Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

EAR

The oral texture of Israelite religion placed great value upon the ear. Hearing, listening, understanding, and obeying were closely connected (Prov. 18:15; Job 13:1), with the ear being both instrument and symbol. Ears are the path to wisdom (Prov. 2:2) and knowledge (18:15). The ears test words and may form a defense against evil thoughts (Job 12:11). Also, the ears of the people may be blocked from heeding God’s instruction, through stubbornness (Isa. 48:8) or rebellion (Ezek. 12:2).

As God’s voice became the central medium for revelation, so the ear of the people of Israel became the central medium for the reception of that revelation. “Hear, O Israel” (Deut. 6:3-5) summoned them to a unique calling of obedience. Just as the servant is dedicated for life to one master (Exod. 21:6) and the sons of Aaron are consecrated with blood, on the right ear (Lev. 8:23-24), so the righteous have receptive ears (Ps. 40:6[MT 7]; cf. Jer. 6:10).

God too has ears (Isa. 59:1) and is both able and willing to save those who call on him. By contrast, Baal remained silent, in spite of Elijah’s encouragement to the prophets to shout louder (1 Kgs. 18:27). Deutero-Isaiah mocks the idol who does not answer and cannot save (Isa. 46:7), while the Psalmist writes of the gold and silver deities of the nations who have ears but cannot hear (Ps. 115:6; 135:17).

Some people may close their ears, finding God’s word to be offensive (Jer. 6:10), as in response to the teaching of Jesus (Matt. 13:14-15, citing Isa. 6:9-10). In a call for true hearing, which issues in obedience, Jesus commands, “Those who have ears to hear, let them hear” (Matt. 11:15 par.; cf. Rev. 2:7).

William R. Domeris

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

EAR

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)