Isaiah 43:22

¶ But thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

But thou hast not called {H7121} upon me, O Jacob {H3290}; but thou hast been weary {H3021} of me, O Israel {H3478}.

But you haven't called on me, Ya'akov; because you have grown weary of me, Isra'el.

But you have not called on Me, O Jacob, because you have grown weary of Me, O Israel.

Yet thou hast not called upon me, O Jacob; but thou hast been weary of me, O Israel.

Commentary

Isaiah 43:22 serves as a poignant divine lament, contrasting God's unwavering commitment to His people with their spiritual indifference and neglect. Coming after a powerful declaration of God's redemptive work and unique deity, this verse highlights the painful reality of Israel's unfaithfulness.

Historical and Cultural Context

The book of Isaiah, particularly chapters 40-55, addresses the nation of Israel during and after their Babylonian exile. While God has just affirmed His identity as their Redeemer and Creator, reminding them of His past acts and future plans for restoration (see Isaiah 43:1-21), this verse pivots to confront their spiritual apathy. Despite God's mighty acts on their behalf, the people, addressed as "Jacob" and "Israel" (terms for the entire nation), had failed to respond with devotion and reliance.

Key Themes and Messages

  • Divine Disappointment and Grief: The verse reveals God's heartache over His people's spiritual state. He expresses not anger, but a profound disappointment that they did not seek Him or find joy in Him.
  • Spiritual Apathy and Neglect: The phrase "thou hast not called upon me" signifies a pervasive lack of prayer, worship, and reliance on God. Instead of seeking His presence, they had grown "weary of me," implying that God's ways, commands, or even His very presence had become a burden rather than a delight. This weariness suggests a formalistic religion devoid of genuine relationship.
  • Contrast of Faithfulness: This verse starkly contrasts God's steadfast faithfulness, just declared in the preceding verses, with Israel's consistent unfaithfulness. God remains true to His covenant promises, even when His people fail to uphold their end.

Linguistic Insights

The parallel use of "Jacob" and "Israel" emphasizes that this accusation is leveled against the entire chosen nation. The phrase "called upon me" (Hebrew: קָרָאתָ qārā'tā) is a fundamental expression of prayer, invocation, and seeking God's help and presence. To "be weary of me" (Hebrew: יָגַעְתָּ yāga‘tā) suggests exhaustion or burden, indicating that their relationship with God had become a tiresome obligation rather than a source of life and strength.

Practical Application

Isaiah 43:22 serves as a timeless call to self-examination for believers today. Do we truly call upon God in our lives, seeking His guidance and presence, or have we, like ancient Israel, become spiritually weary? This verse reminds us that God desires a vibrant, interactive relationship, not just outward religious observance. It's an invitation to shake off spiritual apathy and rediscover the joy and privilege of intimate communion with our Creator and Redeemer, recognizing His constant faithfulness even when ours falters (2 Timothy 2:13).

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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated — the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified sources.

Cross-References

  • Micah 6:3 (7 votes)

    O my people, what have I done unto thee? and wherein have I wearied thee? testify against me.

  • Malachi 3:14 (6 votes)

    Ye have said, It [is] vain to serve God: and what profit [is it] that we have kept his ordinance, and that we have walked mournfully before the LORD of hosts?

  • Malachi 1:13 (5 votes)

    Ye said also, Behold, what a weariness [is it]! and ye have snuffed at it, saith the LORD of hosts; and ye brought [that which was] torn, and the lame, and the sick; thus ye brought an offering: should I accept this of your hand? saith the LORD.

  • James 4:2 (3 votes)

    Ye lust, and have not: ye kill, and desire to have, and cannot obtain: ye fight and war, yet ye have not, because ye ask not.

  • James 4:3 (3 votes)

    Ye ask, and receive not, because ye ask amiss, that ye may consume [it] upon your lusts.

  • Jeremiah 10:25 (3 votes)

    Pour out thy fury upon the heathen that know thee not, and upon the families that call not on thy name: for they have eaten up Jacob, and devoured him, and consumed him, and have made his habitation desolate.

  • Hosea 7:10 (2 votes)

    And the pride of Israel testifieth to his face: and they do not return to the LORD their God, nor seek him for all this.