Symbolism & Salvation – Old Testament Figures Who Parallel Jesus 

By Daniel Bobinski 

The Old Testament is rich with characters that parallel, or foreshadow, the person of Jesus, embodying various aspects of Jesus’ life, ministry, and redemptive work. By examining these individuals, we can solidify our understanding of God’s plan of salvation through the person of Jesus Christ. 

Let’s start with Adam, the first man, who was directly created by God. Adam represented all of humanity and his actions affected the entire human race. Several times, the Apostle Paul referred to Jesus as the “last Adam.” It makes sense. Jesus was also created directly by God, He represented all of humanity, and, like Adam, His actions also affected the entire human race. 

Side note: In the same way Adam was given dominion over creation, Jesus has all authority in heaven and on earth. 

Let’s move now to Noah, that guy who built the ark. Whereas Noah warned his generation about the coming judgment, Jesus also warned people to avoid the final judgment. And, in the same way Noah emerged from the ark to a world cleansed from evil people, Jesus ushers people into a Kingdom that is free from evil. 

Of course, we can’t forget Melchizedek, the mysterious king of Salem who was also a priest is sometimes discussed as a preincarnate Christ. As a “priest of God Most High,” Melchizedek’s appearance foreshadowed Jesus’ role as our eternal High Priest. Similarly, his kingship over Salem (which was likely an early name for Jerusalem) points to Christ’s sovereignty as King of kings. 

The author of Hebrews emphasizes that Melchizedek appears “without father or mother, without genealogy, without beginning of days or end of life.” This description correlates to the eternal nature of his priesthood, paralleling Christ’s everlasting priesthood “in the order of Melchizedek.” 

That brings us to Moses. Multiple parallels exist here, with Moses serving as Israel’s deliverer, mediator, and prophet (God’s mouthpiece). Just like Moses led Israel out of Egyptian bondage, Jesus delivers believers from the bondage of sin. And just like Moses mediated between God and Israel, Jesus is the mediator between God and all of mankind. 

Another facet that links Moses to Jesus is the law. Moses was the lawgiver, bringing God’s law to the nation of Israel. At the other end of this picture is Jesus, fulfilling the Law and giving us a new commandment of love. 

Next let’s talk about David, the shepherd who became king. As a boy, David cared for his father’s sheep. He led them, guided them, and protected them from being attacked. Similarly, Jesus referred to Himself as the Good Shepherd who laid down His life for His sheep, thus protecting them from eternal death. Jesus also leads and guides us, and if even one of His many sheep go astray, He goes after it to bring it back safely. 

Eventually, David was anointed king of Israel, ruling over his people. Similarly, Jesus rose from the dead to become the eternal King of kings. 

From here, I’d like to devote the rest of this column to the parallels between Joseph and Jesus, as there are many. That said, I must give credit where credit is due. The following comparisons are adapted from the book, “Gleanings in Genesis,” by Arthur W. Pink. In that book, Pink identifies more than 100 parallels between Joseph and Jesus. Here are just a few: 

• Joseph was the beloved son of his father Jacob; Jesus is the beloved Son of the Father.
• Joseph had dreams of future sovereignty; Jesus prophesied His future sovereignty.
• Joseph obeyed his father’s command to check on his brothers, leading to his suffering; Jesus obeyed His Father’s will, even to the point of death on the cross.
• Joseph’s brothers conspired to kill him; the Jewish leaders plotted to kill Jesus.
• Joseph’s coat was taken from him; Jesus’ garments were stripped from Him.
• Joseph was thrown into a pit; Jesus descended into the grave.
• Joseph was sold for twenty pieces of silver; Jesus was sold for thirty pieces of silver.
• Joseph resisted temptation by Potiphar’s wife and did not sin; Jesus was tempted in the wilderness but did not sin.
• Joseph was falsely accused by Potiphar’s wife; the Pharisees falsely accused Jesus.
• Joseph was imprisoned despite his innocence; Jesus was unjustly crucified though He was sinless.
• Joseph was imprisoned with two other prisoners; Jesus was crucified with two criminals.
• One of Joseph’s fellow prisoners was restored; one of the criminals crucified with Jesus was saved.
• Joseph was exalted after his suffering; Jesus was exalted after His crucifixion.
• Joseph served Potiphar before becoming ruler; Jesus took the form of a servant before being exalted as Lord.
• Joseph provided grain to Egypt and other nations during a famine; Jesus is the Bread of Life, providing spiritual sustenance to all.
• Joseph brought peace to his family by reconciling with his brothers; Jesus is the Prince of Peace.
• God used Joseph to save many lives during the famine; Jesus came to save humanity from sin.
• People from all nations came to Joseph for help; people from all nations come to Jesus for salvation.
• Joseph forgave his brothers who wronged him; Jesus forgave those who crucified Him.

Each of the Old Testament figures listed above serve as parallel types of Christ, and each reveals different facets of Jesus’ character and work. In my opinion, this demonstrates the unity of Scripture and God’s consistent plan of redemption throughout history. I encourage readers to do further study into the Old Testament figures to gain a richer understanding of Christ’s role as Prophet, Priest, and King, as well as His work as Savior, Mediator, and Lord. 

Daniel Bobinski, Th.D., is an award-winning and best-selling author and a popular speaker at conferences and retreats. Reach him at [email protected] or (208) 649-6400.