A Spiritual Meaning to the Book of Esther

eBook download showing how the Bible reveals how each prophecy has been fulfilled with simple study methods explaining how to locate related texts.

I finally got around to writing a detailed study to show the time frame of the book of Esther and how it relates to Daniel, Ezra, Nehemiah, Haggai, and other books of the Bible written during the Persian empire, the second world power, and how those events relate to end times. Here is the link. https://adventbiblestudy.wordpress.com/2014/05/18/spiritual-timing-of-esther/

Let me tell you something. When you asked God for wisdom, and He handed you a big black book over 1000 pages long. What did you do? Did you say it was too hard, and give up? Or did you look for someone to read it for you, and give you the quick run down on what it says? We are in the end of a spiritual war. Don’t you think it’s time to read the manual? The best thing you can do is pick up the book, read it, and if you need help, find someone who is able to explain how to understand scripture.

For a long time I’ve wandered if the Book of Esther had a deeper meaning than the story easily found on the surface. The answer is found in a few key words, the first being Ahasuerus, found not only in the book of Esther, but the book of Ezra.

Ezra 4:6 KJV And in the reign of Ahasuerus, in the beginning of his reign, wrote they unto him an accusation against the inhabitants of Judah and Jerusalem.

This is the same Ahasuerus in the book of Esther.

Esther 1:1 KJV Now it came to pass in the days of Ahasuerus, (this is Ahasuerus which reigned, from India even unto Ethiopia, over an hundred and seven and twenty provinces:)

We now have texts placing the book of Esther in a particular point in history. To understand the spiritual relationship between these books, we need to compare and understand the situations in both Jerusalem and Ahasuerus’ kingdom.

Esther 3:6 KJV And he thought scorn to lay hands on Mordecai alone; for they had shewed him the people of Mordecai: wherefore Haman sought to destroy all the Jews that were throughout the whole kingdom of Ahasuerus, even the people of Mordecai.

Haman, a high ranking official, and advisor to Ahasuerus, devised a plan to destroy all the Jews. What connection does this have with the book of Ezra? To answer this question we need to review a few texts to gain a better understanding.

Ezra 1:1-2 KJV Now in the first year of Cyrus king of Persia, that the word of the LORD by the mouth of Jeremiah might be fulfilled, the LORD stirred up the spirit of Cyrus king of Persia, that he made a proclamation throughout all his kingdom, and put it also in writing, saying, (2) Thus saith Cyrus king of Persia, The LORD God of heaven hath given me all the kingdoms of the earth; and he hath charged me to build him an house at Jerusalem, which is in Judah.

Ezra returned to Jerusalem to fulfill one of Jeremiah’s prophecies. A general rule of Bible study tells us, when a scripture writer references texts from another writer, the original texts should be located and added to the study, thereby providing a complete explanation. The original text can be easily located by searching a few key words, or using a Bible with chain references.

Jeremiah 27:21-22 KJV Yea, thus saith the LORD of hosts, the God of Israel, concerning the vessels that remain in the house of the LORD, and in the house of the king of Judah and of Jerusalem; (22) They shall be carried to Babylon, and there shall they be until the day that I visit them, saith the LORD; then will I bring them up, and restore them to this place.

Ezra returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the Lord, the temple, and return the vessels.  This instantly brings to mind another book describing the return to  Jerusalem after the 70 year captivity in Babylon.  There is a parallel book to Ezra providing additional details, Nehemiah, who also returned to Jerusalem. His book records additional information explaining the spiritual implications of Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews.

Rebuilding the walls of Jerusalem

Nehemiah 1:1-3 KJV The words of Nehemiah the son of Hachaliah. And it came to pass in the month Chisleu, in the twentieth year, as I was in Shushan the palace, (2) That Hanani, one of my brethren, came, he and certain men of Judah; and I asked them concerning the Jews that had escaped, which were left of the captivity, and concerning Jerusalem. (3) And they said unto me, The remnant that are left of the captivity there in the province are in great affliction and reproach: the wall of Jerusalem also is broken down, and the gates thereof are burned with fire.

It is important to understand, Ezra returned to Jerusalem to rebuild the house of the Lord, Nehemiah rebuilt the walls and gates.  Some people claim the books of Ezra and Nehemiah are not consistent. When you understand the details of these books, you can see why Ezra and Nehemiah recorded different accounts.

Two people can work at the same company.  It would not be unusual for each to write a book about the same company with different details and views.  If an engineer writes about his experiences, they would drastically differ from the views of an accountant, or a sales person.  Since Ezra and Nehemiah worked at different locations in Jerusalem, you would not expect to see a perfectly consistent amount of overlapping details.  Nehemiah’s insight to the situation is much different than Ezra’a for a reason.  A major aspect of Bible study is reliance on the Holy Spirit to guide your mind from scripture to scripture in order to gather all the details.  God has placed the answers within His collection of books we call the Bible.  It is up to us to uncover the details.

Nehemiah 1:4-11 KJV And it came to pass, when I heard these words, that I sat down and wept, and mourned certain days, and fasted, and prayed before the God of heaven, (5) And said, I beseech thee, O LORD God of heaven, the great and terrible God, that keepeth covenant and mercy for them that love him and observe his commandments: (6) Let thine ear now be attentive, and thine eyes open, that thou mayest hear the prayer of thy servant, which I pray before thee now, day and night, for the children of Israel thy servants, and confess the sins of the children of Israel, which we have sinned against thee: both I and my father’s house have sinned. (7) We have dealt very corruptly against thee, and have not kept the commandments, nor the statutes, nor the judgments, which thou commandedst thy servant Moses. (8) Remember, I beseech thee, the word that thou commandedst thy servant Moses, saying, If ye transgress, I will scatter you abroad among the nations: (9) But if ye turn unto me, and keep my commandments, and do them; though there were of you cast out unto the uttermost part of the heaven, yet will I gather them from thence, and will bring them unto the place that I have chosen to set my name there. (10) Now these are thy servants and thy people, whom thou hast redeemed by thy great power, and by thy strong hand. (11) O Lord, I beseech thee, let now thine ear be attentive to the prayer of thy servant, and to the prayer of thy servants, who desire to fear thy name: and prosper, I pray thee, thy servant this day, and grant him mercy in the sight of this man. For I was the king’s cupbearer.

Many people see little reason to study the book of Nehemiah, a record of Jerusalem’s walls being rebuilt.  This may be based on the fact it centers on the subject of keeping God’s commandments. These people may not know what the key word,  “wall,” spiritually represents.  The answer is easily found by searching the word wall in the Bible.

Wall

Psalms 51:17-18 KJV The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit: a broken and a contrite heart, O God, thou wilt not despise. (18) Do good in thy good pleasure unto Zion: build thou the walls of Jerusalem.

Psalm 51 seems to provide an adequate answer.  Additional texts provide a more complete explanation.

Psalms 122:6-7 KJV Pray for the peace of Jerusalem: they shall prosper that love thee. (7) Peace be within thy walls, and prosperity within thy palaces.

Zechariah 2:5 KJV For I, saith the LORD, will be unto her a wall of fire round about, and will be the glory in the midst of her.

A wall can represent God’s character.  The Bible explains this by using words and symbols such as; peace, and contrite heart, two attributes seldom found in men.  God pulls these together by saying, “the Lord will be unto her a wall,”  referring only to Himself.

Salvation

Isaiah 26:1 KJV In that day shall this song be sung in the land of Judah; We have a strong city; salvation will God appoint for walls and bulwarks.

Isaiah 60:18 KJV Violence shall no more be heard in thy land, wasting nor destruction within thy borders; but thou shalt call thy walls Salvation, and thy gates Praise.

God also uses the word wall to represent His salvation. It is plain to see, Haman’s plot to destroy the Jews is an acted parable showing his intent to destroying God, His character, and the salvation He offers by destroying the Jews.  This is also a prophecy showing us a time will come when others will plot to destroy God’s followers in an attempt to destroy His character, thereby withholding His salvation.

