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The Unfolding Mystery: Discovering Christ in the Old Testament
Beginning with Adam and Eve and closing with the last of the prophets, Dr. Clowney takes a fascinating walk through the Old Testament, revealing Christ in places where he is usually overlooked.
227 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 1989
198 people are currently reading
1180 people want to read
About the author
Edmund P. Clowney
30 books29 followersBorn in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, he earned a Bachelor of Arts from Wheaton College in 1939, a Bachelor of Theology from Westminster Theological Seminary in 1942, a Master of Sacred Theology from Yale Divinity School in 1944, and a Doctor of Divinity from Wheaton College in 1966.
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 118 reviews
April 26, 2020
Cuando leí al erudito Graeme Goldsworthy con su obra “Como predicar a Cristo usando toda la Biblia” abrió mi entendimiento a una forma diferente de ver, entender y enseñar el Antiguo Testamento.
Ahora, con el teólogo Edmund Clowney, esa visión del Antiguo Testamento me llevó aún más profundo.
El ver cuántas veces hemos enseñado el Antiguo Testamento desde nuestros puntos de vista, desde nuestra propia contextualización y obviamos la idea central: La venida del Mesías.
Clowney alarga la figura de Cristo en cada imagen, cada personaje, cada evento. Clarifica la línea de la historia de la salvación desde el Génesis, pasando por los jueces, reyes, y profetas. Nos muestra el poder verdadero del AT, y cómo su mensaje es reconfortador y poderoso. Dejamos de ver a personajes como David o Josué como ejemplos de vida, o al AT como una biblioteca de principios, y los vemos como lo que son: figuras imperfectas de Uno mayor que vendría. Cada pagina, cada evento, nos apunta al Dios que vendría.
Recomiendo a cada creyente que pueda leerlo, y enriquecer su conocimiento del Dios verdadero.
Ahora, con el teólogo Edmund Clowney, esa visión del Antiguo Testamento me llevó aún más profundo.
El ver cuántas veces hemos enseñado el Antiguo Testamento desde nuestros puntos de vista, desde nuestra propia contextualización y obviamos la idea central: La venida del Mesías.
Clowney alarga la figura de Cristo en cada imagen, cada personaje, cada evento. Clarifica la línea de la historia de la salvación desde el Génesis, pasando por los jueces, reyes, y profetas. Nos muestra el poder verdadero del AT, y cómo su mensaje es reconfortador y poderoso. Dejamos de ver a personajes como David o Josué como ejemplos de vida, o al AT como una biblioteca de principios, y los vemos como lo que son: figuras imperfectas de Uno mayor que vendría. Cada pagina, cada evento, nos apunta al Dios que vendría.
Recomiendo a cada creyente que pueda leerlo, y enriquecer su conocimiento del Dios verdadero.
December 26, 2019
Worth 5 stars for the content and 5 stars for the study and application questions, but about 2 stars for the writing style.
Content is excellent - anyone familiar with the concept of Christological typology (how Christ can be seen in the Old Testament) will know some of the material such as the stories of Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jonah; however, this book brings out some fascinating details in connection with those stories and revealed wholly new typology to me such as in the stories of Jacob, Samson, and Solomon. This book would be best for readers familiar with both Old and New Testament stories and the basic idea of typology, covenant theology, and the unity of the whole Bible in revealing God's redemptive plan to his people. Study questions and application questions would make for great group discussion and/or personal reflection.
Writing style needed a better editor. Clear transition phrases (first, second, next, then, also, finally, etc.) would have been great. Without those, a "road map" introductory paragraph and/or a "main points" concluding paragraph would have been helpful. Unfortunately, neither were present so it makes figuring out how one arrived at the end of the chapter from where one started a bit of a task - not impossible, just not as readable as I would have expected for a book clearly targeted at laypeople (not academics) based on its vocabulary and content. That said, it does avoid academic jargon and is very accessible, just not incredibly clear all the time.
Would recommend to anyone interested in Christological typology or to those wondering what the purpose/point of the Old Testament is/serves in the Church Age.
Content is excellent - anyone familiar with the concept of Christological typology (how Christ can be seen in the Old Testament) will know some of the material such as the stories of Adam, Abraham, Moses, and Jonah; however, this book brings out some fascinating details in connection with those stories and revealed wholly new typology to me such as in the stories of Jacob, Samson, and Solomon. This book would be best for readers familiar with both Old and New Testament stories and the basic idea of typology, covenant theology, and the unity of the whole Bible in revealing God's redemptive plan to his people. Study questions and application questions would make for great group discussion and/or personal reflection.
Writing style needed a better editor. Clear transition phrases (first, second, next, then, also, finally, etc.) would have been great. Without those, a "road map" introductory paragraph and/or a "main points" concluding paragraph would have been helpful. Unfortunately, neither were present so it makes figuring out how one arrived at the end of the chapter from where one started a bit of a task - not impossible, just not as readable as I would have expected for a book clearly targeted at laypeople (not academics) based on its vocabulary and content. That said, it does avoid academic jargon and is very accessible, just not incredibly clear all the time.
Would recommend to anyone interested in Christological typology or to those wondering what the purpose/point of the Old Testament is/serves in the Church Age.
