Calvin's Visual Exegesis of Old Testament Prophecy: Figural Reading and the Sacramental Character of Scripture

Abstract

AbstractThis article provides a study of John Calvin's treatment of the Old Testament prophets' language, images and metaphors to illuminate the distinctly visual character of his theology. It explores Calvin's theology of Scripture as shaped by the visual theology rooted in his exegesis of the Old Testament prophetic books. The author argues that the Old Testament prophets serve as supreme models for imitation of how to make God's Word come alive through visual images and powerful metaphors. Furthermore, the article draws connections between Calvin's engagement with the prophets' language of ‘painting’, ‘mirror’, ‘vivid representation’ and ‘visible symbol’ and his descriptions of biblical theophanies and the power of sacraments. Bringing these elements side by side, a vivid portrait emerges of Calvin's conception of Scripture as a visual sign. The author argues that this visual sign‐character of Scripture undergirds a deeper commitment of Calvin's – a conviction of Scripture's sacramental character and functions. Consequently, the article argues that the visual features of Calvin's theology – where visual aspects unite his theologies of Scripture and the sacraments – set forth Scripture itself as a sacrament and call students of Calvin to take more seriously the visual and material commitments of his theology.