It’s simple to see, Haman was offended because Mordecai put his faith in God. Haman not only wanted to hang Mordecai, but destroy all the Jews.  This would have stopped the work on the temple, and the walls of Jerusalem, each represeting a number of spiritual symbols.

This study is an illustration showing God’s ability to record all the information  necessary to explain His parables and prophecies in His Bible.  Scripture has revealed evidence showing the connection between the books of Ezra and Esther.  Using only the Bible we have shown a plot existed to destroy all the Jews.  The Bible also explained the work a remnant of His followers were to accomplish, which was foretold in a prophecy by Jeremiah, showing how God builds one prophecy upon another.  When the Bible is diligently studied, the Holy Ghost will establish rules of interpretation placed within God’s word, along with all the facts required to complete the study. The main point of this study verifies, every detail required to interpret parables and prophecies is contained within the Bible. Every detail is already supplied by the word of God, written with His infinite wisdom, beyond our comprehension.

Here are a couple of free Bible Study Internet resources I have been using. I have to tell you. I have been learning so much from these classes taught for free by pastor, teacher, and lecturer Dr. Lee Gugliotto. He has taught classes in biblical languages, theology, and hermeneutics at several seminaries. His book, Handbook for Bible Study, was awarded a Gold Medallion, the equivalent of an Oscar for Christian writers. Since working with Dr. Lee, my insight into God’s Word has more than tripled.

WebStudy is a virtual classroom over the Internet. It will train you to listen for God’s voice in the text so the Bible can explain itself. You will master study basics that lay the foundations for deeper personal learning.

QuikerStudy relies on the way the Holy Spirit led Bible writers to express truth God revealed to them. It equips you to use basic Bible study tools and to understand scripture guided by three simple principles––integrated into a single skill. Easy enough for children, it is the ultimate online inductive experience for the whole family.

Http://webstudythebible.org/

CuppaJ Cafe serves the most satisfying CuppaJesus in town. We brew up a fresh daily devotion, verse-by-verse from the text to bring out its full flavor. Then we share each daily devotional with those who come to the Cafe to give the group a taste of what the text has to offer, so they can have a deeper, personal learning experience with Christ later that day.

How we brew up the word:

• First, we define words, explain the meaning of figures and symbols, and acquaint them with people, places, and things in the text

• Then, we lead the people on a simple trip through the text
• Pour out a Christian thought from it, and…
• Invite everyone to interpret the text from the writer’s words
• Finally, we challenge everyone to spend time in the text alone with Christ later in the day to pour out another and better CuppaJesus from the same brew
• Http://cuppajcafe.org/

Armour of God

An eBook explaining faith through a series of stories based on the Gospels of Matthew and Mark. Study techniques are shared which show how to develop a closer relationship with God’s Spirit through His written Word.

KJV Ephesians 6:10-19

10. Finally, my brethren, be strong in the Lord, and in the power of his might.

11. Put on the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to stand against the wiles of the devil.

12. For we wrestle not against flesh and blood, but against principalities, against powers, against the rulers of the darkness of this world, against spiritual wickedness in high places.

13. Wherefore take unto you the whole armour of God, that ye may be able to withstand in the evil day, and having done all, to stand.

14. Stand therefore, having your loins girt about with truth, and having on the breastplate of righteousness;

15. And your feet shod with the preparation of the gospel of peace;

16. Above all, taking the shield of faith, wherewith ye shall be able to quench all the fiery darts of the wicked.

17. And take the helmet of salvation, and the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God:

18. Praying always with all prayer and supplication in the Spirit, and watching thereunto with all perseverance and supplication for all saints;

19. And for me, that utterance may be given unto me, that I may open my mouth boldly, to make known the mystery of the gospel,

Did you ever consider the order of the armor of God in relationship to the order of earth’s history as seen in the statue of Nebuchadnezzar’s dream?

The helmet of salvation. Salvation is actually the first step to becoming a Christian. To learn about this free gift of salvation and accepting it.

The breastplate of righteousness. The next step to becoming a Christian. To let Jesus into your heart. To let Him convict you of your sins. To replace those sins with only the good that only comes from the Father. To have Jesus show you the love that only He can show you.

The legs covered with truth. This is what Jesus teaches us about after we accept Him into our hearts. To show us the difference between the empty promises of the world and the eternal promises of God. The next step is learn the difference between truth and lies. Sin here originated in a lie. It is through lies that sin lives here on earth. It is those lies that make us blind. It is only through prayer that we may have sight to see the truth.

After we learn to study the word of God our feet will always be drawn to His word in times of trouble. Every verse, every line and word of the Bible is put there to reach someone at some point of their lives. This book was written by the Creator God who has made the foundation of all things out of material and substance that we can not even see. Much less understand. Don’t forget God has even created the material that make up the pages of His book. Every single atom that they contain. And just as God can create, change and alter this microscopic matter, He can open our minds and our hearts to see the lessons, the bread of life we need for this day, from His words. We need only to ask.

And yet there are two more to learn from. The shield of faith. We will see many things that we will not understand. There will be many questions.

Hebrews 11:1. Now faith is the substance of things hoped for, the evidence of things not seen.

But as time goes by your knowledge will be increased. God will reveal all to a faithful servant of the word. This shield is not visible and in itself is faith. This shield protects us from the attacks we will endure from forces we can neither see nor understand. The attackes that we could never survive on our own.

Lastly there is the sword of the Spirit, which is the word of God. After we study for a time many things will become clearer and an entire picture can be seen. The sword of the Lord is a two edged sword. Much like the knife of a skilled surgeon it can cut out the disease and heal the healthy parts of the body. In the same way the word of the Lord when it enters into us cuts out the bad and diseased habits of our lives. The word removes the evil controlling spirits within us and replaces them with new and growing tissue that can bring glory to God and aid Him in reaching others.

And this is all brought together by one little thing. Prayer. Talking to God. Getting to know Him. And through God getting to know yourself.

Here are a couple of Bible Study Internet resources I have been using. I have to tell you. I have been learning so much from these classes taught for free by pastor, teacher, and lecturer Dr. Lee Gugliotto. He has taught classes in biblical languages, theology, and hermeneutics at several seminaries. His book, Handbook for Bible Study, was awarded a Gold Medallion, the equivalent of an Oscar for Christian writers. Since working with Dr. Lee, my insight into God’s Word has more than tripled.

WebStudy is a virtual classroom over the Internet. It will train you to listen for God’s voice in the text so the Bible can explain itself. You will master study basics that lay the foundations for deeper personal learning.

QuikerStudy relies on the way the Holy Spirit led Bible writers to express truth God revealed to them. It equips you to use basic Bible study tools and to understand scripture guided by three simple principles––integrated into a single skill. Easy enough for children, it is the ultimate online inductive experience for the whole family.

CuppaJ Cafe serves the most satisfying CuppaJesus in town. We brew up a fresh daily devotion, verse-by-verse from the text to bring out its full flavor. Then we share each daily devotional with those who come to the Cafe to give the group a taste of what the text has to offer, so they can have a deeper, personal learning experience with Christ later that day.

How we brew up the word:

• First, we define words, explain the meaning of figures and symbols, and acquaint them with people, places, and things in the text

• Then, we lead the people on a simple trip through the text
• Pour out a Christian thought from it, and…
• Invite everyone to interpret the text from the writer’s words
• Finally, we challenge everyone to spend time in the text alone with Christ later in the day to pour out another and better CuppaJesus from the same brewHttp://cuppajcafe.org/

Parable of the Fig Tree Matthew 24

 

What happened between the cross and Pentecost? What changed the disciples? What impact did the parables, miracles, and life of Jesus have on them? How can their experiences lead us to a closer more dedicated walk with Jesus? This book explores the fundamentals of the new birth experienced in the lives Jesus personally touched. It is a great book to read when you want to learn to draw closer to Jesus on a new level.

