The Ear of the Wicked: Turned Away from God's Law
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In the biblical narrative, the concept of the "ear of the wicked" symbolizes a spiritual and moral disposition that is resistant to divine instruction and truth. This theme is recurrent throughout Scripture, illustrating the consequences of turning away from God's law and the inherent dangers of ignoring His commandments.

Biblical References and Themes

1. Resistance to Divine Instruction: The wicked are often depicted as those who refuse to listen to God's law. Proverbs 28:9 states, "Whoever turns his ear away from hearing the law, even his prayer is detestable." This verse underscores the seriousness of ignoring divine instruction, suggesting that such an attitude renders one's spiritual practices ineffective and unacceptable to God.

2. Deafness to Wisdom: The wicked are portrayed as being deaf to wisdom and understanding. In Proverbs 1:24-25, wisdom personified cries out, "Because you refused my call, and no one took my outstretched hand, because you neglected all my counsel and wanted none of my correction." This passage highlights the willful ignorance of the wicked, who choose to reject the guidance and correction offered by God.

3. Consequences of Turning Away: The Bible warns of the dire consequences for those who turn their ears away from God's law. In Zechariah 7:11-12, it is written, "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." This hardening of the heart leads to spiritual blindness and separation from God's blessings.

4. Contrast with the Righteous: In contrast to the wicked, the righteous are those who delight in God's law and listen attentively to His voice. Psalm 1:2 describes the blessed man as one whose "delight is in the law of the LORD, and on His law he meditates day and night." This contrast serves to highlight the importance of an obedient and receptive heart.

5. Call to Repentance: Despite the grim portrayal of the wicked, Scripture consistently offers a call to repentance and a return to God's ways. Isaiah 55:3 invites, "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 invitation emphasizes God's desire for all to turn from their wicked ways and embrace His covenant of love and mercy.

Theological Implications

The theme of the "ear of the wicked" serves as a powerful reminder of the importance of obedience and attentiveness to God's Word. It reflects the broader biblical narrative of human rebellion and divine grace, where God continually calls His people to listen, repent, and return to Him. The resistance of the wicked to God's law is not merely a matter of ignorance but a deliberate choice that leads to spiritual alienation. The Scriptures urge believers to cultivate a heart that is open and responsive to God's voice, ensuring that their lives are aligned with His will and purpose.
Torrey's Topical Textbook
Proverbs 28:9
He that turns away his ear from hearing the law, even his prayer shall be abomination.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Library

Later English Reformers.
... peril of his life, spoke in the ear of royalty ... The very first men whose hearts were
turned were the ... still more hideous conclusion that "the wicked actions they ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /14 later english reformers.htm

Later English Reformers
... peril of his life, spoke in the ear of royalty ... The very first men whose hearts were
turned were the ... still more hideous conclusion that "the wicked actions they ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 14 later english reformers.htm

God's People Delivered.
... Before His presence, "all faces are turned into paleness ... the vineyard "will miserably
destroy those wicked men." In ... music that ever fell on mortal ear, is heard ...
/.../the great controversy between christ and satan /40 gods people delivered.htm

God's People Delivered
... Before His presence "all faces are turned into paleness ... the vineyard "will miserably
destroy those wicked men." In ... music that ever fell on mortal ear, is heard ...
/.../white/the great controversy/chapter 40 gods people delivered.htm

Ahab and Naboth
... hands; it is seldom pleasant to see people turned out of ... he will surely be able to
work his wicked will in ... to glide up and whisper in his ear thoughts which ...
/.../kingsley/sermons for the times/sermon xi ahab and naboth.htm

What is God's Will?
... It is really the same answer, but turned towards God ... The wicked, the profligate,
the licentious ... There is God's will dropped softly on the believer's ear in angel ...
//christianbookshelf.org/drummond/the ideal life/what is gods will.htm

The World Turned Upside Down
... shall bring forth "the full corn in the ear" of bliss and ... Who fears to tread their
wicked ways,. ... to my test: except ye be thoroughly renewed, turned upside down ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 4 1858/the world turned upside down.htm

A Prophet's Woes
... all this His anger is not turned away, but His ... to have it whispered in his ear, as
Isaiah ... irresistible attraction, the pomp and the wicked, senseless jollity ...
/.../maclaren/expositions of holy scripture h/a prophets woes.htm

The Character of the Persons for whom this Rest is Designed.
... If a man made pleasure his god, whatsoever a roving eye, a curious ear, a greedy
appetite, or a lustful heart could ... The wicked shall be turned into hell ...
/.../baxter/the saints everlasting rest/chapter iv the character of.htm

Man.
... rank and strong, that if it at any time turned its head ... And let me put this text
in thine ear to keep ... the Lord have mercy upon thee: "Upon the wicked shall the ...
//christianbookshelf.org/bunyan/the riches of bunyan/iv man.htm

Resources
Summary of the Book of Nehemiah - Bible Survey | GotQuestions.org

What is the meaning of shibboleth in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org

Why won't God heal amputees? | GotQuestions.org

Ear: Dictionary and Thesaurus | Clyx.com

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Ear

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The Ear of the Wicked: Stopped Against God's Word
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