Naturally I want to look at a few of the better known parables. But a few of the nearly unknown ones as well. Some from Jesus, others from the lips of the Prophets, some from Kings, and some from just common folks.

What's the purpose of a Bible parable?

How does one even define the word?

We must, of course, look at many of the shorter parables. Due to the space (bandwidth) constrictions on a Website. And the limited time a potential reader can spend on a single Lesson per day.

But I at least want to tell you about some of the longer and more complex parables of God's Word as well.

Preachers, any one of these little parabolic "Texts" can inform and challenge your people ... on any given Sunday!

Pray for me, please. That as I choose from the hundreds of parables in the Bible ... the Holy Spirit will be my Guide.

And that our readership will grow even more.

And that God will be glorified.

So ... beginning tomorrow, our search will materialize.

The Lord willing ...

                Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 2, THE BIBLE'S FIRST PARABLE:

The first person in Scripture to speak a "parable," using that exact word, is a man named Balaam! And he himself is somewhat of a riddle! He was not a man of moral character, being unprincipled really. Yet what a Preacher he could be! Four times anyway.

Numbers 23:5-11 tells the story. "And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak. And he returned unto him, and, lo, he stood by his burnt sacrifice, he, and all the princes of Moab. And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel. How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied? For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his! And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether."

An ungodly King, one who hated Israel and wanted her demise, has "hired" Balaam to "curse" the Jews, every single one of them!

God at first did not allow Balaam to go on this "mission!" Yet stubbornly the so-called Prophet disobeyed ... until finally God "allowed" it!

Today's Text is the first of Balaam's "curse Israel" Sermons. Three more remain, though we may not look at them all. (Our purpose is learning about the "parables" of the Bible, especially the "unusual" ones ... not learning about Balaam.")

It's obvious Balaam's "words" have been "commandeered" by the Lord! This "preacher-for-hire" man planned harm for Israel. God instead planned good! Here's the order from Heaven: "And the LORD put a word in Balaam's mouth, and said, Return unto Balak, and thus thou shalt speak ..."

So, today's "parable" is literally "inspired," powerfully so!

The audience is small, primarily consisting of Balaam's "employer," King of the Moabites (descendants of Lot through one of his daughters, his firstborn) ... a man named Balak. His name means "devastator." Plus, a few of Balak's "princes" heard these words too.

Here goes Balaam now. With his "parable," the first of over a hundred in God's Word. (The hermeneutical "Law of First Mention" applies!) By the way, the noun "parable" used here is "mashal" in Hebrew. It is translated "proverb" 19 times in the Bible and "parable" 18 times! It's termed "byword" once even! It is from the root verb that means "to rule!" Or "to have dominion, to reign!"

So yes, some of these little sayings do have authority! Are meant to guide our lives! Are truly the Word of God! "And he took up his parable, and said ...."

Said what, the local "color," the setting? "And he took up his parable, and said, Balak the king of Moab hath brought me from Aram, out of the mountains of the east, saying, Come, curse me Jacob, and come, defy Israel."

Wow!

Listen now to Balaam's reply!

"How shall I curse, whom God hath not cursed? or how shall I defy, whom the LORD hath not defied?" This is Divine Intervention, folks! Balaam was "hired" to pronounce "doom" on the Jews, yet he is now saying he cannot do so!

Then the exact parable: "For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel?" Ending with a desire of Balaam's, having seen the grand vista! "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!" Verses 9-10 of Numbers 23.

There she is, Israel! Oops, "him" in this Text! Two verbs, parallel in meaning, suggest Balaam has a terrific view! "See" (in Hebrew "raah") and "behold" (rare in the Bible, spelled "shur") both imply concentrated observation, accompanied with admiration it seems!

"To dwell alone," and "to not to be counted (reckoned) among the nations" ... means Israel is to be a separated people! Set apart unto God, unlike all the other peoples (tribes) of the world!

He (Israel) also is "innumerable!"

(Balak is outnumbered, it seems! There were more of THEM, of the Jews, than of the Moabites even!) "Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel?"

Then the "parable" declares Israel "righteous!"

Seemingly Israel is given an attractiveness ... a magnetism ... to draw others to a godly lifestyle also! Even Balaam (who never did live godly after all) was prayerful, "Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!"

The future of Israel is, according to this parable, secure!

She will end up being "righteous!"

This would be pretty good "national policy" for the other nations of the earth, including Obama's America! "For from the top of the rocks I see him, and from the hills I behold him: lo, the people shall dwell alone, and shall not be reckoned among the nations. Who can count the dust of Jacob, and the number of the fourth part of Israel? Let me die the death of the righteous, and let my last end be like his!"

This is Balaam's "parable."

More so God's, really.

Was Balak surprised? "And Balak said unto Balaam, What hast thou done unto me? I took thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast blessed them altogether."

Yes, Israel is "special."

To the extent that even the Bible's initial "parable" is dedicated to her, to his preservation!

Amen.

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 3, THE BIBLE'S SECOND PARABLE:

The second time the word "parable" is used in the Bible is still during a Balaam event. In fact, the first four times our King James Bible employs "parable" ... Balaam is the speaker!

Here's that second "message" from Balaam's lips. "And Balak (wicked King of Moab) said unto him (Balaam), What hath the LORD spoken? And he took up his parable, and said, Rise up, Balak, and hear; hearken unto me, thou son of Zippor. God is not a man, that he should lie; neither the son of man, that he should repent: hath he said, and shall he not do it? or hath he spoken, and shall he not make it good? Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it. He hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought! Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain. And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all. Numbers 23:17-25

I think the actual "parable," a short "story" with a significant spiritual meaning, is incorporated in these words:  "Behold, the people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain."

This one, this "parable," is manageable.

The people of "Jacob," the "Israelites," have God's pledge of Blessing upon them. I quote from today's Text. "He (God) hath not beheld iniquity in Jacob, neither hath he seen perverseness in Israel: the LORD his God is with him, and the shout of a king is among them. God brought them out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn. Surely there is no enchantment against Jacob, neither is there any divination against Israel: according to this time it shall be said of Jacob and of Israel, What hath God wrought!

Perhaps God is here looking forward to the Day (at the Second Coming) when Jesus cleanses, saves, redeems Israel from all his sin! The "shout" of the King, surely more than David or Solomon are in mind! King Jesus is Jewish, too! And Israel is "spell" proof, "curse" proof! In fact, he (Jacob) seems to be a special "project" of Almighty God's, the verb "wrought" being "paal," meaning "created" or even "ordained!"

But the "parable" itself is intriguing! "The people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain."

A nation rising up as a "lion" suggests (in true parabolic form) "might, power," even "majesty." With a "touch" of royalty! (The lion, king of beasts!) Even a "young lion," in the prime of life! Not weakened or scarred or worn-out in any way! "Eating prey" certainly pictures "victory" in battle! Speed and cunning ... and success! Drinking blood, metaphorically of course, hints at multitudes of dead! This is a vast overcoming (eventually) of one's enemies! Wow, what encouragement these words should have been to Israel. In fact ... still should be today!

And Who spoke them?

God did!

Just through Balaam.

And how did Balak take this "bad news," he being an avowed hater of Israel? "And Balak said unto Balaam, Neither curse them at all, nor bless them at all." Just sit down and shut up please, Balaam!

Balaam ... "hired" to curse Israel.

But in reality ... the man "blessed" Israel! "Behold, I have received commandment to bless: and he (the Lord)  hath blessed; and I cannot reverse it." An "irreversible" Blessing!

A parable with plain meaning.  "The people shall rise up as a great lion, and lift up himself as a young lion: he shall not lie down until he eat of the prey, and drink the blood of the slain."

Maybe that's why it is the second such example in the Bible, to help teach us "how" to handle the other hundred or so parables in God's Word.

Amen.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Yes, it's a sweet, short little emblematic story. But loaded with Bible Prophecy from start to finish! And oh, how our Lord Jesus loved parables! He wrote and shared (preached and taught) nearly fifty of them Himself!

LESSON 4, THE BIBLE'S THIRD PARABLE:

The Story of Balaam has always interested me. But I would have never thought he would enter into this discussion of Bible "parables!" Yet this enigmatic man is the speaker of the Bible's first four "self-acknowledged" parables!

Today be patient with me. We just must read the entire paragraph surrounding the next "parable" to be studied.

"And when Balaam saw that it pleased the LORD to bless Israel, he went not, as at other times, to seek for enchantments, but he set his face toward the wilderness. ² And Balaam lifted up his eyes, and he saw Israel abiding in his tents according to their tribes; and the spirit of God came upon him. ³ And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: ⁴ He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: ⁵ How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! ⁶ As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. ⁷ He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. ⁸ God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. ⁹ He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee. ¹⁰ And Balak's anger was kindled against Balaam, and he smote his hands together: and Balak said unto Balaam, I called thee to curse mine enemies, and, behold, thou hast altogether blessed them these three times. ¹¹ Therefore now flee thou to thy place: I thought to promote thee unto great honour; but, lo, the LORD hath kept thee back from honour. ¹² And Balaam said unto Balak, Spake I not also to thy messengers which thou sentest unto me, saying, ¹³ If Balak would give me his house full of silver and gold, I cannot go beyond the commandment of the LORD, to do either good or bad of mine own mind; but what the LORD saith, that will I speak?" Numbers 24:1-13, with the verse number left in place. I will refer to several of them in our forthcoming discussion.

First see that the noun "parable" (still "mashal" in Hebrew ... in the Bible called a proverb as well as a parable) occurs in verse 3.

All we must do not is figure the parable's parameters. From my perspective here it is ... "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel! ⁶ As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters. ⁷ He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted. ⁸ God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. ⁹ He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up? Blessed is he that blesseth thee, and cursed is he that curseth thee." Verses 5-9

Yes, we have symbolism here.

And we're saying it's a parable spoken by Balaam. But in reality he heard God Almighty utter these words! Back to verse 4 ... "He hath said, which heard the words of God, which saw the vision of the Almighty ...." This analogy is God-written, literally and directly and verbally!

Folks, just as God spoke to Moses "mouth to mouth," so has he here done to Balaam! "My servant Moses is not so, who is faithful in all mine house. With him will I speak mouth to mouth, even apparently, and not in dark speeches ..." Numbers 12:7, amazing!

This reflects the IMPORTANCE God's Plans for Israel ... how vital they must really be!

That God would talk to a semi-heathen so-called prophet like this, like Balaam. Whose heart is terribly divided.

But to the parable now!

