You might have heard a saying that goes like, “God does answer prayers. it’s either yes, no, or wait.” But is this always the case? This week’s Torah study is called Devarim, or Words, Matters. So, do the Sages believe words matter, or do they believe in words and matters? In either case, our prayers deal with both.
I know many of us have “matters” to which we would like to share words. We do this with friends or strangers. At times, it is not always productive. Maybe others didn’t hear our intention, or they assumed things via our text or email. My college English Professor reminded the students to always read over their “sent” documents while pretending to be the recipient. We were to “judge” our own descriptions and motives within the text to verify its readability and attitude. Of course, I’m still working on this, but you get the idea.
When it comes to speaking with Yahweh, do we weigh our words? Better yet, do we consider the “matter” before we share our “words?” In Devarim, we find some disturbing yet enlightening texts regarding Yah’s reaction to the matters we deem important.
In Deuteronomy chapter 1, we read the words of Moses as he recounts Israel’s journey in the wilderness. The first recollection is Yah’s command for Israel to possess the land, but Israel refuses to go into the land due to fear. Once they faced their sin, Israel ignores Yah again, deciding to take the Land without Him. Of course, this failed. Did Yah hear their prayers?
We read Duet.1:45, which states:
“Then you returned and wept before YHWH, but YHWH did not listen to your voice, nor give ear to you.”
Really? Why did YHWH choose not to hear their prayers? In verse 43, we find the answer, “. . . you rebelled against the command of Yah, and acted presumptuously.” In modern-day terms, the presumption is the act of arrogance, disrespect, improperness, and moving forward without thinking while acting rashly.
In Isaiah 1:15, we read another graphic response from Yah:
“Yes, even though you multiply your prayers, I will not listen, your hands are full of bloodshed.”
What could this mean? The context refers to Israel, believing Yah will hear them with more sacrifices and keeping the feast days with even greater fervor. But Yah brings them back to a more important reality—that of coming before Him with a clean heart. Maybe the blood on our hands is from generational sin. Before speaking to Yah, have we sought forgiveness for “held onto sins”? Maybe the blood on our hands is from words we used against others because we didn’t like what they said. Should this be cleansed before coming into His courts?
Some might say that these two texts oppose what the Apostle John wrote:
“And this is the confidence which we have before Him, that if we ask anything according to His will, He hears us.” I John5:14.
Many have used this text to prove that we can ask anything. But notice the clarification . . . “if we ask according to His will.”
Our words are, at times, not by His will. We seek answers we want to hear to fulfill our own desires. We can also refuse to keep or desire His commands within our heart, soul, and mind. Have we been introspective with ourselves? Have we asked Yah to be introspective with us to see if there is any presumption in our approach? Have we given thought to this before speaking our own words?
I believe Yah answers our prayers with yes, no, or wait. But I also think that Yah will turn His ear from us and not hear if we approach Him in arrogance. This arrogance comes when we choose not to humble ourselves or submit to His Ways. So, what do we do?
Let’s work on taking the plank out of our own eye before taking the splinter out of others. Let’s work on our own slate before wanting to write on the slate of others. Come before the King in all humbleness and let His ear turn towards us!
Be blessed,
Rollyn