Parables in the Old Testament

There were many parables spoken in ancient times and especially in the Bible. The Hebrew word "mashal" referred to a comparison of a familiar earthly thing with a heavenly or spiritual truth that was to be understood. Parables pointed to the fact that man is made in the image of God, he is of the earth but also of the divine. The power of a parable lies in its ability to use a simple every day experience to help the hearer to understand a truth set forth about the kingdom of God. Parables help man to perceive the difference between the kingdom of God and the kingdom of man. The parable leads the listener to a choice, to choose this day whom to serve.