How to Hear the “Voice” of YHVH Elohim

Posted on by

By J. Nathan Lawrence
Hoshana Rabbah Biblical Resources
www.hoshanarabbah.org

Hearing the Voice of Elohim…Really?

In our modern, ultra-secular and hyper-rationalist society, the idea of believing in the God of the Bible, much less thinking that he communicates to people, or that people can hear him “speaking” is a totally foreign concept to most people including a majority of Christians. If you think you can hear from YHVH Elohim you are probably viewed as a member of radical fringe element if not an outright religious wing nuts! Yet the Bible from cover to cover records numerous accounts of YHVH “speaking” in numerous ways to his people over the millennia. Are these merely fanciful, fabulous legends that have been passed on down through the generations from dim antiquity? Should they be taken with a grain of salt as the modern readers snicker in amusement at the ignorant and superstitious ancient who actually believed these accounts?  Or did the God of the Bible who is the same yesterday, today and forever actually speak to people then, and, more amazingly, does he still speak to people today? Do we take the Bible literally, or do we acquiesce to the atheistic and agnostic mindset of our current secular culture when it comes to hearing the voice of YHVH? Either the Bible is true and men are liars, or it is the other way around. Which is it? Is YHVH still speaking to people, and if so, can we still hear the voice of Elohim and if so how?

YHVH Wants to Commune With His People

Consider this. From the beginning of man’s time on earth starting in the Garden of Eden, Yehovah Elohim has longed to have a personal, communicative relationship with men. 

And they heard the voice [Heb. kol] of YHVH Elohim walking in the garden in the cool [Heb. ruach] of the day: and Adam and his wife hid themselves from the presence [Heb. panyim] of the YHVH Elohim amongst the trees of the garden. And the YHVH Elohim called unto Adam, and said unto him, Where art thou? And he said, I heard thy voice in the garden, and I was afraid, because I was naked; and I hid myself. (Gen 3:8–10)

Despite what some religionists may tell us, the Bible reveals that YHVH is the same yesterday, today and forever, and that he does not change (Heb 13:8; Mal 3:6). He is still talking to humans. The issue is this: do we desire to hear him? Do we know how to hear him? If he is “talking” are we listening? We say that we believe the Bible, but do we really believe that we can hear YHVH?

The Tabernacle of Moses on Hearing YHVH’s Voice

Now let’s enjoy a little biblical history lesson. After giving the children of Israel his Torah-instructions in righteousness, the first thing that YHVH asked the children of Israel to do was to build a tabernacle. Why?

And let them make me a sanctuary; that I may dwell among them. (Exod 25:8)

Imagine that! The Creator of the universe wants to hang out with his people. Pause for a moment and consider this amazing thing. In the feebleness of our thinking, can we really understand this? What’s more, YHVH Elohim has never changed from then until now. After all, he made man in his own image, gave him his instructions in righteousness—a path that leads to a blessed life on earth with the possibility of eventual eternal life and inclusion in the actual, immortal family of Elohim. Then he sent his Son not only to redeem man from the curse of death because of sin, but then to show man the way to his and our Father in heaven. Then Yeshua the Son sent his Holy Spirit to guide us, empower us and to speak to us from within further enabling us to make this incredible journey upward to YHVH Elohim and his kingdom from heaven.

