Many Christians believe that God’s instructions to the Jews in the First Covenant became outdated and obsolete when Jesus came because, as the great Antitype, He fulfilled all that the Types symbolized. Let us take a brief look at that great system in an attempt to understand more of its value.
The term “Jewish Economy” is not in the Bible but appears many times in the Spirit of Prophecy. The word “economy,” as Ellen White uses it, carries a meaning that goes beyond the realms of financial matters. It comes from two Greek words – oikos (house / home) + nomos (law / management) – giving the combined idea of home management. It appears in the New Testament as the words “steward” (Luke 12:42), “governor” (Galatians 4:2), or “chamberlain” (Romans 16:23). In the many instances where Ellen White uses the term, it could quite accurately be rendered “the guidelines for the management of the covenant people.” In other words, it is referring to the entire law given through Moses in all its aspects – moral, ceremonial, etc. – as we can see from the following:
The term “Jewish Economy” is not in the Bible but appears many times in the Spirit of Prophecy. The word “economy,” as Ellen White uses it, carries a meaning that goes beyond the realms of financial matters. It comes from two Greek words – oikos (house / home) + nomos (law / management) – giving the combined idea of home management. It appears in the New Testament as the words “steward” (Luke 12:42), “governor” (Galatians 4:2), or “chamberlain” (Romans 16:23). In the many instances where Ellen White uses the term, it could quite accurately be rendered “the guidelines for the management of the covenant people.” In other words, it is referring to the entire law given through Moses in all its aspects – moral, ceremonial, etc. – as we can see from the following:
Jesus was the foundation of the Jewish economy, the author of all the laws, statutes, and requirements of his chosen people. How his soul was pained and his heart filled with grief as he saw those who claimed to be the depositaries of truth, mercy, and compassion, so destitute of the love of God! Review and Herald 09-13-06
If the law required tithes and offerings thousands of years ago, how much more essential are they now! If the rich and poor were to give a sum proportionate to their property in the Jewish economy, it is doubly essential now. Testimony for the Church, No. 29, p. 124
Christ was the foundation of the whole Jewish economy. The types and shadows under which the Jews worshiped, all pointed forward to the world’s Redeemer. It was by faith in a coming Saviour that sinners were saved then. It is through faith in Christ that they are justified to-day. Signs of the Times 02-25-97
Now think about the significance of these quotes:
Christ was the foundation of the Jewish economy. When type met antitype in his death, the need for sacrificial offerings ceased. But the lessons regarding practical obedience, given by Christ from the mount of blessing, were still binding. 1900 Manuscripts, p. 779
As we gather up the divine rays shining from the gospel, we shall have a clearer insight into the Jewish economy, and a deeper appreciation of its important truths. Our exploration of truth is yet incomplete. We have gathered up only a few rays of light. Those who are not daily students of the Word will not solve the problems of the Jewish economy. They will not understand the truths taught by the temple service. The work of God is hindered by a worldly understanding of his great plan. The future life will unfold the meaning of the laws that Christ, enshrouded in the pillar of cloud, gave to his people. 1903 Manuscripts, p. 700
Christ’s lessons were not a new revelation, but old truths which he himself had originated and given to the chosen of God, and which he came to earth to rescue from the error under which they had been buried. He himself was the great center of light and truth, but his instruction to the Jewish people was a new revelation to them. The Jewish economy is not yet fully comprehended by men to-day. Truths vast and profound are contained in Old Testament history. The gospel is its interpreter, the key which unlocks its mysteries. The plan of redemption is unfolding these truths to the understanding. For a few years in the past, and especially since the Minneapolis meeting, truths have been made known that have been of great value to the world and to the people of God. The way has been made so plain that honest hearts cannot but receive the truth. But there are still treasures to be searched for. Let the shaft which has begun to work the mine of truth sink deep, and it will yield rich and precious treasures. 1888 Materials, p. 1689
We are told that the Jewish economy is a valuable source of instruction and truth and should not be neglected. It laid the foundation for and pointed forward to the gospel; the gospel turns our attention back to it and unlocks its mysteries for us to study and understand God’s ways; and we are encouraged to put effort into discovering what it has to offer.
