Verse 1. Give ear, O My people, to My law: incline your ear to the words of My mouth.
Give ear, O My people, to My law: This psalm is the Word of the Lord to His people. If you belong to the Lord, then this Word is for you. The Lord Himself is speaking to you.
Give ear, O My people, to My law: The phrase “to My law” would be
more accurately translated “to My teaching” or “to My instruction.” As in Greek
there is no indefinite article in the Hebrew. When the Law (the Pentateuch) is
intended, the word Torah is preceded by the definite article Ha-torah.
When the definite article is missing (torah) it is speaking of all teaching and
instruction, which includes not only the entire Bible but also the teachings of
the Holy Spirit through those who are anointed to teach His people in this day.
Give ear…incline your ears: Any Christian should understand that if you really want to hear and receive the teachings of the Lord, then it is necessary to “incline your ears” beyond surface information. Also, it is not the “inclining” of your natural ears, but the “inclining of your heart” that enables you to understand the teachings of the Lord. Paul prayed for the Ephesians that they might hear with their heart, saying, That the eyes of your understanding (heart) being enlightened; that ye may know what is the hope of His calling, and what the riches of the glory of His inheritance in the saints (Ephesians 1:18).
The Hebrew word for “incline” is natah. It is sometimes translated “stretch” or “bow down.” The indication is that if you really want to hear and receive the teachings of the Lord then you have to “reach in” or “stretch your heart” in submission to His Lordship. Notice also that “give ear” and “incline your ears” are in the imperative mood. That means it is a commandment that requires submission and determination. It is a commandment of the Lord! And Jesus said, If ye love Me, keep My commandments (John 14:15). It is something you determine to do; you dedicate your heart to receive His Word. You refuse the usual passive hearing and “incline the ears of your heart” with a definite intention to receive and apply the teachings of the Lord in your life.
Verse 2 I will open My mouth in a parable: I will utter dark sayings of old:
“Open My mouth” is a Hebraism, indicating that what is spoken are words of definite purpose and not just words of chance. The phrase is found again in Matthew 13:35 and is a quotation of our text. All these things spake Jesus…that it might be fulfilled which was spoken by the prophet, saying, I will open My mouth in parables; I will utter things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. Here the Holy Spirit explains that the “dark sayings of old” are things which have been kept secret from the foundation of the world. And in verse eleven Jesus calls them the mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven. So if you want to receive these dark sayings of old, these things kept secret from the foundation of the world, these mysteries of the Kingdom of heaven, then you must incline your ears to the words of His mouth.
Copyright © 2003 by Henry DuBose