Topical Encyclopedia The ear, a marvel of divine creation, is a testament to God's intricate design and purpose for humanity. In the Bible, the ear is often mentioned not only as a physical organ but also as a symbol of spiritual receptivity and obedience to God's word.Creation and Design The ear's creation is attributed to God, who fashioned it with precision and purpose. In Psalm 94:9 , the psalmist rhetorically asks, "He who formed the ear, does He not hear?" This verse underscores the belief that God, as the Creator of the ear, is fully aware of its function and capabilities. The ear's ability to hear and process sound is a reflection of God's wisdom and attention to detail in His creation. Hearing and Obedience In Scripture, the ear is frequently associated with hearing God's voice and obeying His commands. Proverbs 20:12 states, "Ears that hear and eyes that see—the LORD has made them both." This highlights the importance of using our God-given faculties to discern and follow His will. The ear is not merely a physical organ but a gateway to spiritual understanding and obedience. Spiritual Symbolism The ear also serves as a metaphor for spiritual attentiveness. In Isaiah 50:4-5 , the prophet speaks of the Lord awakening his ear to listen as one being taught: "The Lord GOD has given Me the tongue of discipleship, to know how to sustain the weary with a word. He awakens Me morning by morning; He awakens My ear to listen as a disciple. The Lord GOD has opened My ear, and I have not been rebellious; I have not turned back." This passage illustrates the concept of the ear as a symbol of readiness to receive divine instruction and guidance. Warnings Against Deafness Conversely, the Bible warns against spiritual deafness, where individuals refuse to hear God's word. In Jeremiah 6:10 , the prophet laments, "To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen? Their ears are closed so they cannot hear. The word of the LORD is offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it." This highlights the danger of closing one's ears to God's message, resulting in spiritual stagnation and disobedience. Divine Communication The ear is also a conduit for divine communication. In 1 Samuel 3:10 , the young Samuel responds to God's call with, "Speak, for Your servant is listening." This readiness to hear and respond to God's voice is a model for believers, emphasizing the importance of maintaining an open and attentive ear to the Lord's guidance. In summary, the ear, as created by God, serves both a physical and spiritual function. It is a symbol of God's intricate design and a reminder of the importance of listening to and obeying His word. Through the ear, believers are called to be attentive to God's voice, ready to receive His teachings, and responsive to His commands. Torrey's Topical Textbook Proverbs 20:12The hearing ear, and the seeing eye, the LORD has made even both of them. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library "Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ... On the Same Words, John i. "In the Beginning was the Word," Etc. Regeneration the Work of God. "Seek First the Kingdom of God," &C. The Twofold Wrestle --God's with Jacob and Jacob's with God God Hath Made Manifest Proofs from the Plain Testimony of Moses, and of the Other ... That the Example of Certain Saints who Seem to have Exercised ... "God Willeth to be Seen and to be Sought: to be Abided and to be ... God's Family. Resources What does the Bible say about body piercings? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is emblematic parallelism in Hebrew poetry? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean to live by the sword and die by the sword? | GotQuestions.org Ear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Ear: Anointed With Oil in Purifications Ear: Blood Put Upon, in Consecration of Priest Ear: Bored As a Sign of Servitude The Ear of Servants Who Refused to Leave Their Masters, Bored to The The Ear of the Wicked: Itching The Ear of the Wicked: Not Inclined to Hear God The Ear of the Wicked: Stopped Against God's Word The Ear of the Wicked: Turned Away from God's Law The Ear of the Wicked: Uncircumcised The Ear: Blood Put on the Right Ear of Priests at Consecration The Ear: Blood Put on the Right Ear of The Healed Leper in Cleansing Him The Ear: Capable of Trying and Distinguishing Words The Ear: God: Judicially Closed The Ear: Instruction Received Through The Ear: Not Satisfied With Earthly Things The Ear: Not to be Stopped at Cry of the Poor The Ear: Often Adorned With Rings The Ear: should be Bowed Down to Instructions The Ear: should be Given to the Law of God The Ear: should be Incline to Wisdom The Ear: should Hear and Obey Reproof The Ear: should Receive the Word of God The Ear: should Seek Knowledge The Ear: That Hears and Receives the Word of God, Blessed Related Terms The-not-beloved (1 Occurrence) Kir'iath-je'arim (18 Occurrences) Kirjathjearim (17 Occurrences) Vine-dressers (18 Occurrences) Kirjath-jearim (17 Occurrences) Kibroth-hattaavah (5 Occurrences) |