“It to Be Heard”

(Isa. 10:30)

Scriptures recorded in all dispensations teach that we show our love of God as we hearken to His commandments and obey them. These actions are closely connected. In fact, the Hebrew language of the Old Testament in most instances uses the same term for both hearkening (to the Lord) and obedience (to His word)… .

That term was … (shâma), which means “to hear intelligently. The term was used hundreds of times in the Hebrew Old Testament, as Israel was counseled to hearken to the word of the Lord and obey it.

Different terms were used in some instances in the Hebrew text whenever reference was made to hearing or responding without implied obedience. Examples:

“They have ears, but they hear not” (Ps. 135:17; see also 140:6; italics added) … (azan) to give ear—to listen… .

“Lift up thy voice, O daughter … cause it to be heard” (Isa. 10:30; italics added; see also Ps. 10:17). (qashav) to give heed.

(Russell M. Nelson, Ensign, May 1991, 24–25.)