The tabernacle that YHVH commanded Moses and the Israelites to build reveals to humans an upward spiritual path toward the Creator from the physical to the spiritual level. It is literally a diagram from its outer courtyard, to the holy place and then to the holy of holies representing the body, soul and spirit of man as one draws closer and closer to Elohim. The closer one gets to the holy of holies, which represents the actual throne room of Elohim, the clearer and louder the voice of YHVH becomes. Consider this. Another name for the that most holy place within the Tabernacle of Moses was the d’veer—a Hebrew word meaning “oracle.” It was there under the glory cloud that Moses would hear the actual voice of Elohim and receive much of the Torah that we now have recorded in the Bible. One could not come into the d’veer except through the blood of a sacrificed  animal, ritual cleansing, and by following specific physical and spiritual protocols pertaining to holiness and righteousness that had YHVH laid out. Once done, sweet incense representing prayer, praise and worship were offered before entering into the actual presence of the Creator. What can we learn from all of this? To commune and communicate with Elohim including hearing his voice, there are steps and protocols to follow. It is not that YHVH cannot speak to anyone anytime anywhere. But to commune with Elohim in a close, ongoing and a personal relationship certain things must be done and the relationship must be maintained, or humans will lose connection with YHVH. This is not unlike any close human relationship such as between a husband and wife, parents and children or close friends. Maintaining close relationships requires effort and purposeful intention.  

You Can Hear the Voice of YHVH

Yeshua the Messiah, a Christian’s Lord and Savior, tells us that his disciples will be able to hear his voice.

To him the porter openeth; and the sheep hear his voice: and he calleth his own sheep by name, and leadeth them out. And when he putteth forth his own sheep, he goeth before them, and the sheep follow him: for they know his voice. And a stranger will they not follow, but will flee from him: for they know not the voice of strangers. …My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me. (John 10:3–5, 27, emphasis added)

Throughout the Bible, there are many examples of YHVH’s servants hearing his voice. Here are a few examples from the Book of Acts alone of people hearing YHVH.

Then the Spirit said unto Philip, Go near, and join thyself to this chariot. (Acts 8:29)

While Peter thought on the vision, the Spirit said unto him, Behold, three men seek thee. (Acts 10:19)

And the Spirit bade me go with them, nothing doubting. Moreover these six brethren accompanied me, and we entered into the man’s house. (Acts 11:12)

And finding disciples, we tarried there seven days: who said to Paul through the Spirit, that he should not go up to Jerusalem. (Acts 21:4, emphasis added on all)

It’s  All About Spiritual Activation

To enter into a relationship with YHVH Elohim, our Creator and Father in heaven, and to become his sons and daughters, we must be spiritually activated.

Man is comprised of spirit, soul and body (1 Thess 5:23). Before being spiritually regenerated or born again, our soul (our mind or intellect, will and emotions) controls what we think, say and do must learn to submit to the spirit of man. However, the typical soul dominated human overlooks the spirit part of man, yet the Bible has much to say about the importance of a person’s spirit as it relates to one’s relationship with YHVH.

Who knoweth the spirit of man that goeth upward, and the spirit of the beast that goeth downward to the earth? (Eccl 3:21)

The burden of the word of YHVH for Israel, saith YHVH, which stretcheth forth the heavens, and layeth the foundation of the earth, and formeth the spirit of man within him. (Zech 12:1)

The word of YHVH is clear that YHVH speaks to his children through their personal spirit. 

But there is a spirit in man: and the inspiration of the Almighty giveth them understanding. (Job 32:8)

For what man knoweth the things of a man, save the spirit of man which is in him? even so the things of Elohim knoweth no man, but the Spirit of Elohim. (1 Cor 2:11)

Man cannot enter into a relationship with a YHVH, who is a Spirit, through his soul (i.e., his mind, will and emotions). This is because Elohim is a Spirit, and we must relate to  him through his the Spirit.

But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of Elohim, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor 2:14) 

But the hour cometh, and now is, when the true worshippers shall worship the Father in spirit and in truth: for the Father seeketh such to worship him. Elohim is a Spirit: and they that worship him must worship him in spirit and in truth. (John 4:23–24)

For man to relate to Elohim, he must do so through his personal spirit or his innermost man. This means one’s spirit must be activated at the time of his new spiritual birth. When this For man to relate to Elohim, he must do so through his personal spirit or his innermost man. This means one’s spirit must be activated at the time of his new spiritual birth. When this occurs, a one receives in oneself the Spirit of Elohim, which then activates, instructs and controls one’s personal spirit, which in turn controls the soul (the mind,will and emotions), which in turn tells the body what to think, say and do.

