Topical Encyclopedia Deafness, the condition of lacking the ability to hear, is mentioned in several instances throughout the Bible. In biblical times, physical ailments, including deafness, were often seen as significant challenges, and sometimes as opportunities for the demonstration of divine power and compassion.Old Testament References The Old Testament does not frequently mention deafness specifically, but it does address the broader category of physical impairments. In Leviticus 19:14, the Law of Moses commands, "You shall not curse the deaf or put a stumbling block before the blind, but you shall fear your God. I am the LORD." This command underscores the importance of treating those with disabilities with respect and compassion, reflecting God's justice and care for all individuals. Isaiah 29:18 prophesies a time of restoration and healing: "On that day the deaf will hear the words of the scroll, and out of the deep darkness the eyes of the blind will see." This passage is often interpreted as a messianic prophecy, pointing to a future era of divine intervention and healing. New Testament References The New Testament provides several accounts of Jesus healing the deaf, demonstrating His divine authority and compassion. In Mark 7:31-37, Jesus heals a man who was deaf and had a speech impediment. The passage describes how Jesus took the man aside, put His fingers into the man's ears, and touched his tongue. Looking up to heaven, Jesus sighed and said, "Ephphatha," which means "Be opened." Immediately, the man's ears were opened, and his speech impediment was removed. This miracle not only highlights Jesus' power over physical ailments but also serves as a sign of the coming of the Kingdom of God. In Matthew 11:5, when John the Baptist sends his disciples to inquire if Jesus is the expected Messiah, Jesus responds by listing His works: "The blind receive sight, the lame walk, the lepers are cleansed, the deaf hear, the dead are raised, and the good news is preached to the poor." This response emphasizes that the healing of the deaf is a testament to the fulfillment of messianic prophecies and the inauguration of a new covenant. Spiritual Implications Deafness in the Bible is not only a physical condition but also serves as a metaphor for spiritual insensitivity or the inability to hear God's word. In several passages, the prophets lament the spiritual deafness of the people of Israel. For instance, in Isaiah 42:18-20, the prophet calls out, "Hear, you deaf; look, you blind, that you may see. Who is blind but My servant, or deaf like the messenger I am sending?" This metaphorical use of deafness underscores the importance of spiritual awareness and responsiveness to God's message. Compassion and Healing The biblical accounts of healing the deaf illustrate the compassion of Jesus and the transformative power of faith. They serve as reminders of God's concern for the whole person—body, mind, and spirit. The miracles performed by Jesus are not only acts of physical healing but also signs pointing to the greater spiritual healing and redemption available through Him. In summary, deafness in the Bible is addressed both as a physical ailment and a metaphor for spiritual insensitivity. The healing of the deaf by Jesus is a powerful testament to His messianic mission and the inbreaking of God's Kingdom, offering hope and restoration to all who believe. Torrey's Topical Textbook Psalm 38:13But I, as a deaf man, heard not; and I was as a dumb man that opens not his mouth. Torrey's Topical Textbook Mark 7:32 Library Miracles of Healing The Sighs of Christ The Feast of the Lord Number one Thousand; Or, "Bread Enough and to Spare" The Ministry in Galilee --Its Aim and Method The Deaf and Dumb. Period ii. The Church from the Permanent Division of the Empire ... The Water of Life; Book Ten from Autobiography to Self-Analysis. ... According to which principle or hypothesis all the objections ... Resources Who were the 70 (or 72) disciples in Luke 10? | GotQuestions.orgWhat is the story of the ten lepers in the Bible? | GotQuestions.org What does it mean that God is Jehovah-Rapha? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Diseases: Art of Curing, Defective Diseases: Demoniacal Possession Diseases: Frequently: Complicated Diseases: Frequently: Incurable Diseases: Frequently: Loathsome Diseases: God often Entreated to Cure Diseases: Intemperance a Cause of Diseases: Medicine Used for Curing Diseases: Not Looking to God In, Condemned Diseases: Often Brought from Other Countries Diseases: Often Sent As Punishment Diseases: Over-Excitement a Cause of Diseases: Physicians Undertook the Cure of Diseases: Regarded As Visitations Diseases: Sins of Youth a Cause of Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Anointed Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Cured Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Divinely Supported Diseases: Those Afflicted With: Often Laid in the Streets to Receive Advice from Passers By Related Terms |
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