The Double Reference Principle

a. Definition.
It is that peculiarity of the writings of the Holy Spirit, by which a passage applying primarily to a person or event near at hand, is used by Him at a later time as applying to the Person of Christ, or the affairs of His kingdom. Human writers may not have had this in mind, but the Spirit knew.
b. Examples.

1. Hosea 11:1—”Out of Egypt have I called my son.”
   The Holy Spirit applies it to the experience of Christ when taken into Egypt and brought out—Matt. 2:14, 15. It also refers to Israel. Israel nationally, was a son, but Christ was a greater “Son.”
2. II Sam. 7:12-16— Davidic covenant. It has to do with Solomon in one sentence, and the very next verse goes beyond to Christ.
3. Deut. 18:15—Statement concerning a prophet to follow him. The reference here is to Joshua and yet it looks forward to Christ also—Acts 3:22, 23.
4. Jer. 50: and 51:
   Predicted judgment on Babylon. It has not yet been minutely fulfilled. There is reference here to a future Babylon that will be destroyed—Rev. 18:9.21.