November 16, 2022
4.0 Stars
"The Unfolding Mystery" by Edmund Clowney is a brief overview of the Christological themes in the Old Testament. Clowney's book is a great introduction to the Old Testament and how it reflects Christ. Clowney surveys the main narrative sections of the Old Testament and shows how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This is a great book, the only downside is that there is so much to cover in the Old Testament and Clowney often flies through topics. As well those well acquainted with the Old Testament and its connections to the New Testament won't necessarily find anything new in this book. But at the same time, I can say that this is probably the best Biblically-centered and Christ-focused introduction to the Old Testament. I highly recommend it!
"The Unfolding Mystery" by Edmund Clowney is a brief overview of the Christological themes in the Old Testament. Clowney's book is a great introduction to the Old Testament and how it reflects Christ. Clowney surveys the main narrative sections of the Old Testament and shows how they are fulfilled in Jesus Christ. This is a great book, the only downside is that there is so much to cover in the Old Testament and Clowney often flies through topics. As well those well acquainted with the Old Testament and its connections to the New Testament won't necessarily find anything new in this book. But at the same time, I can say that this is probably the best Biblically-centered and Christ-focused introduction to the Old Testament. I highly recommend it!
February 18, 2025
Such a rich Biblical theology.
October 16, 2013
Dr. Edmund Clowney’s The Unfolding Mystery is a classic text originally published in 1989. It’s only now reaching its second edition which is a shame. Biblical theology is coming into its own on a popular and scholarly level (rightly so) and Clowney well deserves to be heard and read widely. Maybe the circles I previously ran in didn’t value Clowney or were just unaware, but that should be remedied. It’s a text both reformed Baptists, Presbyterians, or anyone seeking Christ in the Old Testament would benefit from reading.
The combination of two things sets The Unfolding Mystery apart from the other Jesus in the Old Testament book I’ve read. First, Clowney writes with the aptness of a storyteller. He unpacks the unfolding story of Jesus as a story. That may seem obvious but there’s more than a few volumes that approach this topic academically losing the storytelling edge. Second, Clowney combines the storytelling aptness with conversational depth. It’s a book you’ll read through with ease, but marvel at the depth of the observations. That’s a rare feat.
The Unfolding Mystery follows a straightforward path. Clowney begins with Genesis (“the story of Jesus beings with the story of mankind”) continuing through the entire Old Testament. The depth and breadth in this short book is astounding. He hits the major types and Christophanies (pre-incarnate visitations by Jesus in the Old Testament). By example, he demonstrates how we must read the text for the historical context, for its redemptive context (“The story of redemption in the Old Testament is the story of Jesus”), and for the person and work of Jesus. He’s also careful throughout to not extend typologies past the point of breaking (the Samson narrative is the example that comes to mind). He grounds each type on biblical, exegetical, and historical grounds. He more than once points out why something isn’t referring to Jesus. Finally, he doesn’t leave Jesus in the Old Testament. He doesn’t end the story there. He draws a direct line from the Old to the New Testament. “The story of Jesus in the Old Testament becomes the gospel story in the New. In the miracle of the Incarnation, the Lord Himself comes to provide the salvation of his people” (205).
The combination of two things sets The Unfolding Mystery apart from the other Jesus in the Old Testament book I’ve read. First, Clowney writes with the aptness of a storyteller. He unpacks the unfolding story of Jesus as a story. That may seem obvious but there’s more than a few volumes that approach this topic academically losing the storytelling edge. Second, Clowney combines the storytelling aptness with conversational depth. It’s a book you’ll read through with ease, but marvel at the depth of the observations. That’s a rare feat.
The Unfolding Mystery follows a straightforward path. Clowney begins with Genesis (“the story of Jesus beings with the story of mankind”) continuing through the entire Old Testament. The depth and breadth in this short book is astounding. He hits the major types and Christophanies (pre-incarnate visitations by Jesus in the Old Testament). By example, he demonstrates how we must read the text for the historical context, for its redemptive context (“The story of redemption in the Old Testament is the story of Jesus”), and for the person and work of Jesus. He’s also careful throughout to not extend typologies past the point of breaking (the Samson narrative is the example that comes to mind). He grounds each type on biblical, exegetical, and historical grounds. He more than once points out why something isn’t referring to Jesus. Finally, he doesn’t leave Jesus in the Old Testament. He doesn’t end the story there. He draws a direct line from the Old to the New Testament. “The story of Jesus in the Old Testament becomes the gospel story in the New. In the miracle of the Incarnation, the Lord Himself comes to provide the salvation of his people” (205).
August 21, 2024
Amazing summary of the whole Bible. Probably the closest we can get to the road to Emmaus
October 13, 2019
Read at Tim Keller's endorsement and did not disappoint. Great biblical overview of Jesus as the "true and better" of Scripture.
May 1, 2024
I have heard a lot of good things about Edmund P. Clowney but this is the first chance I have had to read one of his books. It will not be the last.
Here we have a sort of survey of the whole Old Testament. The difference here, than other surveys, is the focus on Christ. The Old Testament was not just written to give us the history of the nation of Israel. It is God's story of “God in the flesh”, Jesus.
Clowney takes us from one event to another and shows us how they relate to the Savior. From Adam on through the rest of the Old Testament, he gives us details of how Jesus is the focus.
Why does the bible speak of Jesus as the Last Adam? Why is Jesus the true living bread, unlike the manna Israel received that rotted after a day? Why was He called the Lamb of God. To understand any of these things, we have to have a knowledge of the Old Testament. Jesus told the Jewish leaders that they read the scriptures but did not realize that they (the O.T) spoke of Him.
