Definition and Meaning:
The term "harken" is an archaic form of the word "hearken," which means to listen attentively or give heed. In biblical contexts, it often carries the connotation of not just hearing but also obeying or responding to what is heard. The call to harken is frequently used in Scripture to urge individuals to pay close attention to God's words, commands, or messages delivered through His prophets.

Biblical Usage:
The concept of harkening is prevalent throughout the Bible, emphasizing the importance of listening to God and His instructions. It is often associated with obedience and the blessings that follow those who listen to and follow God's commands.

Old Testament References:
In the Old Testament, the call to harken is a recurring theme, especially in the context of the covenant relationship between God and Israel. For instance, in Deuteronomy 6:4, the Shema begins with a call to listen: "Hear, O Israel: The LORD our God, the LORD is one." This passage underscores the importance of listening as a foundational aspect of faith and obedience.

The prophets frequently called the people to harken to God's words. In Isaiah 51:4, the prophet declares, "Pay attention to Me, O My people, and listen to Me, O My nation; for a law will go forth from Me, and I will set My justice for a light to the peoples." Here, the call to listen is linked with the revelation of God's law and justice.

New Testament References:
In the New Testament, the concept of harkening is also significant. Jesus often used the phrase "He who has ears to hear, let him hear" (e.g., Matthew 11:15, Mark 4:9) to emphasize the importance of truly listening and understanding His teachings. This call to harken is not merely about auditory reception but involves a deeper, spiritual comprehension and response.

The Book of Hebrews reiterates this theme by urging believers to listen to God's voice and not harden their hearts, as seen in Hebrews 3:7-8: "Therefore, as the Holy Spirit says: 'Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts as you did in the rebellion, in the day of testing in the wilderness.'"

Theological Significance:
Harkening to God's voice is a fundamental aspect of the believer's relationship with God. It signifies a posture of humility, readiness to obey, and a heart open to divine guidance. The act of listening is not passive but active, requiring discernment and a willingness to act upon what is heard.

In the biblical narrative, those who harken to God's voice are often contrasted with those who refuse to listen, leading to consequences of disobedience and judgment. Conversely, blessings and favor are promised to those who listen and obey, as seen in passages like Deuteronomy 28:1-2: "Now if you faithfully obey the voice of the LORD your God and are careful to follow all His commandments I am giving you today, the LORD your God will set you high above all the nations of the earth. And all these blessings will come upon you and overtake you, if you will obey the voice of the LORD your God."

Practical Application:
For contemporary believers, the call to harken remains relevant. It involves cultivating a lifestyle of attentiveness to God's Word, prayer, and the leading of the Holy Spirit. It challenges individuals to prioritize God's voice over the myriad of competing voices in the world, ensuring that their lives align with His will and purpose.(v. t. & i.) To hearken.

Prayer and Obedience
... UNDER the Mosaic law, obedience was looked upon as being "better than sacrifice,
and to harken, than the fat of lambs." In Deuteronomy 5:29, Moses represents ...
/.../bounds/the necessity of prayer/ix prayer and obedience.htm

The Hardening in the Sacred Scripture.
... But Pharaoh shall not harken unto you, and I will lay My hand upon Egypt, and the
Egyptians shall know that I am the Lord" (Exodus 7:3-5). Before this the Lord ...
/.../kuyper/the work of the holy spirit/xxxiii the hardening in the.htm

Let the Deep Organ Swell the Lay
... With voice, to praise the Lamb divine, Cecilia, with a two-fold crown Adorned in
Heav'n, we pray look down Upon thy fervent votaries here And harken to their ...
/.../various/the st gregory hymnal and catholic choir book/no 105 let the deep.htm

Whether any Merits Preceded the Union of the Incarnation?
... Yet the holy Fathers merited the Incarnation congruously by desiring and beseeching;
for it was becoming that God should harken to those who obeyed Him. ...
/.../aquinas/summa theologica/whether any merits preceded the.htm

John i. 19
... should come, because Moses said, "The Lord thy God will raise up unto thee a Prophet
of thy brethren like unto me, unto Him shall ye harken." ( Deuteronomy 18 ...
/.../homilies on the gospel of st john and hebrews/homily xvi john i 19.htm

As the Foam Upon Water
... "Love me and let us die!". Without in the entrance of the crypt some great-lunged
fanatic was calling the multitude to harken to the prophetess. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/miller/the city of delight/chapter xx as the foam.htm

Grundtvig's Hymns
... Wiser e'en than Solomon. Helper of the helpless, harken. To our pleas when shadows
darken; ... Lord of Grace and Mercy, harken. To my plea for grace and light. ...
/.../aaberg/hymns and hymnwriters of denmark/chapter fifteen grundtvigs hymns.htm

With the Opening of this ChapterWe Come to Quite a Different Theme ...
... Survey with me a fairer scene than any lighted by this old creation sun can show,
and harken to God's own voice, in striking contrast to poor Solomon's ...
/.../jennings/old groans and new songs/chapter v with the opening.htm

Coming Judgment of the Secrets of Men
... But harken well"for I speak with a great weight upon my soul"this judgment by Jesus
Christ, puts beyond possibility all hope of any after-interposition. ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 31 1885/coming judgment of the secrets.htm

Harken (1 Occurrence)
... Multi-Version Concordance Harken (1 Occurrence). ... and all those dwelling in Jerusalem,
let this be known to you, and harken to my sayings, (YLT). ...
/h/harken.htm - 6k

Dwelling (340 Occurrences)
... and all those dwelling in Jerusalem, let this be known to you, and harken to my
sayings, (YLT). Acts 4:16 saying, 'What shall we do to these men? ...
/d/dwelling.htm - 36k

Declared (261 Occurrences)
... to them, 'Men, Jews! and all those dwelling in Jerusalem, let this be known
to you, and harken to my sayings, (YLT NAS). Acts 3:18 ...
/d/declared.htm - 34k

Hark (22 Occurrences)

/h/hark.htm - 12k

Sayings (134 Occurrences)
... to them, 'Men, Jews! and all those dwelling in Jerusalem, let this be known
to you, and harken to my sayings, (YLT). Acts 5:20 Go ...
/s/sayings.htm - 41k

Jews (287 Occurrences)
... to them, 'Men, Jews! and all those dwelling in Jerusalem, let this be known
to you, and harken to my sayings, (YLT NIV). Acts 6:1 ...
/j/jews.htm - 36k

Harlot (87 Occurrences)

/h/harlot.htm - 46k

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