In the Epistle to the Hebrews, we read that Jesus Christ has become our great high priest. There are many such correlations that can be identified in the holy scriptures. The earlier event, person, or place is said to be a type of the later event, person, or place, from the Greek word τύπος, meaning ‘prototype, pattern, or figure’. When two events are thus correlated, it is said that a typology is established between them. The later event will never be precisely identical with the earlier to which the appeal is made. But the correlation is sought as a way of adapting or interpreting the present experience by means of the older event, person, or place, and thus celebrating the new event and revealing the providential continuity in the historical experience.
In 1664, Thomas Worden published The Types Unvail’d: or, The Gospel pick’d out of the Legal Ceremonies; whereby we may compare the Substance with the Shadow. It is an extended reflection on the typology of the tabernacle.
I next come to speak of these Mysterious Things, which belonged to the Robe or Garment, which the High Priest did wear about him, when he was to administer (for the People) before the Lord.
First there was a breast-plate made for the Robe, a plate of Gold four-square, in breadth and length about a spand in every way, Exod. 39.9.
In this breast-plate of Gold there was engraved the names of the twelve tribes of Israel, in Letters set in rows, with precious stones, Exod. 39. 10, 11, 12, 13, 14. There was likewise set in this breast-plate the Urim and Thummim, Exod. 28.30.
This plate was tied about the High Priests long Robe with chains of Gold, that so the Plate (which had the names of the twelve tribes written in it) might set strait upon the High Priests heart, Exod. 39. 19, 20, 21, with Exod. 28. 29, 30.
The use and purpose of this breast-plate, was to shew all believers (for their great Consolation) these things.
First, Concerning the deep sense that Christ hath of the several conditions, that his people are liable unto in this world; for you see that the names of the twelve tribes were written upon this Breast-plate, which was placed upon the High-priest’s Heart.
I say, it shews us how deeply the several conditions of the Elect are stamped upon the heart of Christ, he bears them all upon his heart, he keeps to this day (though in glory) a naked place in his heart to affect himself with his peoples conditions, saith David, Psal. 40. 5. Many O Lord are thy wonderous works which thou hast done, and thy thoughts which are to us-ward, they cannot be reckoned up in order unto thee, I would declare and speak of them, they are more then can be numbred, so Jer. 29. 11. For I know the Thoughts that I think toward you, saith the Lord, Thoughts of Peace and not of Evil, to give you an expected End: So that you may perceive, how the Scripture doth make the High Priest’s carrying the Names of the Children of Israel upon his Breast-plate, and Christ our great High Priest carrying the whole of the Conditions of his Church upon his Heart now in Heaven, to agree and simbolize.
Recent Comments