When we are born again from above, our spirit man is activated by the Spirit of Elohim. 

The spirit of a man is the lamp of YHVH, Searching all the inner depths of his heart. (Prov 20:27) 

But there is a spirit in man, and the breath of the Almighty gives him understanding. (Job 32:8)

The Spirit Himself bears witness with our spirit that we are children of Elohim (Rom 8:16) 

That He would grant you, according to the riches of His glory, to be strengthened with might through His Spirit in the inner man, that Messiah may dwell in your hearts through faith (Eph 3:16–17)

Now we have received, not the spirit of the world, but the Spirit who is from Elohim, that we might know the things that have been freely given to us by Elohim. These things we also speak, not in words which man’s wisdom teaches but which the Holy Spirit teaches, comparing spiritual things with spiritual. But the natural man does not receive the things of the Spirit of Elohim, for they are foolishness to him; nor can he know them, because they are spiritually discerned. (1 Cor 2:12–14)

But you have an anointing from the Holy One, and you know all things. …But the anointing which you have received from Him abides in you, and you do not need that anyone teach you; but as the same anointing teaches you concerning all things, and is true, and is not a lie, and just as it has taught you, you will abide in Him. (1 John 2:20, 27)

And every spirit that does not confess that Yeshua the Messiah has come in the flesh is not of Elohim. And this is the spirit of the Antichrist, which you have heard was coming, and is now already in the world. (1 John 4:3)

Steps to Take to Hear His Voice

There are a number of easy steps one can take to begin hearing YHVH’s voice.

  • We must believe that YHVH wants to speak to us.
  • We not only have to desire to hear YHVH’s voice, but also expect him to speak to us. Then we have to tune our ears to start listening to our personal spirit as YHVH begins to communicate to us through that part of our being.
  • To hear YHVH’s voice, it is essential to take time to be alone with him. He can speak to us at anytime anywhere. But often it is more difficult to hear him in the midst of the noise and busyness of our daily routines. Yeshua asked his disciples to watch (Gr. gregoreua meaning “to be vigilant, give strict attention, to be cautious”) and to tarry (Gr. mena meaning “to remain, abide, sojourn, not depart, continue, to be held, endure”) with him in prayer for at least one hour (Matt 26:38, 40). Watching and tarrying are two important aspects in learning to hear heaven’s voice.
  • Our daily devotion time involving prayer and Bible study is key to cultivating our ability to hear YHVH. Hearing the voice of YHVH can occur through studying and meditating on his written Word as well as when we are in prayer. Often we receive direct, divine inspiration and insights when we spend time in these activities.
  • When studying the word of Elohim, we need to expect the Spirit’s direction and input. It is the Spirit who interprets the Word to us and reveals the truth contained therein.

Howbeit when he, the Spirit of truth, is come, he will guide you into all truth: for he shall not speak of himself; but whatsoever he shall hear, that shall he speak: and he will shew you things to come. (John 16:13)

  • To hear from YHVH, it is essential that we surrender our own will in a matter and be obedient to whatever YHVH’s directs us to do. In this way, we are eliminating from our mindset any preconceived biases or prejudices and are totally submitting to his will. Often he will instruct us to do something that our soul or carnal man (i.e., our mind, will and emotions) is uncomfortable in doing or outright does not want to do.
  • After asking YHVH for his direction, we must be willing to wait patiently on him for the answer. The answer may come immediately or at a later time. We must learn to wait and to listen as Habakkuk instructs us to do. This is one of the ways we learn to walk and grow in faith in YHVH.

I will stand upon my watch, and set me upon the tower, and will watch to see what he will say unto me, and what I shall answer when I am reproved. And YHVH answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it. For the vision is yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry. (Hab 2:1–3)

  • After hearing a word from Elohim, it is essential that we express gratitude and thankfulness, but that we also obey is instructions. If we don’t, we will grieve the Holy Spirit and it will be more difficult for us to hear from YHVH in the future.