As a small introduction to the study of the Jewish economy, consider one of the most basic methods available to us for discovering the truths hidden there – the details God gave in His instructions. God doesn’t say anything insignificant. You will quickly notice as you study God’s plan for the Sanctuary and its services that He gave many minute details regarding the materials to be used, their measurements, placement, purposes, the animals and rituals specific to each sacrifice, etc. These are not just incidental details to fill space in the Bible; they all represent something about the Plan of Salvation and, as we compare them with what we learn from the Gospel in the New Testament, we can understand the whole picture better.
Let’s consider a few examples of this. Think of the placement of the furniture of the Tabernacle as an outline of our journey in righteousness. Entering the Outer Court is comparable to the first stage in our journey – justification. The first article of furniture was the Altar of Sacrifice or Burnt Offering which represents the expiation of our sin by the sacrifice of the Lamb of God and/or our daily consecration to His service. Next is the Laver which also presents a facet of sin cleansing (baptism). Entering the Holy Place is like the next stage of our journey – sanctification. The Candlestick is a symbol of the continual guidance of the Holy Spirit (light); the Table of Shewbread speaks of the continual spiritual nourishment we receive (the Bread of Life) that we may “grow thereby.” The Most Holy Place is the next compartment representing the next facet of our journey in righteousness – an intimate faith relationship with God in the present and glorification for a more personal intimacy in the future. The Altar of Incense was located in the Holy Place but was closely connected to the Most Holy according to Hebrews 9:3, 4. It represents our continual communication with God through Christ’s merit (in His name) and the Spirit’s enhancement of our prayers. The Ark of the Covenant represents the very throne of God which we now approach by faith but will someday stand before literally. This is the final stage, the ultimate goal, of our journey – complete union with God in Christ.
Another sample of some of the deep meaning to be found in what God gave the Israelites is displayed in the cleansing ceremony that involved the ashes of a red heifer described in Numbers 19. Read that account and consider the following thoughts. The animal used was to be without blemish (v. 2) – Jesus was perfect (Hebrews 9:14; 1 Peter 1:19). It was killed outside the camp (v. 3) – Jesus died outside of heaven and outside of Jerusalem. The ashes used in the ritual were stored in a clean place (v. 9) – the provision was made for our sin-cleansing before it was needed – Jesus was foreordained before sin occurred (1 Peter 1:20; Revelation 13:8). It was not necessary to repeat the sacrifice for each incident of defilement (v. 9) – Jesus died only once for all time. This cleansing ritual was available for Jews or foreigners (v. 10) – Jesus died for “whosoever” (John 3:16). This purification was required for anyone who had contact with a dead person and anything the defiled person touched passed on the defilement to others who touched it (v. 11, 22) – the defilement of sin passed from Adam to us to others. If the ritual was not performed, the Tabernacle was polluted and the defiled person was “cut off” (v. 13) – our sin pollutes the heavenly sanctuary (necessitating its cleansing Daniel 8:14) and, if we are not purified, we will die. The ashes of the animal were mixed with fresh water (v. 17) – water and fire are both methods of cleansing; both represent the Holy Spirit (John 7:37-39; Acts 2:3, 4; Revelation 4:5)
These are only a small sample from the great “mine of truth” that we have in the Jewish economy. There is much, much more to discover. Let us not neglect this valuable resource.
The significance of the Jewish economy is not yet fully comprehended. Truths vast and profound are shadowed forth in its rites and symbols. The gospel is the key that unlocks its mysteries. Through a knowledge of the plan of redemption, its truths are opened to the understanding. Far more than we do, it is our privilege to understand these wonderful themes. We are to comprehend the deep things of God. Angels desire to look into the truths that are revealed to the people who with contrite hearts are searching the word of God, and praying for greater lengths and breadths and depths and heights of the knowledge which He alone can give. Christ’s Object Lessons, p. 133