The word “incline” means “to slant; to cause to lean or bend in a particular direction.” While “incline your ear” is an idiomatic expression that simply means “to listen willingly or favorably,” I love the visual impact of this phrase, picturing one who tilts his head, leans in closer and perhaps cups his hand behind the ear to catch everything that is being said.
In the Old Testament, God’s people were bid, “Incline your ear, and come to Me. Hear, and your soul shall live…” (Isa. 55:3). There is the obvious need for God’s people today to tilt their heads, lean in closer and catch everything that God says to them in His Word.
Especially intriguing is this imagery being used for our God Himself. At least seven times in the Old Testament this petition is directed toward heaven—“Incline Your ear, O Lord, and hear” (Psa. 17:6). Picture this—you pray to God and He tilts His head, leans in closer, cups His hand behind His ear and listens intently to everything you say. Wow! He’s your loving Father.