KJV Matthew 24:32-33 

32. Now learn a parable of the fig tree; When his branch is yet tender, and putteth forth leaves, ye know that summer is nigh:

33. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

The first step in interpreting a parable is to list the physical aspects. In this parable we see Christ is using a fig tree to illustrate both a physical and a spiritual lesson. When the physical branch is green and tender and begins to sprout leaves, we know summer is near. To understand the spiritual lesson we first identify the key words. In most cases the key words will be nouns, people, places and things. The key words in this parable are tree, branch, leave and summer. We then locate texts which will reveal the spiritual meanings of each of these key words.

Tree
KJV Proverbs 11:30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

KJV Isaiah 61:3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

We can easily see trees are used as a symbol to represent people.

Tree = people

Branch 

KJV Isaiah 11:1-5 

1. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

This branch is from the stem or lineage of Jesse, the father of king David. This branch will have the Spirit of the Lord and the knowledge to judge by righteousness. This branch is a spiritual representation of Christ.

KJV Jeremiah 23:5-6

5. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah makes it clear the branch represents Jesus.

KJV Proverbs 11:28

28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

KJV Isaiah 60:21

21. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

A branch can also represent God’s people.

Branch = Jesus and God’s people.

Leaves 

The word leaves and leaf present a challenge in Bible study. There are a number of possible spiritual meanings. Some are easy to see while others are found through the application of rules established by the parables. 

KJV Revelation 22:2

2. In the midst of the street of it, and on either side of the river, was there the tree of life, which bare twelve manner of fruits, and yielded her fruit every month: and the leaves of the tree were for the healing of the nations.

KJV Genesis 3:7

7. And the eyes of them both were opened, and they knew that they were naked; and they sewed fig leaves together, and made themselves aprons.

KJV Acts 19:11-12

11. And God wrought special miracles by the hands of Paul: 12. So that from his body were brought unto the sick handkerchiefs or aprons, and the diseases departed from them, and the evil spirits went out of them.

Revelation 22:2 is the only verse showing leaves are used for healing. No one should ever base an interpretation upon a single verse. Looking at other verses containing the word leaves reveals a very interesting link. Genesis 3:7 shows leaves have been used to sew an apron. From this text we have established a link between leaves and apron. Looking at the word apron we find Acts 19:11-12 telling us Paul was given the power to heal people when they brought their aprons to him. From these verses we have established the fact, God uses leaves to heal.

KJV Ezekiel 17:9

9. Say thou, Thus saith the Lord God; Shall it prosper? shall he not pull up the roots thereof, and cut off the fruit thereof, that it wither? it shall wither in all the leaves of her spring, even without great power or many people to pluck it up by the roots thereof.

KJV Isaiah 1:30

30. For ye shall be as an oak whose leaf fadeth, and as a garden that hath no water.

KJV Isaiah 34:4

4. And all the host of heaven shall be dissolved, and the heavens shall be rolled together as a scroll: and all their host shall fall down, as the leaf falleth off from the vine, and as a falling fig from the fig tree.

KJV Isaiah 64:6

6. But we are all as an unclean thing, and all our righteousnesses are as filthy rags; and we all do fade as a leaf; and our iniquities, like the wind, have taken us away.

KJV Jeremiah 8:13

13. I will surely consume them, saith the Lord: there shall be no grapes on the vine, nor figs on the fig tree, and the leaf shall fade; and the things that I have given them shall pass away from them.

People are compared to trees and fading leaves. Isaiah 34:4 contains language referring to the end of the world. Isaiah 64:6 makes it clear a fading leaves represent unrighteous people.

KJV Psalms 1:3

3. And he shall be like a tree planted by the rivers of water, that bringeth forth his fruit in his season; his leaf also shall not wither; and whatsoever he doeth shall prosper.

KJV Jeremiah 17:8

8. For he shall be as a tree planted by the waters, and that spreadeth out her roots by the river, and shall not see when heat cometh, but her leaf shall be green; and shall not be careful in the year of drought, neither shall cease from yielding fruit.

KJV Ezekiel 47:12

12. And by the river upon the bank thereof, on this side and on that side, shall grow all trees for meat, whose leaf shall not fade, neither shall the fruit thereof be consumed: it shall bring forth new fruit according to his months, because their waters they issued out of the sanctuary: and the fruit thereof shall be for meat, and the leaf thereof for medicine.

A tree planted by water has green leaves which will not fade but aid the tree in providing fruit.

Leaves = provide fruit and heal. A faded leaf = unrighteousness.

Summer 

KJV Proverbs 30:25. The ants are a people not strong, yet they prepare their meat in the summer;

KJV Proverbs 10:5. He that gathereth in summer is a wise son: but he that sleepeth in harvest is a son that causeth shame.

KJV Isaiah 16:9. Therefore I will bewail with the weeping of Jazer the vine of Sibmah: I will water thee with my tears, O Heshbon, and Elealeh: for the shouting for thy summer fruits and for thy harvest is fallen.

KJV Jeremiah 8:20. The harvest is past, the summer is ended, and we are not saved.

Summer is a word associated with preparation and gathering. It is associated with the harvest.

KJV Psalms 32:4. For day and night thy hand was heavy upon me: my moisture is turned into the drought of summer. Selah.

KJV Isaiah 28:4-5

4. And the glorious beauty, which is on the head of the fat valley, shall be a fading flower, and as the hasty fruit before the summer; which when he that looketh upon it seeth, while it is yet in his hand he eateth it up. 5. In that day shall the Lord of hosts be for a crown of glory, and for a diadem of beauty, unto the residue of his people,

KJV Amos 8:1-3

1. Thus hath the Lord God shewed unto me: and behold a basket of summer fruit. 2. And he said, Amos, what seest thou? And I said, A basket of summer fruit. Then said the Lord unto me, The end is come upon my people of Israel; I will not again pass by them any more. 3. And the songs of the temple shall be howlings in that day, saith the Lord God: there shall be many dead bodies in every place; they shall cast them forth with silence.

KJV Micah 7:1-2

1. Woe is me! for I am as when they have gathered the summer fruits, as the grapegleanings of the vintage: there is no cluster to eat: my soul desired the firstripe fruit. 2. The good man is perished out of the earth: and there is none upright among men: they all lie in wait for blood; they hunt every man his brother with a net.

The word summer is also identified with the word fruit, which possesses its own spiritual meaning. The above texts indicate summer is a word indicating a spiritual period of time just before the harvest. Physically, summer is a time to prepare for the harvest. It is a time to enjoy the fruit of summer. Fruit spiritually represents works or a way of life. See the study of The Seed Mark 4 for a detailed explanation of the word fruit. When the war between Jesus and Satan reach a climax before the end of the earth, a time will come when decisions are made. It is a time when there is no turning back. Speaking in a spiritual sense, people will be showing their way of life, their fruit.

Summer = a preparation for the end times.

After all of the key words have been compared with other texts and the spiritual meanings have been determined, a chart of the key words may be compiled.

Tree = people

Branch = Jesus and God’s people.

Leaves = provide fruit and heal. A faded leaf = unrighteousness.

Summer = a preparation for the end times.

Now learn the parable about God’s people. When God’s people are yet tender, and begin to provide fruit you know they are preparing for the end times. So likewise ye, when ye shall see all these things, know that it is near, even at the doors.

Here are a couple of Bible Study Internet resources I have been using. I have to tell you. I have been learning so much from these classes taught for free by pastor, teacher, and lecturer Dr. Lee Gugliotto. He has taught classes in biblical languages, theology, and hermeneutics at several seminaries. His book, Handbook for Bible Study, was awarded a Gold Medallion, the equivalent of an Oscar for Christian writers. Since working with Dr. Lee, my insight into God’s Word has more than tripled.

WebStudy is a virtual classroom over the Internet. It will train you to listen for God’s voice in the text so the Bible can explain itself. You will master study basics that lay the foundations for deeper personal learning.

QuikerStudy relies on the way the Holy Spirit led Bible writers to express truth God revealed to them. It equips you to use basic Bible study tools and to understand scripture guided by three simple principles––integrated into a single skill. Easy enough for children, it is the ultimate online inductive experience for the whole family.