Balaam looks down from an elevated position and sees Israel encamped below. Her/his (Israel is depicted as "masculine" in these early parables) "tents" are "tabernacles" are lovely! "How goodly are thy tents, O Jacob, and thy tabernacles, O Israel!" "Goodly" can mean "pretty!" Translated "comely" in the King James Version. "Tabernacles" and "tents" are synonyms here.

Attractive as (watch the word pictures) ... "As the valleys are they spread forth, as gardens by the river's side, as the trees of lign aloes which the LORD hath planted, and as cedar trees beside the waters." As verdant valleys, as productive gardens, as lines of aloe trees, and cedars planted by the rivers of waters! Clear evidence of God's Blessings all over the place!

Some huge encampments no doubt would have looked disorganized, dirty, chaotic ... but not Israel's! God had taught him rules of cleanliness, a pattern of travel (which Tribes came first), really everything "decent and in order!"

Balaam continues to observe ... Israel is numerous! Growing and prospering by the day! Babies on the way! Verse 7 ... "He shall pour the water out of his buckets, and his seed shall be in many waters, and his king shall be higher than Agag, and his kingdom shall be exalted." This is a euphemism for human productivity ... lots of "seed," multitudes of "children." National power too, higher than "Agag," king of the Amalekites. In other words, a "superpower" in that day! A kingdom "exalted" by God! "Nasa" means "lifted up."

Now watch these parabolic symbols of strength and victory! "God brought him forth out of Egypt; he hath as it were the strength of an unicorn: he shall eat up the nations his enemies, and shall break their bones, and pierce them through with his arrows. He couched, he lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up?"

The "strength of a unicorn" is a metaphor for "mighty power," almost self-explanatory! To "eat up" (in Hebrew "akal") is to "gobble down" eagerly! Eating them alive! The eating combined with breaking their bones is a picture of a young, healthy lion capturing and devouring his prey!

Then Balaam (the Lord really) mixes metaphors and has Israel be an archer at war! Piercing the enemy with sharp, accurately shot arrows! "And pierce them through with his arrows."

After the "hunt," after "eating," still like a lion ... he lays down to rest! Taking a nap! And "nobody" is going to bother him, either! "He lay down as a lion, and as a great lion: who shall stir him up?"

Wow!

One of the prettiest overall parables I've ever read!

A prophecy too, which has been fulfilled. But yet will be lived again ... right in front of the eyes of a belligerent world.

I'm ready to say it.

Parables can be wonderful preachers!

Let's study another one tomorrow, the Lord willing.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 5, A CLUSTER OF PARABLES:

In some ways Balaam's fourth "parable" is the best, the most exciting. Yet it's the most complex as well. Almost four parables in one! Or three "minor" parables springing from one "major" parable.

Again I'd like to share with you the entire paragraph in which the material is embedded. That's important.

"And he took up his parable, and said, Balaam the son of Beor hath said, and the man whose eyes are open hath said: ¹⁶ He hath said, which heard the words of God, and knew the knowledge of the most High, which saw the vision of the Almighty, falling into a trance, but having his eyes open: ¹⁷ I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. ¹⁸ And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. ¹⁹ Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city. ²⁰ And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever. ²¹ And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. ²² Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive. ²³ And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! ²⁴ And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever. ²⁵ And Balaam rose up, and went and returned to his place: and Balak also went his way." Numbers 24:15-25, where I have highlighted the parables themselves ... for the sake of clarity, ease of location. By highlighting I mean capitalizing them. 

The golden paragraph, verses 17-19, is critical in Messianic studies. It speaks of Jesus! "¹⁷ I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. ¹⁸ And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. ¹⁹ Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city." Wow!

HE is coming!

Not now, but after a while!

Yes, out of Jacob (Israel, Judah) shall come a Star!

He shall wield a Sceptre as well, "shebet" in Hebrew means a "rod, staff, branch." The main symbol of power in the hands of a King!

And this Star will be a Warrior!

Conquering surrounding heathen nations!

He shall have "dominion!"

To "have dominion," in Hebrew "rudah," means "to prevail, to tread down, to subjugate," clearly a Leadership Position!

Folks, this is a "parable," a "prophecy" about the Coming of Jesus. And it looks like His Second Coming is in view as much (if not more) than His Second Coming!

Amazing!

One more time: "I shall see him, but not now: I shall behold him, but not nigh: there shall come a Star out of Jacob, and a Sceptre shall rise out of Israel, and shall smite the corners of Moab, and destroy all the children of Sheth. And Edom shall be a possession, Seir also shall be a possession for his enemies; and Israel shall do valiantly. Out of Jacob shall come he that shall have dominion, and shall destroy him that remaineth of the city."

This is a pinnacle of Bible prophecy, of Messianic Scripture ... these few words! We see Jesus here, clearly.

The three little supporting "parables" that follow" this Gigantic Parable ... speak of the destruction of more of Israel's enemies.

Count the nations as they fall!

"And when he looked on Amalek, he took up his parable, and said, Amalek was the first of the nations; but his latter end shall be that he perish for ever." Verse 20, the predicted destruction of the very nation who "hired" him to curse Israel!

Then: "And he looked on the Kenites, and took up his parable, and said, Strong is thy dwellingplace, and thou puttest thy nest in a rock. Nevertheless the Kenite shall be wasted, until Asshur shall carry thee away captive." Verses 21-22, the Kenites are now doomed, another polytheistic, non-Jewish people.

Then again: "And he took up his parable, and said, Alas, who shall live when God doeth this! And ships shall come from the coast of Chittim, and shall afflict Asshur, and shall afflict Eber, and he also shall perish for ever." Verses 23-24, where even the mighty Assyria falls! 

We have gotten ourselves into some more Bible Chapter this morning!

All this information sprang our of a source "parable," too!

One which spoke, which still speaks ... of Jesus!

Jesus, the Heavenly Star!

Jesus, the Branch of Jesse, of David!

Jesus, the King!

Jesus, the Mighty Man of War!

Jesus, Future World Ruler!

Praise the Lord.

                       --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 6, JOB'S PARABLE ABOUT GOD:

I mentioned that I'd like for us to study some of the more "unusual" parables of Scripture. Little did I know where we were headed!

Just using a Bible concordance and entering the noun "parable" I found our first five examples. And they are not in any of the Parable Textbooks either, not that I've seen anyway!

And surprisingly, the Old Testament Book of Job supplies today's Text! Perhaps tomorrow's as well!

Job 27:1 merely states: "Moreover Job continued his parable, and said ...." There it  is, "parable," using the Hebrew noun "mashal," just like the Balaam references did.

That piques my interest!

What was Job's "parable" here?

I believe it's at least Job 26:5-14. The preceding context, based on the fact Job "continues" his parable. The verb "continued" means ("yasaph" in Hebrew) "to add" to something, to "increase" its size.

So here: "Dead things are formed from under the waters, and the inhabitants thereof. Hell is naked before him, and destruction hath no covering. He stretcheth out the north over the empty place, and hangeth the earth upon nothing. He bindeth up the waters in his thick clouds; and the cloud is not rent under them. He holdeth back the face of his throne, and spreadeth his cloud upon it. He hath compassed the waters with bounds, until the day and night come to an end. The pillars of heaven tremble and are astonished at his reproof. He divideth the sea with his power, and by his understanding he smiteth through the proud. By his spirit he hath garnished the heavens; his hand hath formed the crooked serpent. Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him? but the thunder of his power who can understand?" Amazing, the whole thing tells of God's greatness!

Here's the list!

Even the "dead" are "formed" or "tremble" ("under the waters" perhaps meaning "in the grave") before God. He is that Awesome!

Hell itself is "open" to Him, He is aware of all that happens there!

He, God created the heavens and earth, hanging them upon nothing!

He controls the water cycles, creating rain by precise laws of wisdom.

He "hides" Himself ... as He chooses!

He has "restrained" the oceans, holding them within their bounds!

When He judges, the earth shakes!

He made all the stars, constellations even, by his Spirit!

All this ... and we have just learned "a little bit"  of His greatness! "Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him?"

But, if we did know more, who could comprehend it?

What a "parable!"

Several years ago I wrote a whole Series of Lessons on this Job 26 (the parable) Text ... visit Job 26:5-14, Parts Of His Ways  for details.

And remember, "mashal" means something that "guides" one's life!

Meet this great God ... and you will be saved ... by the Death, shed Blood, of his Darling Son Jesus!

That's what the rest of Job's "parable" here indicates, I think.

Job 27:1-6 concludes with Job's defense of His integrity. "Moreover Job continued his parable, and said, as God liveth, who hath taken away my judgment; and the Almighty, who hath vexed my soul. All the while my breath is in me, and the spirit of God is in my nostrils; my lips shall not speak wickedness, nor my tongue utter deceit. God forbid that I should justify you (those so-called "friends"): till I die I will not remove mine integrity from me. My righteousness I hold fast, and will not let it go: my heart shall not reproach me so long as I live."

A clear conscience ... in the sight of the Great God we've just studied!

Job is "righteous!"

Through some "part" of God's Ways!

That being the Cross, Mount Calvary, Empty Tomb, Atoning Blood ... part!

The noun "parts" (as in "Lo, these are parts of his ways: but how little a portion is heard of him?") is "qatzsah," the "outer edges," just the "extremities." One Preacher says "outskirts!"

Again I say, what a "parable!"

Every bit, in this case, literally true as well!

Thank you, Job.

Thank You, Lord.

                     --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

I stand amazed in the Light of this Text!

LESSON 7, JOB'S PARABLE ABOUT JESUS:

One more day with Job the Patriarch! His great Book uses the word "parable" twice. We just must look at both occasions!

Job 29:1 is our verse, and if a pivotal one ever existed ... this is it! "Moreover Job continued his parable, and said .... "

The implication is that this "parable" stretches backward into Job chapter 28, which it does. And continues forward into chapter 29, which is true as well.

It's a "bridge," this "parable" statement.

Job chapter 28 is one of the greatest pieces of literature on the subject of "Wisdom" that's ever been written! In fact, on the Website here I've penned a whole Series of sixteen Lessons concerning that 28th chapter. (Just "click" on this link: Job 28.) Questions like: "But where shall wisdom be found? and where is the place of understanding?" But ending with the answer, where Wisdom truly is found: "And unto man he said, Behold, the fear of the Lord, that is wisdom; and to depart from evil is understanding." The chapter's last verse. And the statement preceding our Text: "Moreover Job continued his parable, and said .... "

Then following this "parable" declaration comes twenty-four more verses, telling about Job's past. The great "reputation" he had! His "fame" prior to his "suffering," to his "humiliation," to his being "falsely accused" by his brethren!

Here's most of it! So grandiose that many have accused Job of being vain, proud! Even his so-called "friends" did so!