I once had a man tell me that his pastor should stay out of the O.T. and only preach the four gospels. That is a sad comment on the man's understanding of the bible. The O.T. is about Christ. When Abraham said God would provide a sacrifice instead of Isaac, he was not just speaking about the ram in the thicket, he was speaking of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
The whole bible is GOD'S word!
I enjoyed this book tremendously and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from P&R Publishing Company and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
Here we have a sort of survey of the whole Old Testament. The difference here, than other surveys, is the focus on Christ. The Old Testament was not just written to give us the history of the nation of Israel. It is God's story of “God in the flesh”, Jesus.
Clowney takes us from one event to another and shows us how they relate to the Savior. From Adam on through the rest of the Old Testament, he gives us details of how Jesus is the focus.
Why does the bible speak of Jesus as the Last Adam? Why is Jesus the true living bread, unlike the manna Israel received that rotted after a day? Why was He called the Lamb of God. To understand any of these things, we have to have a knowledge of the Old Testament. Jesus told the Jewish leaders that they read the scriptures but did not realize that they (the O.T) spoke of Him.
I once had a man tell me that his pastor should stay out of the O.T. and only preach the four gospels. That is a sad comment on the man's understanding of the bible. The O.T. is about Christ. When Abraham said God would provide a sacrifice instead of Isaac, he was not just speaking about the ram in the thicket, he was speaking of the Lamb of God who takes away the sin of the world!
The whole bible is GOD'S word!
I enjoyed this book tremendously and give it 4 out of 5 stars.
I received this book, free of charge, from P&R Publishing Company and Netgalley in exchange for an honest review.
May 11, 2021
Here is one of the best books I have read on how the Old Testament prepares the way for Christ.
I was hesitant at first, knowing that Clowney was a beloved professor at Westminster, a wonderful but Presbyterian institution. I have immense affection for my Christ-honoring Presbyterian brothers and sisters, but one area in which we tend to differ is in the area addressed directly by this book. I find some of the Presbyterian persuasion to be, how shall I say it, more creative and imaginative in their reading of the Old Testament than I am comfortable with. Packer in the preface acknowledges that we today have somewhat neglected finding Christ in the Old Testament in reaction to some of these too-creative interprations.
But Clowney utterly disappointed my hesitations. He was a very careful scholar, and made very few speculations that I would not consider supportable by the text of Scripture. Plus--and this is to me a very large plus--his writing is warm. It is devotional throughout.
Anyone interested in Old Testament typology--figures or shadows pointing forward to Christ--would do well to read this book.
I was hesitant at first, knowing that Clowney was a beloved professor at Westminster, a wonderful but Presbyterian institution. I have immense affection for my Christ-honoring Presbyterian brothers and sisters, but one area in which we tend to differ is in the area addressed directly by this book. I find some of the Presbyterian persuasion to be, how shall I say it, more creative and imaginative in their reading of the Old Testament than I am comfortable with. Packer in the preface acknowledges that we today have somewhat neglected finding Christ in the Old Testament in reaction to some of these too-creative interprations.
But Clowney utterly disappointed my hesitations. He was a very careful scholar, and made very few speculations that I would not consider supportable by the text of Scripture. Plus--and this is to me a very large plus--his writing is warm. It is devotional throughout.
Anyone interested in Old Testament typology--figures or shadows pointing forward to Christ--would do well to read this book.
July 4, 2015
One of the things engrained into your brain by reading the old saints is that Christ is in all of the Old Testament. Seeing that for yourself is often like walking through a house at night with no lights on. Edmund Clowney turns the lights on in Unfolding Mystery. I found myself saying "Oh man, that makes so much sense" several times while reading this book. I highly recommend this book to everyone as we all need a better understanding of how the Old Testament points us to Jesus. One of the more fascinating aspects of this book is seeing God's redemptive nature from the very beginning. The chapter on Moses was my favorite and the most helpful to me.
January 19, 2025
This one was difficult to finish out. Partly, I think, because I may just be a bit burnt out on the redundancy that occurs from reading too many theological books in a short span of time. However, Clowney’s writing style was also an issue for me, the syntax is clunky and getting into a flow was nearly impossible. I also expected a bit more in the way of new revelation, which for me, was lacking (this obviously won’t be the case for everyone). If you’re a relatively well-versed Christian this one will most likely be a review for you.
June 15, 2020
Muy interesante.
Definitivamente, debo releerlo. Requiere buena atención, consultar la Palabra, y a lo mejor comparaciones con otros materiales (esto si se busca sacarle provecho a la lectura).
Este libro es una muestra de que en la Palabra de Dios podemos encontrar grandes tesoros (y el Gran Tesoro) si somos intencionales en buscar, y que detalles que pasamos por alto, portan un gran significado.
Definitivamente, debo releerlo. Requiere buena atención, consultar la Palabra, y a lo mejor comparaciones con otros materiales (esto si se busca sacarle provecho a la lectura).
Este libro es una muestra de que en la Palabra de Dios podemos encontrar grandes tesoros (y el Gran Tesoro) si somos intencionales en buscar, y que detalles que pasamos por alto, portan un gran significado.
November 23, 2022
powerfully portrays how I would imagine Jesus’ conversation with the two disciples on the road to Emmaus might’ve looked like
February 6, 2022
The mystery of Christ is unfolded in types and shadows in the Old Testament through all the periods and genres, the reader sees and hears Jesus. So, when his birth is annouced by the angels, those who knew this story, were not surprised. As did Simeon and Anna when they first saw the Christ child in the temple with his parents, all who knew the unfolding story, recognized the One of Whom it had all been written. He is the Redeemer, the Rescuer, the final fulfillment, the One for Whom they had all been waiting.
