A fourth method of study is the Study of Types.
We have illustrations of this in the Bible itself, as for example in
the Epistle to the Hebrews. It is both an interesting and
instructive method of study. It shows us the most precious truths
buried away in what once seemed to us a very dry and meaningless
portion of the Bible. It need scarcely be said that this method of
study is greatly abused and overdone in some quarters. But that is
no reason why we should neglect it altogether, especially when we
remember that not only Paul but Jesus were fond of this method of
study. The following may serve as principles to govern us in this
method of study:
1 . Be
sure you have Bible warrant
for your supposed type.
If one gives free rein to
his fancy in this matter, he
can imagine types
everywhere, even in places
that neither the human or
divine author of the book
had any intention of a
typical sense. Never say
this is a type unless you
can point to some clear
passage of Scripture where
the truth said to be
typified is definitely
taught.
2.
Begin with the more simple
and evident types, e.g.,
the Passover (comp. Ex. 12
with I Cor. 5: 7 etc.), the
High Priest, the Tabernacle.
3. Be
on your guard against the
fanciful and overstrained.
Fancy is almost sure to run
away with any man who is
blessed with any imagination
and quickness of typical
discernment, unless he holds
it in check. Our typical
sensitiveness and
sensibleness will become
both quickened and chastened
by careful and circumspect
exercise.
4. In
studying any passage of
possible typical suggestion,
look up all the Scripture
references. The best
collection of references is
that given in "The Treasury
of Scripture Knowledge."
5.
Study carefully the meaning
of the names of persons and
places mentioned. Bible
names often have a very deep
and far reaching
suggestiveness. Thus, for
example, Hebron, which means
"joining together," "union"
or "fellowship," is deeply
significant when taken in
connection with its history,
as are all the names of the
Cities of Refuge, and indeed
very many Scripture names.
Was it accidental that
Bethlehem, the name of the
place where the Bread of
Life was born, means "House
of bread"? C. H. M.'s notes
on Genesis, Exodus,
Leviticus, Numbers and
Deuteronomy are suggestive
to one who has had little
experience in the study of
types.