The Cosmic Tree and the Parable of the Mustard Seed

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Published 2021-06-07
At least three Old Testament chapters (Ezekiel 17, 31, and Daniel 4) use imagery drawn from a widespread ancient myth of a cosmic tree or world tree. The image of the world tree, in which the birds of the heavens (=peoples of the world) make their nest, is in the backdrop of Jesus’ parable about the mustard seed. How so? What themes, imagery, and language are shared by the parable and the cosmic tree? Also, how does Joel 3 and its description of a “sickle judgment” in the valley of Jehoshaphat elucidate the parable of the man who sowed seed but did not know how it grew? In this week’s video, Chad Bird looks through Hebrew eyes at the twin parables in Mark 4:26-32 to see how the Old Testament deepens our understanding of these parables.
All Comments (7)
  • @j.patcarro1623
    Once again, thank you such a marvellous presentation of God's Word.
  • @lenorewang6573
    Amazing, eloquent teaching! Ezekiel 31:6 alerted me re: the mustard seed parallel and this was the only teaching I found after a brief search. Many, many thanks! I will subscribe. 🙏🙏🙏
  • @The12thSeahorse
    Wow…..that was such an amazing exposition. The Old Testament was paralleled along side the New Testament….not only that it was beautifully graphically done….as well. The farmer is like the preacher….both don’t have a clue how effective the seed (or God’s Word) will be, or how will the soil (or listeners) respond? The power of the Spirit must be within the Word itself or the overall parable story…..it’s the very breath of God.
  • @ctempleton3
    Birds of the air are usually a negative symbol for the enemy. I wish this teaching would have incorporated that.
  • @davidsmall8267
    Does anyone have a reference for the Luther quote mentioned in minute 11?