Topical Encyclopedia In the biblical narrative, the concept of the "ear of the wicked" is often associated with a refusal or inability to hear and heed the voice of God. This theme is prevalent throughout Scripture, highlighting the spiritual deafness that characterizes those who are opposed to God's will and commandments.Biblical References 1. Proverbs 28:9 · "Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable." This verse underscores the principle that those who deliberately ignore God's law render their prayers unacceptable. The wicked, by turning their ears away, demonstrate a heart that is not aligned with God's righteousness. 2. Zechariah 7:11-12 · "But they refused to pay attention and turned a stubborn shoulder; they stopped their ears from hearing. They made their hearts like flint and would not listen to the law or to the words that the LORD of Hosts had sent by His Spirit through the earlier prophets." Here, the prophet Zechariah describes the obstinacy of the people who actively choose to block out divine instruction, resulting in hardened hearts. 3. Jeremiah 6:10 · "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." Jeremiah laments the closed ears of the people, indicating that the wicked find God's word distasteful and unappealing, further alienating themselves from His guidance. 4. Isaiah 42:20 · "Though seeing many things, you do not keep watch. Though your ears are open, you do not hear." This passage from Isaiah highlights the paradox of having the physical ability to hear but lacking the spiritual willingness to listen and respond to God's message. Characteristics of the Wicked Ear · Deliberate Rejection: The wicked ear is characterized by a conscious decision to reject God's word. This is not merely a passive oversight but an active choice to ignore divine instruction. · Spiritual Deafness: The inability to hear God is often linked to a deeper spiritual condition. The wicked are described as having ears that are closed or stopped, indicating a profound spiritual deafness that prevents them from understanding or accepting God's truth. · Hardened Heart: The refusal to listen is frequently associated with a hardened heart. As seen in Zechariah 7:12, the wicked make their hearts like flint, resistant to the transformative power of God's word. · Displeasure in God's Word: The wicked find no delight in the word of the Lord, as noted in Jeremiah 6:10. This aversion to divine instruction further alienates them from the blessings and wisdom that come from obedience to God. Consequences The refusal to hear God has significant consequences. As Proverbs 28:9 suggests, even the prayers of those who turn away from God's law are detestable. This indicates a severed relationship with God, where communication is hindered by disobedience and rebellion. The spiritual deafness of the wicked leads to a life devoid of divine guidance, wisdom, and ultimately, salvation. Contrast with the Righteous In contrast, the righteous are depicted as those who delight in God's law and are eager to listen to His voice. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." The righteous ear is open, attentive, and responsive to God's word, leading to a life of blessing and spiritual prosperity. The biblical portrayal of the ear of the wicked serves as a cautionary theme, urging believers to cultivate a heart and ear that are receptive to God's voice, thereby aligning themselves with His will and purpose. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 7:24But they listened not, nor inclined their ear, but walked in the counsels and in the imagination of their evil heart, and went backward, and not forward. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 35:15 Library The Carnal Mind Enmity against God Third Sunday after Trinity Humility, Trust, Watchfulness ... Psalm CXVIII. Approaching Doom Scriptures Showing the Sin and Danger of Joining with Wicked and ... The Sixth Season Election Confirmed by the Calling of God. The Reprobate Bring Upon ... Parental Duties Considered and Urged. On the Discoveries of Faith 1 Thessalonians v. 19-22 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) |