Http://webstudythebible.org/

CuppaJ Cafe serves the most satisfying CuppaJesus in town. We brew up a fresh daily devotion, verse-by-verse from the text to bring out its full flavor. Then we share each daily devotional with those who come to the Cafe to give the group a taste of what the text has to offer, so they can have a deeper, personal learning experience with Christ later that day.

How we brew up the word:

• First, we define words, explain the meaning of figures and symbols, and acquaint them with people, places, and things in the text

• Then, we lead the people on a simple trip through the text
• Pour out a Christian thought from it, and…
• Invite everyone to interpret the text from the writer’s words
• Finally, we challenge everyone to spend time in the text alone with Christ later in the day to pour out another and better CuppaJesus from the same brewHttp://cuppajcafe.org/

Matthew 13 Parable of the Mustard Seed

I was so surprised to see these study methods in the Bible, I had to write a book. This eBook not only explains the parables, it includes study methods Jesus taught His disciples.

KJV Matthew 13:31-32

31. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32. Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

To begin to understand a parable write the text in your own words paying attention to the physical aspects.

This text is a parable, therefore it contains more than one meaning. Parables have both physical and spiritual interpretations. The kingdom of Heaven is like a grain of mustard seed that a man sows in a field. The mustard seed is very small but when it grows it is the largest of all herbs and becomes a tree where the birds have a home in the branches.

When a text contains multiple key words it may help to create a list of the physical characteristics, giving due time and thought to each. The inspiration to explain these physical attributes may come to light hours or days after the study is begun.

This parable is designed to show a picture of the kingdom of Heaven. Both the physical and spiritual meanings must reflect the kingdom of Heaven.

The mustard seed is very small.  

A man plants this seed in a field. We are not told if the field is a natural field or a farm field. A natural field supplies us with physical beauty. A farm field supplies us with physical food.

This tiny seed becomes a tree, a miracle in itself. The physical aspects of growing a tree are not completely understood. Therefore they cannot be fully explained.

When the tree is grown, birds find a home in its branches where they find a home, protection and food.

The key words in these texts are; mustard, seed, field, tree, birds and branches. Each of these key words will be defined by other Bible verses. These verses can be located with the use of a Concordance or a computer program by simply looking up the key word.

Mustard

KJV Mark 4:30. And he said, Whereunto shall we liken the kingdom of God? or with what comparison shall we compare it? 31. It is like a grain of mustard seed, which, when it is sown in the earth, is less than all the seeds that be in the earth: 32. But when it is sown, it groweth up, and becometh greater than all herbs, and shooteth out great branches; so that the fowls of the air may lodge under the shadow of it.

KJV Luke 13:18. Then said he, Unto what is the kingdom of God like? and whereunto shall I resemble it? 19. It is like a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and cast into his garden; and it grew, and waxed a great tree; and the fowls of the air lodged in the branches of it.

This is one of the few parables found in three of the four gospels. Whenever God repeats His word it is for our benefit. Pay attention, dig deep into His words and find the hidden meaning below the surface. On the surface we could say that the small mustard seed is an example of faith. This is a common interpretation, but is it correct? Does faith grow a tree? What do the other keys words represent?

Other Bible verses containing the word mustard fail to provide a clear spiritual meaning. We can than take a closer look at the physical aspects of a mustard seed. Have you ever examined a jar of brown mustard? The tiny dark brown spots are seeds. The mustard seed is not much larger than a spec of dust. Physically, the mustard seed is very small. The word mustard is used to describe the physical characteristics of the seed. We now will look at other Bible verses containing the word seed to see if we can find a definition of a spiritual seed.

Seed

KJV Matthew 13:37. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man;

Jesus is the one that sows the good seed. Since there is a definition for good spiritual seed there might also be bad spiritual seed. To identify this spiritual seed we will look for a text showing the difference between the good and bad seed.

KJV 1 Peter 1:23. Being born again, not of corruptible seed, but of incorruptible, by the word of God, which liveth and abideth forever.

The good seed comes from the word of God.

KJV Revelation 12:17. And the dragon was wroth with the woman, and went to make war with the remnant of her seed, which keep the commandments of God, and have the testimony of Jesus Christ.

Seed is used to describe a family line which will often indicate physical, mental and spiritual traits. The seed from the woman in Revelation 12 will keep the commandments of God and the testimony of Jesus. This text shows this seed will be different from the rest of the world because they will know the word of God.

KJV Isaiah 59:21. As for me, this is my covenant with them, saith the Lord; My spirit that is upon thee, and my words which I have put in thy mouth, shall not depart out of thy mouth, nor out of the mouth of thy seed, nor out of the mouth of thy seed’s seed, saith the Lord, from henceforth and for ever.

God will put His word in the mouth of His followers. The people that have His word will be His seed and posses the spiritual traits if God.

KJV Luke 8:11. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God.

Jesus told his followers the seed is the word of God.

KJV Isaiah 55:9. For as the heavens are higher than the earth, so are my ways higher than your ways, and my thoughts than your thoughts. 10. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater:

This text has a spiritual context that may be difficult for some to understand. The Lord’s ways and thoughts are His word from Heaven, which comes down to earth like rain. Physical rain feeds the earth and produces physical growth. God’s word is spiritual rain, producing spiritual growth.

KJV Matthew 17:20. And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

This parable appears twice in the book of Matthew. In Matthew 13 the seed produces a tree. Here in chapter 17 the same seed can move a mountain. The word mountain contains a spiritual meaning explained at the end of this lesson.

Seed = the word of God.

Field

KJV Matthew 13:38. The field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one;

KJV Ecclesiastes 5:9. Moreover the profit of the earth is for all: the king himself is served by the field.

KJV Genesis 2:19. And out of the ground the Lord God formed every beast of the field, and every fowl of the air; and brought them unto Adam to see what he would call them: and whatsoever Adam called every living creature, that was the name thereof.

Genesis 2 declares God created every beast of the field out of the ground. It would not be unusual to substitute the word earth for field. God created every beast of the earth (field). Can we prove this Biblically?

KJV Genesis 1:24. And God said, Let the earth bring forth the living creature after his kind, cattle, and creeping thing, and beast of the earth after his kind: and it was so.

When we compare Genesis 1 to Genesis 2 we see the Bible has provided written proof of the parallel between a field and the earth. The beast of the field are the animals God created from the earth.

This illustrates a very important rule of interpretation. Texts may have a much deeper hidden meaning. As we have seen from Genesis 1:24 and 2:19 key words have a spiritual interpretation using the algebraic term of: A = B and B = C therefore A = C.

Field = beast and beast = earth therefore field = earth. Just as Jesus had stated, “the field is the world.”

Field = the world, earth

Tree

KJV Proverbs 11:30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

KJV Isaiah 61:3. To appoint unto them that mourn in Zion, to give unto them beauty for ashes, the oil of joy for mourning, the garment of praise for the spirit of heaviness; that they might be called trees of righteousness, the planting of the Lord, that he might be glorified.

We can easily see that trees are used as a symbol to represent people.

Tree = people

Bird or Fowl

KJV Psalms 91:3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

KJV Psalms 124:7. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

KJV Proverbs 6:5. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

Fowl can be a symbolic representation of people.

Bird or fowl = people.

Branch

KJV Isaiah 11:1. And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2. And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and reprove with equity for the meek of the earth: and he shall smite the earth: with the rod of his mouth, and with the breath of his lips shall he slay the wicked. 5. And righteousness shall be the girdle of his loins, and faithfulness the girdle of his reins.

This branch is from the stem or lineage of Jesse, the father of king David. This branch will have the Spirit of the Lord and the knowledge to judge by righteousness. This branch is a spiritual representation of Christ.

KJV Jeremiah 23:5. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will raise unto David a righteous Branch, and a King shall reign and prosper, and shall execute judgment and justice in the earth. 6. In his days Judah shall be saved, and Israel shall dwell safely: and this is his name whereby he shall be called, THE LORD OUR RIGHTEOUSNESS.

Jeremiah makes it clear the branch represents Jesus.

KJV Proverbs 11:28. He that trusteth in his riches shall fall; but the righteous shall flourish as a branch.

