of humanity's response to God, providing a permanent treasury for God's people to voice their needs and praise—both corporately and individually. As the representative human who experienced our condition without sinning, Christ made the Psalms his own prayers to God (see especially Heb 2:12; compare Matt 27:46 with Ps 22:1). The Psalms should therefore be read as his words, which through our union with him also become ours.
Ps 1:1 God's intention to bless the righteous finds its supreme expression in his blessing of Christ—the perfectly righteous one—by raising him from the dead and enthroning him (Phil 2:10–11).
Ps 2:1 The rebellion of the nations foreshadows the opposition to the message of Christ (Acts 4:25–27).
Ps 2:6 God used David and other kings of Israel to protect his people from their enemies. These kings foreshadowed Christ, who was appointed king at his resurrection (Acts 13:33) and now reigns on behalf of his people (Eph 1:20–22).
Ps 2:8 Christ rules over all nations (Matt 28:18; Eph 1:21).
Ps 2:12 Salvation or destruction depends on one's relationship to the Son (John 3:36).
Ps 3:1 Protection from earthly enemies foreshadows protection from the ultimate evil powers of Satan, sin, and death (Heb 2:14–15). God the Father delivered Christ from his enemies in the resurrection (Acts 3:13–15), which is also the basis of our salvation (Rom 4:25).
Ps 3:5 Being kept safe through the night anticipates the hope of resurrection after the "sleep" of death (Ps 13:3; 1 Thess 4:13–18).
Ps 4:7 The joy of knowing God anticipates the joy and peace promised by Christ (John 15:11; 16:33).
Ps 5:4 Sinners cannot stand before God's holiness. Christ's perfection enables us to come before God so that our prayers for salvation are heard (Heb 10:19–22).
Ps 5:9 See notes on Rom 3:13 and Ps 14:1.
Ps 5:12 See note on Ps 1:1.
Ps 6:2 The suffering of God's people ultimately proves analogous, at a lower level, to Christ's own suffering (Ps 22:14; Phil 3:10).
Ps 7:8 God's justice gives us hope of vindication even when we are in the wrong. But in the matter of eternal salvation, no one is righteous apart from Christ, and we must take refuge in him alone (Rom 3:23–26).
Ps 8:2 Praise from the mouths of infants anticipates the praise of children for Christ (Matt 21:16).
Ps 8:5 God gave Adam a role of dignity (Gen 1:28–30). But because of Adam's rebellion and that of his descendants (Rom 5:12–21), it is Christ who fulfilled this role and received glory and honor in his resurrection and ascension (Heb 2:5–9).
Ps 8:6 Dominion over all things is ultimately realized through Christ's rule (1 Cor 15:25–28; Eph 1:22; Heb 2:5–9).
Ps 9:13 Deliverance from death anticipates Christ's resurrection and, through him, the resurrection of those who belong to him (1 Cor 15:42–49; Col 3:1–4).
Ps 10:1 God's failure to respond immediately leaves us frustrated in our longing for justice. This frustration reached its peak in the death of Christ—which from a human perspective was a profound injustice (Luke 23:14–16). But God responded in the resurrection (Acts 3:13–16), and so we hope for further responses until the final consummation (Rev 21:4).
Ps 10:7 Human deceit is contrasted with the righteousness found only in Christ (Rom 3:14–26; see note on Ps 14:1).
Ps 11:4 The holiness and power of the Lord—supremely displayed in Christ—guarantees that his people will receive a response in their suffering.
Ps 12:6 Amid human lies, God's word is supremely true, anticipating the truth of Christ (John 14:6), who can save us from lies (John 8:44–47).
Ps 13:1 See note on Ps 10:1.
Ps 13:3 See note on Ps 3:5.
Ps 13:5 Salvation includes both Christ's own deliverance from death in the resurrection (Heb 5:7) and the deliverance of believers through Christ (Col 1:13).
Ps 14:1 In the ultimate sense, no one is righteous apart from Christ; only through him can we become a generation of the righteous (Rom 3:10–12).
Ps 15:2 Fellowship with the holy God ultimately requires perfection, which we receive through the mediatorial work of Christ—the ultimate high priest (Heb 10:19–22).
Ps 16:8 God's favor toward David points to the climactic response: Christ did not remain in the tomb but rose from the dead (Acts 2:25–33).
Ps 17:2 See note on Ps 7:8.
Ps 17:7 Christ, surpassing all others, waited on God to save him from his enemies (Matt 26:53; 27:43; 1 Pet 2:23).
Ps 17:15 Waking can refer to waking from sleep, but ultimately points to the new life of resurrection and seeing God face to face (Rev 22:4; see note on Ps 3:5).
Ps 18:1 David's song from 2 Samuel 22 was incorporated into the Psalter, indicating its relevance to all of God's people.
Ps 18:4 See note on Ps 9:13.
Ps 18:17 Christ's resurrection is the ultimate deliverance from enemies.
Ps 18:20 See note on Ps 7:8.
Ps 18:34 God gave the king the ability to prevail in battle in order to protect his people from enemy nations. The warfare of the Old Testament foreshadows Christ's conquest of all enemies (Matt 28:18–20; Eph 1:20–22; Rev 19:11–21).
Ps 18:49 See note on 2 Sam 22:50.
Ps 18:50 The victory of David's descendant ultimately points to Christ's victory in the resurrection (Rom 6:8–10).
Ps 19:1 God's revelation through nature leaves humanity without excuse (Rom 1:18–23).
Ps 19:7 The close relationship between God's instruction through creation (vv. 1–6) and through the law (vv. 7–14) anticipates Christ's role as mediator of both creation and redemption (Col 1:15–20).
Ps 20:6 The key to the salvation of all the people lies in the salvation of the anointed king. Christ's deliverance in the resurrection is the foundation of our salvation (1 Cor 15:17–22).
Ps 21:4 The blessing of long life granted to the Davidic king anticipates the blessing of Christ's eternal resurrection life as he sits at God's right hand (John 11:25; Rev 1:18).
Ps 21:8 See note on Ps 18:34.
Ps 22:1 The psalmist's suffering and abandonment foreshadow Christ's passion (Matt 27:46).
Ps 22:8 Bystanders mock Christ's trust in God (Matt 27:43).
Ps 22:18 Soldiers at the cross divided Christ's garments (Matt 27:35; John 19:23–24).
Ps 22:22 Public praise foreshadows Christ praising God before his people, because God accomplished salvation in him (Heb 2:12).
Ps 22:27 The promise of blessing for all nations in the Abrahamic covenant (Gen 12:3) will be fulfilled as the message of Christ's resurrection spreads (Matt 28:18–20; Luke 24:47; Gal 3:14).
Ps 23:1 Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:11–18, 27–29), embodying God's care for his people.
Ps 23:4 See note on Ps 9:13.
Ps 23:6 Dwelling in God's presence was personally accomplished for Christ at his ascension (John 16:10; Acts 1:9–11) and will be realized for believers at the final consummation (Rev 22:4).
Ps 24:4 See note on Ps 15:2.
Ps 24:7 The gates of heaven opened to receive Christ at his ascension (Luke 24:51; Heb 9:24).
Ps 25:2 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 25:4 Christ walked perfectly in the Lord's ways (John 5:36; 14:31). Through Christ and his teaching, and through the teaching of Christ's Spirit, believers learn discipleship and follow his path (John 14:6; 16:13).
Ps 26:1 Ultimate vindication is realized in Christ (1 Tim 3:16), who trusted the Lord completely and without wavering. In him, those who belong to him are vindicated (Rom 4:25).
Ps 26:12 See note on Ps 22:22.
Ps 27:1 Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12).
Ps 27:4 The joy of fellowship in God's presence anticipates the joy of knowing God through Christ (John 15:11; 16:24; 17:3; Rev 22:4). Christ has opened the way into the heavenly sanctuary (Heb 10:19–22).
Ps 27:11 See note on Ps 25:4.
Ps 28:8 The salvation of God's people is closely tied to the salvation of the anointed king. Both are accomplished in Christ—the Anointed One (Luke 4:18).
Ps 29:3 God's word is powerful to save and to destroy, anticipating the power of Christ—the Word (John 1:1)—and the power of the gospel (Rom 1:16; 2 Cor 2:15–17).
Ps 30:2 God's healing of physical illness anticipates deliverance from death (v. 3) and the eternal salvation that comes through Christ's resurrection (John 5:24; 11:25).
Ps 31:5 Trust in God for deliverance anticipates Christ's trust at the moment of his death (Luke 23:46).
Ps 32:1 Forgiveness of sin anticipates Christ's sacrifice as the ultimate basis for the forgiveness of sins (Rom 4:7–8).
Ps 33:6 The power and wisdom God displays in creation and providence evoke praise and encourage hope in his salvation. Present-day deliverance points to eternal salvation in Christ (see Ps 33:22; Matt 1:21; Luke 2:30).
Ps 34:8 Experiencing God's goodness anticipates experiencing goodness in Christ (1 Pet 2:3).
Ps 34:12 Christians now follow Christ—the Righteous One (Acts 3:14)—walking in the path of righteousness (1 Pet 3:10–12).
Ps 34:20 The Old Testament preservation of the righteous foreshadows the protection of Christ (John 19:36).
Ps 35:3 Every small deliverance in history foreshadows the climactic salvation in Christ—Christ's resurrection from the dead, through which we are delivered from sin and Satan (Col 1:13–14).
Ps 35:4 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 35:18 See note on Ps 22:22.
Ps 35:19 Hatred of the righteous foreshadows hatred of Christ (John 15:25).
Ps 36:1 See notes on Rom 3:18 and Ps 14:1.
Ps 36:8 Joy in God's presence anticipates the joy given by Christ (John 15:11), which will be fully realized at the final consummation (Rev 19:6–9).
Ps 36:11 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 37:9 At the final consummation, ultimate blessing will come to God's people and ultimate overthrow to his enemies (Rev 20:11–21:8). The first stage of this goal occurred in Christ's resurrection—in which he, as our representative, inherited the earth (Matt 28:18) and triumphed over the enemy (Col 2:15).
Ps 38:1 Deliverance from God's wrath ultimately comes through Christ (John 3:36; Rom 5:1).
Ps 38:4 See note on Ps 32:1.
Ps 39:4 The threat of death overshadows all human existence and can ultimately be resolved only through Christ's resurrection (1 Cor 15:12–26, 35–58).
Ps 40:7 The psalmist's longing to serve God foreshadows Christ's perfect willing obedience and his perfect sacrifice (Heb 10:5–10).
Ps 40:9 See note on Ps 22:22.
Ps 41:9 The psalmist's betrayal foreshadows Judas's betrayal of Christ (John 13:18).
Ps 41:12 Enjoying God's presence forever anticipates Christ's resurrection (Heb 9:24).
Ps 42:7 Floods of suffering threaten death (see Jonah 2:3). This God-ordained suffering anticipates Christ's passion and death, while the hope of deliverance anticipates his resurrection.
Ps 43:1 See note on Ps 26:1.
Ps 43:3 Coming before God foreshadows Christ entering heaven as our representative (Heb 9:12).
Ps 44:22 The victory based on Christ's resurrection sustains God's people in persecution (Rom 8:36).
Ps 45:6 The Davidic king foreshadows God's divine rule through the Son (Heb 1:8–9).
Ps 45:11 The marriage of the Davidic king foreshadows the union of Christ and the church (Eph 5:25–27).
Ps 46:5 God dwelling with his people anticipates his dwelling with us in Christ (John 1:14; 2:19–21; Eph 2:20–22).
Ps 47:9 The promise of God subduing the nations is fulfilled in Christ (Matt 28:18–20; Luke 24:47; Eph 1:20–22; Rev 5:9–10).
Ps 48:1 Jerusalem as the holy city foreshadows the heavenly Jerusalem (Gal 4:26; Heb 12:22–24; Rev 21:2, 9–10), which is both a present reality in Christ and a future hope.
Ps 49:7 Only trust in God is the answer to death. This trust anticipates faith in Christ's resurrection (Rom 10:9) and our hope in the future resurrection (1 Cor 15:42–57; 1 Thess 4:13–18).
Ps 50:4 God executes judgment in preliminary ways and in a climactic way at the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15).
Ps 50:15 True dependence on God is both accomplished in Christ's trust in God (see note on Ps 31:5) and realized in our faith in Christ (Rom 10:9).
Ps 51:1 See note on Ps 32:1.
Ps 51:7 Hyssop alludes to purification rituals (Lev 14:4; Num 19:18), which point to the ultimate cleansing of sin through Christ's work (Heb 9:19–28).
Ps 52:5 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 52:8 The Old Testament enjoyment of God's house foreshadows the eternal enjoyment of God's presence in Christ—both in this life (John 15:11–16) and at the final consummation (Rev 22:2–4).
Ps 53:1 This psalm closely parallels Psalm 14. See note on Ps 14:1.
Ps 54:1 The role of God's name in salvation anticipates salvation found only in the name of Christ (Acts 4:12).
Ps 54:4 God sustaining life foreshadows the granting of eternal life in Christ's resurrection (1 Cor 15:42–57; Col 3:1–4).
Ps 54:5 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 55:3 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 55:13 Betrayal by a friend anticipates Judas's betrayal of Christ (John 13:18).
Ps 56:1 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 56:3 The psalmist's trust in God anticipates both Christ's trust in the Father during his earthly life (Heb 2:13; see note on Ps 31:5) and the Christian's trust in Christ (Acts 16:31).
Ps 56:13 Deliverance from death anticipates resurrection (see note on Ps 9:13).
Ps 57:2 God's saving acts accomplish his plans and purposes from eternity (Eph 1:3–4, 11).
Ps 57:9 The message of salvation reaching the nations anticipates the spread of the gospel (Luke 24:47; see note on Ps 22:27).
Ps 58:2 Anguish over injustice will be satisfied when God executes righteous judgment (Ps 58:11). The longing for justice anticipates the righteousness accomplished in Christ's resurrection (Rom 4:25) and the justice of the final judgment (Rev 20:11–21:8). See note on Ps 10:1.
Ps 59:1 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 59:8 As described in Ps 2:4, God will overcome the rebellious nations through his Anointed One—the Messiah (Ps 2:6–7; Acts 13:33).
Ps 60:12 Earthly enemies foreshadow the ultimate enemies of sin, death, and Satan, who are subdued by Christ (1 Cor 15:25–28; Eph 1:20–22; Heb 2:14–15; see note on Ps 3:1).
Ps 61:7 The blessing of the king is key to the salvation of all God's people. The Davidic king anticipates Christ—the King (Matt 1:1–16).
Ps 62:1 Salvation coming from God rather than from humans anticipates Christ—the incarnate God—as the one who brings salvation (John 1:14; 10:30).
Ps 63:2 True satisfaction found only in God anticipates the satisfaction and blessing found in Christ (John 15:11; Eph 1:3–14; Rev 22:3–5).
Ps 63:11 See note on Ps 61:7.
Ps 64:2 Evil that is hidden and deceitful is all the more dangerous. This deceit anticipates Satan's deception (Rev 12:9). See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 65:4 Salvation means enjoying God's presence. This salvation is accomplished through Christ—God's chosen unique representative—coming before God (Luke 9:35; Heb 10:19–22), through whom we draw near to God and receive blessing (Eph 1:3–14).
Ps 65:9 The abundance of the land as a blessing for God's people anticipates the abundance of the final consummation (Rev 22:1–5).
Ps 66:6 God's deliverance in the exodus gives hope for further acts of salvation, culminating in the eternal salvation accomplished in Christ (Col 1:13).
Ps 67:2 Salvation spreading to all nations anticipates the proclamation of the gospel to all peoples (Luke 24:47).
