The Lord GOD hath opened mine ear,” says Isaiah in one of Holy Week’s most well-known passages (Isa. 50:5). His prophetic words were the result of God waking him up to open his ear “morning by morning” (50:4). False prophets speak their own words because they have closed ears. Isaiah’s open ears were the number-one requirement for his prophetic task. First comes silent listening; then follows faithful speech. That is why Isaiah reports that God would wake him up each morning—indeed, would wake up his ear—so he could hear as those who are taught (50:4).