The typology of Genesis 24

In the Old Testament there are numerous pictures and symbols of Christ and the Gospel which are, of course, fulfilled in the New Testament. An example of this is found in Genesis chapter 24. In this chapter Abraham sends a trusted servant to find a wife for his son, Isaac. At first, this just looks like a beautiful story of a man, concerned to find a good wife for his son, sending a servant on an errand. However, if we look more closely we see that there is a clear picture of Gospel truth as outlined in the New Testament. Consider the following: Abraham resembles a king, arranging a marriage for his son. This is similar to the story Jesus told, in Matthew 22 which, of course, is a lesson He gives about the Gospel invitations being sent out, and many people ignoring them. To be more specific, Abraham is like God the Father, wanting a bride for His Son and preparing the way for this to be effected. The servant, in verse 2, is a picture of the Holy Spirit sent out to claim the bride. Note, he does not speak of himself, but simply carries out his task of drawing the bride for Isaac. In John 16 v 13-14 Jesus makes it clear that the Holy Spirit does not "speak of Himself". Note, too, that the servant enriches Rebekah with gifts (verses 22 and 30) - so the Holy Spirit enriches us with the graces of Christ. Also, it is the servant who brings the intended bride to Isaac. So it is the Holy Spirit who brings us to Christ by convicting us of our sins and opening our eyes, and so forth, see John 16 v 8-11. Rebekah is brought out from her own people and brought to Isaac verses 61-67; so we are the called out company, the ecclesia. Although we are physically in the world we are not of it. Isaac is a picture of Christ. Rebekah had not previously seen him but loved him through the testimony of the servant. So with us, we have not yet seen Christ, with the physical eye, but we love Him due to the working of the Hoy Spirit within us. Look up 1st Peter 1 v 8. In verse 63 Isaac goes out to meet the bride - this is fulfilled in 1st Thess 4 v 14-17. So we see then, the rich symbolism of this chapter. As we read through the Old Testament we do ourselves immense spritual good by looking for the pictures and symbols of Christ - truly the OT is a mine of treasure!