Isaiah 28:23
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 28:23
23 Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 28 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of fellowship, wisdom, covenant. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-29: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it reveals key aspects of God's character through divine actions and declarations. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 28:23
23 Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.
Analysis
Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech. Isaiah shifts from warning (vv.1-22) to wisdom parable (vv.23-29) illustrating God's purposeful methods. The fourfold summons to attention—give ye ear (ha'azinu, הַאֲזִינוּ, listen carefully), hear my voice (shim'u qoli, שִׁמְעוּ קוֹלִי, hear my voice), hearken (haqshivu, הַקְשִׁיבוּ, pay attention), hear my speech (shim'u imrati, שִׁמְעוּ אִמְרָתִי, hear my word)—emphasizes critical importance of the following analogy. This isn't casual observation but divine instruction requiring full attention.
The repetition recalls Deuteronomy 6:4 (Shema: "Hear, O Israel") and Moses's song (Deuteronomy 32:1: "Give ear, O ye heavens"). Prophets regularly demand attention before crucial revelations (Isaiah 1:2, Jeremiah 2:4, Hosea 4:1). Jesus similarly said, "He that hath ears to hear, let him hear" (Matthew 11:15, 13:9). What follows (the farmer parable) provides theological framework for understanding God's varied dealings—why He uses different methods for different purposes, always working toward harvest.
Historical Context
Ancient Israelites, being agricultural society, would immediately connect with farming analogies. Isaiah uses their daily experience (plowing, planting, threshing) to explain divine methodology. Jesus later used similar agricultural parables (sower, wheat and tares, mustard seed). Paul applies threshing imagery to ministry support (1 Corinthians 9:9-10). The wisdom tradition frequently drew lessons from nature and agriculture (Proverbs 6:6-8, 24:30-34). God's truth is embedded in creation patterns, teaching spiritual realities through natural processes.
Reflection
- Why does Isaiah use fourfold repetition to command attention before his farming parable?
- How does God speak through creation and natural processes to teach spiritual truth?
- What does your attentiveness to Scripture reveal about how seriously you take God's instruction?
Cross-References
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 1:2, Jeremiah 22:29