"The Bible is the greatest storybook, not just because it is full of wonderful stories but because it tells one GREAT story, the story of Jesus."
As Dr. J. I. Packer says in the Foreword, Edmund Clowney delves into the contents of the books of the Old Testament, "showing the links between them, and pointing up the ongoing flow of the revelatory and redemptive process that reached its climax in Jesus Christ."
My heart has been stirred, as well as my head cleared, just as you said it would be Dr. Packer. Thank you Dr. Clowney, I understand this amazing mystery better now. It all fits together, one piece is connected to all the others, and now we see more clearly, this panorama of the story of Christ.
"The Bible is the greatest storybook, not just because it is full of wonderful stories but because it tells one GREAT story, the story of Jesus."
As Dr. J. I. Packer says in the Foreword, Edmund Clowney delves into the contents of the books of the Old Testament, "showing the links between them, and pointing up the ongoing flow of the revelatory and redemptive process that reached its climax in Jesus Christ."
My heart has been stirred, as well as my head cleared, just as you said it would be Dr. Packer. Thank you Dr. Clowney, I understand this amazing mystery better now. It all fits together, one piece is connected to all the others, and now we see more clearly, this panorama of the story of Christ.
February 17, 2020
I thoroughly enjoyed reading this book, mainly because I like studying the subject of typology but also because it was well written. Clowney tracks the lives of prominent men from the old testament and shows the ways in which each one is a type of Christ. He also does a great job in showing us their sin and how they severely fall short of actually being The Christ.
This booked helped me in making stronger connections between the old and new testaments and it also gave me a better appreciation of how scripture interprets scripture. I highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking a better understanding of typology and to see how Christ is the main point in all of scripture.
My favorite chapter was chapter 6 - The Rock of Moses, and my favorite quote was, “God withholds the burning revelation of His holy presence because He withholds the day of judgement that it must bring.”
This booked helped me in making stronger connections between the old and new testaments and it also gave me a better appreciation of how scripture interprets scripture. I highly recommend it to anyone who is seeking a better understanding of typology and to see how Christ is the main point in all of scripture.
My favorite chapter was chapter 6 - The Rock of Moses, and my favorite quote was, “God withholds the burning revelation of His holy presence because He withholds the day of judgement that it must bring.”
March 30, 2024
Un 4,5 sería más apropiado. Al principio, sentí que no me aportaba mucho. Pero poco a poco me fue desdibujando sombras sobre textos que veía sólo por una mirilla. Acabo de terminarlo y me va el corazón a mil. Realmente, Jesús era Dios, y toda la Historia de la Humanidad se fue preparando para que mi mente humana, de hormiguita, pudiera comprender de forma mínima las implicaciones que eso tiene. Hasta decir hoy, en el salón de mi casa: tú eres, Jesús, y fuera de ti no hay.
August 26, 2023
I really enjoyed this book, well at least the first two thirds….I was highlighting all sorts of good spots. Excited to use in class and ready to share with others but then it kind of turned a corner and it was just meh. I still recommend this book because it did hit so many highs in the first 2/3.
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September 30, 2023This was a really good introduction to seeing Christ in the Old Testament. At the time it came out, there were not a lot of books in print dealing with that, at least of which I was aware. Although there are more now, this is still a worthwhile read that helps you to better understand the Bible.
July 11, 2024
Utterly fantastic. You will need multiple reads to get the whole scope of Clowneys thought, but it will yield incredible fruit. Highly, highly recommended.
March 16, 2025
Must read! Accessible and insightful.
July 27, 2025
I loved the content, but was not a fan of the writing style. I enjoyed all the scripture references, however, the information all over the place and overwhelming at times. It was nice to revisit biblical accounts I had not heard in a while.
November 29, 2021
Edmund P. Clowney fue presidente del Seminario Teológico Westminster en Filadelfia durante más de 15 años. Además, fue pastor y un reconocido autor de libros de teología bíblica, entre los cuales está El misterio revelado. El subtítulo del libro da una buena idea de lo que trata. El autor ve a la Biblia como una sola historia coherente y unificada, cuyo tema es “la historia de Jesús” (11). Cristo está presente en el Antiguo Testamento y Clowney se propone descubrirlo en sus historias. La historia de Jesús no comienza en Belén, sino en el inicio de los tiempos, en la primera página de Génesis (12). Por ello, a lo largo de nueve capítulos, Clowney presenta el desarrollo de la historia a través de los principales personajes y eventos del Antiguo Testamento. El autor nos muestra cómo prefiguran y apuntan a Cristo.
Edmund Clowney hace un excelente trabajo en exponer a Cristo en el Antiguo Testamento por medio de los tipos más resaltantes del texto bíblico. Es un libro accesible que se constituye en una de las mejores introducciones a la teología bíblica. Aunque en algunos pocos casos, la interpretación cristocéntrica podría llevarse al extremo de forzar a Cristo en los pasajes bíblicos; el enfoque en la historia de la redención y en el cumplimiento de las promesas Cristo lo hacen muy recomendado. Clowney es un ejemplo de erudición y exposición bíblica clara para el beneficio del pueblo de Dios.