Ps 68:1 God rising up against his enemies anticipates Christ's resurrection as a triumph over spiritual enemies (Col 2:15; Heb 2:14–15).
Ps 68:18 God ascending on high to reign anticipates Christ's resurrection and ascension—through which enemies are subdued and his people are saved (Eph 4:8–16).
Ps 68:26 Praise is the fitting response to God's salvation (Eph 5:19–20; Heb 13:15; see note on Ps 22:22).
Ps 69:2 See note on Ps 42:7.
Ps 69:9 The psalmist's zeal foreshadows Christ's zeal for God's name and God's house (John 2:17; Rom 15:3).
Ps 69:21 The cruelty of enemies foreshadows the treatment Christ received from his enemies at the cross (Matt 27:48).
Ps 69:22 The longing for judgment on God's enemies finds fulfillment in Rom 11:9–10.
Ps 69:25 The punishment of the wicked finds notable fulfillment in the fate of Judas (Acts 1:20).
Ps 70:4 Praise and adoration arising from God's salvation anticipates the praise arising from salvation in Christ (Eph 1:3–14; 5:19–20).
Ps 71:6 The psalmist's trust in God foreshadows Christ's trust in the Father (Ps 22:8–9) and serves as a model for our trust in Christ (see note on Ps 56:3).
Ps 71:11 Those enemies foreshadow Christ's enemies, who thought they had won when Christ was on the cross.
Ps 71:14 See notes on Ps 22:22 and 68:26.
Ps 72:1 The Davidic king plays a key role in the administration of justice. The climactic accomplishment of justice comes through Christ—the King (Matt 1:1–16; Rom 3:24–26; 4:25).
Ps 72:8 The dominion of the Davidic king is fulfilled in Christ's universal reign (Isa 9:6–7; 1 Cor 15:24–28; Eph 1:20–21).
Ps 72:19 God's glory filling the whole earth will be realized at the final consummation (Rev 21:22–27).
Ps 73:3 See note on Ps 10:1.
Ps 73:17 In God's presence in the sanctuary, human confusion finds its answer. God's presence anticipates God's presence in Christ (John 1:14; 2:19–21; 14:9–10).
Ps 74:3 The destruction of the sanctuary—the place of God's presence—foreshadows Christ's destruction in death. But God responded in Christ's resurrection and accomplished his promises (2 Cor 1:20). Through union with Christ, we share in his death and resurrection (2 Cor 4:7–15; Phil 3:10–11).
Ps 74:10 See note on Ps 10:1.
Ps 74:13 God's parting of the sea at the exodus symbolizes his power over chaos and his ability to save his people from death. His victory in the exodus anticipates Christ's triumph over death and Satan (Heb 2:14–15).
Ps 75:7 God's governance of kings in his providence, and his preliminary judgments in history, give us hope for the climactic judgment. This climactic judgment began when God raised Christ from the dead and exalted him to the highest place (1 Cor 15:20–28; Phil 2:10–11).
Ps 75:8 See note on Ps 3:1.
Ps 76:3 The establishment of peace in God's dwelling foreshadows the peace brought by Christ (John 16:33): first, peace with God (Rom 5:1–10), and then peace with one another (Matt 18:15–20; 1 Corinthians 12).
Ps 76:9 See note on Ps 50:4.
Ps 77:11 Remembering God's past acts of salvation—such as the exodus (v. 19)—strengthens hope for present and future salvation. We now look back to the climactic salvation in Christ's death and resurrection (Acts 2:29–41; Rom 4:25).
Ps 78:2 Explaining the deeper meaning of God's past saving acts anticipates Christ's role in interpreting the significance of God's works (Matt 13:34–35).
Ps 78:4 See note on Ps 77:11.
Ps 78:17 Israel's rebellious heart can ultimately be overcome only through the renewal of the heart in Christ's new covenant (Heb 8:8–13).
Ps 78:72 Israel's rebellion showed their need for a shepherd-king to lead them. David was the preliminary fulfillment (v. 70), pointing to Christ as the ultimate shepherd (Ezek 34:23–24; John 10:11, 14).
Ps 79:1 See note on Ps 74:3.
Ps 79:9 Ultimate salvation and the glory of God's holy name are accomplished through Christ (John 13:31–32; 17:1–5).
Ps 80:1 Christ is the true good shepherd (John 10:11, 14).
Ps 80:17 The "son of man"—the key representative of God's people—is ultimately Christ (Matt 26:64; see note on Ps 61:7).
Ps 81:1 Praise is the fitting response to God's salvation (see note on Ps 68:26).
Ps 81:13 See note on Ps 78:17.
Ps 82:2 Judges failing to administer justice points to the need for God's ultimate judgment. He has already administered justice in Christ (Rom 4:25) and will execute final judgment at the consummation (Rev 20:11–21:8).
Ps 82:6 Judges who reflect God's authority (Rom 13:1) anticipate Christ—who is the true image of God (Heb 1:3) and is God himself (John 10:34–36).
Ps 83:1 See note on Ps 10:1.
Ps 83:9 The destruction of Israel's enemies foreshadows the destruction of the ultimate enemies—sin, death, and Satan (Heb 2:14–15; Rev 21:4; see note on Ps 3:1).
Ps 84:1 The Old Testament dwelling place of God foreshadows Christ as God's dwelling place (John 1:14; 2:19–21), the church as God's dwelling place through the Spirit (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20–22), and the new Jerusalem as the final dwelling place (Rev 21:2–3, 22–22:5). See notes on Ps 23:6 and 27:4.
Ps 85:4 Israel's forgiveness in the Old Testament anticipates the eternal forgiveness found in Christ (Col 1:13–14).
Ps 86:2 See note on Ps 35:3.
Ps 86:9 All nations coming to worship is fulfilled in Christ (Luke 24:47; see note on Ps 57:9).
Ps 86:11 See note on Ps 25:4.
Ps 87:4 Other peoples being incorporated into the holy city is realized as the nations turn to Christ (Luke 24:47; Rev 5:9–10; 21:24–26).
Ps 88:3 The psalmist's anguish foreshadows Christ's passion (Luke 24:26–27; see note on Ps 22:1).
Ps 89:4 The promise concerning the offspring is ultimately fulfilled in Christ (Matt 1:1–16). But before victory comes suffering, abandonment, and the apparent failure of the promise—all of which anticipate Christ's passion.
Ps 89:48 Christ's resurrection is the ultimate answer to death (1 Cor 15:50–57; Heb 2:14–15).
Ps 90:3 See note on Ps 89:48.
Ps 90:17 Although death is a reality, Christ's resurrection guarantees victory and demonstrates that labor has eternal significance (1 Cor 15:58).
Ps 91:1 God is our ultimate dwelling place and protection, foreshadowing Christ as dwelling place and protection (John 1:14; 10:27–30).
Ps 92:1 See note on Ps 68:26.
Ps 92:13 Bearing fruit comes from being in God's presence (see Ps 1:3). Fruitfulness foreshadows Christ's fruitfulness (Isa 53:10) and the fruitfulness of those who belong to him (John 15:1–16).
Ps 93:1 See note on Ps 11:4.
Ps 93:4 The Lord's power is greater than the overwhelming threat of the waters. The power to overcome the waters of death foreshadows the power of Christ's resurrection (Eph 1:19–22; see note on Ps 42:7).
Ps 94:2 See notes on Ps 50:4 and 58:2.
Ps 94:3 See note on Ps 10:1.
Ps 94:11 The limitations of human thinking are contrasted with God's wisdom—wisdom that is found in Christ (1 Cor 3:20; Col 2:3).
Ps 94:15 The ultimate justice accomplished in Christ will benefit all who belong to him (1 Cor 15:42–49).
Ps 95:1 See note on Ps 68:26.
Ps 95:8 Israel's rebellion (Num 14; Deut 32:5) serves as a warning for all time (Heb 4:7–12). Trust in God—supremely expressed as trust in Christ—is the fitting response to God (Heb 4:2).
Ps 96:1 See note on Ps 68:26.
Ps 96:3 Proclaiming to the nations anticipates the spread of the gospel (Luke 24:47; Acts 1:8; see note on Ps 22:27).
Ps 97:2 See note on Ps 7:8.
Ps 97:8 God's people can rejoice in judgment ultimately because Christ has borne the penalty for our sins, enabling us to receive blessing in him (2 Cor 5:21).
Ps 98:1 See notes on Psalm 96 and Ps 68:26.
Ps 98:7 The ultimate salvation in Christ includes blessing for all nations (see note on Ps 22:27) and the renewal of the world itself (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1).
Ps 99:3 See note on Ps 11:4.
Ps 99:4 Experiencing the benefits of justice makes us long for ultimate justice, which is realized in Christ and his work of justification (Rom 3:23–26; 4:25–5:1). Justice includes both vindication for God's people and the destruction of enemies. The ultimate enemies are sin, death, and Satan (see note on Ps 3:1).
Ps 100:4 The way into God's presence has been opened through Christ (John 14:6; Heb 10:19–22).
Ps 101:5 The Davidic king's zeal to eliminate evil foreshadows Christ's power to overcome all evil and to renew people (John 13:10; Eph 4:20–24).
Ps 102:3 See note on Ps 6:2.
Ps 102:15 See note on Ps 22:27.
Ps 102:16 God's glory reaches its climactic manifestation in Christ (John 1:14; 13:31–32; 17:1–5).
Ps 102:26 Through Christ, God's eternal and unchanging character benefits us (Heb 1:10–12).
Ps 103:4 Previous acts of redemption point to the climactic redemption in Christ.
Ps 104:2 God's people should praise him for his works of creation and providence, seeing in them the display of his power and goodness. His power and goodness are most supremely revealed in Christ (John 1:14; Eph 1:3–14).
Ps 105:5 God's faithfulness throughout the ages motivates Israel to respond in faithfulness. Christians look back not only to God's saving acts in the Old Testament but also to the climactic salvation in Christ—which provides the ultimate foundation for our faith.
Ps 106:6 Israel's unfaithfulness to God is answered by Christ's obedience, which is then continued in the obedience of God's people who follow Christ (John 14:15; Eph 2:10).
Ps 107:2 God's acts of redemption in the Old Testament foreshadow the ultimate redemption in Christ (Col 1:13–14).
Ps 108:6 See note on Ps 35:3.
Ps 108:7 God's resolve to subdue enemies finds its climactic fulfillment in Christ—both in his resurrection (Heb 2:14–15) and in his return (Rev 19:11–21).
Ps 109:8 Judas is the prime example of the enemy judged by God (Acts 1:20; see note on Ps 69:25).
Ps 109:31 Christ himself was rescued from death in the resurrection, and so he is able to save us from death as well (John 11:25; Heb 2:14–15; Rev 1:18).
Ps 110:1 The Messiah surpasses David and exercises universal dominion (Matt 22:44–45; Acts 2:34–36; 1 Cor 15:25–28; Eph 1:22; Heb 1:13).
Ps 110:4 The Messiah holds an eternal priesthood surpassing that of Aaron (Heb 5:6; 7:21–8:2).
Ps 111:1 See note on Ps 22:22.
Ps 111:9 Ultimate redemption and the final fulfillment of God's covenant are accomplished in Christ (2 Cor 1:20; Heb 7:25; 8:6–13).
Ps 112:1 Christ is the supremely righteous one (Acts 3:14), and in him we also receive the reward of the righteous (Eph 1:3–14). See note on Ps 1:1.
Ps 112:9 The principle of generous giving continues in the New Testament (2 Cor 9:9).
Ps 113:7 Care for the humble and poor finds its supreme expression in Christ (Luke 1:48–55; 6:20).
Ps 114:3 The crossing of the Red Sea (Exod 14–15) and the Jordan River (Josh 3) were acts of salvation and symbolic triumphs over death, anticipating Christ's victory (John 10:18; 11:25; Rev 1:18; 21:4).
Ps 115:1 God receives supreme glory in Christ's work, and his faithfulness is displayed through it (John 13:31–32; 17:1–5).
Ps 116:3 See notes on Ps 9:13 and 13:5.
Ps 116:13 See note on Ps 68:26.
Ps 116:15 God's continued care for his saints after death implies the hope of resurrection (John 11:25; 1 Thess 4:13–18).
Ps 117:1 All nations will ultimately come to praise God for the salvation found in Christ (Rom 15:11), fulfilling the promise to Abraham (Gen 12:3; see note on Ps 22:27).
Ps 118:5 See note on Ps 35:3.
Ps 118:6 God has demonstrated his faithfulness in Christ, giving us all the more reason to trust him (Heb 13:6).
Ps 118:22 The Lord's exaltation of the stone rejected by people is fulfilled in the exaltation of Christ (Matt 21:42; Luke 20:17; Acts 4:11–12; Eph 2:20–22; 1 Pet 2:4–7).
Ps 118:26 Israel should have recognized Jesus as the one bringing God's salvation (Matt 23:39).
Ps 119:1 Those whose hearts are renewed delight in obeying God, learning from his word and receiving guidance. Christ obeyed God perfectly (Heb 10:7–10), and through his Spirit we are conformed to his image (Rom 8:9–17; 2 Cor 3:18), becoming servants who obey God. Delight in God's word anticipates delight in Christ—who is the Word of God (John 1:1).
Ps 119:11 Storing God's word in the heart anticipates the new covenant (Heb 8:10–13; 10:16–18).
Ps 120:1 See note on Ps 35:3.
Ps 120:2 Deliverance from deceit anticipates the purity of God's word and God's act of saving us from Satan's deception through Christ (Rev 12:9; see note on Ps 64:2).
Ps 121:2 Salvation coming from God alone anticipates Christ as the divine Savior.
Ps 122:1 The joy of experiencing God's presence in his house anticipates the joy of God's presence in Christ (John 1:14; 15:11; see note on Ps 27:4).
Ps 122:6 Jerusalem as God's city foreshadows the heavenly Jerusalem (Gal 4:26–28; Heb 12:22–24), of which we are citizens (Phil 3:20). Christ has given peace to his people (John 16:33; Eph 4:3; Col 3:15).
Ps 123:2 Mercy is ultimately received through Christ (Eph 2:4; see note on Ps 121:2).
Ps 124:4 See note on Ps 42:7.
Ps 125:1 Trust in Yahweh anticipates trust in Christ (Acts 16:31), who supremely displays God's faithfulness.
Ps 126:1 Deliverance from misfortune foreshadows the great salvation in Christ (John 16:20–22).
Ps 127:1 Earthly achievement requires the Lord's power, anticipating that only God can accomplish eternal salvation through Christ (John 15:4–5; Acts 4:12).
Ps 128:1 See note on Ps 112:1.
Ps 128:2 Present-day blessings foreshadow the eternal blessings in Christ (Eph 1:3–14; Rev 21:1–4).
Ps 129:1 See note on Ps 6:2.
Ps 129:5 See note on Ps 60:12.
Ps 130:4 Forgiveness is ultimately accomplished in Christ (Col 1:13–14; see note on Ps 32:1).
Ps 131:1 The psalmist's humble trust anticipates Christ's humble trust in the Father (Matt 11:29; Heb 5:7–10) and serves as a model for the Christian's trust in Christ (Acts 16:31).
Ps 132:12 The promise to David reaches its climax in Christ—David's descendant (Matt 1:1–16), who is both the Davidic king and the priest in God's heavenly dwelling (Ps 110:2, 4; Heb 8:1–2).
Ps 133:1 The unity of God's people is produced in Christ and in his Spirit (Eph 4:1–6).
