In Genesis 1:3 … God said, “Let there be light”; and there was light.
I want to study / unfold this verse; however, before doing so I believe we need some context. Please stay with me as I provide some foundational definitions and framework for this journey.
A hermeneutic is a method of interpretation. According to the internet, “The word hermeneutics means the interpretation of language, whether written or spoken. Generally, hermeneutics is an activity that interests biblical scholars, and the word is sometimes used in philosophy as well.”
One hermeneutic approach to studying the Bible is termed “Typology.”
Theopedia – again, the internet – defines Biblical typology as “a method of biblical interpretation whereby an element found in the Old Testament is seen to prefigure one found in the New Testament…. Typological interpretation is specifically the interpretation of the Old Testament based on the fundamental theological unity of the two Testaments whereby something in the Old shadows, prefigures, adumbrates something in the New.”
“When a Christian approaches the Bible, It should be with the knowledge that there is always more to any given text than can be seen on the surface.” (pg 19, “Over Our Heads,” Eric Robinson). Eric leads a Bible study that I attend. He has been teaching us – through typological study in Genesis – that scripture is multi-layered.
For example, In Genesis chapter one, God is telling the creation story. However, we also find typology, or “a type” in the declaration, “Let there be light.” (This is what we will explore, through the scriptures.) And in the context of the larger story being told, “Let there be light” is the genesis (origin) of the story which finds it culmination in the book of Revelation. “And the city has no need of sun or moon to shine on it, for the glory of God gives it light, and its lamp is the Lamb.” (Revelation 21:23)
So, in looking at this one verse – Genesis 1:3 – we have at least three layers.
Eric provides a poetic framework for our consideration:
“But what we are discussing here is to grow deeper in the understanding of God and his will in Christ through the multi-faceted Word he has given. To get to the heart of any text will take time and extended meditation. It will mean allowing a text to ebb and flow through the recesses of one’s thought, until it darts in and out of conscious consideration, seemingly with a will of its own, finally connecting itself in some unexpected but virtually transparent way to a meaning that is plain only after the Spirit’s guidance has revealed it with clarity.” (pg. 20, “Over Our Heads”)
Luke 24:13-27 shares the account of two disciples walking the road to Emmaus after Jesus’ death and resurrection. As they walked, they discussed “all things which had happened.” (v. 14) Jesus came alongside and walked with them, yet they did not recognize him. He asked them why they were sad and they explained to him recent events and what they thought Jesus would do; however, he was crucified.
Jesus responded to them: (vs 25-27)
“O foolish ones, and slow of heart to believe in all that the prophets have spoken! Ought not the Christ to have suffered these things and to enter into His glory?”And beginning at Moses and all the Prophets, He expounded to them in all the Scriptures the things concerning Himself.”
And later that same day, Jesus appeared to the disciples in Jerusalem. “Then He said to them, “These are the words which I spoke to you while I was still with you, that all things must be fulfilled which were written in the Law of Moses and the Prophets and the Psalms concerning Me.” And He opened their understanding, that they might comprehend the Scriptures.” (Luke 24:44-45)
In these two conversations, Jesus Himself declares to the disciples that “all the scriptures” are about Him. At this point in history, the New Testament did not exist. So when Jesus references “all the scriptures,” He is referring to what we presently identify as the Old Testament.
Jesus is saying that when we read / study / meditate upon the Old Testament scriptures, we should view them / explore them through the lens of looking for Him. That the multiple layers of the text include typology that reveal Him as the fulfillment of the law and the prophets.
In the next blog, we will set off on the hermeneutical journey to explore the typology of light through the law, prophets, and poetry of the OT; as well as prophetic fulfillment found in the NT gospels, Paul’s letters to the Corinthians and Colossians, and the culmination of the story in Revelation.
