Topical Bible: Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Danger

◄ Seed: Sowing of Often Attended With Danger ►

Jump to: Torrey's • Library • Subtopics • Terms

Topical Encyclopedia

In biblical times, the act of sowing seed was a fundamental aspect of agrarian life, yet it was not without its perils. The Bible provides numerous insights into the challenges and dangers associated with sowing, both in a literal and metaphorical sense.

Physical Dangers of Sowing

The physical act of sowing seed in ancient Israel was fraught with potential hazards. Farmers faced the threat of adverse weather conditions, such as droughts or floods, which could destroy crops and lead to famine. The parable of the sower in Matthew 13:3-8 illustrates the vulnerability of seeds to environmental factors: "A farmer went out to sow his seed. And as he was sowing, some seed fell along the path, and the birds came and devoured it. Some fell on rocky ground, where it did not have much soil. It sprang up quickly because the soil was shallow. But when the sun rose, the seedlings were scorched, and they withered because they had no root. Other seed fell among thorns, which grew up and choked the seedlings. Still other seed fell on good soil and produced a crop—a hundredfold, sixtyfold, or thirtyfold."

In addition to natural threats, sowers had to contend with human dangers. The presence of thieves and marauders posed a constant risk, as they could steal the harvest or destroy fields. The book of Judges recounts how the Midianites oppressed the Israelites by ravaging their crops: "Whenever the Israelites planted their crops, the Midianites, Amalekites, and other eastern peoples invaded the country" (Judges 6:3).

Spiritual and Metaphorical Dangers

Beyond the physical realm, the Bible often uses the imagery of sowing to convey spiritual truths, highlighting the dangers of spiritual neglect or opposition. In Galatians 6:7-8, the Apostle Paul warns of the consequences of sowing to the flesh: "Do not be deceived: God is not to be mocked. Whatever a man sows, he will reap in return. The one who sows to please his flesh, from the flesh will reap destruction; but the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life."

The parable of the weeds in Matthew 13:24-30 further illustrates the spiritual dangers associated with sowing. Jesus describes how an enemy sows weeds among the wheat, symbolizing the presence of evil and false teachings within the kingdom of God. The danger lies in the potential for these "weeds" to disrupt and corrupt the growth of true believers.

Perseverance Amidst Danger

Despite these dangers, the Bible encourages perseverance and faithfulness in sowing. Psalm 126:5-6 offers a promise of hope and reward for those who sow in tears: "Those who sow in tears will reap with shouts of joy. He who goes out weeping, bearing a trail of seed, will surely return with shouts of joy, carrying sheaves of grain."

The act of sowing, whether in the physical or spiritual realm, requires trust in God's provision and protection. The faithful sower is called to labor diligently, trusting that God will bring forth a harvest in due season, as expressed in 1 Corinthians 3:7: "So neither he who plants nor he who waters is anything, but only God, who makes things grow."

In summary, the sowing of seed in biblical times was an endeavor fraught with danger, both physically and spiritually. Yet, through perseverance and reliance on God's faithfulness, the sower can anticipate a bountiful harvest, reflecting the eternal truths of God's kingdom.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Psalm 126:5,6
They that sow in tears shall reap in joy.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Preaching among the Heathen
... But these doors cannot remain forever closed, and often, as God's servants have
returned after a time to ... And with the sowing of the seed, the apostles were ...
/.../white/the acts of the apostles/lesson 18 preaching among the.htm

The Sower.
... a very poor and awkward kind of sowing will suffice. ... have been after the manner of
the seed on stony ... all the efforts of human cultivators is often broken small ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/i the sower.htm

The Tares.
... the best, bears witness that he has often seen the ... and the tares which he by his
sowing caused to ... life appears, although even there the good seed must maintain ...
//christianbookshelf.org/arnot/the parables of our lord/ii the tares.htm

The Sluggard's Farm
... need long to instruct you in ploughing, sowing, and watering ... of conviction, and sown
with the good seed of the ... That point will often be raised, for doubt is a ...
//christianbookshelf.org/spurgeon/sermons on proverbs/the sluggards farm.htm

Moody's Stories
... I were in London a lady who attended our meetings ... the preacher, and caught away the
good seed of the ... I have often preached to people, and have been perfectly ...
//christianbookshelf.org/moody/moodys stories/moodys stories.htm

From the Close of the General Conference of 1808, to the ...
... Webb, after "sowing the good seed of the ... And in a country where freedom of speech
and of the press is allowed to all, these discussions often terminate in ...
/.../chapter 8 from the close.htm

Later English Reformers.
... Too often they succeeded. ... "While I am sowing in one ... If all the seed of Abraham had
been of the religion of Pharaoh, whose subjects they long were, I pray you ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /14 later english reformers.htm

Later English Reformers
... Too often they succeeded. ... "While I am sowing in one ... If all the seed of Abraham had
been of the religion of Pharaoh, whose subjects they long were, I pray you ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 14 later english reformers.htm

Homilies on the Gospel of John.
... talked with, [2]116; who the real seed of, [3 ... Himself greater than Jacob, [305]112;
often prophesied concerning ... to save souls, [319]124; why attended the feasts ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homilies on the gospel of.htm

From 1787 to 1791 Inclusive
... south, traversing all the middle states, and everywhere sowing the "good seed of
the ... mingling with their jeers such unruly conduct as often disturbed them ...
/.../a history of the methodist episcopal church volume i/chapter 2 from 1787 to.htm