Topical Encyclopedia The concept of seed, as presented in the Bible, is foundational to understanding the natural order established by God. The term "seed" is used both literally and metaphorically throughout Scripture, signifying not only the physical propagation of plants but also spiritual and covenantal promises.Creation and Order In the account of creation, God establishes the principle that every plant and tree yields seed according to its kind. Genesis 1:11-12 states, "Then God said, 'Let the earth bring forth vegetation, seed-bearing plants and fruit trees, each bearing fruit with seed according to its kind.' And it was so. The earth produced vegetation: seed-bearing plants according to their kinds and trees bearing fruit with seed according to their kinds. And God saw that it was good." This passage underscores the divine order and intentionality in creation, where each plant reproduces within its own kind, ensuring the continuity and stability of the created world. Symbolism and Spiritual Significance The seed is often used symbolically in Scripture to represent the Word of God, faith, and the Kingdom of Heaven. In the Parable of the Sower, Jesus explains that the seed is the Word of God (Luke 8:11). The condition of the soil, representing the hearts of individuals, determines the growth and fruitfulness of the seed. This parable highlights the importance of receptivity and the transformative power of God's Word. Furthermore, the seed is a symbol of faith. Jesus teaches that faith as small as a mustard seed can move mountains (Matthew 17:20). This illustrates the potential and potency of genuine faith, no matter how small it may seem. Covenantal Promises The concept of seed is also integral to the covenantal promises made by God to His people. In Genesis 22:17-18 , God promises Abraham, "I will surely bless you, and I will multiply your descendants like the stars in the sky and the sand on the seashore. Your offspring will possess the gates of their enemies. And through your offspring all nations of the earth will be blessed, because you have obeyed My voice." Here, the seed refers to Abraham's descendants, through whom God would bring blessing to the entire world, ultimately fulfilled in Jesus Christ. Agricultural Laws and Practices The Mosaic Law contains specific instructions regarding seeds and agricultural practices, reflecting God's concern for order and purity. Leviticus 19:19 commands, "You must keep My statutes. You shall not breed your livestock with two different kinds; you shall not sow your field with two kinds of seed; and you shall not wear clothing made of two kinds of material." These laws emphasize the importance of maintaining distinctiveness and purity, both in agriculture and in the lives of God's people. Eschatological Hope In the New Testament, the seed is also associated with the resurrection and the hope of eternal life. In 1 Corinthians 15:36-38 , Paul writes, "You fool! What you sow does not come to life unless it dies. And what you sow is not the body that will be, but a bare seed, perhaps of wheat or something else. But God gives it a body as He has designed, and to each kind of seed He gives its own body." This passage draws a parallel between the sowing of a seed and the resurrection of the dead, offering believers hope in the promise of new life through Christ. In summary, the biblical concept of seed encompasses the natural order, spiritual truths, covenantal promises, and eschatological hope. It serves as a reminder of God's sovereignty, faithfulness, and the inherent potential within His creation. Torrey's Topical Textbook Genesis 1:11,12,29And God said, Let the earth bring forth grass, the herb yielding seed, and the fruit tree yielding fruit after his kind, whose seed is in itself, on the earth: and it was so. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library Victor Emmanuel, Emancipator The Barren Fig-Tree; The Water of Life; Chapter i The Pilgrim's Progress Resources What is the meaning of the Parable of the Growing Seed (Mark 4:26-29)? | GotQuestions.orgWhat does it mean to have mustard seed faith? | GotQuestions.org What is the meaning of the Parable of the Mustard Seed? | GotQuestions.org Seed: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Seed in Egypt Required to be Artificially Watered Seed: Difference Between, and the Plant Which Grows from It, Seed: Each Kind Has Its own Body Seed: Each Kind of, Has Its own Body Seed: Every Herb, Tree and Grass Yields Its Own Seed: Every Herb, Tree, and Grass, Yields Its Own Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Different Kinds of, not to be Sown in the Same Field Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: If Dry, Exempted from Uncleanness Though Touched by An Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: If Wet, Rendered Unclean by Contact With an Unclean Thing Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Not to be Sown During the Sabbatical Year Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: Not to be Sown in Year of Jubilee Seed: Mosaic Laws Respecting: The Tithe of, to be Given to God Seed: Not to be Mingled in Sowing Seed: Often Sown Beside Rivers Seed: Often Trodden Into the Ground, by the Feet of Oxen Seed: Required to be Watered by the Rain Seed: Sowing of Necessary to Its Productiveness Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Danger Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Great Waste Seed: Sowing of Required Constant Diligence Seed: Sowing of Time For, Called Seed Time Seed: Sowing of, Type of Burial of the Body Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Christian Liberality Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Men's Works Producing a Corresponding Recompence Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Preaching the Gospel Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of Scattering or Dispersing a People Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of The Burial of the Body Seed: Sowing, Illustrative of The Death of Christ and Its Effects Seed: The Ground Carefully Ploughed, and Prepared For Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Being Choked by Thorns Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Increase Being Consume by Enemies Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Increase Being Consumed by Locusts Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Rotting in the Ground Seed: The Jews Punished by Its Yielding But Little Increase Seed: Yearly Return of Time of Sowing, Secured by Covenant Seed: Yielded an Abundant Increase in Canaan Related Terms |
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