Seek the LORD while He may be found;This phrase emphasizes the urgency of seeking God. In the context of Isaiah, the Israelites were being called to repentance and renewal of their covenant relationship with God. Historically, this was a time when the people were facing the consequences of their disobedience, including exile. The call to seek the LORD suggests a window of opportunity that may not always be available. This aligns with other scriptures such as
Amos 5:4, which also urges seeking God for life. Theologically, it underscores the concept of God's grace being available but not indefinitely, highlighting the importance of responding to God's call promptly.
call on Him while He is near.
This part of the verse suggests that there are times when God is especially accessible to His people. In the cultural context of ancient Israel, calling on God was an act of worship and dependence, often associated with prayer and sacrifice. The nearness of God can be seen in the context of His covenant promises and His presence among His people, as seen in passages likeDeuteronomy 4:7. This also foreshadows the New Testament revelation of God being near through Jesus Christ, who is Emmanuel, "God with us" (Matthew 1:23). The phrase encourages believers to take advantage of God's presence and willingness to respond to those who earnestly seek Him.
Persons / Places / Events
1.
IsaiahA major prophet in the Old Testament, Isaiah's ministry spanned the reigns of several kings of Judah. He is known for his prophecies concerning the coming of the Messiah and the salvation of the Lord.
2.
The LORD (Yahweh)The covenant name of God in the Hebrew Bible, representing His eternal, self-existent nature and His relationship with His people.
3.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel during Isaiah's time, often the primary audience of his prophecies.
4.
ExileAlthough not directly mentioned in this verse, the context of Isaiah includes the looming threat of exile for the people of Judah due to their disobedience.
5.
RepentanceAn underlying theme in
Isaiah 55, calling the people to turn back to God and seek His forgiveness and guidance.
Teaching Points
Urgency of Seeking GodThe phrase "while He may be found" suggests a limited time offer, urging believers to prioritize their relationship with God before it's too late.
God's NearnessThe assurance that God is "near" encourages believers to approach Him with confidence, knowing that He is accessible and willing to engage with them.
Call to RepentanceThis verse is a call to turn away from sin and towards God, emphasizing the importance of repentance in the believer's life.
Active PursuitSeeking and calling on God requires intentionality and effort, reminding believers that a passive approach to faith is insufficient.
Faith and TrustTrusting in God's promise to be found by those who seek Him strengthens faith and encourages a deeper reliance on His presence and guidance.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 55:6?
2.How can we "seek the LORD" daily in our personal lives?
3.What does "call on Him while He is near" imply about God's availability?
4.How does Isaiah 55:6 connect with James 4:8 about drawing near to God?
5.Why is urgency important in seeking God according to Isaiah 55:6?
6.How can Isaiah 55:6 guide our evangelism efforts to others?
7.What does Isaiah 55:6 mean by "seek the LORD while He may be found"?
8.How does Isaiah 55:6 challenge our understanding of God's availability?
9.Why is urgency emphasized in Isaiah 55:6?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 55?
11.Can you find the Lord before it's too late?
12.Can you find the Lord before it's too late?
13.How can I earnestly seek and find God?
14.What does "Word will not return void" mean?What Does Isaiah 55:6 Mean
Seek the LORD• The command is active and personal. “Seek the LORD” is not a casual glance; it is a deliberate pursuit of the God who has already revealed Himself (Psalm 105:4: “Seek out the LORD and His strength; seek His face always”).
• Seeking God means turning from self-reliance to God-reliance. Isaiah’s wider context (55:1-5) invites thirsty souls to come for free grace; verse 6 calls for a wholehearted response (Jeremiah 29:13: “You will seek Me and find Me when you search for Me with all your heart”).
• The pursuit is life-giving.Amos 5:4, records the same plea: “Seek Me and live!” Jesus echoes it inMatthew 6:33: “Seek first the kingdom of God and His righteousness,” promising God’s provision in return.
While He May Be Found• Opportunity is not endless. God sets a gracious window for repentance (2 Corinthians 6:2: “Behold, now is the time of favor; now is the day of salvation!”).
• Hardening the heart risks missing that window (Hebrews 3:15: “Today, if you hear His voice, do not harden your hearts”).Proverbs 1:24-28 warns that delaying obedience can leave a person calling too late.
• The phrase underscores God’s patience but also His justice. Mercy extended today will not be offered forever; therefore urgency is loving, not harsh.
Call on Him• “Call” expresses dependence. We cry out because only God can save (Romans 10:13: “Everyone who calls on the name of the Lord will be saved”).
• Calling is covenantal; it assumes relationship.Psalm 50:15, links prayer and deliverance: “Call upon Me in the day of trouble; I will deliver you.”
• The promise is inclusive.Joel 2:32, opens the door to “everyone” who calls, anticipating the gospel’s reach to all nations.
While He Is Near• God’s nearness is real, yet it must be embraced.Acts 17:27, notes that God “is not far from each one of us.”
• Nearness invites intimacy and cleansing (James 4:8: “Draw near to God, and He will draw near to you”). The verse implies that refusal leads to distance, as Jerusalem discovered when it ignored Messiah’s visit (Luke 19:42).
• The assurance is comforting: we are not chasing a distant deity. The Creator stoops low so we can reach Him, but we must respond before the moment passes.
summaryIsaiah 55:6 issues an urgent, gracious invitation: actively pursue the Lord, because right now He is within reach. Delay risks missing the God-given window, but immediate, wholehearted seeking and calling bring salvation and fellowship.
(6)
While he may be found . . .--The appeal shows that the promised blessings are not unconditional. There may come a time (as in
Matthew 25:11) when "too late will be written on all efforts to gain the inheritance which has been forfeited by neglect (
2Corinthians 6:2).
Verse 6. -
Seek ye the Lord. Again the strain changes. The people are once more addressed, but in a tone of reproach. Israel must "seek the Lord" without delay, or the opportunity will be past; God will have withdrawn himself from them. He "will not alway be chiding, neither keepeth he his anger for ever" (
Psalm 103:9).
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
Seekדִּרְשׁ֥וּ(dir·šū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural
Strong's 1875:To tread, frequent, to follow, to seek, ask, to worshipthe LORDיְהוָ֖ה(Yah·weh)Noun - proper - masculine singular
Strong's 3068:LORD -- the proper name of the God of Israelwhile He may be found;בְּהִמָּצְא֑וֹ(bə·him·mā·ṣə·’ōw)Preposition-b | Verb - Nifal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 4672:To come forth to, appear, exist, to attain, find, acquire, to occur, meet, be presentcall on Himקְרָאֻ֖הוּ(qə·rā·’u·hū)Verb - Qal - Imperative - masculine plural | third person masculine singular
Strong's 7121:To call, proclaim, readwhile He isבִּֽהְיוֹת֥וֹ(bih·yō·w·ṯōw)Preposition-b | Verb - Qal - Infinitive construct | third person masculine singular
Strong's 1961:To fall out, come to pass, become, benear.קָרֽוֹב׃(qā·rō·wḇ)Adjective - masculine singular
Strong's 7138:Near
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 55:6 Seek you Yahweh while he may be (Isa Isi Is)