The opening books of the Bible appear to parallel the various stages of the Divine Plan. This provides additional confirmation of the plan’s divine origin.

GENESIS

The word Genesis means, “the origin, or coming into being of something.” The book includes the events of Creation, the fall of man, the flood of Noah’s day, and the histories and generations of the earliest Patriarchs. It lays the foundation of God’s plan to bless all the families of the earth through the promise made to Abraham. This history covers mankind’s beginning until God’s dealing with Israel began. The Genesis account ends with the death of Joseph. His life was filled with personal sacrifice, service and the eventual blessing of both his family and the people of Egypt. The prophetic picture of God’s kingdom operating through Jesus is imbedded in the life of this great Patriarch. The events described in Genesis are portrayed on the Chart of the Ages during the First Dispensation and the Patriarchal Age.

Chart of the Ages, with the five books of Moses

EXODUS

The book of Exodus opens by listing the sons of  Jacob and the people’s treatment under Pharaoh. Their taskmasters were oppressive and life became bitter. The decree to slay all newborn boys was cleverly ignored by the midwives. One of the boys was Moses, who God prepared to be Israel’s deliverer. His story is familiar and illustrates the development of God’s chosen servant. He was used to deliver his people through ten plagues. Following their deliverance, the book records Israel’s acceptance of the Law Covenant. Details were given regarding specific materials for construction of the Tabernacle and the priestly garments. In the last chapter the Tabernacle itself is finally erected.

The book of Exodus represents the first portion of the Jewish Age, although its types and shadows may picture events of the Gospel and Messianic Ages.

LEVITICUS

In Leviticus detailed instructions were provided for the daily operation of the Tabernacle and the various sacrifices and offerings to be used. Every detail was to be followed exactly as given by God. Sin-offerings were especially important. Sacrifices for every form of sin are described in chapters 4 and 5. These ranged from sins committed by priests, the princes of Israel, even to unintentional sins of the people. The annual Day of Atonement was a central theme of the Tabernacle arrangement and expressed the value God placed on atonement. This antitypically focuses on the future work of our Lord as mankind’s Savior.

The book of Leviticus is situated in the center of the five books of Moses, suggesting that redemption is the central hub of God’s plan of salvation.

One of God’s promises to Israel is given near the end of the book. The simple principle conveyed is that obedience to God brings blessings (see Leviticus 26:3, 4).

Leviticus corresponds to the second part of the Jew­ ish Age, although its Tabernacle shadows mostly depict the Gospel Age and sometimes beyond.

NUMBERS

The book of Numbers is so named because God commanded that the people of Israel be numbered according to their families. The disorganized group that had left Egypt was being formed into a functioning nation. Males, 20 years and older, were then commissioned as warriors. The time setting was during Israel’s 40-year wilderness journey. The sons of Levi replaced the firstborn males and received no inheritance in the land (see Numbers 3:13).

Bro. Russell explains the symbolism. “The Israelites were used of the Lord as a typical people, whose testings … were made to picture … the corresponding experiences of spiritual Israel. As the apostle points out, their rock and its water typified Christ and the water of life flowing from him. Their manna, our Lord indicated typified the Bread which came down from heaven, of which if a man eat he shall live forever. The fiery serpents which harassed them and guided the eyes of the suffering to the brazen serpent raised on a pole, symbolized sin and its injurious effects which caused the sin-bitten to look unto him who was made a curse for us in that he hanged upon a tree” (R4037).

The Gospel Age parallels continue throughout the book. For example:

• Chapter 6 separates those under the Nazarite Vow and pictures the consecrated lives of the saints. Then, God’s blessing of Aaron and his sons expresses God’s love for the antitypical priesthood. “The LORD bless thee, and keep thee: The LORD make his face shine upon thee, and be gracious unto thee: The LORD lift up his countenance upon thee, and give thee peace” (Numbers 6:24-26).
• Chapter 7 sees the Tabernacle put into operation after being anointed and sanctified. This corresponds to the sacrificial work of the Gospel Age.
• Chapter 8 is when the lampstand is first lit and the Levites are consecrated and cleansed. Being in the Holy, the lampstand describes the guiding light made available to the saints.
• Chapter 9 describes the first Passover observed after the Exodus. Paul makes the Gospel Age application saying, “Christ, our Passover is sacrificed” (1 Corinthians 5:7). The cloud and pillar of fire described here represents God’s providential direction of the saints.
• Chapter 10 says that when it came time to move, silver trumpets gathered the people. These may represent various truths revealed during the age, providing a doctrinal basis for the saints (see 1 Corinthians 14:8, Revelation 9:14).
• Chapter 11 describes the people complaining and heavenly fire devouring them. Moses intervened and the fire stopped. Others then complained about the manna and Moses intervened again. The spiritual counterpart points to the role of Jesus as an Advocate for the Church.
• Chapter 12 sees Miriam and Aaron challenge that God spoke only through Moses. This may correspond to the Nominal Church assuming many of the titles belonging to our Lord and inappropriately claiming to be God’s earthly representative.
• Chapter 13 shares how spies were sent to Canaan. But, only Joshua and Caleb believed they could conquer the inhabitants. The other 10 feared and would not fight. This may depict the levels of faith during this age. Some fear to obey God and are paralyzed. Others, in faith, proceed to fight their spiritual battles. The unbelief of many provoked God, and Moses again intervened (Numbers 14:11-19). He requested a pardon for the sins of the people, once again depicting Jesus’ role during this age.

These are but a few of the typical events in the Book of Numbers that parallel the Gospel Age. They are too numerous to list in this brief article.

DEUTERONOMY

The book of Deuteronomy was the final message of Moses, uttered a few days before his death (see R5334). In chapter 1, Joshua was appointed to lead Israel into the Promised Land. This transition of leadership conveys the new role of Christ. As his work in the Gospel Age closes, he begins the larger work of the Millennial Age. Deuteronomy means, “The Second Law,” and illustrates the principles to be written in the hearts of people. Christ will then be the Mediator. Conquering the occupants of Canaan represents mankind’s work of overcoming the effects of sin.

In chapter 5 Moses reiterates the Law to a new generation. He says, “teach them diligently unto thy children” (Deuteronomy 6:6). As new generations come back from the grave, they will be taught godly principles. He later states, “All the commandments … shall ye observe to do, that ye may live” (Deuteronomy 8:1). God’s plan will offer eternal life to those who obey and grow in the kingdom.

The correlation of the Pentateuch with the plan of God seems clear and points to a common author. The plan is soundly based on Biblical history, and its prophetic features are certain. We can trust in the promises of God and the hope He lays before us!

 

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