God’s people are reminded here to stay diligent in pursuing the Lord and not grow weary in maintaining their covenant with Him.
“Yet you have not called on Me, O Jacob; But you have become weary of Me, O Israel.” (Isaiah 43:22). Isaiah, writing as God’s messenger in the eighth century BC, delivers a pointed rebuke directed at the descendants of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. This verse indicates that God’s people have neglected to seek Him actively—they have not “called on” Him. Instead of turning to the LORD for salvation, wisdom, or comfort, they have grown weary of the relationship. This weariness reveals a deep spiritual malaise, suggesting they found the ceremonial practices or the heart-required worship too burdensome to maintain.
Jacob himself, who lived around 2000 BC, was the namesake for the nation of Israel and the father of the twelve tribes. By addressing the people as “Jacob” and “Israel,” God reminds them of their shared lineage and covenant identity. The name “Israel” was given to Jacob after he wrestled with God (Genesis 32:28), symbolizing perseverance in pursuing God’s blessing. However, in Isaiah’s time, God’s people had turned away from faithful perseverance and fallen into spiritual apathy.
This verse also foreshadows the invitation throughout Scripture for believers to call on the name of the Lord for deliverance (Romans 10:13). Jesus Himself urged His followers to abide in Him so that true spiritual life could flourish (John 15:4). Here, the prophet highlights the tragedy of neglecting a relationship with God because God desires consistent fellowship, free from weariness of spirit or shallow religious ritual.
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Isaiah 43:22 meaning
“Yet you have not called on Me, O Jacob; But you have become weary of Me, O Israel.” (Isaiah 43:22). Isaiah, writing as God’s messenger in the eighth century BC, delivers a pointed rebuke directed at the descendants of Jacob, who is also known as Israel. This verse indicates that God’s people have neglected to seek Him actively—they have not “called on” Him. Instead of turning to the LORD for salvation, wisdom, or comfort, they have grown weary of the relationship. This weariness reveals a deep spiritual malaise, suggesting they found the ceremonial practices or the heart-required worship too burdensome to maintain.
Jacob himself, who lived around 2000 BC, was the namesake for the nation of Israel and the father of the twelve tribes. By addressing the people as “Jacob” and “Israel,” God reminds them of their shared lineage and covenant identity. The name “Israel” was given to Jacob after he wrestled with God (Genesis 32:28), symbolizing perseverance in pursuing God’s blessing. However, in Isaiah’s time, God’s people had turned away from faithful perseverance and fallen into spiritual apathy.
This verse also foreshadows the invitation throughout Scripture for believers to call on the name of the Lord for deliverance (Romans 10:13). Jesus Himself urged His followers to abide in Him so that true spiritual life could flourish (John 15:4). Here, the prophet highlights the tragedy of neglecting a relationship with God because God desires consistent fellowship, free from weariness of spirit or shallow religious ritual.