TYPES IN GENESIS: PORTRAITS OF CHRIST

This is a fantastic study called “TYPES IN GENESIS: PORTRAITS OF CHRIST”. It is a study required for my Masters degree. In it you will find a fantastic look into the types of Christ throughout the Bible. I just know you will be blessed by it. Following this opening statement is just one of the chapters called “The Bridegroom Cometh”. Have a look and be blessed. If you like it, the rest of the book, along with many more encouraging works can be found and purchased reasonably at  https://www.amazon.com/author/robertcoutts  Thanks for stopping by.

 

 

CHAPTER 19

 

The Bridegroom Cometh

 

A

braham had the responsibility of selecting a bride for Isaac. In this section is a perfect type of the calling out of the bride of Christ. George Livingston in “The Beacon Bible Commentary writes,

     “According to the customs of his time, and still true in the less westernized families of the Near East, the old father had an important duty to perform for his son. Abraham had never been impressed with the moral character of the people about him in Canaan. So, his thoughts turned back to the homeland where his relatives still lived. He wanted a girl with a religious background similar to that of Isaac.”   61

     So, Abraham commissioned his servant, (probably Eliezer), to represent him in securing a bride for Isaac. The procedure of requiring a servant to place his hand under his master’s thigh signified that the oath was being established both for the contracting purpose and also for posterity.

     “Some think honor is done to the covenant of circumcision by the ceremony here used of putting his hand under his thigh. Swearing being an ordinance not popular to the church, but common to mankind, is to be performed by such signs as are the appointments and common usages of our country, for binding the person sworn.”   62

     If the oath were broken, even though the covenanters may not be able to achieve compensation, their children were expected to do so. The customs were sometimes described as swearing by posterity. The servant’s journey was guided by God, and in Nahor of Mesopotamia he met Rebekeh.

     “And at last when he came to this city of Nahor, and halted his camels at the well just outside the city, he felt a special need for fresh guidance. So he asked God to give him a sign that he might be quite sure. Rebekeh was among the women who came to draw water at the well.”   63

     Once the servant had met Rebekeh and told her of his purpose, he went with her to Bethuel’s house, (the father of Rebekeh). Now the servant asks Rebekeh to do three things which relate to what God asks sinners to do with Christ.

     “This man, the servant of Abraham asked Rebekeh to do three things. 1. She was asked to believe a man she never met before. 2. She was asked to go to a land from which she would never return, and, 3. She was asked to marry a man whom, as yet, she never met.”   64

     The same questions are put to sinners today, the same ones Eliezer expected Rebekeh to answer.

     “Believe a person you have never met before, even the Holy Spirit of God. Go with Him and allow Him to lead and guide you by faith into a far country from which you will never return. Be married to a man, (joined), whom you have never seen before. This then is the simple plan of Salvation.”   65

     After one days delay the maiden agreed to go with the servant and become the bride of Isaac. In the course of time the journey was completed; there was a sentimentally appealing meeting between Rebekeh and Isaac “and she became his wife and he loved her.”

     Although a choice of a bride for Isaac is not a Biblical type, it has traditionally been interpreted as being rich in spiritual lessons. Abraham in this story represents God the father who desires a bride for His Son. Isaac represents the Lord Jesus Christ who is now in the heavenlies and will remain there until His bride (the church), is brought to Him. The servant illustrates the ministry of the Holy Spirit, who carefully selects and wins the bride and then guides her through this world to bring her safely home.

     The Holy Spirit just as the servant, ministers to exalt the father who sent Him and the Son on whose behalf He has come. Rebekeh represents the believer who loves without seeing, is given rich clothing (garments of righteousness), and who goes willingly. The chapter ends with the assurance of Isaac’s satisfaction and love; “He loved her.”

     “The story falls short of the antitype for Isaac did not have to bear anything in order to win her for his bride; but He whom he foreshadows “shall see of the travail of his soul and shall be satisfied.”   66

     That is the end of that chapter. I hope you liked it and were blessed. 

There is more at   https://www.amazon.com/author/robertcoutts