Edmund Clowney hace un excelente trabajo en exponer a Cristo en el Antiguo Testamento por medio de los tipos más resaltantes del texto bíblico. Es un libro accesible que se constituye en una de las mejores introducciones a la teología bíblica. Aunque en algunos pocos casos, la interpretación cristocéntrica podría llevarse al extremo de forzar a Cristo en los pasajes bíblicos; el enfoque en la historia de la redención y en el cumplimiento de las promesas Cristo lo hacen muy recomendado. Clowney es un ejemplo de erudición y exposición bíblica clara para el beneficio del pueblo de Dios.
March 29, 2021
Very helpful in seeing the symbolism in the OT and how things pointed to Christ. I expected to see more christophanies but it was more about the symbolism. Opened my eyes.
July 31, 2021
Edmund Hage un excelente trabajo mostrando que Cristo está en todo el antiguo testamento y lo hace de manera sencilla, sin duda alguna un libro que todo cristiano debería leer.
May 16, 2022
Este libro ofrece una comprensión de Cristo en el Antiguo Testamento de una manera clara, holística y natural. Brinda detalles que pueden pasar desapercibidos en una lectura convencional de la Biblia. Además, se realiza un recorrido por las más importantes historias y personajes que nos presenta los libros veterotestamentarios.
Es posible conocer las historias de la Biblia y, sin embargo, perderse la historia de la Biblia. Es más que una colección desconcertante de oráculos, proverbios, poemas, instrucciones arquitectónicas, anales y profecías. La Biblia tiene una línea de historia. Traza un drama que se va desarrollando poco a poco. La historia es la historia de Dios. Describe su obra para rescatar a rebeldes de su locura, culpa y ruina.
Desde el Génesis se aprecia un apunte a los evangelios y viceversa. La prueba de Adán en el jardín apunta hacia la prueba de Cristo. Jesús desempeñó el papel del segundo Adán, el verdadero Hijo de Dios. En Jesús se da el cumplimiento de la gloria celestial, la cabeza de la serpiente sería aplastada y el talón del hombre sería herido.
También, se puede ver cómo Dios no olvidó su promesa a través de las generaciones de Adán. Dios llamó a Abraham con una doble promesa: Él sería bendecido y le haría una bendición. Al bendecir al patriarca, Dios se propuso bendecir a las naciones. El pacto se enfoca en la simiente de Abraham: la nación que Dios levantará, los descendientes (y el Descendiente) de la promesa. El simbolismo de los tratos de Dios con Abraham encuentra su máxima resolución y cumplimiento solo en la venida de Cristo.
Luego, se observa a Jacob. Él había engañado a su padre haciéndose pasar por Esaú y quitándole la promesa que le correspondía como primogénito. Su padre Isaac había renovado la bendición, identificándola como la bendición de Abraham que incluía la tierra y el linaje de la promesa. Más adelante, Jacob soñó con una imagen de escalera que conectaba el cielo y la tierra, no obstante, lo que el sueño prometió se hizo realidad en la Encarnación de Cristo. Dios descendió en la persona de Su Hijo para morar en la tierra. Cristo es el vínculo entre la tierra y el cielo.
Asimismo, Jacob, cuando bendecía a José, estaba bendiciendo al Señor, no solo por rescatar a su hijo, sino por mostrar su fidelidad a la gran promesa que era el centro de su vida. Dios estaba haciendo de sus descendientes una nación; más que eso, Dios levantó a un hijo de Israel para que fuera bendición a las naciones. Parece inesperado, entonces, que cuando Jacob pronuncia su bendición al linaje real y la obediencia de las naciones, no aplica esta bendición a José, sino a Judá. Jacob ve que es a Judá, no a José, a quien sus hijos se inclinan. La bendición de Jacob le asignó a Judá el dominio entre las tribus de Israel. Más allá de eso, habló de la obediencia de las naciones le darían.
A continuación, Moisés representó el modelo primigenio para los profetas que vendrían. El propósito de Dios no era solo liberar a Israel del yugo de Faraón. Era traerlos bajo su yugo. Dios había planeado una revelación mayor para la cual el Sinaí era todavía la preparación: Su revelación en Jesucristo. La ley del Sinaí expresa la demanda de Dios de una obediencia perfecta. A ese respecto, su ley solo puede condenar. El pueblo entró en un pacto con Dios. Ellos prometieron guardar todas las palabras que Dios habló. Desde el primer momento fue evidente que se debía hacer una expiación y venir del altar de Dios. Otro de los eventos, sucedió en la roca de Horeb. Dios se identifica con la roca. Cuando Moisés golpeó la roca, un río de agua viva salió en el desierto. Asimismo, Jesús fue crucificado, Juan nos dice que de su costado salió sangre y agua.
La historia continúa con el Señor apareciendo como el comandante que le proporciona instrucciones a Josué sobre el ataque extraordinario a la ciudad. En el rico simbolismo del encuentro de Josué con el comandante se tiene un adelanto de toda la historia de la redención en el formato de la guerra santa. El papel de Josué como el líder militar del pueblo de Dios prepara el camino a los siguientes jueces y reyes de Israel. Él anticipa el papel de Cristo como el Ungido del Señor quien es el Salvador y Libertador del pueblo de Dios.
Más tarde, Sansón prefigura a Cristo. En comparación con Sansón Jesús está apartado para Dios, no por una inconformidad externa, sino por una santidad interna. Él es el nazareo espiritual, llamado por el Padre desde el vientre de Su madre. Sansón fue investido con el Espíritu Santo, señalando el patrón que se cumpliría en Cristo como el Portador del Espíritu. Como Sansón, Jesús fue atado por los líderes de su propio pueblo y entregado a los opresores gentiles. Como Sansón, también se burlaron de Jesús por indefenso. Por su propia voluntad Jesús dio su vida.
