Topical Bible: The Ear: Instruction Received Through

◄ The Ear: Instruction Received Through ►

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Topical Encyclopedia

The ear, as a physical organ, plays a significant role in the spiritual and moral instruction of individuals according to the Bible. It is often used metaphorically to represent the act of listening and receiving divine wisdom, guidance, and commandments. The Scriptures emphasize the importance of hearing as a means of understanding and obeying God's will.

Hearing and Obedience

The Bible frequently links the act of hearing with obedience. In Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema begins with the imperative, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This call to hear is not merely about auditory reception but involves a deeper understanding and commitment to follow God's commandments. Similarly, in James 1:22, believers are admonished, "Do not merely listen to the word, and so deceive yourselves. Do what it says."

Divine Instruction

The ear is portrayed as a channel through which divine instruction is received. In Proverbs 2:2, the wise are encouraged to "turn your ear to wisdom and apply your heart to understanding." This highlights the ear's role in acquiring wisdom, which is a central theme in the wisdom literature of the Bible. The ear is a gateway to the heart, where understanding and discernment take root.

Prophetic Messages

Prophets in the Old Testament often began their messages with a call to hear the word of the Lord. Isaiah 1:10 states, "Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; listen to the instruction of our God, you people of Gomorrah!" This underscores the importance of listening to prophetic messages as a means of receiving God's guidance and warnings.

Jesus' Teachings

In the New Testament, Jesus frequently used the phrase, "He who has ears, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15). This call to hear is an invitation to understand and accept His teachings. Jesus' parables often required attentive listening to grasp their deeper meanings, as seen in the Parable of the Sower (Matthew 13:9).

Faith Comes by Hearing

The Apostle Paul emphasizes the role of hearing in the development of faith. In Romans 10:17, he writes, "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." This passage highlights the necessity of hearing the gospel message for the growth of faith in believers.

Warnings Against Dullness of Hearing

The Bible also warns against the dangers of dullness of hearing, which can lead to spiritual stagnation. Hebrews 5:11 cautions, "We have much to say about this, but it is hard to explain, because you are dull of hearing." This serves as a reminder of the need for vigilance in maintaining a receptive and attentive ear to God's word.

Conclusion

Throughout the Bible, the ear is a symbol of receptivity to divine instruction. It is through hearing that individuals are called to understand, obey, and grow in their relationship with God. The Scriptures consistently encourage believers to cultivate an attentive ear, ready to receive and act upon the wisdom and guidance of the Lord.

Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 30:21
And your ears shall hear a word behind you, saying, This is the way, walk you in it, when you turn to the right hand, and when you turn to the left.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

The Name Children Does not Imply Instruction in Elementary ...
... eye hath not known, nor hath entered into the mind of man," who have not perceived
by the Spirit, but received from instruction "what ear hath not ...
/.../clement/the instructor paedagogus/chapter vi the name children does.htm

Letter Lxxiii. (AD 404. )
... access to each other through the eye and ear, that I ... advanced in age, and have not
yet received a reply ... such study, I devote entirely to the instruction of the ...
/.../augustine/the confessions and letters of st/letter lxxiii a d 404.htm

Go Teach all Nations
... To many of the afflicted ones who received healing, Christ ... right in His sight, and
wilt give ear to His ... Christ gave to Israel definite instruction in regard to ...
//christianbookshelf.org/white/the desire of ages/chapter 86 go teach all.htm

"Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ...
... of the Lord, ye rulers of Sodom, give ear unto the ... ears to the word, and seal your
instruction,"but to ... would think, I say, that you had received double for ...
/.../binning/the works of the rev hugh binning/sermon viii hear the word.htm

Scriptural Types.
... ear, "the full corn in the ear." The primal ... the higher redemption, guidance, and
salvation received through Christ ... turns to it for instruction and encouragement ...
/.../barrows/companion to the bible/chapter xxxvii scriptural types.htm

How the Same King Oswald, Asking a Bishop of the Scottish Nation ...
... send him a bishop, by whose instruction and ministry ... and willingly in all things
giving ear to his ... to the Scottish monks, because they had received the faith ...
/.../bede/bedes ecclesiastical history of england/chap iii how the same.htm

Epistles to the Seven Churches.
... addressed to them, may serve for instruction to all ... He, who hath an ear, let him
hear what the ... where Satan reigned almost supreme and received the obedience of ...
/.../bliss/a brief commentary on the apocalypse/epistles to the seven churches.htm

Ninth Chapter
... you have now, by the grace of God, received the Holy ... instrument I have been: to Him
give ear, and obey ... all godly love, I desire to receive instruction from you ...
/.../the history and life of the reverend doctor john tauler/ninth chapter.htm

The General Conference of 1820
... with the quarterly meeting conferences, had received their license ... or is his ear
heavy that he will not hear ... their wives would assist in the instruction of the ...
/.../chapter 5 the general conference.htm

But, as Far as what Has Been Already Said...
... If, then, you have received God, if you have ... kind which are scattered for our
instruction throughout the ... which "eye hath not seen, neither ear heard, neither ...
/.../gregory/gregory of nyssa dogmatic treatises etc/chapter xl but as far.htm