Do you want God to speak to you audibly? That’s easy. Just read the Bible out loud. When was the last time you tried listening to the Bible instead of simply reading it? I recently listened to the whole Bible in a year. In years past, I had only read the Bible through. But listening was a different experience.
It took longer to listen to it, of course, but the experience helped me connect with the Word of God in a way much closer to the way the original recipients interacted with Scripture.
The Bible tells us, for example:
At the end of every seven years . . . you shall read this law in front of all Israel in their hearing. —Deuteronomy 31:10–11
When this letter is read among you, have it also read in the church of the Laodiceans; and you, for your part read my letter that is coming from Laodicea. —Colossians 4:16
Until I come, give attention to the public reading of Scripture. —1 Timothy 4:13
Don’t get me wrong. I’m all for reading the Bible. But the biblical authors originally wrote the Scriptures primarily to be heard—not read.
Here are 4 reasons why you should try listening to the Bible for a change.
In the days before the printing press, an average person would not have had personal copies of the Bible. (Today 9 out of 10 American homes have a Bible).
In antiquity:
The late David Dorsey wrote a wonderful book called The Literary Structure of the Old Testament, in which he notes:
The blandness of an ancient text’s appearance reflects the cultural reality that ancient texts were written primarily to be heard, not seen. . . . Signals were geared for the ear, not the eye, since visual markers would be of little value to a listening audience.
I’m all for reading the Bible. But I think we should include listening to the Word as well. Here are just 4 reasons why:
Here are a few ideas for resources you can use:
Obviously, we should still read the Word of God. But listening to the Bible for a change can provide a wonderful addition.
Join us for a year-long interactive study of the New Testament & Proverbs that includes maps, photographs, and virtual tour videos that helps bring context and meaning to Scripture. Learn more:
Tell me what you think: Have you ever listened to the Bible? To leave a comment, just click here.