Ps 134:1 Praise to God points to the praise offered by Christ (Heb 2:12), the praise of God's new covenant people (Eph 5:19–20; Heb 13:15), and the praise at the final consummation (Rev 19:1–10).
Ps 135:4 God's acts of grace and salvation toward his people in the Old Testament anticipate the climactic salvation accomplished in Christ (Luke 2:30–32; Acts 4:12).
Ps 136:4 God's works of creation, providence, and merciful salvation display his steadfast love—which has now reached its climactic revelation in the salvation found in Christ (John 1:14).
Ps 137:6 The desolation of God's holy city creates a longing for future blessing and the destruction of God's enemies. God's ultimate answer is found in the salvation of Christ and the final judgment (Rev 20:11–21:8). Jerusalem foreshadows the heavenly Jerusalem (Gal 4:26–27; Heb 12:22–24).
Ps 138:3 See note on Ps 35:3.
Ps 138:4 See note on Ps 22:27.
Ps 138:6 Care for the humble is realized in Christ (Luke 1:48–55).
Ps 139:1 God's detailed knowledge of and care for the psalmist anticipates God's care for us (John 10:14–16).
Ps 140:1 Deliverance from enemies foreshadows Christ's deliverance from his enemies—both human and spiritual (Matt 26:46; Col 2:15)—and our deliverance from sin, death, and Satan in Christ (Heb 2:14–15).
Ps 140:3 See notes on Rom 3:13 and Ps 14:1.
Ps 141:3 The need for careful speech—whether in prayer or otherwise—anticipates the purity of Christ's speech (John 8:43–47) and the purity we receive from Christ (John 17:17–19). Our prayers are heard because of him (John 14:13–14; 1 John 5:14–15).
Ps 142:4 See notes on Ps 6:2 and 22:1.
Ps 142:6 Deliverance from persecutors anticipates Christ's deliverance from his persecutors after his humiliation in crucifixion and death.
Ps 143:2 Perfect righteousness is found only in Christ, who provides righteousness for those who belong to him (2 Cor 5:21; see notes on Ps 7:8 and 14:1).
Ps 144:1 See note on Ps 18:34.
Ps 144:10 David's deliverance foreshadows the ultimate deliverance given to Christ—David's descendant. See notes on Ps 2:6 and 18:50.
Ps 145:1 See note on Ps 68:26.
Ps 145:8 The Lord's grace and mercy reach their climactic outpouring in the salvation found in Christ (Rom 8:32).
Ps 146:3 No human being can bring salvation, pointing to the necessity that Christ be both God and man (John 1:14).
Ps 147:5 God's greatness and goodness in providence and redemption evoke praise and trust. God's goodness has now been most supremely displayed in Christ (Rom 8:32).
Ps 148:3 Creation proclaims the character of the Creator (Ps 19:1–6), anticipating the even more glorious praise at the final consummation (Rev 21:1–4). Creation reflects the glory of the Son—the mediator of creation (John 1:1–3; Col 1:15–17).
Ps 149:4 See note on Ps 68:26.
Ps 149:7 At Christ's return, the rebellious nations will be subdued (Rev 19:11–21). Before that, gracious subduing comes through the power of the gospel (Matt 28:18–20).
Ps 150:2 See note on Ps 68:26. Praise—rather than cries of suffering—occupies the final position in the Psalter, anticipating Christ's victory (Eph 4:8) and the ultimate end of suffering (Rev 21:4).
Wisdom ultimately comes from God and His teaching, foreshadowing Christ as the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:30; Col 2:3), in whom and in whose teaching we find the way of life and righteousness (John 14:6, 23–24). Through the Holy Spirit, we are enabled to walk in the right path (Gal 5:16–26).
Prov 1:1 Solomon's wisdom foreshadows the wisdom of his greater descendant, Jesus Christ (1 Cor 1:30; cf. note on 1 Kgs 2:6).
Prov 1:7 Wisdom is to be sought from God, foreshadowing that we are to seek wisdom from Christ—God incarnate (John 1:14; Col 2:3).
Prov 1:8 Heeding one's parents is one aspect of honoring them, a principle that endures (Exod 20:12; Eph 6:1–3). In the church, we now instruct children in distinctively Christian ways (Eph 6:4). The archetype of this obedient listening is found in the relationship between the Son of God and the Father (John 8:28–29).
Prov 1:18 The principle of just retribution has broad application (Obad 15) and will be fully realized at the last day (Rev 20:12–14).
Prov 1:19 Sin leads to death (Rom 6:23), but in Christ there is life (John 14:6; 1 John 5:12).
Prov 1:20 Wisdom's call foreshadows the call of the gospel, which contains the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:18–25; 2:6–10).
Prov 2:4 Diligently seeking wisdom foreshadows the need to seek the kingdom of God (Matt 13:44).
Prov 2:13 The path of the righteous finds its ultimate destination in Jesus Christ—the perfectly righteous one (John 14:6). All other paths lead to destruction (Matt 7:13–14; Acts 4:12).
Prov 2:16 Wisdom includes avoiding not only literal adultery but also spiritual unfaithfulness—that is, idolatry (Exod 34:16; Hos 1:2; 2:1–5; 3:1–3; 2 Cor 11:3).
Prov 2:21 Blessings in this present age foreshadow the blessings of eternal salvation (Eph 1:3–14).
Prov 3:2 Long life foreshadows the eternal life that comes through fellowship with Christ—the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:30).
Prov 3:5 Trusting in Yahweh foreshadows trusting in Christ, who is Yahweh's salvation (Acts 16:31).
Prov 3:11 Christians, as God's children, receive the Lord's discipline (Heb 12:5–6).
Prov 3:18 Possessing the tree of life foreshadows the ultimate inheritance in the new heaven and new earth (Rev 2:7; 22:1–2).
Prov 3:34 The call to humility foreshadows the role of humility in the New Testament (Matt 11:29; Jas 4:6; 1 Pet 5:5).
Prov 4:13 Teaching about the way of life foreshadows Christ's teaching—He is the way, the truth, and the life (John 14:6).
Prov 5:3 See note on Prov 2:16.
Prov 5:5 Christ ultimately rescues us from death (John 11:25–26), and as part of that rescue He grants us wisdom and uprightness of heart (1 Cor 1:30).
Prov 6:6 The deepest motivation for diligent work comes from the hope that is ultimately fulfilled in Christ (1 Cor 15:58).
Prov 6:24 See note on Prov 2:16.
Prov 7:21 Smooth, deceptive speech is ultimately connected to the craftiness of Satan (John 8:44–47; Rev 12:9).
Prov 8:1 See note on Prov 1:20.
Prov 8:22 Wisdom's existence with God from eternity foreshadows the eternality of the second person of the Trinity—the Word of God and mediator of creation (John 1:1–3).
Prov 8:35 Life ultimately comes from Christ, who is life itself (John 14:6) and the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:30).
Prov 9:2 The invitation to a feast foreshadows Christ's spiritual nourishment (John 6:52–58) and the coming wedding supper of the Lamb (Rev 19:9).
Prov 9:18 See note on Prov 1:19.
Prov 10:1 On Solomon, see notes on Prov 1:1 and 1 Kgs 2:6.
Prov 10:2 The blessings enjoyed by the righteous foreshadow the blessings of Christ—the perfectly righteous one—and of those who are in Him (Eph 1:3–14).
Prov 10:12 Wisdom transforms relationships between people, foreshadowing the renewal brought about through love in the New Testament (John 13:34–35; 1 John 3:16–18; 4:7–21).
Prov 10:21 Benefiting others foreshadows the blessing of gracious speech in the church (Eph 4:14–16; Col 3:16; 4:6).
Prov 11:2 The value of humility foreshadows the humility of Christ (Matt 11:29) and of His people (Luke 14:11; Eph 4:2; cf. note on Prov 3:34).
Prov 11:3 See note on Prov 2:13.
Prov 11:4 Temporary deliverance from death foreshadows the promise of eternal life, which is grounded in the righteousness of Christ (John 5:24; Rom 4:25; cf. note on Prov 2:13).
Prov 12:18 The blessing of wise words foreshadows the blessing of Christ's words (John 6:63) and the words of His followers (Eph 4:29; Col 4:6).
Prov 13:4 See note on Prov 6:6.
Prov 13:14 Christ, the supreme wise one, possesses the words of eternal life (John 6:68–69).
Prov 13:24 Christians are to raise their children in Christ (Eph 6:1–4; cf. note on Prov 1:8).
Prov 14:2 Genuine trust in Christ will inevitably be demonstrated in obedience (Gal 5:13–26; Jas 2:14–26).
Prov 15:1 Gentle words foreshadow the gentleness of Christ (Matt 11:29). Gentleness is also to characterize His people (Gal 5:23; Eph 4:2, 25–29).
Prov 16:3 Only through union with Christ can we bear fruit (John 15:1–11).
Prov 16:12 The duty of rulers to administer justice foreshadows Christ—the great King who brings perfect righteousness (Rom 3:26; Rev 19:11).
Prov 17:3 The Lord's scrutiny is complete (Heb 4:12–13), which means people need to be cleansed (Heb 9:9–14).
Prov 18:3 Present-day judgment on wickedness foreshadows the ultimate judgment at the last day (Rev 20:11–15), underscoring the necessity of repentance.
Prov 19:1 We must discern true values and seek God's kingdom first (Matt 6:33).
Prov 19:5 See note on Prov 18:3.
Prov 19:11 A readiness to forgive foreshadows Christ's forgiveness (Col 1:14) and the practice of mutual forgiveness among His people (Col 3:13; Jas 1:19).
Prov 20:8 Those in authority have an obligation to punish wrongdoing (Deut 16:18–20; Rom 13:1–4). In this they foreshadow God's final judgment (Rev 20:11–15).
Prov 20:22 Vengeance belongs to God (Rom 12:17–21). Christ Himself patiently waited for vindication (1 Pet 2:21–23).
Prov 21:3 Cf. 1 Sam 15:22–23 and Mic 6:6–8. The demand for genuine obedience is ultimately a demand for perfect obedience, which is fulfilled in Christ (Heb 10:5–10).
Prov 22:4 See note on Prov 2:21.
Prov 23:4 The warning against greed foreshadows Jesus' teaching on true wealth (Luke 12:22–40; 16:10–13; Eph 5:5).
Prov 23:13 See note on Prov 13:24.
Prov 23:19 The righteous path finds its ultimate destination in Christ (John 14:6). Cf. note on Prov 1:8.
Prov 23:30 The warning against drunkenness is reiterated in the New Testament and supplemented with a positive command—to be filled with the Holy Spirit (Eph 5:18).
Prov 24:3 Human use of wisdom reflects God's own use of wisdom (Prov 8:22–31) and foreshadows Christ—the wisdom of God (1 Cor 1:30)—who builds His church (Matt 16:18).
Prov 24:19 See note on Ps 10:1.
Prov 24:30 See note on Prov 6:6.
Prov 25:7 The principle of humility is further developed in Christ's teaching and example (Luke 14:7–11).
Prov 25:11 See notes on Prov 12:18 and Prov 15:1.
Prov 25:21 The principle of treating enemies with kindness is further developed in Christ's example and teaching (Matt 5:43–48; Rom 12:20–21).
Prov 26:3 The answer to folly and its consequences lies in seeking the wisdom of Christ (1 Cor 1:30; Col 2:3).
Prov 26:11 Turning back from following the way of Christ is an act of folly (2 Pet 2:22).
Prov 26:13 See note on Prov 6:6.
Prov 26:20 The remedy for contentious speech lies in the peace of Christ and the ability He gives His people to live in harmony with one another (Col 3:13–15).
Prov 27:3 See note on Prov 26:20.
Prov 27:11 See note on Prov 13:24.
Prov 28:1 The boldness of the righteous foreshadows the fearlessness of Christ's followers (2 Cor 3:12; Phil 1:28–30).
Prov 28:2 See note on Prov 16:12.
Prov 28:9 God's desire for righteousness and obedience is fulfilled in Christ (2 Cor 5:21; cf. note on Prov 21:3).
Prov 29:2 See note on Prov 16:12.
Prov 29:25 Trusting in Yahweh foreshadows trusting in Christ (cf. Prov 3:5).
Prov 30:4 The inaccessibility of wisdom to human beings points to the need for Christ, who came down from heaven (John 3:12–15; 6:33, 50–51).
Prov 31:3 See note on Prov 2:16.
Prov 31:10 The excellent wife foreshadows the excellence of the church—the bride of Christ (Eph 5:25–27; Rev 19:7–8).
The vanity, frustration, and injustice that life "under the sun" presents calls for an answer from God. Through His suffering and resurrection, Christ provides the firstfruits of meaning, satisfaction, and new life (1 Cor 15:22–23; John 10:10), all of which will be fully realized in the new heaven and new earth at the end of the age (Rev 21:1–4).
Eccl 1:14 The collapse of human achievement renders life meaningless—unless an answer is found in God. The dismantling of false ambition gives rise to a longing for the rest that Christ brings (Matt 11:28–30).
Eccl 2:10 The fleeting pleasures of this life stand in contrast to the eternal joy found in God's presence (Ps 16:11; John 15:11; Rev 21:4).
Eccl 2:14 The wisdom of this present age stands in contrast to the wisdom that endures forever in Christ (1 Cor 1:30).
Eccl 2:16 What humanity needs is a way out of death, and that way comes through Christ alone (1 Cor 15:54–58).
Eccl 3:11 Now, in the light of revelation, we can know that God's purpose is to unite all things in Christ (1 Cor 2:9–10; Eph 1:10).
Eccl 3:12 One need not understand everything in order to live joyfully as a servant of Christ (John 15:11), trusting that God's plan is good (Rom 8:28).
Eccl 3:17 God will execute final judgment (Rev 20:11–21:8). But until then, we must endure much injustice (John 16:33).
Eccl 3:20 See note on Eccl 2:16.
Eccl 4:1 See note on Eccl 3:17.
Eccl 4:9 The virtue of working together foreshadows the mutual support found within the body of Christ (1 Cor 12).
Eccl 5:8 See note on Eccl 3:17.
Eccl 5:10 The transient nature of wealth means we should invest in the kingdom of God (Matt 6:33; Luke 12:22–34).
Eccl 7:2 See notes on Eccl 2:10 and Eccl 2:16.
Eccl 7:15 See note on Eccl 3:17.
Eccl 7:18 When confused and frustrated by outward circumstances, we must hold fast to trust in God. God brings ultimate deliverance from vanity in Christ (Rev 21:1–4).
Eccl 8:14 See note on Eccl 3:17.
Eccl 8:15 See note on Eccl 3:12.
Eccl 9:5 See note on Eccl 2:16.
Eccl 9:7 See note on Eccl 3:12.
Eccl 9:16 The pursuit of wisdom ultimately reaches its pinnacle in Christ—who is the wisdom of God (Matt 12:42; 1 Cor 1:30).
Eccl 10:17 A wise ruler can significantly transform the character of a nation. The ultimate, perfect ruler is Christ Himself, who brings the kingdom of God and everlasting righteousness (Matt 12:28; Rev 21:1–4).
Eccl 11:1 Work done for Christ will be rewarded (Col 3:22–25).
Eccl 12:1 See note on Eccl 1:14.
Eccl 12:7 Facing death causes one to set aside the pursuit of self-achievement and pleasure and to seek God instead (cf. note on Eccl 2:16).
Eccl 12:14 Facing the final judgment (Rev 20:11–21:8) reorients one's life. We are to follow Christ—who saves us from condemnation (Rom 8:1) and death (John 11:25–26), and who gives our labor meaning in fellowship with Him (1 Cor 15:58).
