Hearing

Lore & Background

In Genesis, hearing is central to interpersonal and divine relationships. Lamech demands his wives hear his confession of killing a man (Genesis 4:23). Sarah uses hearing to describe the joyful reaction to Isaac’s birth (Genesis 21:6). Abraham repeatedly asks the Hittites and Ephron to hear his requests for a burial site (Genesis 23:6, 23:8, 23:11, 23:13), showing hearing as a step toward agreement. Joseph asks his brothers to hear his dream (Genesis 37:6), but later they admit they would not hear his pleas (Genesis 42:21), and Reuben notes they would not hear his warning (Genesis 42:22). Jacob commands his sons to hear his blessing (Genesis 49:2). In Exodus, hearing shifts to divine and national contexts. Moses laments that Israel did not hearken to him, so Pharaoh will not hear him (Exodus 6:12). God tells Moses that Pharaoh would not hear (Exodus 7:16). The nations will hear and fear (Exodus 15:14). God comes in a thick cloud so the people may hear and believe (Exodus 19:9). The people ask Moses to speak so they may hear, fearing God’s voice (Exodus 20:19). God promises to hear the cry of the afflicted (Exodus 22:23, 22:27). Moses hears singing from the camp (Exodus 32:18).

Reader's Guide

The passages portray hearing as a multifaceted concept. It can be a simple request for attention (Genesis 4:23; 37:6; 49:2) or a polite negotiation formula (Genesis 23:6, 8, 11, 13). It is also a measure of moral failure: the brothers confess they would not hear Joseph’s anguish (Genesis 42:21), and Reuben says they would not hear his warning (Genesis 42:22). In Exodus, hearing becomes a test of obedience to God’s commands through Moses (Exodus 6:12; 7:16). God’s hearing is compassionate, responding to the cry of the oppressed (Exodus 22:23, 22:27). The people’s request to hear Moses rather than God directly (Exodus 20:19) shows hearing as mediated revelation. The nations hearing and being afraid (Exodus 15:14) shows hearing as a cause of fear. Moses hearing singing (Exodus 32:18) shows hearing as discernment of events. Overall, hearing is rarely neutral; it implies a response—belief, obedience, fear, or refusal.

Did You Know?

• Lamech is the first person in these passages to demand that others hear him, confessing a killing (Genesis 4:23).
• The brothers’ confession that they would not hear Joseph’s anguish (Genesis 42:21) is the only passage where hearing is explicitly refused.
• God promises to hear the cry of the afflicted twice in Exodus, both times with a condition of graciousness (Exodus 22:23, 22:27).
• In Exodus 32:18, Moses distinguishes the noise of singing from shouts of victory or defeat by hearing alone.

Notable Quotes (Wikiquote)

"He ne'er presumed to make an error clearer;—In short, there never was a better hearer." — Hearing "Lord Byron, Don Juan (1818-24), Canto XIV, Stanza 37." — Hearing "George Herbert, Jacula Prudentum (1651)." — Hearing "Who is so deaf as he that will not hear?" — Hearing