§. 101. Of the meaning of this phrase, in a figure.
BEcause Isaac was not indeed slain, the Apostle adds this phrase a 1.1 in a figure, or in a Parable.
Of the composition and meaning of the Greek word translated Figure, see cap. 9. v. 9. §. 48.
Many of the ancients interpret this, as a type of Christs rising from the dead;* 1.2 thus, As Isaac was as a sacrifice laid upon the Altar, but rose from it alive: so Christ was offered up a sacrifice, yet restored to life again.
Both these parts of the comparison are true in themselves: neither will I deny but that the one might be a type of the other.
Others expound it as a resemblance of the general resurrection, because the* 1.3 word translated figure implieth a resemblance.
Our antient English translation thus turns it, In a certain similitude of the Re∣surrection.* 1.4 So also Erasmus. This may in some respects be a fit resemblance thus. As Isaac laid for dead on the Altar was by Gods voice raised: so such as are dead in the grave shall be raised by the voice of Christ.
Nor this last, nor the other interpretation, nor any the like are pertinent to the Apostles intent; which is to shew how Abraham received his Son from the dead, who was not indeed dead: namely in a similitude and likeness, or as our later English Translators, after a sort, or, in a figure.
Judicious Calvin, who used in expounding Scripture to have an eye to the* 1.5 Penmans scope, and to the main intent of the place, and thereby came the bet∣ter to dicover the mind and meaning of the Holy Ghost, thus expounded it: and many have since followed him; and questionless this is the proper sense of the place; and it giveth a further confirmation of that which was cited before [v. 17. §. 84.] about a true intent, namely, that what is truly intended, is in a man∣•…•… effected.