The Song of Songs portrays the love of marriage. Yet after the fall, purely human love always falls short of God's ideal, and so we look forward to the redemption God provides in the perfect love of Christ (Eph 5:22–33; 1 John 3:16; 4:9–10). The book's connection with Solomon (Song 1:1; 3:7, 9, 11; 8:11) directs our thoughts especially to the marriages of the kings in the line of David (Ps 45:10–15), who in turn point to Christ—the great King whose bride is the church (Rev 19:7–9; 21:9).
Song 1:1 The marriages of the Davidic kings point to Christ (Ps 45:10–15; cf. Ps 45:6–7 with Heb 1:8–9).
Song 1:2 Perfect love has been displayed in Christ (1 John 4:9–10).
Song 1:4 The longing for intimacy foreshadows the desire for intimate fellowship in the love of Christ (1 John 4:7–21).
Song 1:15 The beauty of the beloved foreshadows the glory of Christ and His bride (Eph 5:26–27; Rev 19:7–8).
Song 2:3 Delight in love foreshadows joy in Christ (John 15:11).
Song 2:16 Possessing the beloved foreshadows the mutual belonging of Christ and the church.
Song 3:1 See note on Song 1:4.
Song 3:11 Solomon's wedding foreshadows the wedding of the Messiah (Ps 45:10–15).
Song 4:1 See note on Song 1:15.
Song 4:13 The Eden-like abundance of the garden foreshadows the abundance, satisfaction, and fulfillment of the new heaven and new earth at the end of the age (Rev 22:1–5).
Song 5:1 The satisfaction found in the beloved stands in contrast to God's displeasure at Israel's rebellion and unfaithfulness (Isa 5:1–4)—Israel who was meant to be wed to Yahweh (Ezek 16:8–15). The answer to all of this lies in the redemption of Christ (Eph 5:25–27).
Song 5:8 See note on Song 1:4.
Song 5:10 See note on Song 1:15.
Song 6:9 The exclusive focus on the beloved foreshadows God's unique love for the church.
Song 7:1 See note on Song 1:15.
Song 7:6 Delight in the beloved foreshadows Christ's delight in the church (Eph 5:26–27; Rev 19:8).
Song 8:6 The enduring quality of committed love foreshadows the permanence of the new covenant (John 10:27–29; Phil 1:6; Heb 8:8–13).
Isaiah prophesies that Israel will be exiled because of unfaithfulness. But afterward God will lead Israel back from exile; this restoration foreshadows the salvation that reaches its climax in Christ. As the Messiah and the servant of Yahweh, Christ will cleanse His people's sins, fill them with glory, and extend blessing to all nations. Christ fulfills these prophecies in His first coming and His second coming.
Isa 1:1 God gave these prophecies during the period covered by 2 Kings 15–20 and 2 Chronicles 26–32.
Isa 1:4 Israel's failure led to exile and demonstrates the need for the Messiah—the servant of Yahweh—who will faithfully obey Yahweh (42:1–4; 49:1–12).
Isa 1:9 Yahweh preserved a small number—the remnant of Israel. The remnant theme is fulfilled in Christ, who is the ultimate, singular remnant, after which the remnant expands to include the people of Christ (cf. Rom 11:5 and note on Isa 6:13).
Isa 1:18 Ultimate cleansing comes through the sacrifice of Christ (Heb 10:1–10).
Isa 2:2 Christ Himself is God's ultimate "temple" or dwelling place (John 1:14; 2:19–21). Through Him, the church becomes the temple (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20–22), and through Christ's exaltation the nations are drawn to Him (Luke 24:47; John 12:32).
Isa 2:6 See note on Isa 1:4.
Isa 2:11 Human pride is humbled in Christ (Matt 20:25–28; Luke 1:48–53; 1 Cor 1:31).
Isa 3:2 The lack of suitable leaders points to the need for the Messiah as the ultimate, perfect leader (9:6–7).
Isa 4:4 Cleansing points to the forgiveness and sanctification found in Christ (Col 1:13–14; Heb 10:10–14).
Isa 5:7 Israel's failure to bear fruit stands in contrast to the abundant fruit of Christ and of those who are in Him (John 15:1–6; cf. also Matt 21:33–44).
Isa 6:1 Isaiah's vision of God's glory foreshadows the glory of God in Christ (John 1:14; 12:41; Rev 4:2–10).
Isa 6:9 Israel's resistance to Isaiah's message foreshadows human resistance to the gospel (Matt 13:11–17; Acts 28:24–28; Rom 11:7–8).
Isa 6:13 The holy seed—the remnant—consists of those in Israel who remained faithful to God. Yet ultimately no one was fully faithful; only Christ is the final remnant (11:1; Gal 3:16; see note on Isa 1:9).
Isa 7:14 The prophecy concerning Immanuel (cf. also Gen 3:15) is fulfilled in Jesus Christ (Matt 1:20–23). This is connected to the broader Old Testament theme of God giving new life and offspring to barren women (see note on Gen 18:10).
Isa 8:13 The fear of treating Yahweh as holy reaches its pinnacle in the holiness of Christ (Acts 2:27) and is also our responsibility as we pursue holiness (1 Pet 1:15–16; 3:15).
Isa 8:14 The nation of Israel stumbling over the LORD of hosts foreshadows their rejection of Christ (Matt 21:43–44; Rom 9:31–33; 1 Pet 2:6–8).
Isa 9:1 Jesus' ministry in Galilee brought light (Matt 4:12–17). He is the light of the world (John 1:5, 8–9; 8:12; 9:5).
Isa 9:6 The Messiah is both human (from the line of David) and God (see John 1:14; Col 2:9).
Isa 9:7 The Messiah establishes His reign with righteousness (Rom 3:26; Eph 1:20–22) and peace (John 16:33).
Isa 10:22 In the New Testament era, the remnant consists of those who trust in Christ (Rom 11:1–10; see note on Isa 1:9).
Isa 11:1 The Messiah comes from the line of Jesse, David's father (1 Sam 16:1). He is filled with the Spirit (Matt 3:16; Luke 4:18), full of wisdom (Col 2:3) and righteousness (Rev 19:11).
Isa 11:10 Christ draws all nations to Himself (John 12:32; Rom 15:12; see note on Isa 2:2).
Isa 12:1 A song of praise for God's salvation foreshadows praise for God's salvation in Christ (Eph 5:19–20; Heb 2:12; 13:15; Rev 19:1–8).
Isa 13:6 The day of Yahweh is a day of judgment. Historical judgments, such as the exile of Israel, foreshadow the final judgment (1 Thess 5:2–11; 2 Pet 3:10–13; Rev 20:11–21:8). Because of Christ's salvation, that day is one Christians look forward to with hope (Titus 2:13).
Isa 13:9 All sinners will be destroyed in the final judgment. We must seek refuge in Christ (2 Cor 5:21).
Isa 13:10 Darkening skies are a symbol of judgment, foreshadowing the judgment at the cross (Matt 27:45) and the judgment at the second coming (Matt 24:29; Rev 6:12–13; cf. Rev 8:12).
Isa 14:4 The fall of Babylon to the Medes and Persians (Dan 5:28) foreshadows the ultimate overthrow of Babylon the Great (Rev 17:15–19:3) and the defeat of Satan (Luke 10:15; Rev 12:7–9; 20:10), and also looks back to the fall of the tower of Babel (Gen 11:1–9).
Isa 15:1 Moab was one of Israel's longstanding enemies (Num 22:1–6); its downfall foreshadows God's final judgment on His enemies (Rev 20:11–15) and fulfills Numbers 21:29.
Isa 16:5 Despite Moab's record as an enemy, she (like other hostile nations) can still find refuge in the Messiah. Christ's mercy extends to all nations (Acts 1:8; Rev 5:9–10).
Isa 17:6 See note on Isa 1:9.
Isa 17:7 The Creator God is seen in Christ (John 14:9), and the pure in heart will see Him face to face (Matt 5:8; Rev 22:4).
Isa 18:7 The coming of the nations is realized when Christ draws them to Himself (Matt 28:18–20; John 12:32; Acts 1:8; see note on Isa 2:2).
Isa 19:18 Egypt, historically an enemy of God's people, will one day submit to God. Christ calls all nations to Himself (Acts 2:10; see notes on Isa 2:2 and 18:7).
Isa 20:6 The failure of human hope highlights the necessity of looking to God through the way He has prepared in Christ (Ps 146:3–4; John 14:6).
Isa 21:9 The fall of Babylon foreshadows the defeat of all evil and Christ's victory over evil (Col 2:15; Rev 14:8; 18:2; see note on Isa 14:4).
Isa 22:11 A fundamental temptation is to trust in human beings rather than in God (Acts 4:12; 16:31; see note on Isa 20:6).
Isa 22:13 Abandoning hope is only reasonable if God has not provided salvation in Christ (1 Cor 15:19, 32).
Isa 22:22 Royal authority in the right hands provides security. But even Eliakim (v. 20) ultimately proves inadequate (v. 25). Only the Messiah from the line of David can bear the full weight of bringing ultimate salvation (Matt 1:21; cf. Rev 3:7).
Isa 23:9 After destroying human pride, God brings blessing and glory to Himself (v. 18). The reversal of human ambition is most concentrated in the death and resurrection of Christ (Phil 2:6–11; see note on Isa 2:11).
Isa 24:6 The curse that came through Adam's fall will ultimately bring judgment on the whole earth (2 Pet 3:10; Rev 20:11–15). But through the work of Christ, blessing comes to the godly (Isa 24:15; Rev 21:3–4).
Isa 25:8 The blessings of God's overwhelming victory will be realized in the final consummation (1 Cor 15:54; Rev 7:17; 21:4).
Isa 26:4 Trusting in God foreshadows trusting in Christ, who has accomplished the climactic act of salvation (Phil 4:7).
Isa 26:5 See notes on Isa 2:11 and 23:9.
Isa 26:19 The hope of death being reversed is fulfilled in the resurrection of Christ (John 11:25–26; 1 Cor 15:46–57; Eph 5:14).
Isa 27:1 Satan will be utterly defeated (John 12:31; Rev 20:10).
Isa 27:6 Abundant fruit is ultimately found in Christ (John 15:1–17).
Isa 28:1 See note on Isa 2:11.
Isa 28:11 The foreign language is analogous to the gift of tongues in the New Testament (1 Cor 14:21).
Isa 28:16 Christ is the stone that provides a foundation for those who trust in Him (Eph 2:20–22; 1 Cor 3:11; 1 Pet 2:4) and becomes a cause of stumbling for those who reject Him (Matt 21:42–44; Rom 9:31–33; 1 Pet 2:6–8; cf. Ps 118:22).
Isa 29:10 Spiritual hardening came upon part of Israel (Rom 11:7–8; see note on Isa 6:9).
Isa 29:13 The stubbornness and rebellion of God's people reaches its peak in the opposition to and rejection of Jesus (Matt 15:8–9; cf. Col 2:22).
Isa 29:14 Human wisdom is overturned by the gospel (1 Cor 1:18–25).
Isa 29:18 Jesus healed the blind and the deaf, symbolizing the granting of spiritual sight (John 9:39–41).
Isa 30:2 See note on Isa 22:11.
Isa 30:20 Christ is the ultimate teacher, instructing us in the Lord's ways through the Holy Spirit (Matt 23:10; John 16:12–15).
Isa 31:1 See note on Isa 22:11.
Isa 31:5 The protection of Jerusalem foreshadows God's protection of His people in Christ (John 10:27–29; cf. Isa 40:11).
Isa 32:3 See note on Isa 29:18.
Isa 32:15 The blessings of salvation in Christ come in two stages: His first coming (Acts 1:8; Eph 1:3–14) and His second coming (Rev 21:1–22:5).
Isa 33:6 See note on Isa 32:15.
Isa 33:14 Only perfect righteousness can resolve the problem of sin. Such righteousness is found in Christ (Rom 3:21–26; 2 Cor 5:21; Heb 10:1–14; cf. Heb 12:29).
Isa 34:2 God's judgment on evil foreshadows the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15; see notes on Isa 13:6, 13:9, and 15:1).
Isa 34:4 The heavens will vanish at the second coming (Rev 6:13–14; 20:11).
Isa 35:3 The call to strengthen the weak is reflected in the response to God's discipline in the new covenant (Heb 12:12).
Isa 35:5 Christ grants sight and hearing, symbolizing the granting of spiritual sight and hearing (Luke 7:20–22; Acts 26:18; see note on Isa 29:18).
Isa 35:10 The restoration of returning to the land of Palestine foreshadows coming to the heavenly Jerusalem and into God's presence in heaven (Heb 10:19–23; 12:22–24; Rev 21:4).
Isa 36:1 The Assyrian threat foreshadows the later Babylonian threat (39:6), which in turn illustrates all of Satan's attacks against God's people. God responds with redemption, foreshadowing the redemption found in Christ. Cf. the parallel accounts in 2 Kings 18:13–20:19 and 2 Chronicles 32.
Isa 36:15 See note on 2 Kgs 18:30.
Isa 37:1 God is our refuge in times of trouble (Ps 46:1). We now look to Christ for salvation (Acts 4:12).
Isa 37:23 See note on 2 Kgs 19:22.
Isa 38:5 See note on 2 Kgs 20:5.
Isa 38:10 The ultimate remedy for death is found in the resurrection of Christ (see note on Isa 26:19).
Isa 39:6 God's judgment of exile on account of sin (2 Kgs 23:26–27; 2 Chr 36:15–16) foreshadows the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15). But through Christ we can be free from condemnation (Rom 8:1).
Isa 40:1 The comfort spoken to Jerusalem foreshadows the comfort found in Christ (2 Cor 1:3–7).
Isa 40:3 John the Baptist used these words to announce the coming of the Lord (Matt 3:3; John 1:23), who came personally in the person of Christ (John 10:30; 14:9).
Isa 40:5 The glory of Yahweh is revealed in Christ (Luke 2:32; John 1:14; 13:31–32; 17:1–5).
Isa 40:6 The brevity of human life stands in contrast to the eternal salvation found in Christ (1 Pet 1:24–25; cf. Jas 1:10–11).
Isa 40:11 Jesus is the good shepherd (John 10:11, 14).
Isa 41:17 God's compassion for the poor is displayed in Christ (Luke 4:18–19; 7:22).
Isa 42:1 The servant—the messianic king (9:6–7)—rules with righteousness and compassion (Matt 12:17–21; cf. Matt 3:17).
Isa 42:6 Christ is the light of the world (John 8:12; 9:5), bringing light to the nations (John 12:32; Acts 26:18, 23) and fulfilling God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed (see note on Gen 12:3).
Isa 43:25 Forgiveness is ultimately found in Christ (Mark 2:7; Col 1:14; Heb 10:1–18).
Isa 44:3 See note on Isa 32:15.
Isa 44:28 The restoration under Cyrus (Ezra 1) foreshadows the eternal salvation of the heavenly Jerusalem in Christ (Heb 12:22–24).
Isa 45:1 Cyrus is anointed by God, foreshadowing the Messiah and His salvation (Luke 4:18–19).
Isa 45:23 The submission of all nations is accomplished in Christ (Phil 2:10–11; Rev 15:4).
Isa 46:1 The emptiness of idols establishes the principle that only Christ—the one way of salvation appointed by God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12)—is worthy of trust.
Isa 47:3 Those who oppress God's people will face judgment (see note on Isa 14:4).
Isa 47:8 See Rev 18:7 and note on Isa 14:4.
Isa 48:20 Deliverance from Babylon foreshadows deliverance from sin and death (Col 1:13–14; Rev 18:4).
Isa 49:2 God's word is like a sharp sword (Eph 6:17; Heb 4:12; Rev 1:16; 2:12, 16; 19:15).
