God’s people must diligently listen for His voice to experience the blessings He promises.
“Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my words.” (v.23) is the prophet Isaiah’s urgent plea for the people of Judah, and indeed all who encounter these words, to heed divine instruction. Isaiah, who preached from around 739 BC to 681 BC, warns his audience time and again that ignoring God’s voice leads to spiritual and national downfall. By saying “Give ear and hear my voice” (v.23), Isaiah implores the listener not only to hear God’s words with their physical ears, but to receive them inwardly and allow them to shape their hearts. This command echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing the connection between listening to the Lord and living in accordance with His wisdom (James 1:22).
When the verse continues, “Listen and hear my words” (v.23), the repetition places emphasis on the responsibility of each believer to remain receptive to God’s truth. In Isaiah’s setting, the southern kingdom of Judah was frequently tempted to place trust in alliances with neighboring nations, rather than relying on the Almighty. The prophet’s message reminds them that true security lies in hearing and obeying the word of the Lord. The phrase also aligns with New Testament calls to remain attentive to God, such as when Jesus teaches, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).
Isaiah’s appeal speaks not only to his own generation but resonates across time, inviting all believers to engage with what God reveals in Scripture. By placing trust in God’s guidance, rather than earthly wisdom, individuals can cultivate a thriving relationship with their Creator. The people of Judah—and the church today—are shown that just as physical nourishment sustains bodily life, divine truth is essential for spiritual life and health.
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Isaiah 28:23 meaning
“Give ear and hear my voice, Listen and hear my words.” (v.23) is the prophet Isaiah’s urgent plea for the people of Judah, and indeed all who encounter these words, to heed divine instruction. Isaiah, who preached from around 739 BC to 681 BC, warns his audience time and again that ignoring God’s voice leads to spiritual and national downfall. By saying “Give ear and hear my voice” (v.23), Isaiah implores the listener not only to hear God’s words with their physical ears, but to receive them inwardly and allow them to shape their hearts. This command echoes throughout Scripture, emphasizing the connection between listening to the Lord and living in accordance with His wisdom (James 1:22).
When the verse continues, “Listen and hear my words” (v.23), the repetition places emphasis on the responsibility of each believer to remain receptive to God’s truth. In Isaiah’s setting, the southern kingdom of Judah was frequently tempted to place trust in alliances with neighboring nations, rather than relying on the Almighty. The prophet’s message reminds them that true security lies in hearing and obeying the word of the Lord. The phrase also aligns with New Testament calls to remain attentive to God, such as when Jesus teaches, “He who has ears to hear, let him hear” (Mark 4:9).
Isaiah’s appeal speaks not only to his own generation but resonates across time, inviting all believers to engage with what God reveals in Scripture. By placing trust in God’s guidance, rather than earthly wisdom, individuals can cultivate a thriving relationship with their Creator. The people of Judah—and the church today—are shown that just as physical nourishment sustains bodily life, divine truth is essential for spiritual life and health.