Job: "Oh that I were as in months past, as in the days when God preserved me; when his candle shined upon my head, and when by his light I walked through darkness. As I was in the days of my youth, when the secret of God was upon my tabernacle; when the Almighty was yet with me, when my children were about me; when I washed my steps with butter, and the rock poured me out rivers of oil; when I went out to the gate through the city, when I prepared my seat in the street! The young men saw me, and hid themselves: and the aged arose, and stood up. The princes refrained talking, and laid their hand on their mouth. The nobles held their peace, and their tongue cleaved to the roof of their mouth. When the ear heard me, then it blessed me; and when the eye saw me, it gave witness to me. Because I delivered the poor that cried, and the fatherless, and him that had none to help him. The blessing of him that was ready to perish came upon me: and I caused the widow's heart to sing for joy. I put on righteousness, and it clothed me: my judgment was as a robe and a diadem. I was eyes to the blind, and feet was I to the lame. I was a father to the poor: and the cause which I knew not I searched out. And I brake the jaws of the wicked, and plucked the spoil out of his teeth. Then I said, I shall die in my nest, and I shall multiply my days as the sand. My root was spread out by the waters, and the dew lay all night upon my branch. My glory was fresh in me, and my bow was renewed in my hand. Unto me men gave ear, and waited, and kept silence at my counsel. After my words they spake not again; and my speech dropped upon them. And they waited for me as for the rain; and they opened their mouth wide as for the latter rain. If I laughed on them, they believed it not; and the light of my countenance they cast not down. I chose out their way, and sat chief, and dwelt as a king in the army, as one that comforteth the mourners."

Amazing!

No wonder the man's agony was so intense!

And this "parable" may be, I think, a "picture" of our Saviour, our Lord Jesus Christ! Who lived in the Glories of Heaven, in the "Ivory Palaces," prior to coming to earth to be made a laughing-stock of mankind! To suffer ... and even die that sinners might be saved!

And if I am reading this "parable" anywhere near right ... it's the BEST so far in our studies! Not taking anything from Balaam, just saying Job was much more godly!

Philippians 2:5-8 fits well here, speaking of Jesus, the "greater than Job" ... Who came to die for us all. "Christ Jesus Who, being in the form of God, thought it not robbery to be equal with God: but made Himself of no reputation, and took upon Him the form of a servant, and was made in the likeness of men: and being found in fashion as a man, He humbled himself, and became obedient unto death, even the death of the cross."

Wow!

By the way, just as God exalted Job after his suffering ... so did He with Jesus: "Wherefore God also hath highly exalted Him, and given Him a Name which is above every Name: that at the Name of Jesus every knee should bow, of things in heaven, and things in earth, and things under the earth; and that every tongue should confess that Jesus Christ is Lord, to the glory of God the Father." Philippians 2:9-11

This indeed is a parable, Job 29:1. A delightful one! "Moreover Job continued his parable, and said .... "

Said a lot!

Amen.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 8, THE "PSALMS" ALSO DISCUSS THE PARABLES:

The Book of Psalms also mentions "parables," twice in fact. Today we notice the first such instance. And from just a couple of sentences we shall derive an excellent synonym for the noun "parable." In fact, more than one.

"My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp." Psalm 49:3-4, the psalmist writes.

It seems the Holy Spirit is here equating (if not that, at least favorably comparing) "wisdom" and "understanding" with a "parable." Therefore I deduce that "parabolic" Biblical literature is filled with, not primarily rebuke or history or controversy, but with God's Way of seeing things! At the risk of being redundant, filled with omniscient "Wisdom."

Parables are, indeed, "wise sayings!"

Read Proverbs 1:6, for example. "To understand a proverb, and the interpretation; the words of the wise, and their dark sayings."

Now it's happened twice! "Parables" being called or likened to "dark sayings." What are they? These "dark sayings?"

The noun (one Hebrew word for these two English words) is "chiydah." The word initially means "riddle."

It also can mean a "difficult question."

In the King James Bible it is even translated "proverb" once.

So one could assume, with Bible authority, that a "parable" is a simpler way of explaining a deeper truth!

Even a hard-to-explain truth!

So ... a parable is a good teaching tool!

And that's how Jesus used them!

At least to teach some people the truth! Those who respect and believe and accept His Word!

Hope I'm not making too much our of two short verses!

"My mouth shall speak of wisdom; and the meditation of my heart shall be of understanding. I will incline mine ear to a parable: I will open my dark saying upon the harp." Psalm 49:3-4

But look at the parallel words here.

Each restating the other!

"Wisdom."

"Understanding"

"Parable."

And "Dark Saying."

That's as good a clarification of "parable" as we're going to get anywhere in the Bible! New Testament included.

I'm already looking forward to tomorrow morning now. When we can study another "parable" form God's Book of Truth.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 9, PARABLES TEACHING DOCTRINE:

Here we are a second morning in the Psalms! Looking at the word "parables," and how the Holy Spirit employs the word there in the Psalter. Only twice (in 150 chapters, poems, songs) does "parable" appear in the Book of Psalms, in the "singular" both times.

Today our pertinent paragraph begins: "Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done." Psalm 78:1-4, described as a Psalm of Asaph.

One of the most outstanding facts here is that a "parable" is being used, not just to illustrate a truth, but to teach truth as well!

And it looks to me like "doctrinal" truth, too!

Truth pertaining to God's very Law!

The opening verb, "give ear" is "azan" in Hebrew, mainly "to listen." But is is expressed as a command here. "To understand aurally," having first "heard" through the ears! To "perceive," that concept is in the definition.

To "incline" one's ears means "to cup one's ears with his hands," a posture that greatly aids hearing! "To stretch" toward someone in order to hear them better!

"Parable" is once again (consistently so throughout the whole Old Testament) "mashal." Something that "rules, guides, reigns" in one's life! Has governing power! The word is found 39 times in the Bible. It is actually translated "proverb" 19 of those times! The "parable" 18 times, as well as "byword" once. The missing time (to make these add up to 19) ... it is once rendered "like" in the King James Bible.

Notice that the noun "parable" is here expressed as a "parallel" to "dark sayings." The noun is "chiydah," a "riddle" or "difficult question." Verse 2 again: "I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old." Remember that Asaph is the writer, according to the superscript of Psalm 78.

I still believe here the "parable" is being used " to explain, to illuminate" certain hard-to-express truths of old!

Works of God, which generations of Jews have (verse 3) "heard" and "known," having been told them by their fathers. Two basic verbs here, "shama" and "yada." Together used about 2100 times in the Bible! Now maybe the "parable" is being used to remind them of the great truths of the past.

"Give ear, O my people, to my law: incline your ears to the words of my mouth. I will open my mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old: which we have heard and known, and our fathers have told us. We will not hide them from their children, shewing to the generation to come the praises of the LORD, and his strength, and his wonderful works that he hath done."

The verb "shewing" is "saphar," meaning "to recount, to re-tell, to relate" these praises of God! His power and mighty works in days of old!

Teaching by "analogy."

I personally believe that even the "Creation Week" described in Genesis chapter one is both a literal Event, occurring just as described there by Moses. But also a "parable" of, a "symbol" of, a "picture" of how God saves a lost soul!

From chaos to order!

From darkness to light!

From nothingness to perfect rest!

In that way God's very miraculous "works" become "parables!"

So of necessity we must learn how to properly use parables, in order to be better students of God's Word.

The Book of Proverbs explains what I mean. "The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools." Proverbs 26:7, a foolish man lacks the wisdom to correctly, skillfully handle a proverb!

Another illustration: "As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools." Two verses later, Proverbs 26:9.

The Lord willing, more tomorrow.

Parables!

How exciting!

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 10, "PARABLES" IN THE BOOK OF PROVERBS:

"Parables" can be, according to two verses of Scripture, somewhat "dangerous!" Or if not that, at least "tricky" to understand!

Maybe even certain people are incapable of applying them properly! Jesus "hinted" at this fact as well!

Let's begin our discussion.

Twice the Old Testament word for "parable" appears in the Book of Proverbs. The Book of "Wisdom." Both times share light on our subject.

Here they are, in order.

"The legs of the lame are not equal: so is a parable in the mouth of fools." Proverbs 26:7

"As a thorn goeth up into the hand of a drunkard, so is a parable in the mouth of fools." Proverbs 26:9, two verses later.

It seems a "fool" and a "parable" do not mix very well.

In both the above cases the noun "fool" is the Hebrew "kesiyl." The word means "stupid, dullard, simpleton" but also "arrogant." Linguists believe, the "saved" ones anyway, that it is not intelligence here that's lacking ... nearly as much as moral character! Note again, "arrogance!"

A man with unequal legs cannot walk evenly. He's "up" and "down" in his gait. In like manner a "fool" can make no equitable sense of a godly parable! That's the gist of Proverbs 26:7.

And Proverbs 26:9, the sequel, tells us that a wicked (arrogant) man can do himself harm, cause himself pain, trying to use a parable! Much like Peter tells us that some people "wrest" the Scriptures to their own hurt! Second Peter 3:16, in part: "They that are unlearned and unstable wrest, as they do also the other scriptures, unto their own destruction." The Greek verb "strebloo" translates into "wrest." It means "to twist, to distort, to pervert!"

Wow!

Yes, Bible parables must be handled carefully!

Jesus used His Parables to "reveal" Truth to some people. And to "conceal" Truth from others! Read with me: "Therefore speak I (Jesus) to them in parables: because they seeing see not; and hearing they hear not, neither do they understand. And in them is fulfilled the prophecy of Esaias, which saith, By hearing ye shall hear, and shall not understand; and seeing ye shall see, and shall not perceive." Matthew 13:13-14

Yes, the "nature" of parables can be "illusive!"

Tell the Story.

Then give the "keys" to its interpretation to those who love you!

This seems to have been Jesus' "modus operandi."

At least here, anyway.

We shall continue now (another Article tomorrow) with our daily study of the Parables of God's Word.

But we shall inch forward ... carefully!

Asking the Lord for Wisdom with each Lesson.

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

God's Word is indeed like "silver" or "gold," hidden deep a mine somewhere. Waiting to be "searched, found, treasured," and "applied!" And the "nuggets" of Scripture, including the Parables are ... "more to be desired are they than gold, yea, than much fine gold: sweeter also than honey and the honeycomb." Psalm 19:9

Amen!

LESSON 11, MARK 4:33-34, THE ABILITY TO HEAR:

I never realized how "serious" a study of the Parables of Scripture could be! How some people, some of "us," are not as "ready" to receive the Parables as we might have thought!

Two Verses today from the Lips of Jesus. "And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples." Mark 4:33-34

This Comment of Mark's follows our Lord's telling of four Parables. The familiar "sower and the seed," then the "candle on a candlestick," followed by a parable unique to Mark ... "the mystery of the seed's growth," and finally the "mustard seed."

