Arcana Coelestia # 9397
9397. And read it in the ears of the people. That this signifies for hearkening and obedience, is evident from the signification of “reading,” as being for hearkening; for when anything is read, it is that it may be heard, perceived, and obeyed; that is, that it may be hearkened unto; and from the signification of “in the ears,” as being for obedience; for “the ears,” and “hearing,” signify obeying (see n. 2542, 3869, 4551, 4652-4660, 5471, 5475, 7216, 8361, 8990, 9311).
[2] As “the ears” signify not only hearing and notice, but also obedience, therefore in the Word frequent mention is made of speaking “in the ears,” and reading “in the ears,” of people; and not of speaking and reading “before them;” as in Jeremiah:
Hear thou these words that I speak in thine ears, and in the ears of all the people (Jeremiah 28:7).
They spoke these words in the ears of the people (1 Samuel 11:4).
Let thine handmaid speak in thine ears (1 Samuel 25:24).
Proclaim in the ears of the people, saying (Judg. 7:3).
Speak in the ears of the people (Exodus 11:2).
Hear, O Israel, the statutes and the judgments which I speak in your ears this day (Deuteronomy 5:1.
I speak these words in their ears (Deuteronomy 31:28).
Moses spoke all the words of the song in the ears of the people (Deuteronomy 32:44).
He read in their ears all the words of the book of the covenant (2 Kings 23:2).
They said unto him, Sit down and read it in our ears; and Baruch read it in their ears (Jeremiah 36:15).
When Jesus had ended all the words in the ears of the people (Luke 7:1).
[3] As “the ear,” and “hearing,” signify the reception of truth, notice, and obedience, thus the first and the last of faith, therefore it was so often said by the Lord, “He that hath an ear to hear, let him hear” (Matthew 11:15; 13:9, 43; Mark 4:9, 23; 7:16; Luke 14:35). And because by “the deaf,” that is, those who do not hear, are signified in the spiritual sense those who are not in the faith of truth, because they are not in the knowledge and consequent perception of it (n. 6989, 9209), therefore when the Lord healed one that was deaf, “He put His finger into his ears, and said, Ephphatha, that is, Be opened. And straightway his ears were opened” (Mark 7:32-35). (That all the miracles of the Lord infolded and signified states of the church, see n. 8364, 9086)
Arcana Coelestia # 8361
8361. And wilt do what is right in His eyes. That this signifies a life according to them, is evident from the signification of “doing what is right,” as being to live according to the dictate of truth; and from the signification of “in the eyes of Jehovah,” as being before the Lord, thus according to His commandments, for the Lord is in His commandments when a man lives according to them; he also is said to be “in the eyes of the Lord” who is in faith in Him. As regards “hearing a voice,” this properly signifies obedience (n. 2542, 3869, 5017); but when as here mention is also made of “doing,” then “to hear” signifies faith, and “to do” signifies life, as can be seen from the Lord’s words in these passages:
Everyone that heareth My words, and doeth them, I will compare him to a prudent man; but everyone that heareth My words, but doeth them not, shall be compared to a foolish man (Matthew 7:24, 26).
Everyone that cometh unto Me, and heareth My discourses, and doeth them, I will show you to whom he is like (Luke 6:47).
The seed that is in the good ground, these are they who in a simple and good heart, hear the word, hold it fast, and bear fruit in patience (Luke 8:15).
Jesus said, My mother and My brethren are these, who hear the word of God and do it (Luke 8:21).
In these passages “to hear” signifies to perceive, to understand, and to have faith; and “to do” signifies to live according to these. But where “hearing” is spoken of, and not at the same time “doing,” then “hearing” signifies faith in will and act, thus obedience. The reason is that what is heard passes into the internal sight, which is the understanding, and is there laid hold of by the will, and passes as by a circuit into act. Consequently in the word “hear,” there is naturally the signification of obedience, as we speak of “hearing” or “hearkening to” anyone (see n. 4652-4660).