What does Psalm 135:17 teach about God's unique ability to hear prayers? Setting the Scene Psalm 135:17: “They have ears, but cannot hear, nor is there breath in their mouths.” The psalmist is contrasting the lifeless idols of the nations with the living God of Israel. In one brief statement he exposes the utter helplessness of man-made gods and, by contrast, underscores God’s unique, vital ability to hear every word His people bring before Him. Understanding the Contrast • Idols possess carved ears—symbols of perception—yet the psalmist says they “cannot hear.” • They lack breath, the very essence of life (Genesis 2:7). A breathless idol is incapable of relationship, response, or rescue. • The living God, by contrast, is repeatedly described as hearing: – “O You who hear prayer, to You all men will come.” (Psalm 65:2) – “The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous, and His ears are inclined to their cry.” (Psalm 34:15) – “If My people … pray and seek My face … then I will hear from heaven.” (2 Chronicles 7:14) God’s Unique Ability to Hear • Living Presence: God possesses the breath of life; He is self-existent (Exodus 3:14). His hearing flows out of His living nature. • Omnipresence: “Where can I flee from Your presence?” (Psalm 139:7). No location, whisper, or groan escapes Him. • Covenant Faithfulness: Hearing is tied to covenant love. He pledges, “Call to Me and I will answer you” (Jeremiah 33:3). • Active Response: Hearing is never passive with God. Elijah’s showdown on Carmel (1 Kings 18:26-39) highlights silent idols versus the God who answers “with fire.” Implications for Prayer Today • Confidence: We pray knowing a living, relational God is listening. • Exclusivity: No substitute—technology, philosophy, or modern “idol”—can replace the ear of the Almighty. • Urgency: Because God hears, prayer becomes the first resort, not the last. • Intimacy: “This is the confidence we have before Him: that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” (1 John 5:14) Encouraging Application • Replace idols of self-reliance with earnest, dependent prayer. • Speak plainly; He hears both the articulate request and the wordless sigh (Romans 8:26-27). • Expect response—though timing and method rest in His perfect wisdom (Isaiah 55:8-9). Psalm 135:17 turns a negative statement about deaf idols into a vibrant affirmation of the living God whose ears are always open to His children. |
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