"And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples." 

"As they were able to hear it!"

With the verb "were able" being "dunamai." As they were "empowered" to hear these parables. Empowered by God, surely! The Greek verb "to hear" is "akouo," which gives us the English noun "acoustics!"

Only God can make us truly receptive, truly "hearers" of His Word!

So ... I am ready to declare that understanding Bible's Parables requires "instruction." And that since the "parable" was one of Jesus' favorite ways of teaching ("without a parable spake He not unto them"), one MUST obtain that instruction ... if he or she is to properly comprehend the overall Message of our Lord.

"God, make us able to hear these Parables" ... I pray.

So, let's now notice the remainder of our Text today ... "and when they (Jesus and the Disciples) were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples." 

"Alone!"

Jesus did not intend to cast His "pearls" before "swine." (Another parable, by the way!) He would share Truth not with the many surrounding skeptics and enemies ... but only with his friends!

When they were "alone," such was Jesus' Pattern regarding the Parables! Matthew 13 has Jesus explaining the Kingdom Parables "in a house" to His Disciples! Matthew 13:36 says: "Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare (explain) unto us the parable of the tares of the field." 

Now back to our Markan Text ... "And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples." Mark 4:33-34

Now we must define the verb "expounded." As in ... "He expounded all things to His disciples."

The Greek is "epiluo." It means "to loose" something that has been tied up, snarled, knotted! One textbook teaches that "epiluo" means: "to explain what is obscure and hard to understand."

Thus "expound" here is a synonym to our verbs "exposit" and exegete."

Our English verb "analysis" also employs this "luo" verb root. "To loosen again" a tight knot, or riddle or problem or perplexity.

Wow!

So ... our Text today, our Lesson, surely gives us some things about which to pray as we study the parables.

"Lord, make us able to hear, to understand them."

And ... "Lord, teach us the real meaning of these little Stories with which You are illustrating such great, eternal Truth!"

"And with many such parables spake He the word unto them, as they were able to hear it. But without a parable spake He not unto them: and when they were alone, He expounded all things to His disciples."  

Yes, I want Jesus as my Tutor!

How about you?

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 12, EZEKIEL'S "EAGLE" PARABLE:

Today and tomorrow, the Lord willing, we shall look at one of Ezekiel's Parables. A very "unusual" one. I'd say not very often preached!

It's about an eagle!

And the politics of Ezekiel's day!

"And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar. He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants. He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs. There was also another great eagle ...." Ezekiel 17:1-7a

Bible parables do not always emphasize doctrinal truth. I mean "Heaven-Hell" issues! This one is much more "local" in flavor. Dealing with the "current events" of early sixth-century BC Middle East life.

But still, this is a "parable." Clearly so: "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; and say ...."

Here God introduces Ezekiel to the "eagle" of our Story. This eagle, advance information, is the Nation of Babylon (or its King Nebuchadnezzar). "A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon ...." Look a the adjectives! And Babyon was, for that time, a mighty empire. Lebanon represents Israel here, geographically speaking. The two Nations do "touch" each other.

Watch what the "eagle" does: "... and took the highest branch of the cedar. He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants." This "branch" is apparently King Jehoiachin (young and preeminent, royal) ... who was deposed to Babylon after reigning only three months or so. Yes, the land of "traffick" means a land of "commerce." Money-hungry people!

This is the Babylonian Captivity, the beginning of it anyway.

But there's more to the parable. "He (King Nebuchadnezzar) took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs." Babylon is still at work. The "seed" of the land is apparently another Jewish King! This time Zedekiah, genuine son of good King Josiah. He was allowed to rule Judah, under Babylonian supervision, for eleven years. Nebuchadnezzar might have even allowed Judah and her people to remain in their Land had they been loyal and submissive.

Limited autonomy.

But "... there was also another great eagle ...." And this eagle is Egypt, a strong rival to Babylon in that day.

A "war" between super-powers is about to develop! With Judah in the middle! God told the Jews, through Jeremiah, to stay loyal to the Babylonians. But they did not!

Tomorrow ... Zedekiah "looks toward" the wrong eagle! Toward Egypt rather than Babylon. Here we clearly have successful International Policy being shared ... via a parable from God!

Listen to Jeremiah. "The word that the LORD spake to Jeremiah the prophet, how Nebuchadrezzar king of Babylon should come and smite the land of Egypt." Jeremiah 46:13

Wow!

God is in control!

More about the parable tomorrow, the Lord willing.

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Just as God's will demanded Judah remain "friends" with Babylon, the Lord counsels Nations today to "bless" Israel!

But few seem to heed!

LESSON 13, EZEKIEL'S "EAGLE" PARABLE CONCLUDED:

The "heart" of Ezekiel's "parable of the great eagle" is this. Judah (God's people) had disobeyed the Lord. They now face His Punishment, His Hand of Chastening for their wicked acts.

God raises Babylon to power ... partly to be used as the "whip" in His mighty Hands to "spank" Judah for her sins.

And God, through His Prophets, advises Judah to "submit" to Babylon, to Nebuchadnezzar. To "take" her whipping, learn her lessons, and become more obedient to her God!

That's what Ezekiel 17:1-7 pictures. "And the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; and say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colour (Babylon with Nebuchdnezzar as King) came unto Lebanon (Judah), and took the highest branch (the King, Royalty, specifically Jehoiachin) of the cedar. He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick (Babylon as a commercial center); he set it in a city of merchants. He took also of the seed (younger King Zedekiah) of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs."

Things could have gone well. Seventy years there, in Babylon (according to Daniel's prophecy) ... and Judah would again be "free," released to return "home."

But she (Judah) rebelled against Babylon.

Going AGAINST what God had told her!

Another eagle comes, this time Babylon's enemy Egypt is being portrayed. "There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers (Egypt): and, behold, this vine (King Zedekiah) did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him (away from Babylon and toward Egypt), that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation." Ezekiel 17:7, a rebellion!

Things could have developed much more smoothly had the Jews acquiesced to the Will of God, and to the demands of Nebuchadnezzar!

And because of such rebellion, look what happens to Judah! "Ezekiel, say thou, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Shall it (Judah) prosper? shall he (the offended Nebuchadnezzar) 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. Yea, behold, being planted (Zedekiah the rebel), shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew." Ezekiel 17:9-10

Folks, this is a "parable" relating international political intrigue!

Then God explains His Parable!

"Moreover the word of the LORD came unto me (Ezekiel), saying, Say now to the rebellious house, Know ye not what these things mean? tell them, Behold, the king of Babylon is come to Jerusalem, and hath taken the king thereof, and the princes thereof (Jehioachin and his entourage), and led them with him to Babylon; and hath taken of the king's seed (Zedekiah, son of Josiah), and made a covenant with him, and hath taken an oath of him (an oath of loyalty, a peace treaty): he hath also taken the mighty of the land: that the kingdom might be base, that it might not lift itself up, but that by keeping of his covenant it might stand."

Then look! "But he (Zedekiah) rebelled against him (Nebuchadnezzar) in sending his ambassadors into Egypt, that they might give him horses and much people. Shall he (Zedekiah) prosper? shall he escape that doeth such things? or shall he break the covenant, and be delivered?"

Then God asserts: "As I live, saith the Lord GOD, surely in the place where the king (Nebuchadnezzar) dwelleth that made him (Zedekiah) king, whose oath he despised, and whose covenant he brake, even with him in the midst of Babylon he (Zedekiah) shall die. Neither shall Pharaoh with his mighty army and great company make for him in the war, by casting up mounts, and building forts, to cut off many persons: seeing he (Zedekiah) despised the oath by breaking the covenant, when, lo, he had given his hand, and hath done all these things, he shall not escape." Ezekiel 17:11-18

All this, indicated in a Parable!

And God Himself is the Expositor in this case!

Wow!

So much ... out of this:

"Son of man, put forth a riddle, and speak a parable unto the house of Israel; And say, Thus saith the Lord GOD; A great eagle with great wings, longwinged, full of feathers, which had divers colours, came unto Lebanon, and took the highest branch of the cedar: He cropped off the top of his young twigs, and carried it into a land of traffick; he set it in a city of merchants. He took also of the seed of the land, and planted it in a fruitful field; he placed it by great waters, and set it as a willow tree. And it grew, and became a spreading vine of low stature, whose branches turned toward him, and the roots thereof were under him: so it became a vine, and brought forth branches, and shot forth sprigs. There was also another great eagle with great wings and many feathers: and, behold, this vine did bend her roots toward him, and shot forth her branches toward him, that he might water it by the furrows of her plantation. It was planted in a good soil by great waters, that it might bring forth branches, and that it might bear fruit, that it might be a goodly vine. 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. Yea, behold, being planted, shall it prosper? shall it not utterly wither, when the east wind toucheth it? it shall wither in the furrows where it grew."

Complex?

Yet inspired of God!

And truthful to the core!

Oh, the majesty of the Parables of Scripture!

These types of parables are seldom preached, but still comprise a formidable Block of the Word of God.

Amen.

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

There are some "practical" lessons here. For example, "Keep your word!" Also, "When God whips, do not rebel. Take it like a true son or daughter and grown as a result." Third, "Heed God's warnings!" Then too, "Disobedience has consequences!"

LESSON 14, THE PARABLE OF THE FILTHY BOILING POT:

I am including today's "Story" partly because Ezekiel so clearly labels it a "parable." It is indeed a "sad" parable, too.

It focuses on Judah, God's people, and their sin. How they refused to repent, continuing deeper and deeper into degradation. And how even God's Patience was "exhausted."

Here's the Bible account, God Himself being the Speaker. Just "through" His Prophet Ezekiel.

"Again in the ninth year, in the tenth month, in the tenth day of the month, the word of the LORD came unto me, saying, ² Son of man, write thee the name of the day, even of this same day: the king of Babylon set himself against Jerusalem this same day. ³ And utter a parable unto the rebellious house, and say unto them, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Set on a pot, set it on, and also pour water into it: ⁴ Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones. ⁵ Take the choice of the flock, and burn also the bones under it, and make it boil well, and let them seethe the bones of it therein. ⁶ Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum is therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it. ⁷ For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust; ⁸ That it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance; I have set her blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered. ⁹ Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great. ¹⁰ Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned. ¹¹ Then set it empty upon the coals thereof, that the brass of it may be hot, and may burn, and that the filthiness of it may be molten in it, that the scum of it may be consumed. ¹² She hath wearied herself with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: her scum shall be in the fire. ¹³ In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee. ¹⁴ I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD." Ezekiel 24:1-14

Notice the Event is carefully dated, verse one. This is the ninth year, tenth month of King Jehoiachin's being held captive by Nebuchadnezzar. This would be equivalent to December-January on our calendars.

