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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadJames Hastings Dictionary of the Bible: Ear
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EAR.—Both in OT and NT the spiritual disposition to attend, which issues in obedience, is thus designated (e.g. Isa_6:10, Mat_11:15, Rev_2:7). Hence ‘to uncover the ear’ (RVm [Note: Revised Version margin.] , 1Sa_9:15 etc.) = to reveal; the ‘uncircumcised ear’ (Jer_6:10) = the ear which remains unpurified and clogged and therefore unable to perceive: hence ‘mine ears hast thou opened’ (Psa_40:6) = Thou hast enabled me to understand. The perforated ear was a sign of slavery or dependence, indicating the obligation to attend (Exo_21:6, Deu_15:16 f.). The tip of the priest’s right ear was touched with blood in token that the sense of hearing was consecrated to God’s service (Exo_29:20, Lev_8:23).
J. Taylor.