Isaiah 55:6
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 55:6
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Chapter Context
Isaiah 55 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of covenant, redemption, prayer. 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 13-13: Central message and teachings
This chapter is significant because it offers practical wisdom for godly living in a fallen world. 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 55:6
6 Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:
Analysis
Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near: This urgent exhortation employs temporal qualifiers—"while he may be found" and "while he is near"—suggesting limited opportunity. The verbs "seek" (dirshu, דִּרְשׁוּ) and "call" (qir'uhu, קְרָאֻהוּ) are plural imperatives commanding active pursuit of God. Darash (דָּרַשׁ) means to search diligently, inquire earnestly; qara (קָרָא) means to call out, cry, invoke.
The phrase "while he may be found" (behimmatso, בְּהִמָּצְאוֹ) uses niphal infinitive suggesting both God's accessibility and limited window. "While he is near" (bihyoto qarov, בִּהְיוֹתוֹ קָרוֹב) indicates proximity, both spatial and relational. The urgency implies that seasons of divine accessibility exist—times when God draws near in special invitation that may not always be available.
From a Reformed perspective, this verse balances divine sovereignty and human responsibility. God sovereignly determines seasons of grace, yet humans must respond when called. Hebrews 3:7-8 warns, "To day if ye will hear his voice, harden not your hearts." The doctrine of effectual calling explains this: God makes Himself findable to His elect at His appointed time, and they respond. This verse warns against presuming on grace—"now is the accepted time" (2 Corinthians 6:2).
Historical Context
Israel's history showed seasons of divine accessibility (Exodus deliverance, Davidic era) and seasons of apparent distance (exile, silent periods). Isaiah's invitation addressed the exile-to-return transition—a kairos moment of special opportunity. The return from Babylon represented a season when God drew near; failure to respond would mean missing the opportunity.
Church history demonstrates similar patterns: revivals, awakenings, missionary movements represent seasons when God is specially near and findable. The Reformation, Great Awakenings, modern missions movements—all involved heightened sense of divine accessibility. Yet the principle applies individually: conviction of sin, circumstances drawing one to Christ, seasons of spiritual hunger—these are times to seek while He may be found, not presuming tomorrow's opportunity.
Reflection
- Are you actively seeking and calling upon God, or passively waiting?
- What evidence suggests this is a season when God is specially near to you?
- What prevents you from urgently responding to God's present nearness?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 45:19, 1 Chronicles 28:9, Psalms 14:2, 27:8, 145:18, Amos 5:6
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 65:24, Job 8:5, Psalms 32:6