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Selected Verse: Isaiah 55:6 - Strong Concordance

Verse	Translation	Text
Isa 55:6	Strong Concordance	Seek [01875] ye the LORD [03068] while he may be found [04672], call [07121] ye upon him while he is near [07138]:
	King James	Seek ye the LORD while he may be found, call ye upon him while he is near:

Summary Of Commentaries Associated With The Selected Verse

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A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]
The condition and limit in the obtaining of the spiritual benefits (Isa 55:1-3): (1) Seek the Lord. (2) Seek Him while He is to be found (Isa 65:1; Psa 32:6; Mat 25:1-13; Joh 7:34; Joh 8:21; Co2 6:2; Heb 2:3; Heb 3:13, Heb 3:15). call--casting yourselves wholly on His mercy (Rom 10:13). Stronger than "seek"; so "near" is more positive than "while He may be found" (Rom 10:8-9). near--propitious (Psa 34:18; Psa 145:18).

A Commentary, Critical, Practical, and Explanatory on the Old and New Testaments, by Robert Jamieson, A.R. Fausset and David Brown [1882]

The condition and limit in the obtaining of the spiritual benefits (Isa 55:1-3): (1) Seek the Lord. (2) Seek Him while He is to be found (Isa 65:1; Psa 32:6; Mat 25:1-13; Joh 7:34; Joh 8:21; Co2 6:2; Heb 2:3; Heb 3:13, Heb 3:15).

call--casting yourselves wholly on His mercy (Rom 10:13). Stronger than "seek"; so "near" is more positive than "while He may be found" (Rom 10:8-9).

near--propitious (Psa 34:18; Psa 145:18).

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]
Seek ye the Lord - The commencement of religion in the heart is often represented as seeking for God. or inquiring for his ways Deu 4:29; Job 5:8; Job 8:5; Psa 9:10; Psa 14:2; Psa 27:8. This is to be regarded as addressed not to the Jewish exiles only or uniquely, but to all in view of the coming and work of the Messiah. That work would be so full and ample that an invitation could be extended to all to seek after God, and to return to him. It is implied here: 1. That people are by nature ignorant of God - since they are directed to 'seek' for him. 2. That if people will obtain his favor it must be sought. No man becomes his friend without desiring it; no one who does not earnestly seek for it. 3. That the invitation to seek God should be made to all. In this passage it is unlimited (compare Isa 55:7). Where there are sinners, there the invitation is to be offered. 4. That the knowledge of God is of inestimable value. He would not command people to seek that which was worthless; he would not urge it with so much earnestness as is here manifested if it were not of inexpressible importance. While he may be found - It is implied here: 1. That God may now be found. 2. That the time will come when it will be impossible to obtain his favor. The leading thought is, that under the Messiah the offer of salvation will be made to people fully and freely. But the period will come when it will be withdrawn. If God forsakes human beings; if he wholly withdraws his Spirit; if they have committed the sin which hath never forgiveness; or if they neglect or despise the provisions of mercy and die in their sins, it will be too late, and mercy cannot then be found. How unspeakably important, then, is it to seek for mercy at once - lest, slighted now, the offer should be withdrawn. or lest death should Overtake us, and we be removed to a world where mercy is unknown! How important is the present moment - for another moment may place us beyond the reach of pardon and of grace! How amazing the stupidity of men who suffer their present moments to pass away unimproved, and who, amidst the gaieties and the business of life, permit the day of salvation to pass by, and lose their souls! And how just is the condemnation of the sinner! If a man will not do so simple a thing as to ask for pardon, he ought to perish. The universe will approve the condemnation of such a man; and the voice of complaint can never be raised against that Holy Being who consigns such a sinner to hell. Call ye upon him - That is, implore his mercy (see Rom 10:13; compare Joe 2:32). How easy are the terms of salvation! How just will be the condemnation of a sinner if he will not call upon God! Assuredly, if people will not breathe out one broken-hearted petition to the God of heaven that they may be saved, they have only to blame themselves if they are lost. The terms of salvation could be made no easier; and man can ask nothing more simple. While he is near - In an important sense God is equally near to us at all times. But this figurative language is taken from the mode of speaking among people, and it denotes that there are influences more favorable for seeking him at some periods than others. Thus God comes near to us in the preaching of his word, when it is borne with power to the conscience; in his providences, when he strikes down a friend and comes into the very circle where we move, or the very dwelling where we abide; when he lays his hand upon us in sickness, he is near us by day and by night; in a revival of religion, or when a pious friend pleads with us, God is near to us then, and is calling us to his favor. These are favorable times for salvation; times which, if they are suffered to pass by unimproved, return no more; periods which will all soon be gone, and when they are gone, the sinner irrecoverably dies.