KJV Isaiah 60:21. Thy people also shall be all righteous: they shall inherit the land for ever, the branch of my planting, the work of my hands, that I may be glorified.

A branch can also represent God’s people.

Branch = Jesus and God’s people.

Whenever there is a collection of words in a text it is much easier to create a list of the key words. “And the Lord answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.” KJV Habakkuk 2:2.

Seed = the word of God.

Field = the world

Tree = people

Bird or fowl = people.

Branch = Jesus and God’s people.

KJV Matthew 13:31. Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is like to a grain of mustard seed, which a man took, and sowed in his field: 32. Which indeed is the least of all seeds: but when it is grown, it is the greatest among herbs, and becometh a tree, so that the birds of the air come and lodge in the branches thereof.

Once we have a complete list of the key words we can now paraphrase the text.

He told them another parable. You can describe the kingdom of Heaven as the smallest (mustard) word from God (seed), which can be taken by a man and spread in the world (field). Even the smallest word (seed) used by a person (tree) can attract people (birds) to Jesus (branch).

This parable teaches the lesson, the smallest or simplest word from God given to others can lead them to Jesus. A simple, truthful message hidden within one of Jesus’ parables. When properly studied this parable also demonstrates basic rules of Biblical interpretation.

1. Words may appear to have a spiritual meaning but when compared to other texts containing the same word, show the word does not have a spiritual meaning and must stand on its own. To make a paraphrase clear the word may be substituted by a word containing the same physical meaning, as long as the clear meaning of the text is not altered.

2. The Bible will interpret itself and supply a clear spiritual meaning for each key word.

3. The Bible uses the algebraic term of: A = B and B = C therefore A = C; to unlock the spiritual meaning of certain words.

Whenever Jesus supplies the interpretation of a parable it is vital we study the text to find, not only the hidden meaning, but the rules of interpretation revealed within the study. Every spiritual word Jesus used in His parables can be interpreted using the Bible and only the Bible. The parables of Jesus are designed by God to leave us not only a record of the lessons Jesus taught but the guidelines for interpreting the Bible.

We can now take the lessons and spiritual words we have learned and apply them to the parallel text of Matthew 13:31-32.

KJV Matthew 17:20. And Jesus said unto them, Because of your unbelief: for verily I say unto you, If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed, ye shall say unto this mountain, Remove hence to yonder place; and it shall remove; and nothing shall be impossible unto you.

The physical aspects of this text tell us, if we have the smallest amount of faith we will have the power to move mountains. Some may argue, anything is possible with God. That may be true but when we examine the physical aspects of moving a mountain we have to consider the people, animals and plants living on the mountain. Would God allow a person to exercise their faith through an act resulting in such destruction? Hence, the act of moving a mountain would be considered out of the ordinary. Whenever text is beyond ordinary physical aspects it must have a spiritual interpretation.

Mountain

KJV Exodus 3:12. And he said, Certainly I will be with thee; and this shall be a token unto thee, that I have sent thee: When thou hast brought forth the people out of Egypt, ye shall serve God upon this mountain.

KJV Isaiah 11:9. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters cover the sea.

God uses a mountain to represent His throne, or a belief in Him.

KJV Micah 6:2. Hear ye, O mountains, the Lord’s controversy, and ye strong foundations of the earth: for the Lord hath a controversy with his people, and he will plead with Israel.

Is God really talking to the mountains and expecting them to listen? This is actually a link establishing mountains as a symbol for people. Here it is used to represent Israel.

KJV 2 Chronicles 18:16. Then he said, I did see all Israel scattered upon the mountains, as sheep that have no shepherd: and the Lord said, These have no master; let them return therefore every man to his house in peace.

Why is Israel scattered upon mountains, with no shepherd? That is because Israel is no longer worshipping at the mountain of God, but rather they have wandered away. They are now without the guidance of a shepherd.

KJV Amos 6:1. Woe to them that are at ease in Zion, and trust in the mountain of Samaria, which are named chief of the nations, to whom the house of Israel came!

Here we see a false religion represented as a mountain.

KJV Revelation 17:9. And here is the mind which hath wisdom. The seven heads are seven mountains, on which the woman sitteth

We have seen how God and his people, rather their beliefs, are represented as a mountain. We have also seen the false religion practiced in Samaria represented as a mountain, a place where people trust. The seven mountains in Revelation 17:9 are also false beliefs, or shall we say lies that the woman sits upon.

Mountain = religion or belief, faith.

We can now see that Matthew 17:20 is telling us; if we have the slightest amount of faith, we will be able to change people’s faith. In other words, if we share the truth with others, our faith will help others.

Have you ever tried to change someone’s mind on anything they felt certain about? Many people have an ingrained belief they will be lost if one point of their belief is proven to be false. They believe not only will they be lost but their entire family will be lost. They feel the eternal life of their forefathers hinges on their ability to defend these beliefs which have been handed down through generations. Changing these beliefs can be as difficult as moving a mountain.

At times this spiritual mountain may be moved a little at a time. Other mountains may be moved as dramatically as the imagination envisions the picture of Jesus moving a mountain, through the use of a single word.

Matthew the Stories of Jesus’ Ministry is now available for download in a series of three eBooks.  Link here to order your copies today.  http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/AdventBible

Here are a couple of Bible Study Internet resources I have been using. I have to tell you. I have been learning so much from these classes taught for free by pastor, teacher, and lecturer Dr. Lee Gugliotto. He has taught classes in biblical languages, theology, and hermeneutics at several seminaries. His book, Handbook for Bible Study, was awarded a Gold Medallion, the equivalent of an Oscar for Christian writers. Since working with Dr. Lee, my insight into God’s Word has more than tripled.

WebStudy is a virtual classroom over the Internet. It will train you to listen for God’s voice in the text so the Bible can explain itself. You will master study basics that lay the foundations for deeper personal learning.

QuikerStudy relies on the way the Holy Spirit led Bible writers to express truth God revealed to them. It equips you to use basic Bible study tools and to understand scripture guided by three simple principles––integrated into a single skill. Easy enough for children, it is the ultimate online inductive experience for the whole family.

Http://webstudythebible.org/

CuppaJ Cafe serves the most satisfying CuppaJesus in town. We brew up a fresh daily devotion, verse-by-verse from the text to bring out its full flavor. Then we share each daily devotional with those who come to the Cafe to give the group a taste of what the text has to offer, so they can have a deeper, personal learning experience with Christ later that day.

How we brew up the word:

• First, we define words, explain the meaning of figures and symbols, and acquaint them with people, places, and things in the text

• Then, we lead the people on a simple trip through the text
• Pour out a Christian thought from it, and…
• Invite everyone to interpret the text from the writer’s words
• Finally, we challenge everyone to spend time in the text alone with Christ later in the day to pour out another and better CuppaJesus from the same brewHttp://cuppajcafe.org/

Parable of the Talents Matthew 25

An eBook with a collection of short stories and studies about the people Jesus met and the Parables He told them. A behind the scene short story on all of Jesus’ parables in Matthew.

This type of study illustrates how you can easily uncover information most people take for granted. We will take a look at a very familiar and often studied parable and list the common interpretation. From there we will look at the Bible to see if the common interpretation agrees with what we have learned.

KJV Matthew 25:15-18
15. And unto one he gave five talents, to another two, and to another one; to every man according to his several ability; and straightway took his journey.
16. Then he that had received the five talents went and traded with the same, and made them other five talents.
17. And likewise he that had received two, he also gained other two.
18. But he that had received one went and digged in the earth, and hid his lord’s money.

Here we have what is commonly referred to as the parable of the talents. When asked, most people insist the talents represent spiritual gifts. How do we know this is an accurate interpretation? The most common answer I receive is, “everyone knows that.” Chances are this is exactly what is going through your mind. This is exactly what went through my mind. I never considered investigating this until someone questioned me on the text.

My first step in researching this type of question is to look at the definition of the word talent. The first step is to look up the Strong’s number for the word. Using the literal translation of the verse locate the Strong’s number for the word number corresponding to the Greek dictionary.