Know the Four Voices

James tells us that there are four voices coming into your head: that of the world, the flesh, the devil and YHVH. We must learn to differentiate between these four voices to know the voice of YHVH (Jas 3:13–18). In this passage, James discusses heavenly versus demonic wisdom and how to tell the difference between the voice of Elohim speaking to you, and the voice the world, the flesh and the devil. 

Who is a wise man and endued with knowledge among you? Let him shew out of a good conversation his works with meekness of wisdom. But if ye have bitter envying and strife in your hearts, glory not, and lie not against the truth. This wisdom descendeth not from above, but is earthly, sensual, devilish. For where envying and strife is, there is confusion and every evil work. But the wisdom that is from above is first pure, then peaceable, gentle, and easy to be intreated, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality, and without hypocrisy. And the fruit of righteousness is sown in peace of them that make peace. (Jas 3:13–18)

When thoughts and impressions come to us that we think are fromf the Holy Spirit, we must first determine their origin by putting them to the spiritual test. Is what we are hearing wisdom or knowledge that is from above, or is it wisdom or knowledge from below? That is, is it earthly (i.e., of this world), sensual (i.e., from the carnal mind of man) or devilish (i.e., from the demonic realm, see Jas 3:13–15)? How do we know its origin? James tells us. The wisdom that is from below is envious, selfish or self-seeking, engenders confusion, and produces evil, while that which is from above is pure, peaceable, gentle,willing to yield, full of mercy and good fruits, without partiality and hypocrisy, and it produces righteousness (Jas 3:16–18).

Yeshua wants to talk to his spiritual sheep. In John chapter four, Yeshua declares that he is the Good Shepherd, and that his sheep hear and know his voice, that he calls them by name, and that he leads them spiritually and they follow him (John 10:3–4). At the same time, someone else is vying for the sheep’s attention—the thief. Yes, the thief wants to lead the sheep astray, for his  intention is to kill, steal and to destroy (John 10:1, 8, 10), while the Good Shepherd wants to save and protect the sheep (John 10:9, 11, 14).

Throughout the pages of the Bible we read the record of YHVH Elohim speaking to his servants and leading them. Yeshua makes it clear that he is still speaking to and leading his sheep, and the Book of Acts and the Epistles confirm this.

How Does YHVH Speak to His People?

The Bible and common sense reveals a number of ways by which YHVH speaks to his people.

  • A physical or audible voice
  • By dreams and visions
  • Through other people (e.g., YHVH’s ministers, parents, older and wiser individuals, or anyone that YHVH chooses to use)
  • By angels
  • Through circumstances
  • Through impressions in our mind
  • Through things in the physical realm we see and hear
  • Through the written Word of YHVH
  • Through the casting of lots
  • Anyway he wants including donkeys! (e.g., speaking through Balaam’s donkey)

All of these areas have their natural manifestations and spiritual counterfeits, so one must be discerning. For example, just because one hears an audible voice or has a dream doesn’t mean that it is from YHVH. We must test everything. To help us differentiate between YHVH’s voice and the other voices, keep the following scriptures in mind: 

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thess 5:21)

Let every word be established in the mouth of two or three witnesses. (Matt 18:16; 2 Cor 13:1)

If we are not sure whether we have heard from Elohim, wait until you know for sure, and then be willing to obey when your are certain! If still unsure, wait and seek further confirmation until you know for sure and have a deep inner peace about it. Then obey what you have heard.

