Isaiah 28:23

KJV

¶ Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

KJV (with Strong's)

Give ye ear {H238}, and hear {H8085} my voice {H6963}; hearken {H7181}, and hear {H8085} my speech {H565}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Listen and hear my voice; pay attention, and hear what I say:

Berean Standard Bible

Listen and hear my voice. Pay attention and hear what I say.

American Standard Version

Give ye ear, and hear my voice; hearken, and hear my speech.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 28:23 is an urgent and emphatic prophetic summons, calling the audience to profound spiritual attentiveness. Through a series of synonymous imperatives, the prophet Isaiah implores the people to incline their hearts and minds to the divine message he is about to deliver. This verse serves as a critical preface, underscoring the vital importance and authoritative nature of God's forthcoming instruction, which will reveal His wise and purposeful dealings with His people, even amidst judgment.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Isaiah 28:23 stands at a pivotal juncture within a broader section of Isaiah (chapters 28-33) often referred to as the "Oracles of Woe." The preceding verses in [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Woes to Ephraim and Jerusalem") detail severe pronouncements of judgment against the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) for their spiritual drunkenness, pride, and covenant infidelity, and then turn to Judah (Jerusalem) for their reliance on human alliances and their rejection of God's quiet counsel. The prophet condemns the religious and political leaders for their spiritual blindness and perversion of justice. Verse 23 acts as a distinct break, shifting from direct condemnation to an invitation to understand God's deeper wisdom. It introduces a profound agricultural parable in [Isaiah 28:24-29](/isaiah/28-24 "Isaiah 28:24-29 - The Farmer's Parable of God's Wisdom"), which illustrates God's methodical, wise, and purposeful work, even in His judgments. Thus, the call to listen prepares the audience for a revelation of divine order and sovereignty, contrasting sharply with the chaotic and foolish ways of the unfaithful.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Isaiah prophesied during the tumultuous 8th century BC, a period marked by the rising Assyrian Empire's dominance. Both Israel and Judah faced immense political pressure, leading them to seek alliances with powerful nations like Egypt rather than trusting in the Lord. This historical backdrop of geopolitical instability and spiritual apostasy is crucial. Culturally, the Israelites were a covenant people, and listening (Hebrew: *shema*) was a foundational aspect of their relationship with God, as exemplified in the [Shema of Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Great Shema"). The agricultural imagery that follows this verse (vv. 24-29) would have been highly relatable to an agrarian society, using familiar farming practices to convey profound theological truths about God's measured and wise actions. The prophet's call to "give ear" and "hearken" was a direct challenge to a people who had become deaf to God's voice, preferring the deceptive counsel of human leaders and foreign powers.