LIT Matthew 25:15
15. |2532| and |3739| to one |3303| indeed |1325| he gave |4002| five |5007| talents. |3739| to one |1161| And |1417| two |9999| {talents}. |3739| to one |1161| And |1520| one |9999| {talent}. |1538| To each |2596| by |3588| the |2398| own |1411| ability, |2532| and |0589| went abroad |2112| immediately.

The word talent is word number 5007. Locate this number in the Greek dictionary. Old Testament words are found in the Hebrew dictionary. New Testament words are found in the Greek dictionary.

Talent is word number 5007:

Strong’s Ref. # 5007 talanton Pronounced tal’-an-ton
neuter of a presumed derivative of the original form of tlao (to bear; equivalent to GSN5342); a balance (as supporting weights), i.e. (by implication) a certain weight (and thence a coin or rather sum of money) or “talent”:

By definition a talent is a sum of money. The next step is to look at other texts the word talent is used to see if it has a spiritual meaning. After reviewing other text I found the word talent is always used in reference to either money or a weight. The word talent simply means money. It has no spiritual meaning or literal connection to gifts. So where did this relationship between a talent (money) and spiritual gifts come from?

While looking at this text one phrase jumped out at me, “according to his several ability.” Since I was already in the literal translation I took a look at the word ability.

Strong’s Ref. # 1411 dunamis Pronounced doo’-nam-is
from GSN1410; force (literally or figuratively); specially, miraculous power (usually by implication, a miracle itself):

The word ability sheds all the light we need on this subject. There is no connection between talents (money) and spiritual gifts. The connection to gifts comes from the word ability which means, “miraculous power or miracle.”

KJV 1 Peter 4:11
11. If any man speak, let him speak as the oracles of God; if any man minister, let him do it as of the ability which God giveth: that God in all things may be glorified through Jesus Christ, to whom be praise and dominion for ever and ever. Amen.

I can see how someone, long ago may have found this connection between our abilities and miracles. I can understand how they would have arrived at a connection between these abilities and spiritual gifts. It may have been more than 100 years ago when the first sermon was preached on the abilities in the parable of talents representing spiritual gifts. It is quite ironic that the origin of this sermon and knowledge of its originator has been lost, yet the sermon has been repeated for many years. Over the years the original sermon may have changed, but the original meaning of the parable has remained intact. Over time, someone changed the meaning of the sermon to indicate the talents represent spiritual gifts and not the abilities. I doubt if anyone has the ability to show how money is connected to spiritual gifts. People began accepting the connection between money and spiritual gifts and it became the accepted interpretation. It turns out the true connection is located in the same parable only a few words away. Maybe there is a message in this arrangement.

From this I can see why preachers refer to spiritual gifts when they teach on the parable of the talents. It is not the talents, or money God is interested in but the ability He is able to develop. Are we using our abilities to the fullest?

It is not the talents or money that represent spiritual gifts, it is the ability that should be the focal point of the sermon. We are given gifts from God. It does not matter if these gifts are physical or spiritual, if we do not use them they will be wasted and taken away. But if we share our gifts with others, we can never imagine the returns we may receive. When we exercise our gifts, God will give us the ability to perform miracles.

KJV Matthew 13:23
23. But he that received seed into the good ground is he that heareth the word, and understandeth it; which also beareth fruit, and bringeth forth, some an hundredfold, some sixty, some thirty.

Matthew the Stories of Jesus’ Ministry is now available for download in a series of three eBooks.  Link here to order your copies today.  http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/AdventBible

Here are a couple of Bible Study Internet resources I have been using. I have to tell you. I have been learning so much from these classes taught for free by pastor, teacher, and lecturer Dr. Lee Gugliotto. He has taught classes in biblical languages, theology, and hermeneutics at several seminaries. His book, Handbook for Bible Study, was awarded a Gold Medallion, the equivalent of an Oscar for Christian writers. Since working with Dr. Lee, my insight into God’s Word has more than tripled.

WebStudy is a virtual classroom over the Internet. It will train you to listen for God’s voice in the text so the Bible can explain itself. You will master study basics that lay the foundations for deeper personal learning.

https://adventbiblestudy.wordpress.com/2012/10/04/enter-to-win-free-christian-discipleship-training-scholarship-courses/

QuikerStudy relies on the way the Holy Spirit led Bible writers to express truth God revealed to them. It equips you to use basic Bible study tools and to understand scripture guided by three simple principles––integrated into a single skill. Easy enough for children, it is the ultimate online inductive experience for the whole family.

CuppaJ Cafe serves the most satisfying CuppaJesus in town. We brew up a fresh daily devotion, verse-by-verse from the text to bring out its full flavor. Then we share each daily devotional with those who come to the Cafe to give the group a taste of what the text has to offer, so they can have a deeper, personal learning experience with Christ later that day.

How we brew up the word:

• First, we define words, explain the meaning of figures and symbols, and acquaint them with people, places, and things in the text

• Then, we lead the people on a simple trip through the text
• Pour out a Christian thought from it, and…
• Invite everyone to interpret the text from the writer’s words
• Finally, we challenge everyone to spend time in the text alone with Christ later in the day to pour out another and better CuppaJesus from the same brewHttp://cuppajcafe.org/

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER

THE PARABLE OF THE SOWER. 

Parable of the Sower

Matthew the Stories of Jesus’ Ministry is now available for download in a series of three eBooks.  Link here to order your copies today.  http://www.lulu.com/spotlight/AdventBible

The following study shows that Jesus did not put His private interpretation on the real objects He used in His parables, but rather, He searched the scriptures to determine the spiritual meaning. 

KJV Luke 8:5

5. A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

Looking at the physical aspects of verse 5 we see that a person is sowing or planting seed. Some of this seed, “fell by the way side” or the side of a road. From this we may determine that this person is freely casting out his seed. We may even say he is being careless with it. Some of the seed must have fallen upon the road because we see that, “it was trodden down or walked on, and the fowls of the air devoured it.” We are not told what type of seed is being planted however we can see that the person planting the seed is not stooping down planting individual seeds in neat evenly spaced rows in a farm field like we see from the side of the road. From the context of this parable I would imagine a person casting handfuls of seed in different directions. Since most people do not plant physical seeds in such a manner, we are given a clue that this must be spiritual seed he is planting.

We need to determine the key words in the text. Once we identify the key words we can look at other verses in the Bible which will help us understand the spiritual meaning to these key words. Since the seed may have a spiritual meaning, the sower may also have a spiritual meaning. Other key words are way, trodden, fowls and devoured.

Applying the Bible principle of “comparing spiritual things with spiritual” (Isa 28:9,10 and 1Cor 2:13) and referring only to the Old Testament, since these books were the only scriptures available to Jesus we will collect a series of text to help us understand the spiritual meaning of these key words.

SEED 

KJV Ecclesiastes 11:6. In the morning sow thy seed, and in the evening withhold not thine hand: for thou knowest not whether shall prosper, either this or that, or whether they both shall be alike good.

KJV Psalms 97:11. Light is sown for the righteous, and gladness for the upright in heart.

KJV Psalms 119:105. Thy word is a lamp unto my feet, and a light unto my path.

The Word is Light

If seed is sown, and light is sown, and light is the word, then the seed is the word that is sown. Just as Jesus said. Or putting it another way: seed = light = word

KJV Psalms 112:1. Praise ye the Lord. Blessed is the man that feareth the Lord, that delighteth greatly in his commandments. 2. His seed shall be mighty upon earth: the generation of the upright shall be blessed

KJV Isaiah 55:10. For as the rain cometh down, and the snow from heaven, and returneth not thither, but watereth the earth, and maketh it bring forth and bud, that it may give seed to the sower, and bread to the eater: 11. So shall my word be that goeth forth out of my mouth: it shall not return unto me void, but it shall accomplish that which I please, and it shall prosper in the thing whereto I sent it.

Isaiah 55 gives a direct connection between the seed of the sower and the word. These are only a few examples of verses that may have taught Jesus this parable allowing Him to share it with others.

