Topical Encyclopedia In biblical literature, the concept of the "uncircumcised ear" is a metaphorical expression used to describe the spiritual condition of those who are resistant or disobedient to God's word. This term is primarily found in the Old Testament and is closely associated with the broader theme of spiritual insensitivity and rebellion against divine instruction.The metaphor of circumcision in the Bible often symbolizes the covenant relationship between God and His people, Israel. Physical circumcision was a sign of this covenant, as seen in Genesis 17:10-11, where God commands Abraham and his descendants to be circumcised as a mark of their commitment to Him. However, the prophets and other biblical writers extend this metaphor to the heart and ears, emphasizing the need for internal transformation and receptivity to God's voice. Jeremiah 6:10 states, "To whom can I speak and give warning? Who will listen? Their ears are uncircumcised, so they cannot hear. See, the word of the LORD has become offensive to them; they find no pleasure in it." Here, the prophet Jeremiah laments the spiritual deafness of the people of Judah. Their "uncircumcised ears" signify a deliberate refusal to heed God's warnings and instructions, resulting in their inability to understand or accept His word. This imagery is further echoed in the New Testament, where Stephen, the first Christian martyr, accuses the Jewish leaders of resisting the Holy Spirit. In Acts 7:51 , he declares, "You stiff-necked people with uncircumcised hearts and ears! You always resist the Holy Spirit, just as your fathers did." Stephen's indictment highlights the continuity of this spiritual condition from the Old Testament to the New, underscoring the persistent nature of human rebellion against God. The "uncircumcised ear" is thus emblematic of a broader spiritual malaise that affects not only the ability to hear God's word but also the willingness to obey it. It reflects a hardened heart, one that is closed off to divine truth and guidance. This condition is often linked with wickedness, as those who are described in this manner are typically characterized by their opposition to God's will and their engagement in sinful practices. In contrast, the call to have "circumcised" ears and hearts is a call to repentance and renewal. Deuteronomy 10:16 exhorts, "Circumcise your hearts, therefore, and stiffen your necks no more." This call to spiritual circumcision is an invitation to open oneself to God's transformative power, to listen attentively to His word, and to live in accordance with His commandments. The metaphor of the uncircumcised ear serves as a poignant reminder of the importance of spiritual receptivity and obedience. It challenges believers to examine their own hearts and ears, to ensure they are not resistant to God's voice, but rather open and responsive to His leading. Torrey's Topical Textbook Jeremiah 6:10To whom shall I speak, and give warning, that they may hear? behold, their ear is uncircumcised, and they cannot listen: behold, the word of the LORD is to them a reproach; they have no delight in it. Torrey's Topical Textbook Acts 7:51 Library That it is the Prerogative of the Same Power to be Beneficent and ... Of Circumcision and the Supercession of the Old Law. Psalm CXVIII. The Same Subject Continued. Justinus' Triad of Principles; his Angelography Founded on this ... "And There is None that Calleth Upon Thy Name, that Stirreth up ... Extent of Atonement. On the Words of the Gospel, Matt. xxii. 2, Etc. , About the ... Acts of the Holy Apostle and Evangelist John the Theologian. Whether There Can be any Suitable Cause for the Sacraments of the ... 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) |
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