David y Salomón, también, prefiguran al Rey del Señor. En los relatos de David, proporciona el máximo adelanto de la victoria del futuro Salvador. En su papel como rey, David señala a Jesucristo a quien David llamó “Señor”. Cristo, el gran Hijo de David, es el Siervo de los salmos reales, los salmos de sabiduría apuntan a Él. David es sucedido por Salomón. Mientras que Salomón no es el Hijo de David en quien todas las promesas se cumplen, sí es como un tipo de Cristo, el Príncipe de Paz. Los salmos de realeza idealizan el reino de Salomón, usándolo como un modelo para apuntar hacia el verdadero y último Rey. Salomón tipifica a Cristo como el Juez, quien marca el comienzo del Reino para juzgar con justicia.
Para finalizar, se recalca que toda la historia revela progresivamente la historia de Jesús, hasta el día en que Él regrese otra vez. El Señor vendrá como un Guerrero y Pastor. Miqueas, por lo tanto, proclama que Dios triunfará no solo sobre sus enemigos, también, sobre sus pecados. Cuando Dios muestre su salvación, las naciones verán, se avergonzarán y temerán.
Es posible conocer las historias de la Biblia y, sin embargo, perderse la historia de la Biblia. Es más que una colección desconcertante de oráculos, proverbios, poemas, instrucciones arquitectónicas, anales y profecías. La Biblia tiene una línea de historia. Traza un drama que se va desarrollando poco a poco. La historia es la historia de Dios. Describe su obra para rescatar a rebeldes de su locura, culpa y ruina.
Desde el Génesis se aprecia un apunte a los evangelios y viceversa. La prueba de Adán en el jardín apunta hacia la prueba de Cristo. Jesús desempeñó el papel del segundo Adán, el verdadero Hijo de Dios. En Jesús se da el cumplimiento de la gloria celestial, la cabeza de la serpiente sería aplastada y el talón del hombre sería herido.
También, se puede ver cómo Dios no olvidó su promesa a través de las generaciones de Adán. Dios llamó a Abraham con una doble promesa: Él sería bendecido y le haría una bendición. Al bendecir al patriarca, Dios se propuso bendecir a las naciones. El pacto se enfoca en la simiente de Abraham: la nación que Dios levantará, los descendientes (y el Descendiente) de la promesa. El simbolismo de los tratos de Dios con Abraham encuentra su máxima resolución y cumplimiento solo en la venida de Cristo.
Luego, se observa a Jacob. Él había engañado a su padre haciéndose pasar por Esaú y quitándole la promesa que le correspondía como primogénito. Su padre Isaac había renovado la bendición, identificándola como la bendición de Abraham que incluía la tierra y el linaje de la promesa. Más adelante, Jacob soñó con una imagen de escalera que conectaba el cielo y la tierra, no obstante, lo que el sueño prometió se hizo realidad en la Encarnación de Cristo. Dios descendió en la persona de Su Hijo para morar en la tierra. Cristo es el vínculo entre la tierra y el cielo.
Asimismo, Jacob, cuando bendecía a José, estaba bendiciendo al Señor, no solo por rescatar a su hijo, sino por mostrar su fidelidad a la gran promesa que era el centro de su vida. Dios estaba haciendo de sus descendientes una nación; más que eso, Dios levantó a un hijo de Israel para que fuera bendición a las naciones. Parece inesperado, entonces, que cuando Jacob pronuncia su bendición al linaje real y la obediencia de las naciones, no aplica esta bendición a José, sino a Judá. Jacob ve que es a Judá, no a José, a quien sus hijos se inclinan. La bendición de Jacob le asignó a Judá el dominio entre las tribus de Israel. Más allá de eso, habló de la obediencia de las naciones le darían.
A continuación, Moisés representó el modelo primigenio para los profetas que vendrían. El propósito de Dios no era solo liberar a Israel del yugo de Faraón. Era traerlos bajo su yugo. Dios había planeado una revelación mayor para la cual el Sinaí era todavía la preparación: Su revelación en Jesucristo. La ley del Sinaí expresa la demanda de Dios de una obediencia perfecta. A ese respecto, su ley solo puede condenar. El pueblo entró en un pacto con Dios. Ellos prometieron guardar todas las palabras que Dios habló. Desde el primer momento fue evidente que se debía hacer una expiación y venir del altar de Dios. Otro de los eventos, sucedió en la roca de Horeb. Dios se identifica con la roca. Cuando Moisés golpeó la roca, un río de agua viva salió en el desierto. Asimismo, Jesús fue crucificado, Juan nos dice que de su costado salió sangre y agua.
La historia continúa con el Señor apareciendo como el comandante que le proporciona instrucciones a Josué sobre el ataque extraordinario a la ciudad. En el rico simbolismo del encuentro de Josué con el comandante se tiene un adelanto de toda la historia de la redención en el formato de la guerra santa. El papel de Josué como el líder militar del pueblo de Dios prepara el camino a los siguientes jueces y reyes de Israel. Él anticipa el papel de Cristo como el Ungido del Señor quien es el Salvador y Libertador del pueblo de Dios.
