Topical Encyclopedia The ear, as a physical organ, serves as the gateway for auditory perception, allowing individuals to receive and process sounds. In the biblical context, the ear holds significant spiritual symbolism, representing one's openness and responsiveness to the divine word and commandments. The Scriptures frequently emphasize the importance of giving one's ear to the law of God, underscoring the necessity of attentiveness and obedience to His teachings.Biblical Foundation The call to listen and adhere to God's law is a recurring theme throughout the Bible. In Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema, a central declaration of the Jewish faith, begins with the imperative, "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is One." This command to "hear" is not merely about auditory reception but involves an active, obedient response to God's covenantal instructions. Proverbs 4:20-21 further illustrates this principle: "My son, pay attention to my words; incline your ear to my sayings. Do not lose sight of them; keep them within your heart." Here, the act of inclining the ear is linked to internalizing and cherishing divine wisdom, suggesting that true hearing involves a deep, heartfelt commitment to God's precepts. The Role of the Ear in Spiritual Discernment The ear's role in spiritual discernment is highlighted in the prophetic literature. Isaiah 55:3 invites the faithful, "Incline your ear and come to Me; listen, so that your soul may live. I will make an everlasting covenant with you, My loving devotion assured to David." This passage connects the act of listening with the promise of life and covenantal relationship, indicating that spiritual vitality is contingent upon heeding God's voice. Jeremiah 7:23-24 contrasts the blessings of obedience with the consequences of neglect: "But this is what I commanded them: 'Obey My voice, and I will be your God, and you will be My people. Walk in all the ways I command you, that it may go well with you.' Yet they did not listen or incline their ear, but they followed the stubborn inclinations of their own evil hearts." The refusal to listen leads to spiritual waywardness, highlighting the ear's critical role in maintaining fidelity to God. New Testament Perspectives In the New Testament, the theme of hearing God's word continues with renewed emphasis. Jesus frequently exhorts His listeners to hear and understand His teachings. In Matthew 11:15 , He declares, "He who has ears, let him hear." This call to hear is a summons to discern the truth of His message and respond with faith and obedience. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 10:17 , underscores the connection between hearing and faith: "Consequently, faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of Christ." The ear, therefore, becomes the conduit through which faith is birthed and nurtured, as believers are called to listen to the gospel and embrace its transformative power. Practical Implications The biblical exhortation to give one's ear to the law of God carries practical implications for the believer's life. It calls for a posture of humility and receptivity, where one is willing to be taught and corrected by Scripture. This involves regular engagement with the Bible, prayerful meditation on its truths, and a readiness to apply its teachings in daily life. Moreover, the ear's role in spiritual discernment necessitates vigilance against false teachings and worldly distractions that can lead one astray. Believers are encouraged to cultivate a discerning ear, attuned to the voice of the Good Shepherd, as Jesus assures in John 10:27 , "My sheep listen to My voice; I know them, and they follow Me." In summary, the ear, as a symbol of spiritual receptivity, is integral to the believer's relationship with God. By giving one's ear to the law of God, the faithful align themselves with His will, experience His blessings, and walk in the path of righteousness. Torrey's Topical Textbook Isaiah 1:10Hear the word of the LORD, you rulers of Sodom; give ear to the law of our God, you people of Gomorrah. Torrey's Topical Textbook Library The Hearing Ear and the Seeing Eye "Hear the Word of the Lord, Ye Rulers of Sodom, Give Ear unto the ... Of Circumcision and the Supercession of the Old Law. "For what the Law could not Do, in that it was Weak Though the ... The Fear which Terminates in the Second Death. Where to Find Fruit The Deaf and Dumb. Shod for the Road Philosophy is Knowledge Given by God. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xviii. 7, Where we are ... Resources Summary of the Book of Nehemiah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the meaning of shibboleth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org Why won't God heal amputees? | 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) |
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