"Son of man," verse two, is God's "favorite" name for Ezekiel. I counted 93 times, the Lord called Ezekiel this. In Hebrew, "ben adam."

Verse three defines this Paragraph as a "parable," using the Hebrew noun "mashal," a wise saying to use in planning one's life, a guideline or governor for behavior!" A cooking pot, with water in it!

Then the pot is filled with meat, verse four! Apparently lamb meat, mutton. "Gather the pieces thereof into it, even every good piece, the thigh, and the shoulder; fill it with the choice bones."

Then cook it until the meat separates from the bones, or so I take it. And any bones left over, from cutting up the animals or animals ... use them as fuel for the flames! "Take the choice of the flock, and burn also the bones under it, and make it boil well, and let them seethe the bones of it therein." Animals' bones ... both in the pot boiling and under the pot burning! This is verse five.

But, alas, the "pot" was not clean! Meat cooked in a filthy vessel! Then God applies the Story to His people, the Jews. "Wherefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city, to the pot whose scum is therein, and whose scum is not gone out of it! bring it out piece by piece; let no lot fall upon it." Verse 6, where the "let no lot fall on it" statement merely means take the pieces of boiled meat out one by one, with no discrimination. Not your "favorite" piece first. Also the word for "scum" is "chala," only used five times in the Bible, each translated just like here, "scum." It can also mean "rust." Its root idea is "diseased!"

Sickening!

Verse seven hints at Judah's blatant sin. She even murders and leaves the innocent blood out in the open, not even trying to hide it, cover it with dirt! "For her blood is in the midst of her; she set it upon the top of a rock; she poured it not upon the ground, to cover it with dust." Shedding innocent blood! I often think of the sin of abortion here! Bold, activist sin! Flaunting iniquity in the Face of God Almighty!

And this blood invites God's Attention! God's Wrath, God's Punishment! "That it might cause fury to come up to take vengeance; I have set her blood upon the top of a rock, that it should not be covered." Verse eight, look at the synonyms "fury" and "vengeance." God is angry! Innocent shed blood cries out to God for justice! (Jesus' Blood still does this, as does Abel's ... though our Lord's Blood to a Much, Much Greater Degree! Here is Hebrews 12:24 for proof. "And to Jesus the Mediator of the new covenant, and to the Blood of Sprinkling, that speaketh better things than that of Abel.")

God's is filled with furor! "Therefore thus saith the Lord GOD; Woe to the bloody city! I will even make the pile for fire great. Heap on wood, kindle the fire, consume the flesh, and spice it well, and let the bones be burned." Verses nine and ten, where "spice" means "to mix, to flavor" the meat as it cooks! (Reminds me of "make the fire seven times hotter," later words from Nebuchadnezzar's very mouth!)

Look, the pot has boiled itself "empty!" Now let it burn out all the "filth!" As verse eleven informs us: "Then set it (the pot) empty upon the coals thereof, that the brass of it may be hot, and may burn, and that the filthiness of it may be molten in it, that the scum of it may be consumed." God's directions to Ezekiel. Oh, how God works to cleanse His people, verse eleven.

But to no avail! The "scum" is still in the pot! It cannot be cleansed! Too much there, for too long! Verse twelve has God saying: "She hath wearied herself with lies, and her great scum went not forth out of her: her scum shall be in the fire." Let her scum stay! She has stubbornly chosen her wicked path!

Filth (ungodliness, wickedness) too deeply embedded for even God to clean! That's what our parable is saying! So ... maybe God's Wrath can burn away all the dross! Verse thirteen: "In thy filthiness is lewdness: because I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged, thou shalt not be purged from thy filthiness any more, till I have caused my fury to rest upon thee." Wow, God claims this: "I have purged thee, and thou wast not purged." So consequently ... here comes God's "Fury!" The noun means "raging, red-hot displeasure!" And "to rest" means "to settle down" on her!

Does God really mean this? Surely he will "soften" a bit and extend Grace to His erring people. Verse fourteen and the end of the parable: "I the LORD have spoken it: it shall come to pass, and I will do it; I will not go back, neither will I spare, neither will I repent; according to thy ways, and according to thy doings, shall they judge thee, saith the Lord GOD." The "wages" of sin!

America, take heed! "The wicked shall be turned into hell, and all the nations that forget God." Psalm 9:17

Indeed, God hates sin!

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 15, EZEKIEL'S WIFE:

READ THIS ONE, FOLKS!

I believe we have made our way through the Old Testament ... now up to the book of of Ezekiel, studying the times the noun "parable" occurs. In fact, we have invested three Lessons on Ezekiel's two clearly stated parables. We might look at one more such "story," in the Minor Prophets, before continuing to the New Testament.

But I noticed something yesterday. In my King James Bible, Scofield Study Edition, the notes there say Ezekiel presented many more "parables" than I had found! Little "clips" of the Prophet's preaching that "illustrate" certain God-given truths.

Yet the Bible "Text" itself does NOT call them parables.

After several "acted" or "dramatized" sermons, called "signs" by Dr. Scofield, Ezekiel experiences several "visions." Then come the so-called "parables." Like the "Parable to the South Forest," nearly self-explanatory, Ezekiel 20:45-49. Or the "Parable of the Sighing Prophet" in chapter 21:1-7. Followed immediately by the "Parable of God's Sharp Sword," judgment on Judah, Ezekiel 21:8-17. A few other "parables" ensue, again according to the scholars.

So today I am going to take a little "liberty" and share what I think might be a "parable" from Ezekiel's pen, from his very life really. It is a personal experience ... used to relate a national message!

Watch.

I should say, "Read."

The parable begins with that personal experience I mentioned. "Also the word of the LORD came unto me (Ezekiel), saying, Son of man (God's favorite nick-name for the Prophet), behold, I take away from thee (in death) the desire of thine eyes (his lovely wife) with a stroke: yet neither shalt thou mourn nor weep, neither shall thy tears run down. Forbear (verb means "to be silent") to cry, make no mourning for the dead, bind the tire of thine head (hat, cap, turban) upon thee, and put on thy shoes upon thy feet, and cover not thy lips (a public sign of grief), and eat not the bread of men (food brought by comforting friends)." Ezekiel 24:15-17

His wife died, suddenly! With a massive stroke! And God is behind the whole tragedy! And Ezekiel is forbidden to grieve. He cannot bereave his "beautiful" wife!

Why?

God has a Lesson to teach Judah, Ezekiel's people.

Watch what happens next. "So I (Ezekiel) spake (preached) unto the people in the morning: and at even my wife died (suddenly); and I did in the morning as I was commanded (preached again). And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?" Ezekiel 24:18-19

What obedience!

Ezekiel's "strange" responses prompted questions from his audience, his congregation. Again: "And the people said unto me, Wilt thou not tell us what these things are to us, that thou doest so?"

Now here comes the "point" of the story, the "parable."

What happened to Ezekiel is going to happen to the whole Country! Widely scattered, wholesale death! "Then I answered them, The word of the LORD came unto me, saying, speak unto the house of Israel, Thus saith the Lord GOD; Behold, I will profane my sanctuary, the excellency of your strength, the desire of your eyes (the Holy Temple of God), and that which your soul pitieth; and your sons and your daughters (their very own children) whom ye have left shall fall by the sword." Ezekiel 24:20-21

And ... just as Ezekiel was forbidden to grieve ... so will the people, the citizenry be denied that privilege! "And ye shall do as I (Ezekiel) have done: ye shall not cover your lips, nor eat the bread of men (normal grieving processes). And your tires (headwear) shall be upon your heads, and your shoes upon your feet: ye shall not mourn nor weep; but ye shall pine away for your iniquities, and mourn one toward another. Thus Ezekiel is unto you a sign: according to all that he hath done shall ye do: and when this cometh, ye shall know that I am the Lord GOD." Ezekiel 24:22-24

Thus Ezekiel is again a "sign," in Hebrew "mopheth," a "wonder, token, a demonstration" of God's plan for Judah! This word is, in its essential meaning, nearly parallel to "parable."

Judah experiencing such drastic "loss" ... because of their many, many sins! The word "iniquities" above means "depravities, perversions," literally many occasions of "twisting" God's Ways!

Wow!

What a "parable."

What a cost!

Sin does have consequences!

And God (apparently) will stop at nothing teaching us the horrors of such ungodliness!

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 16, HABAKKUK 2:6-8, ANOTHER PARABLE:

I trust that I've not been too "loose" in regard to the nature of the Bible's Parables. Basically we have only studied Texts of Scripture that used the word itself, that called itself a "parable." That way I know we're "safe."

Such is the case again today. A "parable" found in the little Book of Habakkuk. A parable concerning the nature of sin! That it always has consequences! That a person "reaps" what he or she "sows!"

Read the "Pericope" (a paragraph of Literature isolated for precise study) with me please. I will insert (using parentheses) the antecedents for the significant pronouns, making the meaning more discernible.

"Shall not all these (those mistreated) take up a parable against him (Babylon), and a taunting proverb against him (still Babylon), and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! How long? And to him that ladeth himself with thick clay (high interest debt contracts)! Shall they not rise up suddenly (those Babylon so abused) that shall bite thee, and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them? Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein." Habakkuk 2:6-8

Wow!

And this is called a "Parable." The Holy Spirit has told us that much, verse 6 itself. "A guiding principle" to help "govern" our lives, "mashal" in Hebrew.

Babylon, the looming enemy of Israel, has been robbing and cheating and overcharging her neighbors for years. Including God's people!

And this short "parable" (also called a "proverb," meaning a "riddle" or "dark saying") teaches us (promises to Babylon) judgment, retribution for her years of wrongdoing!

The Prophet Habakkuk loves that word "Woe!" Or at least he uses it often. Five times in this second chapter! In thirteen verses! It means "alas," sort of "get ready ... trouble is coming!"

To "increase that which is not yours" means "to steal!" The verb "increase" is "rabah," meaning "to become great" but here at the expense of others!

She may even be pillaging "legally!"

But immorally, too!

"Shall not all these take up a parable against him, and a taunting proverb against him, and say, Woe to him that increaseth that which is not his! how long? And to him that ladeth himself with thick clay!"

The "thick clay" literally means "weight of pledges." She owns many, many bank notes, exacting tons of money from poor people! At apparently dishonorably high interest rates! Loan sharks!

Watch the parable predict Babylon's demise! "Shall they (the victims) not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee (Babylon), and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?" Those whom she has so bitterly oppressed!