Isa 49:6 See Acts 13:47 and 26:23, and note on Isa 42:6.
Isa 49:8 Now, after the resurrection of Christ, is the time of salvation (2 Cor 6:2).
Isa 49:10 Protection and blessing ultimately come through the Lamb (Rev 7:16–17).
Isa 50:6 The servant Messiah suffers and is humiliated in order to accomplish salvation (Matt 27:26–31).
Isa 51:10 God's redemption in the exodus is analogous to His redemption of His people from Babylonian exile, and both point to His climactic redemption in Christ.
Isa 51:11 See note on Isa 35:10.
Isa 51:17 Wrath is followed by exaltation, foreshadowing the transition from the wrath of Christ's suffering to the exaltation of His resurrection and ascension. On the cup of wrath, see note on Jer 25:15.
Isa 52:7 The gospel is the good news of salvation (Rom 10:15).
Isa 52:10 The inclusion of all nations fulfills God's promise to Abraham that all nations would be blessed (Gen 12:3; Luke 2:30–31; see note on Isa 42:6).
Isa 52:11 Israel's departure from pagan Babylon foreshadows believers' separation from the pollution of the world (2 Cor 6:14–7:1).
Isa 52:13 The exaltation of the servant—the Messiah—follows His suffering (v. 14; 53:3–9; see note on Isa 51:17).
Isa 52:15 Many who have never heard of Christ will be astonished by His suffering sacrifice (v. 14). Paul brought the message to those who had never heard (Rom 15:14–21).
Isa 53:1 The message of salvation in Christ frequently meets with an unbelieving response (John 12:37–43; Rom 10:16).
Isa 53:5 The servant Messiah bears substitutionary suffering (Rom 4:25; 2 Cor 5:21; 1 Pet 2:24–25).
Isa 53:9 Christ was put to death between two criminals (Matt 27:38) and buried in the tomb of Joseph of Arimathea, a rich man (Matt 27:57–60).
Isa 53:11 The death and resurrection of Christ result in our being declared righteous (Rom 3:23–26; 4:25; 5:19).
Isa 54:1 The return of Jerusalem's inhabitants from exile foreshadows the multiplication of the children of promise (Rom 9:8), who will come to God through Christ (Gal 4:27).
Isa 54:7 See note on Isa 51:17.
Isa 54:10 The new covenant brings permanent reconciliation with God (Rom 5:1) and is eternally secure (Heb 9:12).
Isa 55:2 God's invitation to food is fulfilled in Christ, who is the food and drink of eternal life (John 6:52–58).
Isa 56:7 Salvation extends to all nations and is realized in Christ (Matt 21:13; Acts 1:8; Rev 5:9).
Isa 57:3 See notes on Isa 1:4 and 34:2.
Isa 57:19 God's invitation of salvation to all people foreshadows the spread of the gospel (Acts 2:39; Eph 2:17).
Isa 58:1 See note on Isa 1:4.
Isa 58:2 Israel's hypocrisy foreshadows the hypocrisy and formalism that Christ would confront (Matt 15:1–10).
Isa 59:2 See note on Isa 1:4.
Isa 59:7 Paul quotes these words (Rom 3:15–17) to demonstrate that both Jews and Gentiles have sinned. See note on Ps 14:1.
Isa 59:17 God's warfare foreshadows: (1) the coming of righteousness and salvation at Christ's first coming (Rom 3:23–26); (2) the Christian's battle against evil (Eph 6:10–20; 1 Thess 5:8); and (3) the warfare at Christ's second coming (Rev 19:11–21).
Isa 59:20 The Redeemer is Christ, who saves both Jews and Gentiles (Rom 11:25–32).
Isa 60:1 The glory of God is seen in Christ (John 1:14).
Isa 60:3 The nations come to Christ through the gospel (Luke 24:47; John 1:32; Acts 1:8; Rev 21:24–25; see notes on Isa 2:2 and 11:10).
Isa 60:6 The Magi, representing the nations, bring gold, frankincense, and myrrh (Matt 2:11).
Isa 60:19 God is the only light in the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:22–24).
Isa 61:1 Christ applies these words to Himself and His saving ministry (Luke 4:18).
Isa 61:10 The church, as the bride of Christ, is clothed with beautiful garments (Rev 19:8; cf. Eph 5:25–27).
Isa 62:1 Righteousness and salvation come in Christ (see note on Isa 9:7).
Isa 62:4 God's restoration of Israel foreshadows Christ's role as the bridegroom of the church (2 Cor 11:2; Eph 5:25–27; Rev 19:7–9).
Isa 63:3 The execution of punishment foreshadows the final punishment (Rev 14:20; 19:15).
Isa 63:4 See notes on Isa 13:6 and 13:9.
Isa 63:12 Past acts of salvation foreshadow the great salvation to come (see note on Isa 51:10).
Isa 64:1 God descending from heaven occurs both at Christ's first coming and at His second coming (John 6:33, 38, 50; Rev 19:11).
Isa 64:11 See note on Isa 51:17.
Isa 65:1 Israel's resistance and rebellion is incorporated into God's plan to extend salvation to all nations (Rom 10:20–21; 11:11–32).
Isa 65:9 See note on Isa 1:9.
Isa 65:17 The ultimate blessing for God's people comes in the final consummation (2 Pet 3:13; Rev 21:1). The new creation has already been inaugurated in Christ (2 Cor 5:17).
Isa 66:1 The inadequacy of a temple built of stone highlights God's purpose to dwell with humanity, fulfilled in Christ (Matt 1:23; John 1:14; 2:19–21; Acts 7:48–50; 17:24).
Isa 66:8 The restoration of inhabitants returning to Jerusalem foreshadows the multiplication of God's children in the church—the heavenly Jerusalem (Isa 54:1; Gal 4:26–27).
Isa 66:18 On the gathering of the nations, see notes on Isa 2:2 and 11:10.
Isa 66:24 The image of unceasing judgment foreshadows the New Testament's teaching on hell—the lake of fire (Mark 9:48; Rev 20:15; 21:8).
Jeremiah's prophetic indictment of Israel was largely rejected, foreshadowing the rejection of Christ's prophetic message to Israel (Luke 11:49–51). God's judgment on Israel for their apostasy foreshadows the judgment Christ bore on behalf of all humanity's apostasy (1 John 2:2), as well as the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15). The restoration from exile foreshadows the ultimate restoration to God through Christ (Heb. 10:19–22).
Jer. 1:2 God gave these prophecies during the period covered by 2 Kings 22–25 and 2 Chron. 34:1–36:20.
Jer. 1:5 God's care from the womb foreshadows the relationship between the Father and the Son in the incarnation (Luke 1:35) and the calling of the apostle Paul (Gal. 1:15).
Jer. 1:8 God rescued Paul from plots in Corinth (Acts 18:9–11) and elsewhere.
Jer. 1:9 The prophet's steadfastness in adversity foreshadows Christ's steadfastness in teaching amid opposition.
Jer. 1:16 God's judgment on evil and apostasy (see 2 Chron. 36:15–16) points forward to the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15). Christ bore judgment for our apostasy on the cross (1 Pet. 2:24; 1 John 2:2).
Jer. 2:2 Israel abandoned Yahweh like an adulterous woman. Her unfaithfulness contrasts with the faithfulness and purity that will be realized in the church (2 Cor. 11:2; Eph. 5:25–27; Rev. 19:7–8).
Jer. 2:11 The folly of apostasy foreshadows the folly of rejecting Christ, who opened the way of salvation (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Jer. 2:13 Living water is found in Christ (John 4:10–14).
Jer. 2:21 See Isa. 5:1–4.
Jer. 3:1 See note on 2:2 and the connection with Deut. 24:1–4.
Jer. 3:10 Judah's pretense illustrates the hypocrisy that can erode religion (Matt. 23:13–36; see note on Isa. 58:2).
Jer. 3:13 Forgiveness comes to those who acknowledge their sin, not to those who continue in self-righteousness (Luke 18:9–14).
Jer. 3:17 The gathering to Jerusalem points forward to the New Testament gathering to the heavenly Jerusalem (Heb. 12:22–24) and the future gathering to the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:24–26).
Jer. 4:4 Circumcision of the heart is fulfilled in Christ (Col. 2:11; Heb. 8:8–13).
Jer. 5:1 The problem of the absence of even one righteous person is ultimately resolved in Christ (Acts 3:14).
Jer. 5:9 See note on 1:16.
Jer. 5:14 See note on 1:9.
Jer. 6:1 See note on 1:16.
Jer. 6:14 True reconciliation with God can only come through the complete defeat of sin in Christ (John 16:33; Rom. 5:1).
Jer. 7:11 Israel's hypocrisy points forward to the hypocrisy and corrupt worship Christ encountered (Matt. 21:13).
Jer. 7:14 The destruction of the temple points forward to Christ's prophecy of the destruction of Herod's temple (Matt. 24:2).
Jer. 8:3 The remedy for death and the sin that leads to death is Christ's resurrection (1 Cor. 15:42–57).
Jer. 8:11 See note on 6:14.
Jer. 9:1 Apostasy was a source of deep grief for both Jeremiah and Christ—the ultimate prophet (Luke 19:41–44).
Jer. 9:23–24 The principle of boasting only in God is fulfilled in 1 Corinthians 1:29–31 (see 2 Cor. 10:17).
Jer. 10:5 Only God, not idols, can provide salvation. The uniqueness of God and his ways points forward to Christ's unique role as the only way to God (John 14:6; Heb. 10:19–22; see note on Isa. 46:1).
Jer. 11:8 God through Moses prophesied that disobedience would bring disaster and exile (Deuteronomy 28).
Jer. 11:19 The hostility toward Jeremiah foreshadows the hostility toward Christ as prophet (Isa. 53:7; Matt. 27:1; Luke 6:11).
Jer. 12:7 God abandoned his house and his people because of their sin. This points forward to later judgment on sin, including the abandonment of Christ as sin-bearer (Matt. 27:46).
Jer. 13:9 The pride of God's people contrasts with the need of those who truly serve him. This need is answered in the new covenant that comes in Christ (31:31–34; Heb. 8:8–13; 10:15–25).
Jer. 14:3 The drought fulfilled the curse that would come upon Israel when they forsook Yahweh, as prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:22. This contrasts with the blessing of living water in Christ (John 4:14; 6:35).
Jer. 14:14 The conflict between true and false prophets foreshadows the conflict between Jesus and his opponents, and between true and false teaching in the church (2 Pet. 2:1–3).
Jer. 15:2 The judgment fulfills the prophetic curses of Deuteronomy 28:15–68 (see Rev. 6:8). God's wrath against sin points forward to the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15; see note on Jer. 1:16).
Jer. 15:10 Jeremiah as the rejected prophet foreshadows the rejection of Christ's prophetic ministry (Luke 11:49–51).
Jer. 16:15 The restoration fulfills the prophecy of Deuteronomy 30:1–5 and foreshadows the ultimate salvation in Christ (Isa. 40:1–11).
Jer. 17:8 The blessing promised to the righteous (Ps. 1:3) is fulfilled in Christ, the perfectly righteous one (Acts 3:14), and in those who are justified in him (2 Cor. 5:21).
Jer. 18:6 God's power as Creator can even rescue those who have gone astray (Rom. 9:20–24; Eph. 2:4–10).
Jer. 18:11 The call to repentance points forward to John the Baptist's call to repentance (Matt. 3:2) and the call to repentance in gospel proclamation (Luke 24:47; Acts 2:38).
Jer. 19:3 See note on 1:16.
Jer. 19:9 The particular horror of cannibalism was prophesied in Deuteronomy 28:53–55. Horror upon horror reveals the consequences of sin's depravity and foreshadows the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15; see note on Jer. 1:16).
Jer. 20:2 The persecution of the prophet Jeremiah foreshadows the persecution of Christ, the ultimate prophet (Luke 11:49–51). Those who oppose Christ will face judgment (Rev. 20:11–15).
Jer. 21:8 Even in the greatest calamity, God in his mercy opens a way of escape. This escape foreshadows salvation from sin, death, and destruction through Christ (John 11:25–26; 14:6).
Jer. 22:3 The demand for righteousness from the king went unanswered. The answer ultimately comes in Christ the King (Isa. 9:6–7; Rev. 19:11).
Jer. 23:1 The false shepherds contrast with Jesus the true shepherd (John 10:11, 14).
Jer. 23:5 "Branch" alludes to Isaiah 11:1—the Messiah from the line of David (see Zech. 6:12; John 15:1–17).
Jer. 23:8 The restoration corresponds to the exodus (Exod. 12:33–38) and foreshadows deliverance from sin and the kingdom of Satan (Col. 1:13–14).
Jer. 23:16 See note on 14:14.
Jer. 24:5 The exiles are the remnant who enjoy God's favor, illustrating the remnant theme (see notes on 1 Kings 19:18, Isa. 1:9, and Isa. 6:13).
Jer. 24:7 The renewal of the heart was prophesied in Deuteronomy 30:6 and is further elaborated in the promise of the new covenant (Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:8–13; 10:15–25).
Jer. 25:11 Daniel relied on the prophecy of seventy years when praying for restoration (Dan. 9:2). The seventy years are years of rest for the land (2 Chron. 36:21). The restoration points toward the rest in the final consummation (Heb. 4:9–10).
Jer. 25:15 The cup of wrath foreshadows God's wrath in the final judgment (Rev. 14:10; 16:1, 19). Christ drank the cup of wrath in our place on the cross (Matt. 26:39, 42).
Jer. 26:6 See note on 7:14.
Jer. 26:8 The desire for death illustrates a pattern of opposition to the prophets that reaches its climax in the death of Christ (Matt. 21:33–41; Luke 11:49–51; see note on Jer. 20:2).
Jer. 27:9 See note on 14:14.
Jer. 27:11 For those who listened, serving Babylon became a judgment tempered with mercy, foreshadowing the mercy found in Christ (Heb. 12:5–11; see note on Jer. 21:8).
Jer. 28:9 True reconciliation with God must first deal with the problem of sin. The answer is found in Christ (Col. 1:13–14; see note on Jer. 6:14).
Jer. 28:15 See note on 14:14.
Jer. 29:8 See note on 14:14.
Jer. 29:10 See note on 25:11.
Jer. 29:13 See notes on 24:7 and 31:31.
Jer. 29:14 The restoration from exile foreshadows reconciliation with God, through which we may be gathered into God's presence in heaven (Rom. 5:1–10; Gal. 4:26–28; Heb. 10:19–22; 12:22–24; see notes on Jer. 3:17 and 16:15).
Jer. 30:18 The rebuilding of the city foreshadows the heavenly Jerusalem (Gal. 4:26–28; Heb. 12:22–24; Rev. 21:9–14).
Jer. 31:1 The promise "I will be their God … and they shall be my people" is a recurring theme in Jeremiah (11:4; 24:7; 30:22; 31:33; 32:38). It builds on God's promise to Abraham (Gen. 17:7) and his promise to Israel through Moses (Exod. 19:5–6), and is fulfilled in the new covenant in Christ (Jer. 31:33; Heb. 8:10; see note on Jer. 31:31).
Jer. 31:15 The past devastation of Israel points forward to the tragedy of Herod's slaughter of the infants (Matt. 2:16–18).
Jer. 31:31 The new covenant is fulfilled in the covenant established by Christ at the Last Supper (Matt. 26:28; 1 Cor. 11:25; 2 Cor. 3:6; Heb. 8:8–13; 10:15–25) and incorporates both Gentiles and Jews through union with Christ (Gal. 3:9, 14, 27–29).
