The Cosmic Tree and the Parable of the Mustard Seed

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.

[@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.

[@bethelshiloh]

Helpful
TY

[@AndreaFionaMcLean]

Excellent insight, thank you!

[@ctempleton3]

Birds of the air are usually a negative symbol for the enemy. I wish this teaching would have incorporated that.

[@bethelshiloh]

Not necessarily but maybe.

[@davidsmall8267]

Does anyone have a reference for the Luther quote mentioned in minute 11?

[@chadbird1517]

David, I can't find the exact quote (I have searched and searched but cannot recall the exact source). Here, Luther says something very similar: "What God does looks to reason as if nothing can ever come of it and as if his word and promise are pure lies" (Festival Sermons of Martin Luther, pg. 34.

[@AlanWolf-d7l]

Yes need to include about the birds( demons)