Those are all good thoughts, A-G. Types are definitely included the the list I began in my previous post. A type will be shown as such by a variety of usages throughout scripture. When a seed is mentioned in scripture, for example, one should look a bit deeper because elsewhere it is used as metaphor/type. While it is possible that the passage has no particular meaning beyond the surface, that must not be assumed.
Take the example of Boaz' workers reaping a field when Ruth arrives.
Is there a legitimate extra level(s) of meaning attached?
The entire story is an encouragement to me, however. Here is a widow in poverty, acting out of love - in this case, for her mother-in-law - being restored and given the honor of birthing David's grandfather. God works all things together for the good. Thus if we find ourselves alone, in poverty or at the mercy of others we ought to be comforted by the knowledge that God attends, that there is good purpose in everything for those who love Him. That is, don't sweat the details...
Ruth 2:15-16 And when she was risen up to glean, Boaz commanded his young men, saying, Let her glean even among the sheaves, and reproach her not: 16 And let fall also some of the handfuls of purpose for her, and leave them, that she may glean them, and rebuke her not.
Excellent example. Is Boaz a "type" of Christ? I imagine the excitement that Ruth must have felt, when she realized what Baoz was doing, is the same as I felt when I realized that Christ does that for me.
I don't post much from work, but will try to make time today.
Seven