SOWER

KJV Isaiah 61:11. For as the earth bringeth forth her bud, and as the garden causeth the things that are sown in it to spring forth; so the Lord God will cause righteousness and praise to spring forth before all the nations.

KJV Zechariah 10:9. And I will sow them among the people: and they shall remember me in far countries; and they shall live with their children, and turn again.

KJV Jeremiah 31:27. Behold, the days come, saith the Lord, that I will sow the house of Israel and the house of Judah with the seed of man, and with the seed of beast.

The works of God are compared to things sown. These verses show that God is a sower.

WAY

KJV Psalms 140:5. The proud have hid a snare for me, and cords; they have spread a net by the way side; they have set gins for me. Selah.

Strong’s Ref. # 1870

Pronounced deh’-rek

from HSN1869; a road (as trodden); figuratively, a course of life or mode of action, often adverb:

KJV Psalms 142:3. When my spirit was overwhelmed within me, then thou knewest my path. In the way wherein I walked have they privily laid a snare for me.

KJV Psalms 143:8. Cause me to hear thy lovingkindness in the morning; for in thee do I trust: cause me to know the way wherein I should walk; for I lift up my soul unto thee.

KJV Proverbs 1:15. My son, walk not thou in the way with them; refrain thy foot from their path:

KJV Proverbs 2:13. Who leave the paths of uprightness, to walk in the ways of darkness;

The way represents a path of life, or the direction one’s life is going. Physically a way is a road.

TRODDEN

KJV Jeremiah 12:10. Many pastors have destroyed my vineyard, they have trodden my portion under foot, they have made my pleasant portion a desolate wilderness.

KJV Ezekiel 34:18. Seemeth it a small thing unto you to have eaten up the good pasture, but ye must tread down with your feet the residue of your pastures? and to have drunk of the deep waters, but ye must foul the residue with your feet? 19. And as for my flock, they eat that which ye have trodden with your feet; and they drink that which ye have fouled with your feet.

KJV Psalms 8:6. Thou madest him to have dominion over the works of thy hands; thou hast put all things under his feet:

Trodden means to destroy or foul. Trodden means to have something under your feet. Psalms 8:6 explains that to have something underfoot, is to have dominion over it. When people teach error or false doctrine, they are treading God’s word under foot, because they are presuming to have power over it, thinking they are free to change it.

The seed fell by the wayside and was physically trodden down. This is a spiritual representation showing that the Word of truth presented to the listeners was afterward changed into false teachings (trodden under foot).

FOWLS

KJV Genesis 7:14. They, and every beast after his kind, and all the cattle after their kind, and every creeping thing that creepeth upon the earth after his kind, and every fowl after his kind, every bird of every sort.

Genesis shows us that beast and cattle, along with fowl and bird are used as comparative subjects. Why would the Bible phrase something this way? We all know that cattle are beasts and birds are fowl. Often times we see objects compared and linked together and this is done for a reason. When we find scriptural proof of these comparisons we have the opportunity to use the linked words to uncover a deeper meaning. The Bible will establish its own rules of interpretation and follow those rules. As explained in Genesis, the word fowl and bird can be interchanged. When we find Biblical evidence showing the same physical action effecting the physical nouns, the same spiritual interpretation may be used for each of the key words.

KJV Proverbs 6:5. Deliver thyself as a roe from the hand of the hunter, and as a bird from the hand of the fowler.

KJV Psalms 91:3. Surely he shall deliver thee from the snare of the fowler, and from the noisome pestilence.

KJV Psalms 124:7. Our soul is escaped as a bird out of the snare of the fowlers: the snare is broken, and we are escaped.

KJV Proverbs 27:8. As a bird that wandereth from her nest, so is a man that wandereth from his place.

A bird or a fowl represents a person often in turmoil, facing a trial.

DEVOURED

Strong’s Ref. # 2719

Pronounced kat-es-thee’-o

from GSN2596 and GSN2068 (including its alternate); to eat down, i.e. devour (literally or figuratively):

KJV Isaiah 24:6

6. Therefore hath the curse devoured the earth, and they that dwell therein are desolate: therefore the inhabitants of the earth are burned, and few men left.

KJV Jeremiah 2:30

30. In vain have I smitten your children; they received no correction: your own sword hath devoured your prophets, like a destroying lion.

KJV Genesis 37:33

33. And he knew it, and said, It is my son’s coat; an evil beast hath devoured him; Joseph is without doubt rent in pieces.

KJV Leviticus 10:2

2. And there went out fire from the Lord, and devoured them, and they died before the Lord.

By definition the word devoured in Luke 5:8 means to eat down. This definition explains the parable perfectly. The spiritual meaning of the word devoured means to burn up, destroy, tear into pieces or to cause to die.

The word devoured is an example of a word that can have multiple meanings. It is not uncommon to use the word devoured to describe how a hungry person eats a meal. The Greek word translated devoured only describes eating. The English words contains multiple meanings as does the Hebrew word that has been translated devoured in the Old Testament.

Now that we have determined the spiritual meaning for each of the key words we can create a chart.

Seed = The word of God

Sower = God

Way = A path of life

Trodden = To destroy or foul, have under foot, have power over

Fowls = people

Devoured = eat up, destroy

Using the spiritual meaning for each of the key words we can paraphrase the text.

KJV Luke 8:5

5. A sower went out to sow his seed: and as he sowed, some fell by the way side; and it was trodden down, and the fowls of the air devoured it.

PARAPHRASE

God (a sower) went out to sow His word (seed): and as He sowed, some fell into people’s lives (way); and it was fouled (trodden down), and the people (fowls of the air) destroyed it.

We can compare this paraphrase with the interpretation Jesus gave us.

KJV Luke 8:11. Now the parable is this: The seed is the word of God. 12. Those by the way side are they that hear; then cometh the devil, and taketh away the word out of their hearts, lest they should believe and be saved.

Of course Jesus’ understanding of the scriptures is much greater than ours. His interpretation may be slightly different than ours but the principle of the parable remains the same. In the words of Jesus, “And He said unto them, Unto you it is given to know the mystery of the kingdom of God: but unto them that are without, all these things are done in parables: That seeing they may see, and not perceive; and hearing they may hear, and not understand; lest at any time they should be converted, and their sins should be forgiven them. And He said unto them, Know ye not this parable? and how then will ye know all parables? The sower soweth the word.” KJV Mark 4:11-14 Do we need any further evidence? God uses His word to explain and prove His word. Within this parable lies the secret used to unlock all parables. We have seen that by using the Bible we can look up the spiritual meaning of the key words used in a parable. The spiritual meaning of these key words will not change the meaning of the text but will bring a deeper understanding and a closer relationship with God. “Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the spirit which is of God; that we might know the things that are freely given to us of God. Which things also we speak, not in the words which man’s wisdom teacheth, but which the Holy Ghost teacheth; comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man receiveth not the things of the Spirit of God: for they are foolishness unto him: neither can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. But he that is spiritual judgeth all things, yet he himself is judged of no man. For who hath known the mind of the Lord, that he may instruct him? But we have the mind of Christ.” KJV 1 Corinthians 2:12-16

KJV Luke 8:6

6. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture

The physical aspects of verse 6 shows us that some of the seed fell upon a rock. We know most plants will not grow well on rocks. The heat from the sun and lack of moisture would quickly dry the plant, killing it. These seeds did not take long to sprout but as soon as they sprouted they dried up and withered away.

Verse 6 gives us two new key words, rock and withered.

ROCK

KJV Deuteronomy 32:4. He is the Rock, his work is perfect: for all his ways are judgment: a God of truth and without iniquity, just and right is he.

KJV 2 Samuel 22:2. And he said, The Lord is my rock, and my fortress, and my deliverer; 3. The God of my rock; in him will I trust: He is my shield, and the Horn Of my salvation, my high tower, and my refuge, my saviour; thou savest me from violence.

KJV Psalms 18:31. For who is God save the Lord? or who is a rock save our God?