Más tarde, Sansón prefigura a Cristo. En comparación con Sansón Jesús está apartado para Dios, no por una inconformidad externa, sino por una santidad interna. Él es el nazareo espiritual, llamado por el Padre desde el vientre de Su madre. Sansón fue investido con el Espíritu Santo, señalando el patrón que se cumpliría en Cristo como el Portador del Espíritu. Como Sansón, Jesús fue atado por los líderes de su propio pueblo y entregado a los opresores gentiles. Como Sansón, también se burlaron de Jesús por indefenso. Por su propia voluntad Jesús dio su vida.
David y Salomón, también, prefiguran al Rey del Señor. En los relatos de David, proporciona el máximo adelanto de la victoria del futuro Salvador. En su papel como rey, David señala a Jesucristo a quien David llamó “Señor”. Cristo, el gran Hijo de David, es el Siervo de los salmos reales, los salmos de sabiduría apuntan a Él. David es sucedido por Salomón. Mientras que Salomón no es el Hijo de David en quien todas las promesas se cumplen, sí es como un tipo de Cristo, el Príncipe de Paz. Los salmos de realeza idealizan el reino de Salomón, usándolo como un modelo para apuntar hacia el verdadero y último Rey. Salomón tipifica a Cristo como el Juez, quien marca el comienzo del Reino para juzgar con justicia.
Para finalizar, se recalca que toda la historia revela progresivamente la historia de Jesús, hasta el día en que Él regrese otra vez. El Señor vendrá como un Guerrero y Pastor. Miqueas, por lo tanto, proclama que Dios triunfará no solo sobre sus enemigos, también, sobre sus pecados. Cuando Dios muestre su salvación, las naciones verán, se avergonzarán y temerán.
This entire review has been hidden because of spoilers.
September 4, 2015
I have greatly enjoyed this book. Keller recommended it in his newest preaching book and it for good reason that he did. Clowney walks through the OT rightly portraying God as glorious and Christ as the theme and substance of all of Scripture. This book incited me to worship God the Father and to ponder in amazement at Christ, the hope of glory!
May 8, 2021
La verdad que me ha edificado mucho este libro, muchas dudas que he tenido en cuanto al Cristo pre encarnado se han discipado, pero lo más importante de todo, me ha hecho asombrar en cuanto al conocimiento de Cristo en la historia de redención. No puede faltar en tu biblioteca si tenés un compromiso con las Escrituras al enseñarla, tanto a niños, jóvenes y adultos.
November 17, 2021
Excelente recurso. Cuando lo empieces no podrás parar hasta terminarlo.
June 3, 2017
This is my second time to read Clowney's The Unfolding Mystery. The first time I read it for a Sunday School class I attended. This time I am reading it to help teach a SS class on hermeneutics. I always get more out of a text when I read it in order to help teach the ideas.
Clowney is gifted in his ability to link ideas from the OT to the NT presentation of Christ. Clowney's work embodies the Augustinian idea that the New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.
“The new is in the old concealed; the old is in the new revealed.” This famous statement by Saint Augustine expresses the remarkable way in which the two testaments of the Bible are so closely interrelated with each other. The key to understanding the New Testament in its fullest is to see in it the fulfillment of those things that were revealed in the background of the Old Testament. The Old Testament points forward in time, preparing God’s people for the work of Christ in the New Testament.--From “Ancient Promises” by R.C. Sproul; Ligonier Ministries
Clowney packs this little book with a treasure trove of Biblical and Systematic theology in the guise of narrative (which he uses to give a quick overview of the biblical events) and in his exposition of the biblical passages he uses to support his claims. Each chapter usually contains more than one person/narrative and it reaches a maximum concentration in chapter 7 (of 9) that continues on for about 34 pages--that chapter will be impossible to teach in a single SS hour setting.
Having grown up in a Christian home that did not teach reformed theology, Clowney's understanding and implementation of hermeneutical typology is always astounding, refreshing, and brings me to doxology--as all good theology should! There are particular passages and portions of these chapters where Clowney almost seems to shout his praise about how Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the OT shadows and types found in Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Judah, Moses, the Rock of Moses, Joshua, Samson, Ruth, Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah--John the Baptist, Ezekiel, Amos, Zechariah, and the Apostle John.
This is the type of book I approach with a bit of trepidation about offering a critique. For one, this is not my area of study or expertise. For another, Clowney is a person of such esteem and recognition that a critic ought to have his or her theological and exegetical "ducks in a row" before offering a serious critique. So, as such, my "criticism" here is less about how Clowney's text works or does not work and more about the reader's expectations and assumptions before reading it.
Clowney's The Unfolding Mystery does a wonderful job of showing the reader the shadows and types and making a solid biblical argument about why we should read the OT with an understanding that it is ALL about Christ--and how God keeps HIs promises that are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Do not read this text with the expectation that you will learn how to interpret OT typologies--except in a Michael Polanyi tacit-learning kind of way. The text is *excellent* for showing the reader the typologies and how they are fulfilled in Christ but it gives few clues about how-to-do an assessment of typologies.
So, read this text with the expectation that all good theology leads to doxology. The text will renew your wonder and enthusiasm about reading the OT narratives and finding Jesus Christ IS the focus of the OT and the central focus of all of redemptive history! It gives a renewed excitement about our very minor roles in the unfolding redemptive history.
Clowney is gifted in his ability to link ideas from the OT to the NT presentation of Christ. Clowney's work embodies the Augustinian idea that the New Testament is in the Old Testament concealed and the Old Testament is in the New Testament revealed.
