Matthew 13:5

Stony places. Apparently this does not refer to ground covered by loose stones, but rather to rocky ledges near the surface, covered with a thin layer of soil. Except in a few favored spots, rocky ledges such as these served effectively to limit the value of the hill country of Palestine as a region for farming.

The gospel seed that falls into the hearts of stony-ground hearers finds enough soil to germinate, but the soil is shallow and the effect of the gospel is at best superficial. The gospel appeals to their emotions, and they are quick to react to it, but the impression made by it passes with the fickle tide of emotion. The rock of selfishness (see COL 46) prevents the gospel from effecting a reform in the life. Any effort to serve Christ is so hindered by the fundamental purpose in life to serve self (see COL 50) that the gospel has little or no influence. Stony-ground hearers habitually follow their inclinations. Any convictions that such people may have are based on inclination rather than on principle. It is evident that the truth has a measure of appeal to them; they admit that it is good; but they love themselves. Quickly accepting what seems good at the moment, they fail to count the cost of discipleship; they do not apply the principles of the gospel to their lives and give it an opportunity to reform their patterns of thought and action. They are unwilling to face the fact that their habits must be changed.

Not much earth. The ledge of rock lying just beneath the surface of the soil absorbed heat and drove moisture from the soil above it.

Forthwith. That is, “immediately.” The additional heat in the soil reflected upward by the rock caused rapid germination. However, there was “no deepness of earth” to store moisture and supply it to the roots as they reached out for it.