An archetype is a reference to a concept, a person or an object that has served as a prototype of its kind and is the original idea that has come to be used over and over again. Archetypes are literary devices that employ the use of a famous concept, person or object to convey a wealth of meaning. Archetypes are immediately identifiable and even though they run the risk of being overused, they are still the best examples of their kind.
In the Old Testament, the temple is an archetype for what is in heaven. the sacrifices of sheep and rams are archetypes over the ultimate sacrifice. The priests and high-priests, even Melchizedek was an archetype of the coming Messiah:
He became the source of eternal salvation for all who obey him and was designated by God to be high priest in the order of Melchizedek. (Heb 5:9-10 NIV)
The ark itself is a foreshadowing of the cross:
Middah: “That may be. But in the meantime there is another one percent tax added on the income of your people. We’ll be back to examine your books in three months. Imagine, the salvation of the world hanging on a paltry piece of wood!” scoffed Middah.
Avath: “Definitely a fire trap.”
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