Hear Ye the Word of the Lordਨਮੂਨਾ

Implications of Oral Scripture

The writing of the Bible was intended for people’s hearing. The point is not that Christians should stop reading and studying the Bible, but to read it with our minds tuned into hearing it and to speak it with our voices shaped by how it was originally proclaimed. The orality of the biblical world is not our reality; we do not live and breathe oral culture; it is not possible to turn back the hands of time; so it makes sense to investigate possibilities to make up for the limitations inherent in our modern reading of Scripture. Thankfully, there’s an abundance of evidence to draw on about ancient hearers and performers.

The strategy for understanding Scripture, then, must be more than our typical reading, especially if we’re going to feel anything. We need to have open minds and open hearts to hear Scripture in all its richness and to be moved by it. Perhaps we can learn to read better with open minds, but we’re more likely to hear better with open hearts.

Hearing God speak, even though it’s through the written words of Scripture, allows us to grasp the presence of God and his powerful voice more personally. It’s a conversation. He spoke and speaks. We listen and respond. What he says is living and active, piercing and poignant.

Reflect on these questions as you hear the Word of God: What does it mean to hear from God? Have you ever heard from God? How did you respond?

Practice: Listen to the scripture while following along with the verses, then listen to the audio with your eyes closed. What did you notice when listening with your eyes closed?