The Bible, particularly the Old Testament, is rich with types, symbols, emblems, tokens, and allegories that carry profound meaning beyond their surface narrative. These elements often point to Jesus Christ or aspects of His spiritual body, the church, with a primary focus on Christ Himself. An example of this is seen in the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac, which is not merely a historical account but also an allegory. This story, while significant for the continuation of God's promises, holds continuous application in certain spiritual circumstances, revealing a duality of purpose. At least two functions can be derived from this brief narrative, which on the surface appears as an interesting historical reference, yet beneath it lies deeper significance. Understanding this allegory often requires consulting other portions of the Bible and a great deal of diligent study to fully grasp its implications.

The concept of allegory is a significant aspect of understanding the deeper layers of Scripture. Allegory serves as a tool to convey spiritual lessons through stories that may appear as mere historical narratives. For instance, the account of Hagar and Sarah, along with their children Ishmael and Isaac, is not just a record of events but an allegory teaching a profound moral and spiritual principle. Such stories are designed to reveal insights beyond their literal meaning, emphasizing their real intent to instruct on a deeper level. Entire books within Scripture also carry allegorical significance. The book of Genesis lays foundational themes through its narratives, offering insights into God's purpose from the recreation of the earth to the establishment of spiritual and physical Israel through Abraham, Isaac, and Jacob. Exodus portrays redemption from slavery, with figures like Pharaoh symbolizing satan and Egypt representing a world of sin. Leviticus focuses on access to and communion with God, while Numbers illustrates the wilderness wanderings as typical of spiritual pilgrims journeying toward the Kingdom of God. Deuteronomy reiterates the law as final preparation for entering the promised land, symbolizing readiness for divine responsibilities. Within these books, Christ is often the central object, reflected in various offices and roles, highlighting the allegorical depth that points to His character and mission.

God's Word, as a creation of His, contains a multitude of applications valuable to our understanding, including allegories scattered throughout the Bible. These allegories reveal deeper principles, such as duality, showing that there is much more contained within God's Word than appears on the surface. An example of this is seen in the story of Abraham, Sarah, Hagar, Ishmael, and Isaac, which serves not only as a narrative but also as an allegory teaching about liberty and bondage. Through such allegories, God's Word compresses vast information into smaller spaces, requiring us to dig for hidden treasures with His help to uncover the deeper meanings and apply them to our lives.