“The new is in the old concealed; the old is in the new revealed.” This famous statement by Saint Augustine expresses the remarkable way in which the two testaments of the Bible are so closely interrelated with each other. The key to understanding the New Testament in its fullest is to see in it the fulfillment of those things that were revealed in the background of the Old Testament. The Old Testament points forward in time, preparing God’s people for the work of Christ in the New Testament.--From “Ancient Promises” by R.C. Sproul; Ligonier Ministries
Clowney packs this little book with a treasure trove of Biblical and Systematic theology in the guise of narrative (which he uses to give a quick overview of the biblical events) and in his exposition of the biblical passages he uses to support his claims. Each chapter usually contains more than one person/narrative and it reaches a maximum concentration in chapter 7 (of 9) that continues on for about 34 pages--that chapter will be impossible to teach in a single SS hour setting.
Having grown up in a Christian home that did not teach reformed theology, Clowney's understanding and implementation of hermeneutical typology is always astounding, refreshing, and brings me to doxology--as all good theology should! There are particular passages and portions of these chapters where Clowney almost seems to shout his praise about how Christ is the ultimate fulfillment of the OT shadows and types found in Adam, Abraham, Isaac, Jacob, Joseph, Judah, Moses, the Rock of Moses, Joshua, Samson, Ruth, Samuel, Saul, David, Solomon, Elijah--John the Baptist, Ezekiel, Amos, Zechariah, and the Apostle John.
This is the type of book I approach with a bit of trepidation about offering a critique. For one, this is not my area of study or expertise. For another, Clowney is a person of such esteem and recognition that a critic ought to have his or her theological and exegetical "ducks in a row" before offering a serious critique. So, as such, my "criticism" here is less about how Clowney's text works or does not work and more about the reader's expectations and assumptions before reading it.
Clowney's The Unfolding Mystery does a wonderful job of showing the reader the shadows and types and making a solid biblical argument about why we should read the OT with an understanding that it is ALL about Christ--and how God keeps HIs promises that are ultimately fulfilled in Christ. Do not read this text with the expectation that you will learn how to interpret OT typologies--except in a Michael Polanyi tacit-learning kind of way. The text is *excellent* for showing the reader the typologies and how they are fulfilled in Christ but it gives few clues about how-to-do an assessment of typologies.
So, read this text with the expectation that all good theology leads to doxology. The text will renew your wonder and enthusiasm about reading the OT narratives and finding Jesus Christ IS the focus of the OT and the central focus of all of redemptive history! It gives a renewed excitement about our very minor roles in the unfolding redemptive history.
September 12, 2025
I anticipated a more concise study of seeing Jesus in the Old Testament. While the writing was plentiful with just such material, I found it scattered & somewhat hard to follow. It felt disorganized to my linear mind. I must say it is quite possible that a slower more contemplative reading might have cleared up my assessment.
Clowney writes -
“To Eve, Satan essentially said, “Eat, you will not surly die - for God HAS lied to you.” To Christ in the wilderness he said, “Jump, you will not surly die - UNLESS God has lied to you.”
“The stairway of Jacob’s dream was God’s answer to the Tower of Babel. The top DID reach to heaven, for God was the builder not man. True religion does not come from man’s quest, but from God’s intervention.”
“Joseph was God’s righteous servant, suffering because of his faithfulness to God. Yet the path of suffering led to the throne and to the fulfillment of the word of God, given by the revelation of his dreams. God had made the life of Joseph a sign of the way in which His blessing would come. By the word of God and the servant of God, the mercy of God would be made known to the nations.”
“The great mistake of legalism is to detach the law of God from the God who gave it.”
Concerning the waters of Meribah (where Moses struck the rock)
“The rock is identified as the Lord in the song of Moses. In rebellion they have refused to trust the faithfulness of God. Yet God bears the judgement; He receives the blow that their rebellion deserves. The law must be satisfied: if God’s people are to be spared, he must bear their punishment.”
“The water from Bethlehem was precious to David for he saw it as “the blood of his men who purchased it at the risk of their lives”. The cup that Jesus offers to us is brought not simply at the risk of his life, but at the price of his life. It is the cup of the New Covenant in His blood.”
Clowney writes -
“To Eve, Satan essentially said, “Eat, you will not surly die - for God HAS lied to you.” To Christ in the wilderness he said, “Jump, you will not surly die - UNLESS God has lied to you.”
“The stairway of Jacob’s dream was God’s answer to the Tower of Babel. The top DID reach to heaven, for God was the builder not man. True religion does not come from man’s quest, but from God’s intervention.”
“Joseph was God’s righteous servant, suffering because of his faithfulness to God. Yet the path of suffering led to the throne and to the fulfillment of the word of God, given by the revelation of his dreams. God had made the life of Joseph a sign of the way in which His blessing would come. By the word of God and the servant of God, the mercy of God would be made known to the nations.”
“The great mistake of legalism is to detach the law of God from the God who gave it.”
Concerning the waters of Meribah (where Moses struck the rock)
“The rock is identified as the Lord in the song of Moses. In rebellion they have refused to trust the faithfulness of God. Yet God bears the judgement; He receives the blow that their rebellion deserves. The law must be satisfied: if God’s people are to be spared, he must bear their punishment.”
“The water from Bethlehem was precious to David for he saw it as “the blood of his men who purchased it at the risk of their lives”. The cup that Jesus offers to us is brought not simply at the risk of his life, but at the price of his life. It is the cup of the New Covenant in His blood.”
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