As we welcome this Shabbat, let’s take a few minutes to reflect on two powerful Hebrew words: Shmiya—which means hearing, and Lehakshiv—which means to listen attentively, and by implication, to obey. These words carry deep meaning and practical guidance for how we live out our faith.
In 1 Samuel 15, we read about King Saul in a moment of pressure and decision. God had spoken through the prophet Samuel and gave Saul a clear instruction: Wait for me before making the sacrifice. It was a command, not a suggestion.
Saul started off in obedience. But as the people began to scatter and Samuel didn’t show up on time, Saul panicked. He gave in to fear—fear of losing control, fear of what people thought—and took things into his own hands. He offered the sacrifice himself, against God’s word.
When Samuel arrived, he asked Saul this powerful question:
Does the Lord delight in burnt offerings and sacrifices as much as in obeying His voice?
1 Samuel 15:22
In English it says “obey,” but in Hebrew, the word used is Shmiya—hearing. Why? Because in the Hebrew way of thinking, to hear God means to respond to Him. There’s no gap between hearing and doing. True hearing leads to action.
Later in the verse, it says:
To obey is better than sacrifice.
1 Samuel 15:22
And here the Hebrew word is Lehakshiv—which means to pay close attention, to heed, and to obey. This is the kind of listening that leads to faithful action, not just passive hearing.
So what does this mean for us today?
Saul wasn’t trying to rebel—he was actually trying to do something good. But it wasn’t what God asked of him. He let fear drive him instead of faith. And that’s a lesson for us: even good intentions can miss the mark if they aren’t rooted in obedience to God’s voice.
God wants our trust more than our performance. He’s not looking for rituals or efforts that come from fear or pressure—He’s looking for hearts that hear Him and respond in faith.
This Shabbat, let’s slow down. Let’s make space to hear His voice clearly—not just with our ears, but with hearts ready to obey. The Holy Spirit is here to help us—He gives us the strength to follow even when it’s hard.
And when we hear and obey, blessings follow—not always the way we expect, but always in the way that draws us closer to Him!