Previous to our exact Text, Habakkuk 2:4-5 further describes the rapacious appetite of the Babylonians, the Chaldeans. "Behold, his soul (Babylon) which is lifted up is not upright in him. Yea also, because he transgresseth by wine (drunkards), he is a proud man, neither keepeth at home (is restless, never stays at home), who enlargeth his desire (always wants more and more) as hell, and is as death, and cannot be satisfied, but gathereth unto him all nations (collects men and women, seizing their possessions), and heapeth unto him all people (collects slaves)." Pretty bad!

No wonder God is going to allow Babylon to fall so drastically! Yes, she deserves this! "Shall they (her victims) not rise up suddenly that shall bite thee (Babylon), and awake that shall vex thee, and thou shalt be for booties unto them?" The verb "bite" used here is unusual, spelled "nashak" in Hebrew, and twice translated "to lend upon usury" in the King James Bible! That's reaping what one sows ... in like kind! Amazing!

And "to vex" means "to cause to tremble!" In Hebrew "zua," precisely suggests being made "to quiver!" This word is only used 3 times in all the Bible!

Here the "underdog" is going to win!

The noun "booties" is "spoil, plunder."

Now the last verse of the parable. "Because thou hast spoiled many nations, all the remnant of the people shall spoil thee; because of men's blood, and for the violence of the land, of the city, and of all that dwell therein."

The verb "spoil" is "shalal," meaning "to plunder, to take as prey!"

All because of Babylon's "violence!" Watch how this noun is spelled, "chamas," or really "hamas!" Cruelty, injustice, excessive damage, overkill!

Paul the Apostle also words this principle clearly, but no more powerfully that today's parable. "Be not deceived; God is not mocked: for whatsoever a man soweth, that shall he also reap. For he that soweth to his flesh shall of the flesh reap corruption; but he that soweth to the Spirit shall of the Spirit reap life everlasting." Galatians 6:7-8

Oh what encouragement this ought to be to us ... to live godly lives and treat others fairly!

Not to abuse!

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 17, JESUS' PARABLE OF THE WHEAT AND TARES:

Jesus' seven Parables in Matthew chapter thirteen are fundamental to His very teaching method. Jesus was an Illustrator of Truth via numerous short stories, loaded with meaning.

Here's an example, one not studied nearly as much as the "Parable of the Sower," for example.

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." Matthew 13:24-30

This Parable Jesus later explained to His Disciples, a fact that helps us tremendously as we interpret our Lord's Story here.

"Then Jesus sent the multitude away, and went into the house: and his disciples came unto him, saying, Declare unto us the parable of the tares of the field. He answered and said unto them, He that soweth the good seed is the Son of man; the field is the world; the good seed are the children of the kingdom; but the tares are the children of the wicked one. The enemy that sowed them is the devil; the harvest is the end of the world; and the reapers are the angels. As therefore the tares are gathered and burned in the fire; so shall it be in the end of this world. The Son of man shall send forth his angels, and they shall gather out of his kingdom all things that offend, and them which do iniquity; and shall cast them into a furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth. Then shall the righteous shine forth as the sun in the kingdom of their Father. Who hath ears to hear, let him hear." Matthew 13:36-43, an interpretation that occurred in the middle of our Lord's presenting His seven "Kingdom" Parables!

The sequence develops like this:

The Parable of the Sower and the Soil (4 different kinds)

The Parable of the Wheat and the Tares (our Text today)

The Parable of the Mustard Seed

The Parable of the Leaven

... Then the Parable of the Wheat and the tares was explained ...

Surprisingly, other Parables follow, like the Parable of the Hidden Treasure

The Parable of the Pearl of Great Price

Last, the Parable of the Great Net

Again I mention the anomaly of Jesus sending the crowd away, entering a house, all to exegete this little Story!

He explained the Parable of the Sower earlier, but not alone, and certainly not exclusively with His Disciples! This is an amazing difference.

Revealing the Truth "hidden" in the Parable of the Tares and the Wheat is more easily done. In fact, can be confidently done in many ways! Because of Jesus "model" exposition of the Text.

Let me today mention a single major fact and then tomorrow we shall complete the Study of this "Riddle" Jesus taught.

This Paragraph cannot possibly be talking about the True Church! Not the Church as the "Body" of Christ. Not as the "Bride" of Christ. Because the "tares" among the "wheat" reveal the "devil's" work (false professors of faith) in the same "field" as the "Lord's" Work, the genuine wheat (true possessors of saving faith).

Folks, in the Real "Church" everyone is saved! "Not one of them is lost," according to Jesus in John chapter seventeen! Here's Jesus remarking to His Father: "Those that thou gavest me I have kept, and none of them is lost." John 17:12

This truth must be kept in mind.

The Parable's field of "mixed" growth (wheat and tares) must represent the "external" Church, the "professing" Church. What the world today calls "Christendom."

I would even say that in the local Church you now attend ... there are some "unsaved" (the tares) people coming week after week, supposedly worshipping just like the "saved" brothers and sisters in Christ (the wheat)!

In fact, several of Jesus' Matthew 13 Parables suggest this fact.

And only the Lord God Himself can tell the difference.

Can sort the one from the other.

Ultimately, wheat to the Barn!

And the tares to the Fire!

As I close for today ... be sure you are saved!

Wheat and not weeds!

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 18, THE WHEAT AND TARES CONCLUDED:

Jesus' cryptic Parable of the Wheat and the Tares ...

"Another parable put he forth unto them, saying, The kingdom of heaven is likened unto a man which sowed good seed in his field. But while men slept, his enemy came and sowed tares among the wheat, and went his way. But when the blade was sprung up, and brought forth fruit, then appeared the tares also. So the servants of the householder came and said unto him, Sir, didst not thou sow good seed in thy field? from whence then hath it tares? He said unto them, An enemy hath done this. The servants said unto him, Wilt thou then that we go and gather them up? But he said, Nay; lest while ye gather up the tares, ye root up also the wheat with them. Let both grow together until the harvest: and in the time of harvest I will say to the reapers, Gather ye together first the tares, and bind them in bundles to burn them: but gather the wheat into my barn." Matthew 13:24-30

This is an amazing Bit of Scripture.

The noun "parable" contains the idea of a thought, an illustration, a "Story" in this case ... being laid down beside (in Greek "ballo" preceded by "para") some fundamental truth or set of truths ... to further explain them. To elucidate (throw more light on) them!

And the number of facts being emphasized, validated here is amazing! The hermeneutical rule is "don't let a parable say too much." But this one is (to my ears anyway) shouting whole realms of doctrine!

For example ...

The "field" is the "world," not the Church!

The "good seed" is not just the Word of God (as in the previous Matthew 13 Parable, the Sower) ... but the believers who came into existence because of the germinating power of the Word of God! "Wherefore lay apart all filthiness and superfluity of naughtiness, and receive with meekness the engrafted word, which is able to save your souls." James 1:21

Then here the "enemy," the devil or Satan ... does not "take away" the seed (as in the Sower Story) ... but he sows his own "false" seed in the field! Infiltrating the work of God!

And he did this because of "sleep" on the part of our caregivers! Our Preachers and teachers!

Note that God's faithful laws of "sunrise and sunset" and "rainfall and warm breezes" and "germination processes" come ... both on the good seed and the bad seed! "Your Father which is in heaven: He maketh his sun to rise on the evil and on the good, and sendeth rain on the just and on the unjust." Matthew 5:45, both the wheat and the tares grow, here abundantly so!

And did you see that one cannot tell the difference between the wheat and the weeds ... until fruit is borne? Jesus said this too: "Wherefore by their fruits ye shall know them." Matthew 7:20, until time of harvest!

It seems to have been (in the parable) the tendency of men to want to "rip" the tares from the wheat filed! Run the "false believers" (those mimicking righteousness) away! Pull them out of the ground! BUT JUDGMENT IS NOT IN OUR HANDS, RATHER IN GOD'S HANDS!

This too, the Lord seems to be very cautious about "anything" that might harm the "roots" of the genuine wheat! As in Jesus' words to Peter: "Simon, Simon, behold, Satan hath desired to have you, that he may sift you as wheat: But I have prayed for thee, that thy faith fail not." Luke 22:31-32, that you not be "uprooted!"

Obviously too ... a "reaping" day is coming!

And please notice that the judgments differ in several areas, the tares being distinguished from the wheat! The "tares" will be burned, a "picture" of Hell, no doubt. And the wheat? Going to the "Barn!" That's a new way of looking at Heaven! A Celestial, Palatial Barn!

Wow!

Tons of meaning ... from one short story.

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Yes, I will declare it. Jesus IS The Master Story Teller, the Master Teacher, the Wisest Man Who ever illustrated with a parable!

LESSON 19, JESUS' PARABLE OF THE HOUSEHOLDER:

(I think this is one of my favorite all-time Parables!)

Jesus had just taught seven beautiful "parables," consecutively. Then He asked His Disciples an astounding question: "Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord." Matthew 13:51

Wow!

"Yes, Lord we got it all!"

"Didn't miss a Word!"

But the Lord did not challenge their confidence here. And indeed He had throughout the day explained at least two of the Parables.

So ... "Jesus saith unto them, Have ye understood all these things? They say unto him, Yea, Lord."

Next Jesus speaks a one-verse parable!

It is applicable to any man or woman who has learned spiritual truth. Who has become a "receptacle" or a "reservoir" of God's Instruction.

"Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old." Matthew 13:52, Jesus to His Disciples.

The "scribe" of Jesus' Day was a Bible teacher. Exactly Jesus' goal for these men, Preachers and Expositors of God's Word!

The verb "instructed" used here is "matheteuo," meaning "discipled!" Or "taught." This little Greek verb gives us our word "mathematics!"

And a "householder," spelled "oikodespotes," is merely a "ruler" of a "family," the chief slave in charge of supplying groceries for a man and his wife and staff.

The householder was expected to maintain an "inventory" of food supplies, a "treasure" in our Text here!

From which to feed hungry "mouths," the Master's family and supporting employees. Sometimes dozens of people!

"Is like unto ... an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

Things both "new" and old!"

"New" means "fresh!"

And "old" means, not stale, but dependable, tested and tried and proved suitable! Having been helpful ... "again and again!" I sometimes here think of "Old" and "New" Testaments!

And, readers, the "key" to making this "Saying" a real "parable" is the word-string "is like unto." The scribe "is like unto" a good householder! This is a "comparison," in other words.

I am writing this particular Lesson on a Saturday morning. May 16, 2015 ... to be precise. Tomorrow when you go to Church, take in every bit of spiritual "food" you can! Store it in your mind, your heart. And when you meet "hungry" people next week, open the storehouse and share with them your "saved" provisions, food for thought!