* **Key Themes:** The primary theme introduced by this verse is the **Imperative of Attentive Listening**. The repeated commands emphasize that God's word is not to be taken lightly; it demands a receptive and engaged audience. This theme is foundational to the covenant relationship, where hearing God's voice implies obedience and understanding, as seen in passages like [Deuteronomy 28:1](/deuteronomy/28-1 "Deuteronomy 28:1 - Blessings for Obedience"). Another significant theme is **Divine Authority and Wisdom**. The "voice" and "speech" belong to God, highlighting His ultimate sovereignty and the perfect wisdom of His plans, even when they involve judgment. The subsequent parable of the farmer's precise and timely work (e.g., [Isaiah 28:26](/isaiah/28-26 "Isaiah 28:26 - God Instructs the Farmer")) illustrates that God's actions are not arbitrary but are executed with purposeful design. Finally, the verse underscores the theme of **Preparation for Understanding**. By demanding attention, Isaiah prepares his listeners to grasp the deeper truths about God's righteous character and His just, yet redemptive, purposes, which are often veiled to the spiritually dull. This call sets the stage for the revelation of God's patient and wise dealings with His people, even as He disciplines them.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **ear (Hebrew, _ʼâzan'_):** From H238, a primitive root meaning "to broaden out the ear (with the hand), i.e. (by implication) to listen." This word, often used in the imperative, conveys an active and intentional posture of listening, suggesting a deliberate effort to open oneself to hear. It's not passive hearing but an attentive reception.
* **hear (Hebrew, _shâmaʻ'_):** From H8085, a primitive root meaning "to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)." This is a comprehensive term for hearing that extends beyond mere auditory perception to include understanding, heeding, and obeying. When God commands to "hear," it implies a call to respond with action and submission to His will.
* **speech (Hebrew, _ʼimrâh'_):** From H565, meaning "something said; commandment, speech, word." This noun refers to the content of the divine communication. It signifies God's authoritative utterance, His specific message or directive, which carries the weight of His divine will and wisdom.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Give ye ear, and hear my voice;"**: This opening clause is a double imperative, emphasizing the urgency and necessity of attentive listening. "Give ye ear" (from `H238`) signifies an active posture of inclining oneself to hear, while "hear" (from `H8085`) implies not just physical hearing but intelligent comprehension and reception. The object, "my voice" (from `H6963`), clearly identifies the speaker as God Himself, lending supreme authority to the message. The combination underscores a demand for full, undivided attention to God's direct communication.
* **"hearken, and hear my speech."**: This second clause reiterates and intensifies the command through synonymous parallelism. "Hearken" (from `H7181`) means to prick up the ears, to attend closely, or to give heed, reinforcing the call for deep engagement. The repetition of "hear" (from `H8085`) further stresses the importance of understanding and internalizing the message. "My speech" (from `H565`) is a parallel to "my voice," referring to the divine utterance, the specific content of God's instruction or revelation. The overall effect is a powerful, insistent plea for the audience to overcome their spiritual dullness and truly listen to what God is about to impart.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 28:23 is rich in **Parallelism**, specifically **Synonymous Parallelism**. The verse employs two pairs of nearly identical phrases: "Give ye ear, and hear my voice" and "hearken, and hear my speech." This repetition of similar ideas using different but related words serves to intensify the message and underscore its critical importance. It creates a sense of urgency and insistence, ensuring the audience grasps the absolute necessity of spiritual attentiveness. The use of **Imperative Verbs** ("Give ye ear," "hear," "hearken") directly addresses the audience, demanding an immediate and active response. This direct address, combined with the parallelism, acts as a powerful **Rhetorical Device** designed to break through the spiritual indifference and hardness of heart that characterized the people of Judah and Israel. The "voice" and "speech" are also examples of **Metonymy**, where the attribute (voice/speech) stands for the speaker (God), emphasizing the divine origin and authority of the message.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 28:23 serves as a profound theological statement on the necessity of divine revelation and human receptivity. It highlights God's initiative in communicating His will and wisdom, even to a rebellious people. The repeated call to "hear" emphasizes that spiritual understanding and obedience are contingent upon a willingness to listen to God's authoritative word. This principle is foundational to biblical theology, asserting that true wisdom originates from God and is accessed through humble attention to His instruction. It underscores God's desire for His people to know His ways, even when those ways involve corrective discipline, preparing them to grasp the depth of His purposeful governance.