A number of verses make it clear that the Bible uses the word rock to represent God. This may be true in most cases but we need to keep in mind, Satan is the great deceiver. Satan does this by imitating aspects of God and altering them to one degree or another, thus giving people a false belief to follow. We see this is also true for the word rock.

KJV Deuteronomy 32:31. For their rock is not as our Rock, even our enemies themselves being judges. 32. For their vine is of the vine of Sodom, and of the fields of Gomorrah: their grapes are grapes of gall, their clusters are bitter: 33. Their wine is the poison of dragons, and the cruel venom of asps. 34. Is not this laid up in store with me, and sealed up among my treasures?

KJV Deuteronomy 32:37. And he shall say, Where are their gods, their rock in whom they trusted,

A rock most likely will represent God. For that reason Satan has twisted the truth enough so that a rock can also represent a false god. Since the rock can have two opposite meanings how can we determine which one to use? We could substitute both interpretations and see which one fits the context. Or in this case we can see how Jesus interpreted the text and follow His instruction.

WITHERED

KJV Isaiah 40:7. The grass withereth, the flower fadeth: because the spirit of the Lord bloweth upon it: surely the people is grass.

KJV Psalms 102:10. Because of thine indignation and thy wrath: for thou hast lifted me up, and cast me down. 11. My days are like a shadow that declineth; and I am withered like grass.

KJV Jonah 4:7. But God prepared a worm when the morning rose the next day, and it smote the gourd that it withered. 8. And it came to pass, when the sun did arise, that God prepared a vehement east wind; and the sun beat upon the head of Jonah, that he fainted, and wished in himself to die, and said, It is better for me to die than to live.

Isaiah and David make it clear, grass can represent people. In theses verses the grass or people wither because of a trial they are facing. Jonah shows us, when his plant withered he was so upset at the hot sun, he wished he was dead.

When people in the Bible face a trial it might be said, they are withering. People still say and act in the same manner. They shrink away from problems hoping they will go away on their own.

We can now make a chart for our key words.

Rock = God or a false god

Wither = what happens to people who have trouble facing a trial

KJV Luke 8:6

6. And some fell upon a rock; and as soon as it was sprung up, it withered away, because it lacked moisture

PARAPHRASE

Since we have two meanings for the word rock we can look at each of these and determine which will best represent the theme of the parable.

And some fell upon those that follow after false gods (rock) and they believed when they heard but soon forgot what they heard because of their trials (withered).

And some of those that heard the word believed in God (rock) but soon forgot when the trials of life distracted them (withered).

We can now compare the above paraphrases with how Jesus explained the parable.

KJV Luke 8:13

13. They on the rock are they, which, when they hear, receive the word with joy; and these have no root, which for a while believe, and in time of temptation fall away.

In this case the rock would represent those that follow other gods.

KJV Luke 8:7

7. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

Looking at the physical content of verse 7 we can understand how weeds grow up much quicker than other plants. Weeds will steal all of the moisture and nutrients from the soil leaving nothing for the beneficial plants. There is one key word in verse 7. That word is thorns.

THORNS

KJV Proverbs 22:5. Thorns and snares are in the way of the froward: he that doth keep his soul shall be far from them.

KJV Numbers 33:55. But if ye will not drive out the inhabitants of the land from before you; then it shall come to pass, that those which ye let remain of them shall be pricks in your eyes, and thorns in your sides, and shall vex you in the land wherein ye dwell.

KJV Judges 2:3. Wherefore I also said, I will not drive them out from before you; but they shall be as thorns in your sides, and their gods shall be a snare unto you.

Thorns are used to represent the sins people devise to mislead and irritate others.

Thorns = sins people devise

Now that we have studied the key word we can paraphrase the text.

KJV Luke 8:7

7. And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprang up with it, and choked it.

PARAPHRASE

Some of the word fell on people that like living in sin and those sins choked out the word.

Compare the above paraphrase to what Jesus said.

KJV Luke 8:14

14. And that which fell among thorns are they, which, when they have heard, go forth, and are choked with cares and riches and pleasures of this life, and bring no fruit to perfection.

Jesus added a definition to the type of sin that affect most people.

KJV Luke 8:8

8. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundred fold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

The physical aspects of verse 8 show us, when seed if planted on good ground it will grow up and bear fruit. To see the spiritual meaning of this text we need to find out what the spiritual meaning of good ground and fruit.

GROUND

KJV Isaiah 30:23

23. Then shall he give the rain of thy seed, that thou shalt sow the ground withal; and bread of the increase of the earth, and it shall be fat and plenteous: in that day shall thy cattle feed in large pastures.

KJV Isaiah 44:3

3. For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

KJV Hosea 10:12

12. Sow to yourselves in righteousness, reap in mercy; break up your fallow ground: for it is time to seek the Lord, till he come and rain righteousness upon you.

KJV Zechariah 8:12

12. For the seed shall be prosperous; the vine shall give her fruit, and the ground shall give her increase, and the heavens shall give their dew; and I will cause the remnant of this people to possess all these things.

Good ground bears the Spirit of God and aids in the growth of the substances that nourish people both physically and spiritually.

FRUIT

KJV Galatians 5:22

22. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith,

KJV Proverbs 11:30

30. The fruit of the righteous is a tree of life; and he that winneth souls is wise.

KJV Psalms 127:3

3. Lo, children are an heritage of the Lord: and the fruit of the womb is his reward.

KJV Jeremiah 17:10

10. I the Lord search the heart, I try the reins, even to give every man according to his ways, and according to the fruit of his doings.

KJV 2 Kings 19:30

30. And the remnant that is escaped of the house of Judah shall yet again take root downward, and bear fruit upward

Fruit is used to describe converted people and the work they do to reach out to help others. We can now make a chart of the key words and paraphrase the text.

Ground = that bears fruit has the Spirit of God

Fruit = Converted people, Christian virtues

KJV Luke 8:8

8. And other fell on good ground, and sprang up, and bare fruit an hundred fold. And when he had said these things, he cried, He that hath ears to hear, let him hear.

PARAPHRASE

Some seed fell on those that accepted the Spirit of God, they displayed Christian virtues and converted people.

Jesus explained verse 8 the following way.

KJV Luke 8:15

15. But that on the good ground are they, which in an honest and good heart, having heard the word, keep it, and bring forth fruit with patience.

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Here is a short video about the Parable of the Sower from one of my books, Understanding Parables According to the Gospel of Mark.

 

An ebook download explaining how Jesus teaches His disciples how to understand all parables

Here are a couple of Bible Study Internet resources I have been using. I have to tell you. I have been learning so much from these classes taught for free by pastor, teacher, and lecturer Dr. Lee Gugliotto. He has taught classes in biblical languages, theology, and hermeneutics at several seminaries. His book, Handbook for Bible Study, was awarded a Gold Medallion, the equivalent of an Oscar for Christian writers. Since working with Dr. Lee, my insight into God’s Word has more than tripled.

WebStudy is a virtual classroom over the Internet. It will train you to listen for God’s voice in the text so the Bible can explain itself. You will master study basics that lay the foundations for deeper personal learning.

QuikerStudy relies on the way the Holy Spirit led Bible writers to express truth God revealed to them. It equips you to use basic Bible study tools and to understand scripture guided by three simple principles––integrated into a single skill. Easy enough for children, it is the ultimate online inductive experience for the whole family.

Http://webstudythebible.org/

CuppaJ Cafe serves the most satisfying CuppaJesus in town. We brew up a fresh daily devotion, verse-by-verse from the text to bring out its full flavor. Then we share each daily devotional with those who come to the Cafe to give the group a taste of what the text has to offer, so they can have a deeper, personal learning experience with Christ later that day.

How we brew up the word:

• First, we define words, explain the meaning of figures and symbols, and acquaint them with people, places, and things in the text

• Then, we lead the people on a simple trip through the text
• Pour out a Christian thought from it, and…
• Invite everyone to interpret the text from the writer’s words
• Finally, we challenge everyone to spend time in the text alone with Christ later in the day to pour out another and better CuppaJesus from the same brewHttp://cuppajcafe.org/