If you "understand" Jesus' Teaching, the Word of God ... then be a good "scribe" for His Sake! "Then said he unto them, Therefore every scribe which is instructed unto the kingdom of heaven is like unto a man that is an householder, which bringeth forth out of his treasure things new and old."

Here's the sequence again ...

Learn!

Remember, store away!

Share!

Two verses, thousands of applications!

What a parable.

                  --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 20, A PARABLE ABOUT LAZINESS:

Our Text consists of one pretty little Paragraph from the Old Testament Book of Proverbs. And it is a Parable. About a "lazy" man! In fact, about the archetypical lazy man!

"I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man." Proverbs 24:30-34

The Bible and "sloth!"

This word has an old English background, from "slowe," meaning "never in a hurry!" As a lifestyle, never aggressively eager to achieve a goal!

A Scriptural synonym for "sloth" is "sluggishness." Defined as one who is "habitually lazy!" Yes, the Bible (six times) mentions the "sluggard," all of these occurrences being in the Book of Proverbs.

Today, with tomorrow's Lesson also being on the above Text, let's notice the Bible's overall attitude toward indolence. Toward the man who refuses to exert energy (not much anyway) to face life's challenges.

"The soul of the sluggard desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent shall be made fat." Proverbs 13:4, where "sluggard" is "atzsel," meaning "lazy." They "want" and never "have" ... because they absolutely refuse to work!

Here's Proverbs 10:4, the same truth, just worded differently. "He becometh poor that dealeth with a slack hand: but the hand of the diligent maketh rich." And the word "hand" here is "palm," an empty one at that!

And Proverbs 20:4 thunders: "The sluggard will not plow by reason of the cold; therefore shall he beg in harvest, and have nothing." Mr. indolent says: "Too cold to work today!" Or a dozen others excuses will be in his mouth ... if the weather is too warm!

Even the New Testament helps with our discussion. "And whatsoever ye do, do it heartily, as to the Lord, and not unto men: knowing that of the Lord ye shall receive the reward of the inheritance: for ye serve the Lord Christ." Colossians 3:23-24, meaning "give it all you've got!"

Paul went this far, concerning lazy people in the Church. "For even when we were with you, this we commanded you, that if any would not work, neither should he eat." Second Thessalonians 3:10

And Jesus certainly was not lazy! "But Jesus answered them, My Father worketh hitherto, and I work." John 5:17

Does this sound "lazy?" One of Paul's principles for life: "I keep under my body, and bring it into subjection: lest that by any means, when I have preached to others, I myself should be a castaway." Wow, genuine "self control" in a Christian!

And I'll close today with Romans 12:11. Three of our ideals as Believers in Jesus: "Not slothful in business; fervent in spirit; serving the Lord." Here "fervent" means "warm, boiling, on fire," not cold and indifferent! These three traits illustrate anything but laziness.

The word "enthusiasm," by etymological definition, means "God within." How does the world determine if God resides within an individual, if he or she is indwelt by the Holy Spirit? By their lack of "laziness," by their exuberance, by their vitality!

May be ... by their work ethic!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 21, PROVERBS 24:30-34 CONTINUED:

The Book of Proverbs seldom "groups" verses along topical lines. But today we indeed have five such verses, all speaking of the dangers of laziness!

This Text reflects an experience the author, King Solomon of Israel, had on (at least) one occasion. He here saw, carefully observed, and then "learned" from the vista spread before him.

"I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep. So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man." Proverbs 24:30-34

Today I'd like to make four or five deductions or statements about this powerful Paragraph. And then probably a few more tomorrow. (This "Unit" of Scripture is really bigger than I at first thought!)

First, while nowhere does this Pericope (a literary piece "isolated" for the purpose of precise study) claim that it is a "parable" ... it has all the traits of one. A lovely little "story" loaded with spiritual truth! (Some physical truth, too. Especially in this "rural, rustic" little illustration.) Several older Bible teachers also call this a "parable," or at least "parabolic" in style.

Remember that in the Hebrew Language "mashal" (the noun most often used for "parable") means a piece of advice that "guides" one's life. "To govern, to rule or to have power!"

Second, this Story (an actual event nonetheless) sounds a little bit like Jesus' Parable of the Sower, Matthew 13:3-9. Some of that "seed" (the preached Word of God) fell on hard, stony ground, unprepared by plow and labor, hard labor! Other seed fell on ground where, although it germinated and sprouted, was "chocked" by weeds and thorns! "And some fell among thorns; and the thorns sprung up, and choked them" ... Matthew 13:7.

I now wonder if Jesus might have gleaned His original idea (for the Parable of the Sower) from this Text in Proverbs! Our Lord sure did love that Book, either quoting from or alluding to it often! (Compare Proverbs 25:6-7 to Luke 14:8-10, the similarities are amazing!)

Third, the underlying truth of this whole sequence of thoughts rests on Genesis 3:17-19. "And unto Adam God said, Because thou hast hearkened unto the voice of thy wife, and hast eaten of the tree, of which I commanded thee, saying, Thou shalt not eat of it: cursed is the ground for thy sake; in sorrow shalt thou eat of it all the days of thy life; thorns also and thistles shall it bring forth to thee; and thou shalt eat the herb of the field. In the sweat of thy face shalt thou eat bread, till thou return unto the ground; for out of it wast thou taken: for dust thou art, and unto dust shalt thou return." Ground must be "worked," if it is to bear fruit!

Fourth, the whole Book of Proverbs detests get-rich-quick schemes! Labor, diligence, patience, hours and hours of time ... that's what produces good grapes, healthy wheat. Provided God has blessed with warmth and rain and withheld destructive, stormy weather. "Diligence" is the word the New Testament would have used here. Applying oneself, not extra time in bed every night! "A little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep." Wake up, go work in the fields!

Five, our Text has a "cause and effect" sequence built into it. If I sleep and do not work ... then (consequently) something will "rob" me! The expression "one that travelleth" means a "highway man!" That's old English for a "thief." Yes, "poverty" will take away all I have! On the other hand, if I am fervent in my business ... work in  my vineyard every day ... I can ward off such "poverty!" Listen to Proverbs 13:4. "The soul of the sluggard (lazy man) desireth, and hath nothing: but the soul of the diligent (sharp in his labors) shall be made fat."

Wow!

And yes, I still need one more day.

Other "principles" are embedded in this beautiful little Story. Well worth some time "digging" them and then "sharing" them as well.

Praise the Lord for the Bible!

                --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 22, THE "LAZY MAN" PARABLE CONCLUDED:

I went by the field of the slothful, and by the vineyard of the man void of understanding; and, lo, it was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down. Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep: so shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man.

The writer (of Proverbs 24:30-34) is certainly observant. One day he merely walked by a farm, a small area under "cultivation." The plot consisted of a "field" and a "vineyard" too, surrounded by a "wall." But the place was in a state of obvious neglect.

This much was clearly visible. "It was all grown over with thorns, and nettles had covered the face thereof, and the stone wall thereof was broken down." Yet our Text sees even "deeper" disorders than these!

Such chaos seems to indicate "laziness!" Maybe a farmer who sleeps entirely too much? So thought Solomon. "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep." Verse 33 of Proverbs 24, our "focus" for three days now!

"No need for alarm!"

"Vacation week (or month) need not be postponed!"

"That fence will still be there when we return!"

"Besides, we need our rest!"

A direct quote maybe. "Yet a little sleep, a little slumber, a little folding of the hands to sleep."

But there is more!

It's not just the unattractiveness of such a spread. Or its wasted potential. Or the reputation lost.

There's something else on the way!

The Holy Spirit (Who inspired all God's Word) says to the sluggish farmer: "So shall thy poverty come as one that travelleth; and thy want as an armed man." Proverbs 24:34

"Poverty" comes from a Hebrew noun that means "need, lack, penury." One that "travelleth" suggests a person being "robbed" while on a trip. Stripped by a man with a weapon!

In other words ... Work and be paid! Or the alternative ... Be lazy, refuse to apply yourself and become poorer and poorer.

Almost a sermon, from a man passing a plantation!

But now watch this. The verbs used for this type observation. Verse 32: "Then I saw, and considered it well: I looked upon it, and received instruction. "

Wow!

"Saw" translates "chazah," meaning "to understand, to perceive."

"Considered well" is "shiyth," meaning "set in one's mind," also "to regard." He deliberately "thought" about what he had seen. He could not "shake" that image, the field and vineyard and wall!

"Looked upon" is "raah," implying "to scrutinize" ... like a shepherd surveying his flock, watching for any anomalies. A second and third look, if not more!

Then "received" is the Hebrew verb "laqach," that is "to fetch, to lay hold of," usually with eagerness!

"Instruction" is "musar," but in the sense of "correction," a "check" on possibly developing such lethargy!

Application of what one has seen!

This Lesson could almost be titled, "How to observe life's situations. And then use them to shape your Christianity, your character!"

Thank you, Solomon.

               --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 23, JESUS' STORY OF THE LEAVEN:

It's usually called "The Parable of the Leaven." Being one of the "Kingdom Parables" of Matthew 13, I guess it can hardly be called "unusual." Perhaps "controversial" is a better adjective.

But I'd like us to study it a couple of days. Like everything our Lord said, this little paragraph is perfectly expressed.

"Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matthew 13:33

Well, maybe it is unusual in respect to its length! Rather, it's brevity. But volumes of material have been written discussing this single Story.

A view that was prominent for years, still is in more "liberal" circles, is that the "leaven" (in Greek "zume," commonly called "yeast" today) is a "picture" of "goodness." Of godly doctrine, of the genuine work of our Lord! And that the "Gospel" (as good as anything gets) would be introduced into the world and would permeate every bit of society! Explained by the woman above "kneading" the whole lump of flour, causing the "leaven" to spread its influence, its power, everywhere.)

That is ... "leaven" equals "good!"

This scenario has the world, all civilization, getting "better and better" until finally the very Kingdom of God is ushered, is brought, down to earth.

I think not.

I'm going to teach that the "leaven" is not illustrating the power of "good" here, but its opposite, the power of "evil."

I largely base my conclusion on Jesus' Own interpretation of leaven, too. In Mark 8:15, for example. "And he (Jesus) charged them (the Disciples), saying, Take heed, beware of the leaven of the Pharisees, and of the leaven of Herod." Very clear! Here "leaven" is not used in any good sense!

And in Luke 12:1 this truth is even further verified. "In the mean time, when there were gathered together an innumerable multitude of people, insomuch that they trode one upon another, he began to say unto his disciples first of all, Beware ye of the leaven of the Pharisees, which is hypocrisy." Leaven here is falsity, deceit, insincerity!

