Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of the "ear of the wicked" being stopped against God's Word is a recurring theme that highlights the spiritual deafness and willful ignorance of those who reject divine instruction. This metaphorical expression underscores the moral and spiritual condition of individuals who choose to ignore or resist the truth of God's revelation.Biblical References and Themes 1. Proverbs 28:9 · "Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable." This verse from Proverbs emphasizes the seriousness of ignoring God's commandments. It suggests that those who refuse to listen to God's law render their prayers unacceptable, indicating a severed relationship with the divine due to their disobedience. 2. Isaiah 6:9-10 · "He replied, 'Go and tell this people: Be ever hearing, but never understanding; be ever seeing, but never perceiving.' Make the hearts of this people calloused; deafen their ears and close their eyes. Otherwise they might see with their eyes, hear with their ears, understand with their hearts, and turn and be healed." In this passage, the prophet Isaiah is commissioned to deliver a message to a people who are spiritually blind and deaf. Their refusal to heed God's Word results in a hardened heart, preventing them from receiving healing and salvation. 3. Jeremiah 6:10 · "To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen? Look, 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, who find God's Word offensive. This reflects a deliberate choice to reject divine counsel, leading to spiritual stagnation and judgment. 4. 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. Therefore great anger came from the LORD of Hosts." The people’s refusal to listen is depicted as an act of rebellion, resulting in divine anger. Their hardened hearts and stopped ears symbolize a conscious decision to resist God's Spirit and His messengers. 5. Acts 7:57 · "At this they covered their ears, cried out in a loud voice, and rushed together at him." During Stephen's speech before the Sanhedrin, the crowd physically stopped their ears to avoid hearing his testimony about Jesus Christ. This act of covering their ears is a literal manifestation of their spiritual rejection of the truth. Theological Implications The imagery of the ear of the wicked being stopped against God's Word serves as a powerful warning about the consequences of spiritual insensitivity and rebellion. It illustrates the danger of hardening one's heart against divine truth, leading to a separation from God's grace and guidance. The refusal to listen to God's Word is not merely a passive state but an active choice that results in spiritual blindness and deafness. In the broader biblical narrative, this theme calls believers to self-examination and repentance, urging them to remain open and receptive to God's voice. It serves as a reminder of the importance of humility and obedience in the life of faith, encouraging individuals to seek understanding and transformation through the hearing and application of God's Word. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 58:4Their poison is like the poison of a serpent: they are like the deaf adder that stops her ear; Torrey's Topical Textbook Zechariah 7:11 Library "But Whereunto Shall I Liken this Generation?" Seeking Richly Rewarded Human Responsibility Later English Reformers. Later English Reformers Earnest Expostulation Spiritual Culture. Prayer and God's Work A Sermon on Isaiah xxvi. By John Knox. David's Dying Song Resources Doubting God - how can I overcome doubt in my relationship with God? | GotQuestions.orgWhat happened on the Mount of Olives? | GotQuestions.org What happened in the Garden of Gethsemane? | 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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