Proving a Message Is Actually from YHVH

Further testing of a word from YHVH involves keeping in mind the following principles. Again…

Prove all things; hold fast that which is good. (1 Thess 5:21)

  • Is it scriptural? It must be in harmony with Scripture. When determining this, we must be certain that we’re not twisting the Word of Elohim (the Bible) to make it say what we want.
  • Is it right? It must be in harmony with YHVH’s will as revealed in man’s moral conscience. 
  • Is it providential? Does it indicate the divine hand, activity or moving of YHVH? Are doors opening and shutting before and behind you, are circumstances accommodating the path he wants you to take? He doesn’t ask of us that which is impossible for us to do. He makes a way and gently leads us forward.
  • Is it reasonable? Whatever he hear must be in harmony with YHVH’s will as revealed to man’s reasoning powers as illuminated by the Holy Spirit. The voice of YHVH conveys instructions that are reasonable, not silly or whacky. 
  • YHVH quietly and lovingly leads his sheep; while the Satan demandingly drive the sheep. YHVH’s voice is gentle and tender, yet persuasive, not demanding. The voices of the world, flesh and the devil are feverish, loud, clamorous and often impetuous.
  • When YHVH speaks, he gives one sufficient time to test or confirm the word to prove if it’s true or not. On the other hand, the voice of the enemy demands immediate action, and fearing detection, clamors for immediate action.
  • With the voice of YHVH comes a deep and glowing sense of peace and joy in your inner Spirit — not agitation, strife, anger, pride, self-aggrandizement or any of the other manifestations of the works of the flesh.

Beware of Counterfeit Voices

Many times people are hearing a voice from within, but it’s not the voice of YHVH. Instead they are hearing…

  • Carnal feelings
  • Carnal imagination
  • Carnal dreams
  • Carnal infatuations
  • Carnal impulses
  • Carnal passions
  • Carnal notions
  • The inclinations of the flesh
  • The opinions of others
  • Signs that aren’t signs
  • Chance happenings
  • Arrows from the enemy that suddenly come into our minds.

Results of Hearing the Wrong Voice 

The results of hearing another voice (i.e., the world, the flesh or the devil) can be an indicator that we have not heard from YHVH. The results of hearing another voice can lead to…

  • Perplexity
  • Despair
  • Fanaticism
  • Undue hurry
  • Unwise action
  • Fear

Hindrances  to Hearing YHVH’s Voice Must Be Removed

What are some hindrances that prevent us from hearing the voice of YHVH clearly or at all?

Unbelief. We must believe that YHVH talks to his people, and that he wants to talk to us. There are numerous examples of YHVH speaking to his people in the Scriptures, and we must believe that he has not changed (Mal 3:6) and that he is the same yesterday, today and forever (Heb 3:8), and that he is not a respecter of persons (Acts 10:34) and, therefore, he wants to talk to us.

An undeveloped spirit. We naturally tend to listen to our minds and bodies more than our spirits. We are spirit beings made in YHVH’s likeness who is a Spirit. If we want to be able to hear YHVH and receive his guidance, we must develop our spirits, for it is  through  our spirits that YHVH leads us (Rom. 8:14, 16).

Sin. Sins of all kind hinder us from hearing YHVH, since sin separates us from YHVH. Sin makes us spiritually deaf. Specific sins and spiritual notable strongholds that block our ability to hear YHVH include…

  • doubt and unbelief
  • fear
  • unforgiveness
  • bitterness
  • anger
  • offense, strife, division between brothers (Matt 5:23–24; 1 Pet 3:7)

The sacrifice of the wicked is an abomination to YHVH: but the prayer of the upright is his delight. (Prov 15:8)

YHVH is far from the wicked: but he heareth the prayer of the righteous. (Prov 15:29)

Though YHVH be high, yet hath he respect unto the lowly: but the proud he knoweth afar off. (Ps 138:6)

A calloused conscience. Your conscience is the voice of your personal spirit or inner man. When the Spirit of Elohim bears witness with your obedient and sensitive conscience, you have a safe, sure guide as to the will and purpose of YHVH. However, if you willfully rebel against the Word of Elohim and violate your conscience, you open yourself up to voices of deception, destruction and spiritual delusion. That is why maintaining a tender, child-like and sensitive conscience is so important.

Neglect. In our busy world, it is far to easy to fail to cultivate a time of regular intimate relationship and communion with YHVH. We must learn to sit at Yeshua’s feet. If we neglect to do this, we will become deaf to hearing his word.