Jer. 32:20 God's long-demonstrated faithfulness connects with his faithfulness in Jeremiah's day and with the climactic salvation in Christ (Rom. 3:3–4).
Jer. 32:40 See notes on 24:7 and 31:31.
Jer. 33:8 Forgiveness is foreshadowed in the restoration from exile but fully accomplished in Christ (Col. 1:13–14).
Jer. 33:15 See note on 23:5.
Jer. 34:11 The people's unfaithfulness to the law of Exodus 21:2 and Deuteronomy 15:12 contrasts with Christ's faithfulness, who brings complete and permanent release from sin (Luke 4:18–19).
Jer. 35:10 The obedience of the Rechabites contrasts with Israel's disobedience and foreshadows the obedience of Christ—the Son of God—to the Father (John 8:29).
Jer. 36:2 The triumph of God's word over persecution foreshadows Christ (John 1:10–11) and his victory over opposition.
Jer. 37:18 Jeremiah's innocent suffering foreshadows Christ's innocent suffering (Matt. 27:24).
Jer. 37:19 See note on 14:14.
Jer. 38:6 Jeremiah's near-death foreshadows Christ's execution (see notes on 11:19 and 15:10).
Jer. 38:17 See note on 21:8.
Jer. 39:1 The disaster prophesied by Jeremiah and other prophets (2 Chron. 36:15–16; Jer. 25:4–11) is now fulfilled, confirming God's faithfulness in judgment. Historical judgment foreshadows the final judgment (see note on 1:16).
Jer. 39:18 See note on 21:8.
Jer. 40:4 God's mercy toward Jeremiah and those who remained points forward to the mercy he will show in Christ (Rom. 6:23).
Jer. 41:14 God's mercy toward the captives points forward to the mercy he will show in Christ (Rom. 6:23; Col. 1:13–14).
Jer. 42:6 After all the previous disobedience, the people resolve to obey Yahweh—but then go their own way again (43:1–7). Their stubbornness demonstrates the need for the inner renewal that comes in Christ (31:31–34; see notes on 4:4 and 31:31).
Jer. 44:16 The persistence of rebellion reveals the justice of God's judgment and the necessity of the thorough inner renewal promised in the new covenant (see note on 31:31).
Jer. 45:5 Even the righteous suffer because of the people's sin. The suffering of the righteous foreshadows Christ's suffering as sin-bearer (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22–24).
Jer. 46:2 God as judge of the whole world judges not only the nations but also his own people, foreshadowing the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15; see note on Jer. 1:16).
Jer. 46:10 See note on Isa. 13:6.
Jer. 47:1 The destruction of the Philistines—Israel's age-old enemies—foreshadows the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15; see note on Jer. 1:16; cf. note on Isa. 15:1).
Jer. 48:7 Chemosh—the guardian deity of Moab—is shown to be worthless. The destruction of false hope and the punishment of idolatry point both to the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15) and to the gospel as a call to worship God in spirit and truth (John 4:23; 14:6).
Jer. 48:47 See note on Isa. 16:5.
Jer. 49:2 The salvation of God's people includes judgment on those who oppress them. Historical judgment points to the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15). The ultimate oppressors—sin, Satan, and death—have been defeated in Christ (Heb. 2:14–15; see note on Jer. 1:16).
Jer. 49:9 Some passages about Edom parallel Obadiah (Obad. 5).
Jer. 49:12 See note on 25:15.
Jer. 50:1 See note on Isa. 14:4.
Jer. 50:8 The command to flee foreshadows the command to flee from the ultimate Babylon—the city of sin (Rev. 18:4).
Jer. 50:20 The forgiveness of sin is ultimately found in Christ (Col. 1:14; Heb. 10:1–14). On the remnant, see note on Isa. 6:13.
Jer. 51:9 The judgment on Babylon foreshadows the final judgment on God's enemies (Rev. 18:5; see note on Jer. 1:16).
Jer. 51:11 The judgment executed through the Medes is also prophesied in Isaiah 13:17 and fulfilled in Daniel 5:31.
Jer. 52:1 See the parallel account in 2 Kings 24:18–25:21.
Jer. 52:3 See note on 2 Chron. 36:16.
Jer. 52:7 Jeremiah's earlier prophecies of destruction (e.g., 7:14; 34:2–4) are here fulfilled, demonstrating God's faithfulness and the power of his word. The words of judgment point forward to Christ's prophecy of the destruction of Jerusalem (Matt. 24:2; Luke 19:43–44) and his prophecy of the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15). See note on 2 Chron. 36:21.
Jer. 52:13 See note on 2 Kings 25:9.
Jer. 52:31 See note on 2 Kings 25:27.
The lament over Jerusalem foreshadows Christ's grief over the coming destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 19:41–44). In both cases, Jerusalem suffers because of its own sin. Yet when Christ bore the penalty of sin on behalf of his people, suffering for sin found its redemptive resolution (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22–24).
Lam. 1:5 God's justice is displayed in his judgment on Jerusalem's sin. This foreshadows the ultimate display of justice in the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15) and in Christ's redemptive work.
Lam. 2:14 On false prophets, see note on Jer. 14:14.
Lam. 2:17 God's fulfillment of prophecy highlights his faithfulness and the power of his word. His faithfulness is supremely displayed in Christ's suffering and victory (see note on Ps. 105:5).
Lam. 3:14 The prophet's suffering foreshadows Christ's passion (Matt. 27:27–31, 39–44).
Lam. 3:26 Even amid disaster and anguish, there remains an ultimate hope in the Lord's salvation. This hope has borne fruit in the salvation accomplished by Christ (Matt. 1:21), and we now await its final and complete fulfillment (Rom. 8:18–25).
Lam. 4:11 God's pouring out of wrath on Jerusalem foreshadows the wrath poured out on Christ as sin-bearer (Gal. 3:13), the wrath experienced in the second destruction of Jerusalem (Luke 21:22–24), and the wrath of the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15).
Lam. 5:21 The promise of restoration after seventy years of exile (Jer. 25:11–12; 29:10–14) foreshadows the ultimate salvation in Christ (Col. 1:13–14; see note on Jer. 29:14).
God judges Israel's apostasy through exile. Israel suffers for its own sin, thereby foreshadowing God's final judgment on sin (Rev. 20:11–15). But this suffering also foreshadows Christ's suffering for the sins of others. The subsequent blessings of restoration and return foreshadow the blessings of eternal salvation in Christ (Eph. 1:3–14).
Ezek. 1:26 God appearing in human form foreshadows the incarnation of Christ and his glory (John 1:14; Rev. 1:12–16).
Ezek. 2:3 The people's resistance to Ezekiel as prophet foreshadows their resistance to Christ as the ultimate prophet (Luke 11:49–51; see note on Jer. 1:9).
Ezek. 2:8 The image of eating the scroll, symbolizing the reception of God's word, points forward to Revelation 10:9–11.
Ezek. 3:8 See note on Jer. 1:9.
Ezek. 3:12 The empowering of the Spirit foreshadows the Spirit's role in Christ's prophetic ministry (Luke 4:18) and the Spirit's subsequent empowering of gospel proclamation (Acts 1:8).
Ezek. 3:17 Ezekiel's responsibility in faithful service is analogous to the responsibility in gospel proclamation (2 Cor. 2:14–17; 3:5; 4:2).
Ezek. 4:4 Ezekiel's identification with the punishment of the people foreshadows Christ bearing the sins of his people (2 Cor. 5:21; 1 Pet. 2:22–24).
Ezek. 5:1 The prophet's own body becomes a symbol of the sinful people, foreshadowing Christ's identification with the sins of his people (2 Cor. 5:21).
Ezek. 5:2 The remnant left after the bulk of the hair is discarded points forward to the remnant in the New Testament (Rom. 9:27; 11:5; see note on Isa. 6:13).
Ezek. 5:8 The judgment on sin foreshadows the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15).
Ezek. 5:13 Knowing "that I am Yahweh"—a key theme in Ezekiel—points forward to the deeper knowledge of God in Christ (John 14:9; 17:1–5).
Ezek. 6:4 God's judgment exposes the worthlessness of idols. God destroys false hopes, making clear that Christ is the only way of salvation that God has appointed (John 14:6; Acts 4:12; see notes on Isa. 46:1 and Jer. 48:7).
Ezek. 7:2 See note on 5:8.
Ezek. 8:2 See note on 1:26.
Ezek. 8:3 God's judgment on idolatry makes clear that only the true God is the source of salvation (see note on 6:4).
Ezek. 9:4 Mercy comes to those who walk in God's ways, foreshadowing the mercy found in Christ. The mark foreshadows the seal of the Spirit and the seal of God's name, guaranteeing our salvation (2 Cor. 1:22; Eph. 1:13; Rev. 7:2–8; 14:1–3).
Ezek. 9:8 On the remnant, see notes on Isa. 1:9 and Isa. 6:13.
Ezek. 10:18 The departure of God's glory from the temple is one dimension of judgment. This contrasts with God dwelling in the temple—which foreshadows God coming to dwell with us in Christ (Matt. 1:23).
Ezek. 11:13 On the remnant, see notes on Isa. 1:9 and Isa. 6:13.
Ezek. 11:19 The promise of a new heart, reaffirmed in 36:25, is connected to the new covenant that will be realized in Christ (Jer. 31:31–34; Heb. 8:8–13; 10:16–18; see note on Jer. 31:31).
Ezek. 12:11 On exile as judgment, see note on Isa. 39:6.
Ezek. 13:2 False prophets foreshadow the opponents of Christ and false teachers in the church (2 Pet. 2:1–3; see note on Jer. 14:14).
Ezek. 13:10 The religious leaders who opposed Jesus were like whitewashed tombs (Matt. 23:27). On false peace, see note on Jer. 6:14.
Ezek. 14:3 God does not reveal himself to the rebellious. This lack of understanding foreshadows the failure to understand Jesus' teaching (Matt. 13:10–17).
Ezek. 14:6 On repentance, see note on Jer. 18:11.
Ezek. 14:9 The delusion that comes upon the rebellious foreshadows the delusion suffered by those who reject the truth of the gospel (2 Thess. 2:10–12).
Ezek. 15:2 Israel is the fruitless vine. See note on Isa. 5:7.
Ezek. 16:8 Israel's unfaithfulness contrasts with the faithfulness of Christ's bride (Eph. 5:25–27; Rev. 19:7–8). The church likewise faces the temptation to stray from its covenant with Christ (2 Cor. 11:2–3). See note on Jer. 2:2.
Ezek. 17:13 The punishment for breaking a covenant with a human king illustrates by analogy the seriousness of breaking the covenant with God (Heb. 10:29–31).
Ezek. 17:22 A new beginning after destruction symbolizes the kingdom of Christ and its growth to fill the nations (see Isa. 11:1).
Ezek. 18:4 God will execute justice. Historical judgment points to the final judgment, when perfect justice will come (Rev. 20:11–21:8).
Ezek. 18:9 Life given to the righteous in the short term foreshadows the gift of eternal life. The gift of eternal life comes only through perfect righteousness—the righteousness of Jesus Christ (Rom. 3:23–26; 6:23).
Ezek. 19:9 On exile as judgment, see note on Isa. 39:6.
Ezek. 20:3 See note on 14:3.
Ezek. 20:8 Israel's repeated disobedience brought judgment. God also had to be faithful to his own name in saving them. Both judgment and mercy are ultimately accomplished in Christ (Rom. 3:25–26).
Ezek. 20:11 See note on Lev. 18:5.
Ezek. 21:31 Fire and wrath point forward to the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15). The sword (Ezek. 21:28) points forward to Christ's sword in the final judgment (Rev. 19:15; cf. Heb. 4:12–13).
Ezek. 22:15 On exile, see note on Isa. 39:6.
Ezek. 22:20 The refining process foreshadows the coming of the Messiah as refiner (Mal. 3:3).
Ezek. 22:30 No one is adequate for the work of redemption except Jesus Christ (1 Tim. 2:5–6).
Ezek. 23:3 See note on 16:8.
Ezek. 23:22 Any "lover" other than the true God will ultimately prove faithless, bringing judgment. The failure of other false gods points to the only way of salvation through the true God (John 14:6; Acts 4:12).
Ezek. 23:32 On the cup of wrath, see note on Jer. 25:15.
Ezek. 24:8 The coming of God's wrath foreshadows his wrath in the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15).
Ezek. 24:21 The destruction of the temple shatters false pride and self-confidence. Instead, it points to trusting in God alone for salvation (John 2:19–21; Acts 4:12).
Ezek. 25:2 God's judgment on Israel's traditional enemies foreshadows future judgment on enemies, including the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15).
Ezek. 26:4 The thoroughness of the destruction shows God's zeal to completely eradicate evil. His zeal is displayed both in the death of Christ and in the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15).
Ezek. 27:9 The overthrow of Tyre along with its wealth foreshadows the overthrow of Babylon the great prostitute (Rev. 18:19).
Ezek. 28:13 The fall of Tyre evokes the fall of Adam (Gen. 3:1–19), and some see it as also evoking the fall of Satan. The proud splendor of Tyre also foreshadows the splendor of Babylon (Rev. 17:4), contrasting with the true glory of the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:18–21).
Ezek. 29:3 Egypt—another traditional enemy of God and his people—faces God's judgment, foreshadowing the final judgment. Ezekiel portrays Egypt as a great dragon, connecting it with the defeat of Satan the dragon (Rev. 12:3–17).
Ezek. 29:13 God's mercy toward Egypt is analogous to the mercy God shows in bringing Israel back from exile. This mercy points forward to the mercy found in Christ (Rom. 5:6–11).
Ezek. 30:3 On the day of Yahweh, see note on Isa. 13:6.
Ezek. 31:14 Human pride is brought low (see note on Isa. 2:11), pointing forward to pride being humbled through salvation in Christ (1 Cor. 1:26–31).
Ezek. 32:2 On Egypt as the great dragon, see note on 29:3.
Ezek. 32:7 The darkening of light foreshadows the darkening of the heavens at Christ's return (Matt. 24:29–31; Rev. 6:12–13).
Ezek. 32:21 The answer to the powerlessness and shame of death is found only in Christ and his resurrection (John 11:25–26; 1 Cor. 15:42–58).
Ezek. 33:2 On the watchman, see note on 3:17.
Ezek. 33:11 The call to repentance points forward to the call of the gospel (2 Pet. 3:9; Acts 2:38–41).
Ezek. 33:16 See note on 18:9.
Ezek. 33:17 See note on 18:4.
Ezek. 33:31 The hypocrisy among the people points forward to the hypocrisy Christ encountered (Matt. 23:13–36; cf. Jer. 7:11).
Ezek. 34:2 The false shepherds of Israel contrast with God, who through Christ becomes the true shepherd (vv. 11–31; Isa. 40:11; Luke 15:1–7; John 10:11, 14).
Ezek. 34:23 God acting as shepherd through David foreshadows the fact that Christ is both God and man—as man, the Davidic king (Matt. 1:1–16).
Ezek. 35:5 See note on 25:2.
Ezek. 35:6 The principle of retribution displays God's justice and points forward to the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15; see note on Prov. 1:18).
Ezek. 36:10 The return from exile foreshadows God's ultimate redemption from sin through Christ (Col. 1:13–14; see note on Isa. 39:6).
Ezek. 36:22 When the Lord displays his holiness and justice in judging sin in Christ while also saving sinners in mercy, he glorifies his own name in Christ (Rom. 3:23–26).
Ezek. 36:25 Cleansing from sin is accomplished in Christ (Col. 1:14; Heb. 9:23–28).
Ezek. 36:27 The promise of the Spirit is fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:1–21) and in the giving of the Spirit to those who believe in Christ (Rom. 8:9–17).
