Deaf

DEAF, Surdus; in Hebrew, Cheresch; in חרשCheresch. κωφος. Surdus.Greek, Kôphos. Every one knows what natural Deafness is. The Gospel relates many miracles, whereby Jesus Christ cured the Deaf. Deafness produces mutes, because these not hearing the articulate founds, which we utter, cannot bring forth any like them to make themselves understood. Wherefore the Hebrew word Charasch, which signifies to be Deaf, signifies likewise to be mute, or silent. The word Deaf is alfo taken in a metaphorical sense for one, who is not present, or cannot understand. For example: Thou shalt not curse the deaf. Thou shalt not abuse or calumniate him, Numb. xxx. 8, 12. 1 Sam. x. 28.who is absent. If a woman makes a vow, and her husband is as though he were deaf; hath made as if he did not understand her, or did not contradict her; she shall be obliged to perform it. The Israelites who did not approve of Saul’s Election, brought him no present, And he was as though he had been deaf. He dissembled, made a shew Isa. xxxv. 5. xlii. 18. xliii. 8.as if he did not see it. Isaiah says in several places, that the Ears of the Deaf shall be opened at the coming of the Messiah. He means those who are spiritually Deaf; such of his people as had been hitherto Deaf to his word.

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