* [Deuteronomy 6:4](/deuteronomy/6-4 "Deuteronomy 6:4 - The Shema: Hear, O Israel") - The foundational command to "Hear, O Israel," emphasizing listening as the basis of the covenant relationship.
* [Psalm 81:8](/psalm/81-8 "Psalm 81:8 - God's Call to Listen") - "Hear, O my people, and I will testify unto thee: O Israel, if thou wilt hearken unto me;" a similar divine plea for attention.
* [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - He Who Has Ears to Hear") - "Who hath ears to hear, let him hear," a New Testament echo of the imperative to listen with understanding.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 28:23 is a timeless summons to cultivate a posture of profound spiritual attentiveness in a world saturated with noise and distractions. The prophet's urgent call to "give ear," "hear," and "hearken" challenges us to move beyond superficial listening to a deep, intentional engagement with God's voice. This means actively quieting the clamor of our daily lives, setting aside preconceived notions, and humbly opening our hearts to receive divine instruction, whether through the Scriptures, prayer, or the discerning counsel of the Holy Spirit. It reminds us that true wisdom and guidance come from God alone, and our spiritual well-being depends on our willingness to truly hear and respond to His "speech." In an age of information overload, this verse beckons us to prioritize the singular, authoritative voice of our Creator, recognizing that His words are always purposeful, wise, and essential for navigating life's complexities and aligning our lives with His perfect will.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what areas of your life do you find it most challenging to "give ear" and truly listen to God's voice?**
* **What practical steps can you take this week to create more space and intentionality for hearing God's "speech" through His Word and prayer?**
* **How does the understanding that God's voice carries ultimate authority impact your willingness to "hearken" and obey His instructions?**

### FAQ
**Why does Isaiah repeat the command to listen so many times in this single verse?**

Answer: The repetition in [Isaiah 28:23](/isaiah/28-23 "Isaiah 28:23 - The Call to Listen") serves as a powerful rhetorical device to underscore the extreme urgency and critical importance of the message about to be delivered. The prophet Isaiah is speaking to a people who have become spiritually dull, deaf to God's warnings, and unresponsive to His covenant demands, as detailed in the preceding verses of [Isaiah 28](/isaiah/28 "Isaiah 28 - Woes to Ephraim and Jerusalem"). The repeated imperatives—"Give ye ear," "hear my voice," "hearken," "hear my speech"—are designed to break through their indifference, compel their attention, and emphasize that what follows is not merely human counsel but the authoritative "speech" of God Himself. It's an insistent plea for them to overcome their spiritual apathy and truly internalize the divine wisdom that will be revealed, particularly in the subsequent parable of the farmer's measured work.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 28:23, with its insistent call to "hear my voice" and "hearken," finds its ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, who is the very Word of God incarnate. While Isaiah's immediate audience was called to listen to God's prophetic word through the prophet, the New Testament reveals that God has now spoken definitively through His Son, as declared in [Hebrews 1:1-2](/hebrews/1-1 "Hebrews 1:1-2 - God Has Spoken Through His Son"). Jesus Himself frequently issued the imperative to "he who has ears to hear, let him hear," particularly when teaching profound truths about the Kingdom of God (e.g., [Matthew 13:9](/matthew/13-9 "Matthew 13:9 - He Who Has Ears to Hear")). He is the embodiment of God's "voice" and "speech," the perfect revelation of divine wisdom and purpose. The call to listen in Isaiah foreshadows the ultimate call to hear and obey the voice of the Good Shepherd, as Jesus proclaims in [John 10:27](/john/10-27 "John 10:27 - My Sheep Hear My Voice"), "My sheep hear my voice, and I know them, and they follow me." To truly "hear" God's speech today is to listen to Christ, to receive His teachings, and to respond in faith and obedience to Him, for He is the living Word through whom all of God's promises and wisdom are made manifest.

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Jeremiah 22:29

O earth, earth, earth, hear the word of the LORD.

Isaiah 1:2

¶ Hear, O heavens, and give ear, O earth: for the LORD hath spoken, I have nourished and brought up children, and they have rebelled against me.

Revelation 2:29

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches.

Revelation 2:11

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; He that overcometh shall not be hurt of the second death.

Revelation 2:14

But I have a few things against thee, because thou hast there them that hold the doctrine of Balaam, who taught Balac to cast a stumblingblock before the children of Israel, to eat things sacrificed unto idols, and to commit fornication.

Revelation 2:7

He that hath an ear, let him hear what the Spirit saith unto the churches; To him that overcometh will I give to eat of the tree of life, which is in the midst of the paradise of God.

Deuteronomy 32:1

¶ Give ear, O ye heavens, and I will speak; and hear, O earth, the words of my mouth.