Ezek. 37:5 The vision of new life through the Spirit is partially fulfilled in the return from exile (37:12). It foreshadows resurrection life given through the Spirit of Christ (John 11:25–26; Rom. 8:9–17; Col. 3:1–4).
Ezek. 37:24 See note on 34:23.
Ezek. 38:2 The attack of Gog and Magog points to the final battle between God and his enemies in Revelation 20:8–10.
Ezek. 38:22 Fire coming down from heaven: see Revelation 20:9.
Ezek. 39:17 The sacrificial feast is depicted in Revelation 19:17–21.
Ezek. 39:29 On the outpouring of the Spirit, see notes on 36:27 and 37:5.
Ezek. 40:2 The vision of the new temple builds on earlier passages about the Mosaic tabernacle (Exod. 25–40) and Solomon's temple (1 Kings 5–8). Ezekiel's temple is more glorious and points to multiple realities: (1) the glory of God dwelling with humanity in Christ (John 1:14); (2) Christ's body as the temple (John 2:19–21); (3) the church as the temple (1 Cor. 3:16; Eph. 2:20–22; 1 Pet. 2:5); (4) the individual believer's body (1 Cor. 6:19); (5) the heavenly Jerusalem (Rev. 21:9–22:5).
Ezek. 40:6 The gates open from four directions into God's presence. This access foreshadows the way to God through Christ, extending to peoples and nations from every direction (Heb. 10:19–22; Rev. 21:12–13, 24–26).
Ezek. 40:38 The burnt offering is described in Leviticus 1:1–17 and 6:8–13 and foreshadows Christ's sacrifice (Eph. 5:2; Heb. 10:5–10; see note on Lev. 1:9). God gave this vision to Israel using the symbolic framework of the Mosaic covenant (Ezek. 43:10–11), but all the symbols reach their climax and fulfillment in Christ (Heb. 8:8–13).
Ezek. 40:45 The Aaronic priesthood, described in Leviticus 9–10, 21–22; Numbers 3–4, 8, 17–18, and elsewhere, is a shadow and symbol that finds its fulfillment in Christ's eternal priesthood (Heb. 7:23–8:6).
Ezek. 41:2 The spacious dimensions foreshadow free access to God through Christ (see notes on 40:2 and 40:6).
Ezek. 42:13 Eating the holy food foreshadows the spiritual nourishment found in Christ (John 6:53–58; see note on 40:45).
Ezek. 43:3 The arrival of Yahweh's glory, as described in chapter 1, signifies the blessing of his presence and remedies the departure of God in chapter 10. God's presence comes through the Spirit to the church as his temple (Acts 2:2–4; 1 Cor. 3:16).
Ezek. 43:18 On the burnt offering, see note on 40:38.
Ezek. 44:4 See note on 43:3.
Ezek. 44:15 The holiness required for serving God foreshadows the holiness of Christ (Heb. 7:23–8:6; 9:11–28; see note on 40:45).
Ezek. 45:1 The expansion of the sacred district foreshadows the holiness of the church—a community that transcends national boundaries (Rev. 5:9–10)—and the holiness of the new heaven and new earth (Rev. 21:1–22:5).
Ezek. 45:4 On the priests, see note on 40:45.
Ezek. 45:7 The princes as leaders of Israel belong to the Mosaic symbolic framework God uses in this vision (see notes on 40:2 and 40:38). They point to leaders in the church (Eph. 4:11; 1 Pet. 5:1–5) and to leaders in the new heaven and new earth. Christ is the supreme Lord over all (Eph. 1:19–23). The fulfillment in Christ transforms the nature of worship, thereby superseding the forms of worship that belong to the shadow of the Mosaic system (Heb. 8:1–9:14).
Ezek. 45:18 Permanent cleansing has now been accomplished once for all through Jesus Christ's single offering (Heb. 10:1–14).
Ezek. 45:21 Christ is our Passover lamb (1 Cor. 5:7; see notes on 40:38 and 40:45).
Ezek. 46:2 On the prince and the priests, see notes on 40:45 and 45:7.
Ezek. 47:1 The living water flowing from God's presence (see Ps. 46:4) foreshadows the living water Christ gives through the Spirit (John 4:10, 13–14; 6:35; 7:37–39; Rev. 22:1–2).
Ezek. 47:12 The trees foreshadow the tree of life, symbolizing the abundant blessing that flows from God (Rev. 22:2).
Ezek. 47:13 The inheritance of the land and its boundaries continues the theme of Numbers 34, Joshua 14–19, and other passages. The land foreshadows the new heaven and new earth (Heb. 11:13–16; Rev. 21:1).
Ezek. 47:22 The inclusion of foreigners foreshadows the inclusion of Gentiles in the blessings of the gospel and the inheritance of Abraham (Gal. 3:9, 14, 26–29; 4:28–31).
Ezek. 48:1 See note on 47:13.
Ezek. 48:21 God ultimately dwells fully among his people in Revelation 21:1–22:5. See notes on 40:2 and 40:38.
Ezek. 48:31 The gates appear in Revelation 21:12–13 (see notes on 40:2 and 40:6).
Daniel and his friends embody the conflict between God's kingdom and the kingdoms of the world—a conflict that will reach its climax in Christ, both at his first coming and at his second.
Dan. 1:5 Daniel and his friends resisted the temptation to be assimilated into the idolatrous culture around them. Christ, though in this world, did not yield to temptation (Matt. 4:1–11; Heb. 4:15), and we are called to follow in his steps (John 17:14–19; 1 Pet. 2:21).
Dan. 1:17 Daniel, like Joseph (Gen. 40:8; 41:39), foreshadows the wisdom of Christ (1 Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:3).
Dan. 2:11 God's response to Daniel reveals him as the true God, pointing forward to the age when God would dwell in the flesh (John 1:14).
Dan. 2:24 Daniel also saved the lives of others, foreshadowing Christ's salvation of us (Heb. 2:14–15).
Dan. 2:44 During the era of the fourth kingdom—the Roman Empire—God's kingdom was established through Christ (Matt. 3:2), especially through his resurrection (Matt. 28:18; Eph. 1:19–23).
Dan. 3:6 Compulsory false worship points forward to the scenario of the beast (Rev. 13:12–15) and the persecution of the church (Acts 8:1–3).
Dan. 3:18 Willingness to die for the faith points forward to Christ's willingness to lay down his life (John 10:17–18) and to Christian willingness to be martyred (Acts 7:55–60; Rev. 6:9; 12:11).
Dan. 3:25 The figure like a "son of God" is the pre-incarnate Christ (cf. Rev. 1:12–16). Christ identifies with the suffering of the Jewish people, protecting them by his power.
Dan. 3:29 This deliverance from death, like a resurrection, enables the message about the true God to spread. This message foreshadows the gospel proclaiming Christ's resurrection.
Dan. 4:9 Daniel's wisdom and ability to interpret dreams is like Joseph's (Gen. 41:38). Daniel conveys heavenly wisdom to Nebuchadnezzar, thereby foreshadowing Christ's unique role as mediator—Christ who is the wisdom of God (1 Cor. 1:30; Col. 2:3).
Dan. 4:30 Nebuchadnezzar is humbled by God's judgment. The bringing low of human pride points forward to the humbling of pride when God brings salvation in Christ (1 Cor. 1:26–31; see Dan. 4:37).
Dan. 5:4 The judgment on idolatry points forward to the final judgment (Rev. 20:11–15) and displays God's sovereignty.
Dan. 5:11 See note on 4:9.
Dan. 5:20 See note on 4:30.
Dan. 6:7 See note on 3:6.
Dan. 6:23 Daniel's deliverance from death, like a resurrection, foreshadows Christ's resurrection.
Dan. 6:26 The spread of the message about the true God foreshadows the spread of the gospel proclaiming Christ's resurrection (see note on 3:29).
Dan. 7:3 The four beasts are four kingdoms (v. 17), corresponding to the four kingdoms of 2:36–40. The characteristics of the four beasts are combined in the beast of Revelation 13:1–8—that beast represents the ultimate adversary of God's people.
Dan. 7:9 The characteristics of God's appearance reappear in Christ (Rev. 1:12–16)—Christ who is God incarnate (John 1:14).
Dan. 7:13 Jesus is the Son of Man (Matt. 24:30; 26:64).
Dan. 7:14 Christ's authority is connected to his resurrection and ascension (Matt. 28:18; Acts 2:33–35; Eph. 1:20–22) and continues to the ultimate consummation of all things (Rev. 22:1).
Dan. 7:21 The war against the saints is described in Revelation 11:7 and 13:7–10.
Dan. 7:25 The period of "a time, times, and half a time" (also in 12:7) is echoed in the half-week of 9:27 and represents the period of the church's persecution in Revelation 11:2, 3, 11 and 12:6, 14. See also Daniel 8:14 and 12:11–12, which may contain further echoes.
Dan. 8:10 The little horn—Antiochus IV Epiphanes—persecuted faithful Jews and desecrated the temple (168 BC; see 8:23). He foreshadows the man of lawlessness, the ultimate antichrist, the great enemy of God's people (2 Thess. 2:3–4, 7–12; Rev. 12:4).
Dan. 9:2 See 2 Chron. 36:21; Jer. 25:11–12 and 29:10.
Dan. 9:9 Decisive forgiveness is found only in Christ (Rom. 4:6–8; Col. 1:14).
Dan. 9:24 Atonement is accomplished in Christ (Heb. 7:23–8:6; 10:1–14). Everlasting righteousness comes with Christ—the perfectly righteous Savior (Acts 3:14)—and with the righteousness he gives his people in justification (Rom. 3:23–26; 2 Cor. 5:21).
Dan. 10:6 This glorious appearance reflecting God's glory foreshadows the glory of Christ in Revelation 1:12–16.
Dan. 10:12 Daniel's intercession for Israel foreshadows the intercession of Christ—the great High Priest (Heb. 7:25).
Dan. 10:13 The conflict among angels foreshadows the spiritual warfare in Revelation (Rev. 12:7–9).
Dan. 11:2 Earthly turmoil and warfare will continue to the end (Matt. 24:6–7; Rev. 6:2–4), reminding us of the reality of spiritual warfare—part of which is invisible (Rev. 12:7–9). Amid the turmoil, only Christ gives true peace (John 16:33; cf. Phil. 4:6–7; 1 Thess. 3:4).
Dan. 11:31 See note on 8:10.
Dan. 11:35 The refining process points to God's refining of the church (Rom. 5:3–5; Heb. 12:3–11; 1 Pet. 1:6–7).
Dan. 11:36 This king is either the man of lawlessness of 2 Thessalonians 2:3–4 or a foreshadowing of him.
Dan. 12:1 The book is identified as the Lamb's book of life (Eph. 1:4; Rev. 13:8; 17:8), guaranteeing the salvation of those who belong to Christ.
Dan. 12:2 Both life and the final judgment are under the authority of Christ (John 5:27–29).
Dan. 12:3 The radiance points to the radiance of the new Jerusalem (Rev. 21:22–27; 22:5).
Israel's unfaithfulness calls for a permanent remedy — one that comes in Christ's faithfulness to the Father, and in the faithfulness Christ works in his people through the Spirit. God's love for Israel foreshadows Christ's love for the church (Eph 5:25–27).
Hos 1:1 The period during which God gave this prophecy is covered in 2 Kgs 15–20 and 2 Chr 26–32.
Hos 1:2 Israel's spiritual adultery — also identified in Jeremiah (see note on Jer 2:2) — is a shocking rebellion that necessarily leads to God's judgment (Hos 1:4). Yet God will ultimately bring the remedy in Christ (1:10; Rom 9:26). Christ prepares the church to be a faithful bride (Eph 5:25–27).
Hos 1:10 God, faithful to his promise to Abraham (Gen 13:16; 22:17), will remember Israel. This remembrance is fulfilled in a remarkable way — it includes not only Jews (Rom 11:25–32) but also Gentiles (Rom 9:25–26).
Hos 2:3 God judges unfaithfulness with righteousness. His righteousness reaches its climax in Christ, through whom we are freed from condemnation (Rom 3:23–26; 8:1), and it is also displayed in the final judgment (Rev 20:11–21:8).
Hos 2:14 Israel's punishment followed by restoration foreshadows the death and resurrection of Christ — the true Israel (Rom 4:25).
Hos 2:23 See note on Hos 1:10.
Hos 3:1 God's love for the apostate foreshadows his love for sinners in Christ (Rom 5:6–11).
Hos 4:5 On false prophets, see note on Jer 14:14.
Hos 4:10 False gods cannot satisfy. Their failure exposes the folly of false worship and, by contrast, points to the one true God and ultimately to his way of salvation in Christ (John 14:6).
Hos 5:4 The lack of knowledge of God throws into relief the true knowledge that is ultimately found in Christ (John 14:7; 17:3).
Hos 5:14 See note on Hos 2:3.
Hos 6:2 The invitation to return to the Lord foreshadows the gospel invitation (Acts 16:31; 17:30–31). Life given on the third day foreshadows Christ's resurrection as the source of life for his people (Col 3:1–4).
Hos 6:3 God is truly known in Christ (Matt 11:27; John 14:6; 17:3).
Hos 6:6 Jesus taught the centrality of steadfast love (Matt 9:13; 12:7).
Hos 7:5 Kings and princes sinning alongside the people points to the need for a faithful king. Christ is the faithful king of the line of David (Matt 1:1–16).
Hos 8:13 God punishes with righteousness. Since the people broke his covenant, he reverses the exodus deliverance — which was one dimension of covenantal redemption. Humanity needs a greater redemption, found in Christ (Matt 2:15; Heb 8:8–13).
Hos 9:10 Israel's present apostasy repeats the ancient apostasy at Baal-peor (Num 25:1–5), pointing to the need for a permanent remedy and a permanent inward transformation — which comes in Christ (Heb 8:8–13).
Hos 10:6 See note on Hos 4:10.
Hos 10:8 The dread of God's wrath foreshadows the terror of the final judgment (Luke 23:30; Rev 6:16).
Hos 10:12 Full righteousness comes in Christ (Rom 3:23–26; 8:1–4).
Hos 11:1 Israel is called God's "son" (Exod 4:22; cf. Deut 8:5) and came out of Egypt in the exodus (Exod 14). Israel's journey foreshadows Christ's journey (Matt 2:15) — Christ is the faithful Son (Matt 3:17), whereas Israel as son repeatedly failed (Hos 11:2).
Hos 11:11 On the return from exile, see note on Isa 35:10.
Hos 12:2 God's punishment flows from his righteousness and foreshadows the righteousness of the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15). This display of righteousness makes clear the need for forgiveness through Christ's propitiation (1 John 2:1–2).
Hos 13:14 The threat of death as the penalty for sin (Rom 6:23) is ultimately answered through Christ's resurrection (John 11:25–26; 1 Cor 15:55–57; Heb 2:14–15).
Hos 14:1 The command to repent anticipates the command to repent in the gospel (Acts 2:38).
Hos 14:5 The promise of blessing foreshadows the blessings of salvation in Christ (Eph 1:3–14; see note on Isa 27:6).
The day of the Lord — the day of God's coming (see note on Isa 13:6) — brings both judgment on sin and the possibility of blessing. Both dimensions are fulfilled in Christ's first and second comings.
Joel 1:4 God sent locusts upon the Egyptians in the time of Moses (Exod 10:1–20). But the disaster in Joel's day came upon God's own people because of their own sin (see Deut 28:38). This reveals the urgent need for forgiveness of sin in Christ and foreshadows the locusts before Christ's return in judgment (Rev 9:1–11).
