How did St. Ambrose interpret the Old Testament in his sermons?

St. Ambrose, the bishop of Milan, interpreted the Old Testament in his sermons primarily through the use of erudite philosophical allegory. By adopting Alexandrian methods of exegesis, he sought to defend the spiritual meaning of the text rather than focusing solely on literal interpretations.123

In his sermons, such as the Hexaëmeron ("On the Six Days of Creation") and his discourses on the patriarchs, Ambrose utilized this allegorical approach to extract deeper, often mystical, truths. His work was heavily influenced by his study of Greek thinkers, including Philo, Origen, and the Neoplatonist Plotinus.1

Ambrose used these interpretations to provide a classical version of Christianity for educated Latins, often presenting Old Testament figures as moral models for the Christianized aristocracy to replace traditional Roman heroes. His hermeneutical approach was also informed by the seven "rules" of Tyconius, which helped classify allegorical interpretations regarding themes such as the church, law, and numerical significance.13