Charles Pinkney, 2019-2023

  Typology is found throughout the Old Testament.


A "Type" is a description of a person or event that foreshadows or portrays something highly significant, that will happen at a later time. As an example, we can look at the rescue of Rahab, who is saved by displaying a "scarlet thread." The scarlet thread is a type of the blood of the cross that rescues every believer from destruction. Another powerful example is the story of how Abraham was prepared to offer his only son, Issac, upon an alter on Mount Mariah. Later, Jesus, God's beloved son, became the sacrificial "Lamb" who died for the sins of the world. "Behold, the lamb of God who takes away the sins of the world." The Messiah, is foreshadowed in special ways in every Old Testament book, but there is none more vivid in detail than that of Joseph, found in Genesis (Chapters 37 - 50). 
Joseph, of course, is the beloved son of his father Jacob who is also called Israel.

  1. Joseph/Jesus were “the beloved of their father; The voice from heaven affirmed, “My beloved son in whom I am well pleased.”

  2. Both were sent into the fields by the father; They were shepherds tending their flock. Jesus is the Faithful shepherd.

  3. Joseph/Jesus were given distinctive garments; "A coat of many colors"; Jesus wore a seamless robe that was gambled over.

  4. Joseph/Jesus were both hated by his brethren, without cause;

  5. Joseph/Jesus both were given visions of future sovereignty;

  6. Visions of the sheaves bowing down to Joseph sheaf; At the name of Jesus, one day every knee will bow;

  7. His brethren plotted the death of both Joseph/Jesus;

  8. Joseph/Jesus both thrown into pit, were raised up in three days;

  9. Blood was presented to the father; Jacob was shown blood; Jesus blood was presented to the heavenly Father;

  10. Sold for silver coin, Joseph into slavery; Jesus was betrayed to the Jewish authorities for 30 pieces of silver.

  11. Joseph is imprisoned between two prisoners; One is freed, one is slain; Jesus is crucified between two; The believing criminal was ushered into paradise, saved from hell;

  12. Joseph/Jesus falsely both accused of a crime of which they were not guilty;

  13. Joseph tempted by Potifer’s wife; but remained innocent; Jesus was tempted in  all matters, yet without sin;

  14. Joseph/Jesus cast into prison; Jesus descended into the lower regions of hell.

  15. Joseph/Jesus both are numbered with the transgressors;

  16. Joseph/Jesus are prophets, they have foreknowledge to reveal future secret things;

  17. Joseph/Jesus receive new names; Joseph an Egyptian name; Zaphnath-Paaneah Jesus also has a new name;

  18. Joseph/Jesus are both given exalted status to rule the entire kingdom, answerable only to the King;

  19. Joseph/Jesus both are given a gentile bride; Jesus’ bride is “the church;”

  20. Joseph is the "savior of a world" in a 7-year famine; Jesus is the only name given by which people may be  saved;

  21. Joseph provides bread for the starving multitudes; Jesus is “The Bread of Life;”

  22. Joseph/Jesus are unknown and unrecognized by their brethren in the beginning;

  23. The seven years of "Jacob’s trouble" foreshadows the future 7-year tribulation;

  24. Jesus reveals himself to his brethren only after the second visit of his brethren;

  25. Joseph/Jesus does not seek revenge but offers “grace,” he forgives his brethren; Joseph/Jesus stretches out his arms and says, “Come to me.”

Find Additional Commentaries and Biblical Essays by Charles Pinkney