A ‘type’ in the Bible is a person or thing in the Old Testament that foreshadows something in the New Testament. There are certain characters and items in the Bible that clearly resemble Jesus and point us to Him. For example, the tabernacle and its contents, manna, animal sacrifices, the feasts, and people like Isaac and Joseph, are all types of Jesus. Each reveals an attribute or action of our beloved Savior. Found in the book of Ruth, Boaz is a type of Christ as our Redeemer.
Bible Verses About the Reason for Types in the Bible
From cover to cover, the Bible is primarily a book about the King of kings and Lord of lords. Jesus is the Alpha and Omega, the beginning and the ending. He said in John 5:39 that the scriptures testify of him. Luke 24:27 records how Jesus began at Moses and all the prophets and expounded to two of his disciples, all the things concerning himself.
In other words, Jesus spoke to them of the pictures and types in the Bible that foreshadowed Him and His roles as Prophet, Priest, King, Mediator, Savior, and Redeemer.
Here are some scriptures that show us the reason we have types in the Bible:
- Romans 15:4 KJV – For whatsoever things were written aforetime were written for our learning, that we through patience and comfort of the scriptures might have hope.
- Colossians 2:16-17 KJV – Let no man therefore judge you in meat, or in drink, or in respect of an holyday, or of the new moon, or of the sabbath days: Which are a shadow of things to come; but the body is of Christ.
- Hebrews 8:3-5 KJV – For every high priest is ordained to offer gifts and sacrifices: wherefore it is of necessity that this man have somewhat also to offer. For if he were on earth, he should not be a priest, seeing that there are priests that offer gifts according to the law: Who serve unto the example and shadow of heavenly things, as Moses was admonished of God when he was about to make the tabernacle: for, See, saith he, that thou make all things according to the pattern shewed to thee in the mount.
- Hebrews 10:1 KJV – For the law having a shadow of good things to come, and not the very image of the things, can never with those sacrifices which they offered year by year continually make the comers thereunto perfect.
- 1 Corinthians 10:11 KJV – Now all these things happened unto them for ensamples: and they are written for our admonition, upon whom the ends of the world are come.
7 Ways Boaz is a Type of Christ
The book of Ruth is a favorite of mine. I love the story of redemption and the hope that comes along with it. As I mentioned before, Boaz is a type of Christ as our Redeemer. Here are 7 ways that Boaz foreshadows Jesus and points us to Him.
- Boaz was from Bethlehem – Ruth 2:4; Jesus was born in Bethlehem – Luke 2:4, Matthew 2:6
- Boaz is a type of Christ because of his godly character and grace-filled compassion. Boaz notices Ruth, talks to her, tells her to abide in his field with his maidens, and shows her grace. This reminds us of Jesus’ encouragement to abide in John 15. Like Boaz, Jesus has pity on us, calls us out, brings us into His field to labor alongside His workers, and gives grace.
- Boaz provides for Ruth like Jesus provides for us. He invites Ruth to drink when she’s thirsty (Ruth 2:9), and to eat his bread and corn (Ruth 2:14). Similarly, Jesus fed people physically and spiritually. A few examples are in Mark 8:2-9, Luke 9, and in John 6:35, where Jesus says He is the Bread of Life. Jesus satisfies every hunger and thirst and supplies our every need.
- Another way that Boaz is a type of Christ is seen in Ruth 2:1, where he is described as a “mighty man of wealth”. This means Boaz was a man of power and strength, a valiant, honorable man. Jesus is the strongest and most virtuous man to ever live. He is all-powerful and a mighty man indeed!
- Boaz is a gentleman. He doesn’t force himself on Ruth, like Jesus doesn’t force himself on us. He patiently waits for us to come to Him. In Ruth 3:10-13, Boaz is obviously pleased with Ruth’s request to redeem her, but He is careful to do it properly. This resembles the way that Jesus always did things according to God’s will and in His timing.
- In Ruth 3:15-17, Boaz sends Ruth away with six measures of barley as a sign of his promise to marry her. That was called a dowry, which was given to the bride’s family as a seal of the betrothal. Boaz is a type of Christ because Jesus gives the Holy Spirit to believers as a down payment for their inheritance. (2Cor. 1:22, 2Cor. 5:5, Eph. 1:13-14 and 4:30.)
- Boaz is a type of Christ as our Redeemer. Ruth 4:9-11 is the account of Boaz purchasing Ruth to be his wife. Jesus bought his bride with his blood. (1Cor. 6:20 and 7:23 and Romans 3:24-25)
For Further Study of Pictures and Types in the Bible
If you enjoyed learning about how Boaz is a type of Christ, then I encourage you to study more about types in the Bible. A book I love on the subject is The Study of Types by Ada R. Habershon.
There are several other types of Christ in the Bible. I may write a whole series on them in the future. In the meantime, keep looking for Jesus in the pages of scripture! As you seek Him, you will find Him, when you search with all your heart!
Jeremiah 29:13 KJV ~ And ye shall seek me, and find me, when ye shall search for me with all your heart.
More articles about Jesus:
2 Tried-and-True Ways to Know Jesus More Intimately
3 Reminders as I Grow in the Knowledge of Jesus
The Bridegroom Beckons His Bride: Seeing Jesus in the ancient Jewish wedding customs
Jesus Helps us Process the Pain of Betrayal
The 7 “I Am” Statements of Jesus
7 Steps to a Radical Relationship with Jesus
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