Shamaʻ is used homonymously. It signifies “to hear,” and also “to
obey.” As regards the first signification, comp. “Neither let it be
heard out of thy mouth” (Exod. xxiii. 13); “And the fame thereof was
heard in Pharaoh’s house” (Gen. xlv. 16). Instances of this kind are
numerous.
Equally frequent are the instances of this verb being used in the sense
of “to obey”: “And they hearkened (shameʻü) not unto Moses” (Exod. vi.
9). “If they obey (yishmeʻü) and serve him” (Job xxxvi. 11); “Shall we
then hearken (nishmaʻ) unto you” (Neh. xiii. 27); “Whosoever will not
hearken (yishmaʻ) unto thy words” (Josh. i. 18).
The verb also signifies “to know” (“to understand”), comp. “A nation
whose tongue, i.e., its language, thou shalt not understand” (tishmaʻ)
(Deut. xxviii. 49). The verb shamaʻ, used in reference to God, must be
taken in the sense of perceiving, which is part of the third
signification, whenever, according to the literal interpretation of the
passage, it appears to have the first meaning: comp. “And the Lord
heard it” (Num. xi. 1); “For that He heareth your murmurings” (Exod.
xvi. 7). In all such passages mental perception is meant. When,
however, according to the literal interpretation the verb appears to
have the second signification, it implies that God responded to the
prayer of man and fulfilled his wish, or did not respond and did not
fulfil his wish: “I will surely hear his cry” (Exod. xxii. 23); “I will
hear, for I am gracious” (ib. 27); “Bow down thine ear, and hear” (2
Kings xix. 16); “But the Lord would not hearken to your voice, nor give
ear unto you” (Deut. i. 45); “Yea, when ye make many prayers, I will
not hear” (Isa. i. 15); “For I will not hear thee” (Jer. vii. 16).
There are many instances in which shamaʻ has this sense.
Remarks will now be presented to you on these metaphors and similes,
which will quench your thirst, and explain to you all their meanings
without leaving a doubt.