Dictionary of Bible Themes The organ of hearing; the ear is referred to in various OT rites and is a symbol of attention, alertness or readiness to hear. Psalms 40:6The ear in the OT rites See also Piercing the ear: a symbol of servanthood Exodus 21:5-6Deuteronomy 15:16-17 Leviticus 8:23 See also Blood applied to the ear: a symbol of cleansing and ordination Exodus 29:20Leviticus 14:14 Psalms 116:1-2 God's ear as a symbol of his alertness to humanity See also 2 Kings 19:162 Chronicles 7:15 Nehemiah 1:6 Job 34:28 James 5:4 God's ear is especially alert to the poor and the oppressed, as well as to the righteous: Psalms 5:1; 31:2; 34:15; 88:2; 130:1-2Daniel 9:18 Psalms 28:1 God's ear may be turned away from humanity See also Deuteronomy 1:45The refusal to turn an ear towards someone was a symbol of refusing to listen. Lamentations 3:56Ezekiel 8:18 God's attending ear is partly dependent on human attitudes to him. Isaiah 50:4-5; 55:3The human ear used symbolically See also Human ears should be open to God Job 42:5Psalms 81:8 Isaiah 30:21; 32:3 Matthew 13:9 pp Mk 4:9 Matthew 13:16pp Lk 8:8 Mark 9:7"He who has ears" implies a potential willingness to listen Revelation 2:7Zechariah 7:11-13 See also Human ears may be closed against God Psalms 58:4-5Isaiah 6:10 Isaiah 48:8 Jeremiah 6:10 The human ear should also be open to others Ezekiel 12:2Acts 7:51,57 2 Timothy 4:4 Proverbs 21:13 See also A discerning ear brings knowledge and understanding Job 12:11; 13:1; 34:3Proverbs 18:15 See also 1210 God, human descriptions1670 symbols 5147 deafness 5159 hearing 5166 liver and kidneys 5806 compassion 5865 gestures 5946 sensitivity 7745 ordination 8226 discernment 8342 servanthood |
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