How to Sharpen Our Ability to Hear YHVH (Using YHVH’s Hearing Aids)

  • Reading and studying the Scriptures regularly helps us immeasurably to understand the heart, mind and will of YHVH. By daily spiritually “bathing” or “washing” (Eph 5:26) in YHVH’s Word, it removes from us the spiritual filth of the world and the flesh, so that we can hear the Spirit more clearly. When we study the Word of Elohim it tunes our spiritual ears to the things of the Spirit enabling us to better distinguish truth from error and recognize the voice of our Father in heaven as opposed to those of the world, the flesh and the devil. YHVH’s Word feeds our inner or spirit man thus helping us to become attuned to the Spirit and enabling us to hear YHVH’s voice.
  • By spending regular time studying the Word of Elohim, we will know the Truth and possess the spiritual tools (e.g., the sword of the Spirit) to defeat the devil’s traps, snares, false words, reasonings and temptations. We will also know the thoughts, mind, will and heart of our Father in heaven so that when an alien voice speaks to us, we will be able to identify it immediately as not being from Elohim.
  • Get alone with YHVH and away from distractions such as outside noise, other people, electronic devices and the like. It is not that you cannot hear YHVH in the midst of noise and distractions. With time and practice, you can attune your spiritual hears to hear him anywhere anytime.
  • Play quiet worship or relaxing background music. This can help to quiet the mind, so that we can hear the voice of Elohim speaking to us through our inner, personal spirit. The Bible records that Elisha the prophet used music to help hear a word from YHVH.

But now bring me a minstrel. And it came to pass, when the minstrel played, that the hand of YHVH came upon him. (2 Kgs 3:15).

  • Pray in the Spirit by using your personal prayer language to get in tune with the Spirit of Elohim, and then listen for YHVH to speak to you.
  • When you hear the voice of Elohim, express gratitude to him for it.
  • When YHVH speaks to you, obey him.
  • Talk to YHVH, ask him questions. Wait for the answers. Ask him to lead and guide your life, even down to the smallest details. When he answers, write it down. Why is this helpful? When you have periods of discouragement or depression, reviewing what YHVH has done for you in the past will encourage you and strengthen your faith.
  • This is important! Put sin out of your life and walk a life that is totally consecrated (sold out) to YHVH—a life of total obedience. Sin blocks one’s ability to hear from YHVH.

Conclusion

In these last days prior to the return of Yeshua the Messiah, hearing the voice of YHVH Yeshua will become increasingly imperative for the saints’ spiritual and physical survival for several important reasons. First, YHVH the Father is preparing a bridegroom for his Son, YHVH Yeshua the Messiah. He is returning for a bride who is without spot and wrinkle (or sin-free and unspotted from the pollutions of the world), who loves him and is tune with his heart, his word and his Spirit, as well as a bride who loves, obeys and follows him wherever he goes.

These are they which were not defiled with women; for they are virgins. These are they which follow the Lamb whithersoever he goeth. These were redeemed from among men, being the firstfruits unto Elohim and to the Lamb. (Rev 14:4)

Hearing YHVH’s voice will be critical if we are to the virgin bride that Yeshua will be marrying. Not all Christians will be the bride of Yeshua. Some will be the least in the kingdom because they failed to obey him properly (Matt 5:19).

Second, it will be imperative to hear YHVH’s voice during the times of distress, persecution and trials during the last days. This is because Satan and his antichrist minions are in all-out war against Christians world wide. For their survival, YHVH’s people will need to hear heaven’s voice, so that they will know what to do, where to go, what to say and who to trust during the perilous times that the Bible prophesies will occur leading up to the return of Yeshua. 

Third, and perhaps most importantly, hearing the voice of Elohim is an exciting experience that will help to enliven, rejuvenate, empower and our spiritual walk and relationship with Yeshua and our Father in heaven. It will help to make our walk of faith more real and our relationship with Elohim more vibrant and personal.

Now is the time to start learning to hear the voice of YHVH Elohim!

 

Share your thoughts...