Joel 1:13 See note on Joel 2:12.
Joel 1:15 The day of the Lord — the day of God's appearing — is a day of judgment (see note on Isa 13:6).
Joel 2:12 The call to repentance anticipates the call to repentance in the gospel (Acts 2:38).
Joel 2:18 Christ welcomes repentant sinners (Luke 5:32; 15:7).
Joel 2:28 The supreme blessing is the outpouring of the Spirit, fulfilled at Pentecost (Acts 2:16–21).
Joel 2:32 New Testament proclamation invites hearers to be saved in the name of Christ (Acts 2:38–41; Rom 10:13; cf. Acts 4:12).
Joel 3:13 At Christ's return, God executes judgment (Rev 14:14–20).
Joel 3:15 The darkening of lights at Christ's return is part of God's judgment (Matt 24:29–31; Rev 6:12; cf. Rev 8:12). The darkness at the cross also signified judgment (Matt 27:45).
Joel 3:17 The holiness of Jerusalem is perfected in its ultimate fulfillment (Rev 21:27).
God comes to Israel with both judgment for sin and a promise of restoration. Judgment and restoration foreshadow Christ's cross and resurrection, as well as the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15). The demand for righteousness is fulfilled in Christ's righteousness (Rom 8:1–4).
Amos 1:1 The period during which God gave this prophecy is covered in 2 Kgs 14:23–15:7.
Amos 1:2 The power of God's word in judgment anticipates the power of Christ's word — whether at his first or second coming (John 12:48–50; Rev 19:15, 21).
Amos 1:3 Damascus — the capital of Syria — is judged, foreshadowing God's final judgment on his enemies (Rev 20:11–15). On the display of God's righteousness in judgment, see notes on Lam 1:5 and Ezek 18:4.
Amos 2:4 God does not overlook the sins of his own people but holds them accountable just as he does the other nations (1:3–2:3). He demonstrates his impartiality (Rom 2:11–16). All people stand under the curse of disobedience, and the only escape is found in Christ (Gal 3:13–14; Rom 3:9–31).
Amos 3:2 Those with greater privilege will bear greater punishment (Luke 12:48). This principle is seen in the guilt borne by those Jews who rejected Christ (Matt 11:20–24; John 15:22–25).
Amos 3:8 See note on Amos 1:2.
Amos 3:10 The demand for righteousness is an inseparable part of God's law. Righteousness is fulfilled in Christ's righteousness (Rom 1:17; 2 Cor 5:21) and in his followers (Rom 8:1–4).
Amos 3:12 On the remnant, see notes on Isa 1:9 and Isa 6:13.
Amos 4:6 Stubborn hardness, like Pharaoh's hardness during the exodus, compounds guilt. Hardness characterizes Israel's history and reaches its climax in the rejection of Christ (Acts 7:51–53; see note on Isa 29:13). Judgment on Israel was already foretold in Deut 28:15–68.
Amos 5:18 People expected the day of the Lord to mean judgment on Israel's enemies. But it involves universal judgment on all sinners, including Israel. See notes on Amos 2:4, Isa 13:6, and Isa 13:9.
Amos 5:27 The northern kingdom's exile beyond Damascus, and later the southern kingdom's exile to Babylon, foreshadow the final judgment.
Amos 6:1 Pride and self-reliance are judged by God, anticipating the gospel's judgment on human pride (1 Cor 1:26–31).
Amos 7:3 The Lord does not simply destroy but refines his people in mercy. His mercy anticipates the mercy that will be displayed in Christ (Matt 9:27).
Amos 8:9 The darkening of the sky is a symbol of judgment, foreshadowing the judgment at the cross (Matt 27:45) and the judgment at Christ's return (Matt 24:29–31; Rev 6:12; cf. Joel 3:15 and Rev 8:12).
Amos 9:1 There being no escape foreshadows the universality of the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15).
Amos 9:8 On the remnant, see note on Amos 3:12 and notes on Isa 1:9 and Isa 6:13.
Amos 9:11 The fallen tent of David is rebuilt when Christ is raised up.
Amos 9:12 When Christ is raised up, the nations (Gentiles) are brought into God's blessing, fulfilling the promise to Abraham (Gen 12:3).
Judgment on Edom — Israel's traditional enemy — contributes to the blessing of God's people. Judgment and vindication foreshadow Christ's victory and the judgment of his enemies, whether at his first or second coming.
Obad 3 God judges human pride, anticipating the gospel's judgment on pride (1 Cor 1:26–31).
Obad 10 Those who attack God's people will ultimately be destroyed in the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15).
Obad 15 On the day of the Lord, see note on Isa 13:6. On the principle of just retribution, see note on Prov 1:18.
Jonah's deliverance from death foreshadows Christ's resurrection (Matt 12:39–40). The repentance of the Ninevites foreshadows the repentance of Gentiles who respond to the gospel (Matt 28:18–20; Luke 24:47).
Jonah 1:15 The sailors are saved through Jonah's sacrifice, foreshadowing the salvation of people from every nation through Christ's death (1 John 2:2).
Jonah 1:17 Jonah in the depths of the sea symbolizes the realm of death. His situation foreshadows Christ's death (Matt 12:40).
Jonah 2:6 Jonah's deliverance from death foreshadows Christ's resurrection from the dead (Matt 12:40).
Jonah 3:5 Gentiles repent at Jonah's preaching — Jonah having been, in a sense, "raised" from the "death" of the fish's belly. Gentiles repent at the proclamation of Christ's resurrection (Matt 28:18–20).
Jonah 3:10 The repentance of the Gentiles stands in contrast to Israel's repeated refusal to repent (Matt 12:41; 21:43).
Jonah 4:11 God's mercy is displayed abundantly in the gospel and in the salvation of the Gentiles — those who are undeserving (Rom 9:30–31; 11:30).
God announces judgment on Israel, foreshadowing the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15) and the judgment that fell on Christ (Gal 3:13). His promise to bring blessing through the Messiah anticipates the blessings of salvation in Christ (Eph 1:3–14).
Mic 1:1 The period during which God gave this prophecy is covered in 2 Kgs 16–20 and 2 Chr 27–32.
Mic 1:5 God in his righteousness cannot overlook the sins of his people. The punishment foreshadows the punishment of the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15) and the substitutionary punishment Christ bore for his people (1 Pet 2:24).
Mic 2:3 On the judgment of human pride, see notes on Isa 2:11, Ezek 31:14, and Amos 6:1.
Mic 2:12 On the remnant, see notes on Isa 1:9 and Isa 6:13.
Mic 3:5 On false prophets, see note on Jer 14:14.
Mic 3:12 On the destruction of the holy city, see note on Ps 74:3.
Mic 4:1 The exaltation of God's name is accomplished in Christ (see note on Isa 2:2).
Mic 5:2 The Messiah will be born in Bethlehem (Matt 2:1–6).
Mic 5:8 On the remnant, see note on Mic 2:12 and notes on Isa 1:9 and Isa 6:13.
Mic 6:2 Israel's sin cannot escape judgment. This judgment foreshadows the righteousness and thoroughness of the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15).
Mic 6:8 Sacrifices cannot replace the need for justice and steadfast love. This concern for true righteousness anticipates Jesus' teaching (Matt 5:23–24; 9:13; 15:10–20) and is fulfilled in Jesus' own righteousness (Acts 3:14; Rom 8:1–4).
Mic 7:6 Betrayal within families in Israel anticipates the family betrayal that comes through opposition to Christ (Matt 10:35–36).
Mic 7:18 Forgiveness is accomplished in Christ (Rom 3:23–26; 1 John 2:2). On the remnant, see notes on Isa 1:9 and Isa 6:13.
Judgment on Nineveh — the traditional enemy of God's people — foreshadows the final judgment and the ultimate liberation from oppression (Rev 20:11–21:8).
Nah 1:15 The good news of liberation from Nineveh's oppression foreshadows the good news of eternal liberation from sin and death in the gospel (Isa 52:7; Mark 1:1; Rom 1:1).
Nah 2:3 The assault on and destruction of Nineveh foreshadows God's warfare through Christ against his ultimate enemies (Matt 12:29; Luke 10:17–19; John 12:31; Rev 19:11–21; 20:7–10).
Nah 3:4 The punishment Nineveh receives foreshadows the punishment of Babylon the great harlot for her seductions through idolatry (Rev 17:1–6; 18:1–3).
God's use of a wicked nation to accomplish his righteousness anticipates his use of wicked opponents to accomplish his purposes at the cross of Christ.
Hab 1:4 The subversion of justice by the wicked foreshadows the temporary triumph of the wicked when Christ was crucified.
Hab 1:5 The incredible fact that God would use the wicked Chaldeans foreshadows the equally incredible fact that the injustice of Christ's crucifixion would be used by God for salvation.
Hab 1:13 At the crucifixion of Christ, wicked leaders devoured Christ, the Righteous One.
Hab 2:4 The righteous person trusts God; he believes that God's promises are true and that God will accomplish his righteous purposes. This trust anticipates trust in Christ (Rom 1:17; Gal 3:11; Heb 10:37–38) — God's promises are fulfilled in Christ (2 Cor 1:20).
Hab 2:8 On the principle of just retribution, see note on Prov 1:18.
Hab 2:16 On the cup of God's wrath, see note on Jer 25:15.
Hab 3:13 God appears to bring salvation for his people and his anointed king. When God appeared in Christ (John 1:14; 14:9), when Christ — the anointed King — was saved from death in the resurrection, and when his people were saved through Christ, salvation came.
Judgment on the wicked anticipates the final judgment (Rev 20:11–15) and demonstrates that Christ's redemptive work and substitutionary suffering are necessary to save us from judgment (see note on Isa 13:9).
Zeph 1:1 The period during which God gave this prophecy is covered in 2 Kgs 22–23 and 2 Chr 34–35.
Zeph 1:2 God in his holiness is zealous to eliminate all evil. His resolve anticipates the final judgment and renewal in the ultimate consummation (2 Pet 3:10–13; Rev 21:1).
Zeph 1:7 On the day of the Lord, see note on Isa 13:6.
Zeph 2:3 The call to humility foreshadows the gospel call to repent and turn to the Lord (Acts 2:38) and to flee the coming wrath (Acts 17:30–31).
Zeph 2:9 On the remnant, see notes on Isa 1:9 and Isa 6:13.
Zeph 2:10 On the punishment of pride, see note on Ezek 31:14.
Zeph 3:15 The removal of judgment and curse comes with Christ (Rom 8:1; Gal 3:13–14). Christ is the Lord in our midst (Matt 1:23; John 1:14), now dwelling in the church through the indwelling Spirit (John 14:20; Rom 8:9–10).
The rebuilding of the temple foreshadows the construction of the New Testament temple: the church (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20–22) and the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:9–22:5).
Hag 1:1 The period during which God gave this prophecy is covered in Ezra 5–6 (see Ezra 5:1 and 6:14).
Hag 1:2 The Lord's house symbolizes his presence, pointing to Christ as the temple (John 1:14; 2:19–21), the church as the temple (1 Cor 3:16; Eph 2:20–22), and God's dwelling in the new Jerusalem (Rev 21:3; 21:22–22:5).
Hag 1:13 The promise of God's presence with his people anticipates God's presence with his people in Christ (Matt 1:23, "Immanuel") and through the Spirit of Christ (Rom 8:9–10; 1 Cor 3:16).
Hag 2:4 Our labor in the Lord is not in vain (1 Cor 15:58; Phil 2:12–13).
Hag 2:6 God's shaking of the old order shows that we should place our hope in his unshakeable kingdom in Christ (Heb 12:26–28).
Hag 2:7 God's ultimate glory is found in Jesus Christ (John 1:14; Rev 21:22–23).
The restoration of the exilic era foreshadows the eternal salvation that comes in Christ.
Zech 1:1 The period during which God gave this prophecy is covered in Ezra 5–6 (see Ezra 5:1 and 6:14).
Zech 1:3 The call to return foreshadows the gospel call to repent and turn to God (Acts 2:38; 17:30–31).
Zech 1:16 Compassion on Jerusalem foreshadows compassion on sinners in Christ (Luke 5:32).
Zech 2:5 God's glory is displayed in Jesus Christ (John 1:14; 17:1–5; Rev 21:22–27).
Zech 2:11 On the coming of the nations, see notes on Isa 2:2, 11:10, and 42:6.
Zech 3:4 The removal of iniquity symbolizes justification in Christ (Rom 3:23–26; 5:1).
Zech 3:8 The Branch is the Messiah (based on Isa 11:1).
Zech 4:6 The Spirit of Christ gives inexhaustible power and light (John 16:13–15; Rom 8:9–13).
Zech 5:3 We can escape the curse of sin through Christ — who bore the curse for us (Gal 3:13–14).
Zech 6:12 On the Branch, see notes on Zech 3:8 and Isa 11:1.
Zech 6:13 Christ builds the temple — that is, the church (Matt 16:18; 1 Cor 3:10–16).
Zech 7:9 The supreme importance of justice over sacrifice also appears in 1 Sam 15:22–23, Amos 5:21–27, Mic 6:7–8, and Matt 9:13, and highlights the surpassing excellence of Christ's righteousness over all animal sacrifices (Heb 10:1–14).
Zech 8:3 On God's dwelling place, see note on Hag 1:2.
Zech 8:11 On the remnant, see notes on Isa 1:9 and Isa 6:13.
Zech 8:22 On the coming of the nations, see notes on Isa 2:2 and Isa 11:10.
Zech 9:9 Jesus the King enters Jerusalem riding on a donkey (Matt 21:1–9).
Zech 10:9 The return from exile foreshadows the ultimate salvation and life found in Christ (John 6:35; 14:6).
Zech 11:10 Unfaithfulness leads to the breaking of the covenant, pointing to the need for the new covenant (Heb 8:8–13).
Zech 11:12 Thirty pieces of silver is the price paid for rejecting the Lord as the true shepherd, anticipating Judas's payment (Matt 26:15; 27:9–10).
Zech 12:10 Repentance involves looking to the crucified Messiah (John 3:14–15; 19:37).
Zech 13:1 Cleansing from sin comes in Christ (1 John 2:1–2).
Zech 13:7 When Christ — the shepherd — was crucified, the disciples were scattered (Matt 26:31).
Zech 14:8 Living water is found in Christ (John 4:10; Rev 22:1; see note on Ezek 47:1).
Zech 14:20 Holiness is found in Christ (Acts 2:27; Heb 7:26) and in the new Jerusalem he establishes (Rev 21:22–22:5).
Disobedience and compromise are dealt with by Christ's coming and his purifying work.
Mal 1:2 God's sovereign love for Jacob foreshadows the sovereignty of his love for the elect (Rom 9:1–29).
Mal 1:7 The danger of despising God remains present in the church at the Lord's Supper (1 Cor 10:21).
Mal 2:8 The corruption of the covenant reveals the need for the new covenant (Heb 8:8–13) and for a perfect priest (Heb 7:11–8:6).
Mal 3:1 John the Baptist is the messenger who prepares the way for Christ, who is the Lord, the messenger of the covenant (Matt 11:10–11).
Mal 3:7 On the call to repentance, see note on Jer 18:11.
Mal 4:1 On the day of the Lord, see note on Isa 13:6.
Mal 4:6 John the Baptist prepares hearts for the Lord's coming in the person of Christ (Luke 1:17).
💬 After reading this article, if you have any thoughts or questions, you are welcome to ask Pastor Bond:
- "The Old Testament has so many laws and sacrifices — how do they all point to Christ?"
- "Why do people say the true main character of the Old Testament is Jesus?"
- "How will learning to read the Old Testament this way help my personal devotions?"