Now, back to our Text, our Parable for today. "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matthew 13:33

I believe the teaching of this Parable is that "professing" Christianity, the so-called "Church" at large, (consisting of both wheat and tares, true and false members) will eventually be "overcome" of evil!

That only a remnant will be maintained as "pure!"

That, as Paul said: "Evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived." Second Timothy 3:13

That the professional Church will grow more and more apostate, departing from the true Faith!

And I also believe that this is happening in front of our very eyes!

Tomorrow, Lord willing, I'll say more. Today I wanted to try to "reverse" the common view of this Parable.

Furthermore I ask you, each reader ... think about this Text in the intervening hours. "Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matthew 13:33

And if I'm anywhere near right, some of Jesus' other Parables (especially in Matthew 13 where they are "clustered") should illustrate the same fact. Evil mixed into the good!

Thus precipitating the return of our Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ!

And even when He does come, using Jesus' Own words again, our Lord wondered: "Nevertheless when the Son of man cometh, shall he find faith on the earth?" Luke 18:8

Wow!

Oh yes, Paul did say this too, addressing his most carnal converts. "Your glorying (sinful bragging) is not good. Know ye not that a little leaven leaveneth the whole lump? Purge out therefore the old leaven, that ye may be a new lump, as ye are unleavened." First Corinthians 5:6-7, purging from sin! And the "sin" in Paul's mind is pictured by the "leaven."

Until tomorrow ...

            --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

LESSON 24, THE LEAVEN, BAD NEWS:

The "Parable of the Leaven" sort of addresses the whole "trajectory" of history, of human history. And we going "up?" Or are we going "down," spiritually speaking?

If man is in a constant state of "improvement," getting better and better with each passing year ... then the "leaven" that permeates the whole "lump" must be a symbol of "good!"

However, if the social, spiritual status of humankind is worsening, on a downhill slide (regarding sin and deviation from God's Standard) ... then the "leaven" must typify that which is "bad."

Certainly ... the latter condition, not the former, is the Truth according to the Bible.

Now I am not saying that the Church (as the redeemed Body of Christ, the faultless Bride of Jesus) is anything but 100% pure! Not a sinner in that Group, that totality of Blood-Washed ex-Sinners!

But I am saying that the "meal" (flour or barley) into which the leaven was introduced is a picture of the "religious" Church, the "professing" Church, the Church "membership roll." And absolutely therein are found both sinners and saints!

"Another parable spake He unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matthew 13:33

By the way, two or three other "Matthew 13" Parables suggest this scenario as well, the "good" being mixed with the "bad" ... until Jesus comes again!

Here (in the following verses) the "birds" are, I believe, a symbol of "evil," resting in the congregation of those who say they know Jesus. "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: 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." Matthew 13:31-32, Jesus' third of seven Parables in a single chapter! Do remember that the devil used "birds" to take away the "seed" of the Gospel back in the Parable of the Sower!

And the "wheat and tares" Parable certainly tells the same Story! "False" growth strewed among the "true" wheat, until harvest Day anyway. Until Jesus comes as Judge!

And the Parable of the "Net," Matthew 13:47-50. "Again, the kingdom of heaven is like unto a net, that was cast into the sea, and gathered of every kind: which, when it was full, they drew to shore, and sat down, and gathered the good into vessels, but cast the bad away. So shall it be at the end of the world: the angels shall come forth, and sever the wicked from among the just, and shall cast them into the furnace of fire: there shall be wailing and gnashing of teeth." This is clear!

Religious assemblies can be "mixed," with the "real" and the "not real!"

Yet the True Church, the Body of the Blood-Washed, "not a one is lost!"

Yes, the "leaven" of sin is still active!

Even among those who say they know and love Jesus, but in reality have never experienced his saving Grace!

Again: The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matthew 13:33, Parable number four!

And I think ... if you will keep studying with me ... one more day in the kitchen! With this woman and her dough and her yeast!

                   --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

No, things are not getting "better" all along. That's the evolutionary line! Things are growing "darker." All creation needs a Saviour! A Redeemer! A King! And This Person is Jesus!

LESSON 25, THE PARABLE OF THE LEAVEN CONCLUDED:

Let me show you something interesting. I'll place the Parable of the "Mustard Seed" directly above the Parable of the "Leaven" and draw some conclusions. They stand that way, in that order, in Jesus' Teaching in Matthew chapter thirteen.

"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: 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." Matthew 13:31-32

This lets us see the "outward" development of the "professing" church, not necessarily the True Church. Astounding size ... and lots and lots of birds! (Birds that stole away the true "seed" back in the Parable of the Sower!)

Then our Parable currently under study: "Another parable spake he unto them; The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matthew 13:33

This one lets us see the "inward" development of the so-called church. With "leaven" being a picture of false teaching. Evil spreading like wildfire!

Furthermore, the parable of the "Mustard Seed" emphasizes the "quantity" of growth, from a little seed to a (not a bush) huge tree!  While the parable of the "Leaven" illustrates the "quality" of the growth ... soon to sour and ferment and literally go "bad."

Today's Text again ... "The kingdom of heaven is like unto leaven, which a woman took, and hid in three measures of meal, till the whole was leavened." Matthew 13:33

The woman in our leaven and dough picture is a "type" of the church, no doubt. But she is not a Virgin here, rather a deceiver! Much like the woman Jezebel in the Church of Thyatira (Revelation 2:18-29) who introduced false doctrine to that church! She's the counterpart to the "harlot" of Revelation ... professing Christianity having apostatized. A counterfeit church!

Leaven, a picture of "sin?"

Yes, it causes its "lump" to rise, to rise inordinately! A picture of "pride," folks! It also (if not exposed to the "fire" of the oven) will ferment a ball of dough. Rotting it from the inside!

That's where we are today. Filled with tinges of dozens of false beliefs! The most mixed-up church I've ever seen! Really, think of the conditions of "religion" (yet those who "say" that believe in Christ Jesus) in America today! Every hue of the theological spectrum is represented!

The woman has done her work!

And the result smells to high Heaven ... nauseating Almighty God. He calls it an "abomination!"

Today be sure you are saved!

                 --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

This Parable of the Leaven is also repeated in Luke! Suggesting that its warning needs to be disseminated to an ever wider audience!

LESSON 26, THE POOR MAN'S LAMB:

The Preacher's name was Nathan. He was a Prophet of God, "assigned" to King David of Israel. One day the King sinned, "taking" another man's Wife!

After nearly a year of time, and many other "supporting" sins to "hide" that act of adultery ...

"The LORD sent Nathan unto David. And he came unto him, and said unto him, There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter." Second Samuel 12:1-3 ... this Story Nathan told David sounds like a such happy situation, a poor but stable home. A traditional home, I might add.

Then the "crime," back to the story.

"And there came a traveller (just a visitor) unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him. Second Samuel 12:4-5

Yes, I'm calling this little "story" a parable.

One I believe God designed expressly to "fit" David's circumstances.

Once again: "There were two men in one city; the one rich, and the other poor. The rich man had exceeding many flocks and herds: but the poor man had nothing, save one little ewe lamb, which he had bought and nourished up: and it grew up together with him, and with his children; it did eat of his own meat, and drank of his own cup, and lay in his bosom, and was unto him as a daughter. And there came a traveller unto the rich man, and he spared to take of his own flock and of his own herd, to dress for the wayfaring man that was come unto him; but took the poor man's lamb, and dressed it for the man that was come to him."

One little poor man.

With only one little lamb, a "pet" at that!

This animal was about all the poor man owned!

Then one day a rich man had "company." To serve his guest, the wealthy man (instead of killing and preparing one of his own sheep, one of the thousands he owned) "took" the poor man's lamb and killed it!

As food for his guest.

What a sad situation.

How cruel.

Yes, Nathan told David about that situation!

How did the King react?

Remember, David is not only King over Israel, but Judge as well. "And David's anger was greatly kindled against the man; and he said to Nathan, As the LORD liveth, the man that hath done this thing shall surely die: and he shall restore the lamb fourfold, because he did this thing, and because he had no pity." Second Samuel 12:5-6

Kill the cruel "thief!"

Furthermore, take four of his lambs (he would have never missed them anyway) and gave them to the grieving poor man.

David has solved that problem!

But Nathan then thundered: "Thou art the man."

It's you, O Royal King!

You (with many wives) "took" a poor soldier's wife (his only one) and enjoyed her for yourself.

You shall pay, as you have so judged!

Wow!

                      --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

And that, folks, is the power of a parable!

LESSON 27, A PARABLE IN ECCLESIASTES:

The Text is found in Ecclesiastes 9:13-18. In fact, if you have more time, lots more time, you can read an entire "Series" of Messages on this Paragraph ... right here on our Website. To read there ... just "click" on the blue title to do so, Ecclesiastes 9:13-18. This is called a "hyper-link," I think.

Meanwhile, here's the Text, King James Version. "This wisdom have I seen also under the sun, and it seemed great unto me. There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard." Ecclesiastes 9:13-16, a slightly shortened form of the Story.

Yes, by almost all definitions, this too is a parable.

When I preached those verses, the "city" represented the whole world. The "great king" was the devil, attacking the people. The whole place was "doomed!"

Then was found a "man." He was poor (like Jesus). Yet he was wise (again like Jesus). Yet he "delivered" the city! He became their "saviour," in a physical sense. But Jesus became our Saviour ... in a spiritual sense, in fact ... totally!

Jesus!

Victory!

Via Wisdom!

Paul says in First Corinthians that the "Cross," the "Death" of Jesus there ... is the very Wisdom of God unto salvation!

But look again at our story.

The wise man (who delivered the city) was soon forgotten!

"No man remembered" him!

Much as Jesus is neglected today.

In fact, not many people, writers and teachers and preachers, see "Jesus" in this Ecclesiastes Text.

But I sure do!

"There was a little city, and few men within it; and there came a great king against it, and besieged it, and built great bulwarks against it. Now there was found in it a poor wise man, and he by his wisdom delivered the city; yet no man remembered that same poor man. Then said I, Wisdom is better than strength: nevertheless the poor man's wisdom is despised, and his words are not heard."

In fact, I have given most of life life to the goal of seeing that His Words are heard!

Still, words of deliverance!

                    --- Dr. Mike Bagwell

Jesus in Ecclesiastes, what an amazing fact!

I write this Lesson on the morning of May 26, 2015. This is my sixth-ninth birthday as well! I want to use the rest of my life telling about the Wise Man Jesus. And how He is still saving people from sure death. And travel through every open door God provides, explaining the Words of our Lord, better yet, the Word of God!