Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

OBEDIENCE

The English translation of Heb. šamaʾ, referring to the physical act of hearing and, in certain contexts, the combination of hearing with the intent to obey (Exod. 19:5, 8; Deut. 28:1; 30:11-14). If one truly hears the word of God, then obedience is inevitable. Thus, if people fail to obey, the prophets often accuse the Israelites of being deaf (Isa. 6:9-10). Obedience is what is expected of one’s relationship to God (Jer. 3:13, 25) and a son’s relationship to his father (Prov. 4:1-2). Clearly, there is an implied expectation of obedience in “hearing” a message (Gen. 3:17; 23:15; Exod. 24:7).

In the NT there is also the expectation of obedience when hearing a message. In the Sermon on the Mount, Jesus summarizes his entire message with the parable of the two builders (Matt. 7:21-27). The one who hears the words of the sermon and then translates that hearing into action is like the one who builds his house upon a rock — he is on solid foundation. Not only is obedience the expected response to the ethical injunctions of Christ, but it also should be one’s response to the gospel (Gal. 3:2). Paul reminds the readers of the Philippian letter that Jesus Christ’s death on the cross is the ultimate example of obedience (Phil. 2:8; Gk. hypḗkoos).

Rick W. Byargeon

Prayer Tents Bible References - Prayer Tents

OBEDIENCE

Eerdmans Dictionary of the Bible (2000)