Notes on the Bible, by Albert Barnes, [1834]

Seek ye the Lord - The commencement of religion in the heart is often represented as seeking for God. or inquiring for his ways Deu 4:29; Job 5:8; Job 8:5; Psa 9:10; Psa 14:2; Psa 27:8. This is to be regarded as addressed not to the Jewish exiles only or uniquely, but to all in view of the coming and work of the Messiah. That work would be so full and ample that an invitation could be extended to all to seek after God, and to return to him. It is implied here:

1. That people are by nature ignorant of God - since they are directed to 'seek' for him.

2. That if people will obtain his favor it must be sought. No man becomes his friend without desiring it; no one who does not earnestly seek for it.

3. That the invitation to seek God should be made to all. In this passage it is unlimited (compare Isa 55:7). Where there are sinners, there the invitation is to be offered.

4. That the knowledge of God is of inestimable value. He would not command people to seek that which was worthless; he would not urge it with so much earnestness as is here manifested if it were not of inexpressible importance.

While he may be found - It is implied here:

1. That God may now be found.

2. That the time will come when it will be impossible to obtain his favor.

The leading thought is, that under the Messiah the offer of salvation will be made to people fully and freely. But the period will come when it will be withdrawn. If God forsakes human beings; if he wholly withdraws his Spirit; if they have committed the sin which hath never forgiveness; or if they neglect or despise the provisions of mercy and die in their sins, it will be too late, and mercy cannot then be found. How unspeakably important, then, is it to seek for mercy at once - lest, slighted now, the offer should be withdrawn. or lest death should Overtake us, and we be removed to a world where mercy is unknown! How important is the present moment - for another moment may place us beyond the reach of pardon and of grace! How amazing the stupidity of men who suffer their present moments to pass away unimproved, and who, amidst the gaieties and the business of life, permit the day of salvation to pass by, and lose their souls! And how just is the condemnation of the sinner! If a man will not do so simple a thing as to ask for pardon, he ought to perish. The universe will approve the condemnation of such a man; and the voice of complaint can never be raised against that Holy Being who consigns such a sinner to hell.

Call ye upon him - That is, implore his mercy (see Rom 10:13; compare Joe 2:32). How easy are the terms of salvation! How just will be the condemnation of a sinner if he will not call upon God! Assuredly, if people will not breathe out one broken-hearted petition to the God of heaven that they may be saved, they have only to blame themselves if they are lost. The terms of salvation could be made no easier; and man can ask nothing more simple.

While he is near - In an important sense God is equally near to us at all times. But this figurative language is taken from the mode of speaking among people, and it denotes that there are influences more favorable for seeking him at some periods than others. Thus God comes near to us in the preaching of his word, when it is borne with power to the conscience; in his providences, when he strikes down a friend and comes into the very circle where we move, or the very dwelling where we abide; when he lays his hand upon us in sickness, he is near us by day and by night; in a revival of religion, or when a pious friend pleads with us, God is near to us then, and is calling us to his favor. These are favorable times for salvation; times which, if they are suffered to pass by unimproved, return no more; periods which will all soon be gone, and when they are gone, the sinner irrecoverably dies.

Commentary on the Old Testament, by Carl Friedrich Keil and Franz Delitzsch [1857-78]
So gracious is the offer which Jehovah now makes to His people, so great are the promises that He makes to it, viz., the regal glory of David, and the government of the world by virtue of the religion of Jehovah. Hence the exhortation is addressed to it in Isa 55:6 and Isa 55:7 : "Seek ye Jehovah while He may be found, call ye upon Him while He is near. Let the wicked forsake his way, and the unrighteous man his thoughts: and let him return to Jehovah, and He will have compassion upon him; and to our God, for He will abundantly pardon." They are to seek to press into the fellowship of Jehovah (dârash with the radical meaning terere, to acquire experimental knowledge or confidential acquaintance with anything) now that He is to be found (Isa 65:1, compare the parallelism of words and things in Jer 29:14), and to call upon Him, viz., for a share in that superabundant grace, ow that He is near, i.e., now that He approaches Israel, and offers it. In the admonition to repentance introduced in Isa 55:7, both sides of the μετάνοια find expression, viz., turning away from sinful self-will, and turning to the God of salvation. The apodosis with its promises commences with וירחמהוּ - then will He have compassion upon such a man; and consequently לסלוח כּי־ירבּה (with כּי because the fragmentary sentence ואל־אלהינוּ did not admit of the continuation with ו) has not a general, but an individual meaning (vid., Psa 130:4, Psa 130:7), and is to be translated as a future (for the expression, compare Isa 26:17).

Explanatory Notes on the Whole Bible, by John Wesley [1754-65]
Seek - Labour to get the knowledge of God's will, and to obtain his grace and favour. While - In this day of grace, while he offers mercy and reconciliation. Near - Ready and desirous to receive you to mercy.

Adam Clarke Commentary on the Whole Bible - Published 1810-1826
Seek ye the Lord while he may be found - Rab. David Kimchi gives the true sense of this passage: "Seek ye the Lord, because he may be found: call upon him, because he is near. Repent before ye die, for after death there is no conversion of the soul."

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¹⁸ The LORD [03068] is nigh [07138] unto all them that call [07121] upon him, to all that call [07121] upon him in truth [0571].

¹⁸ The LORD [03068] is nigh [07138] unto them that are of a broken [07665] heart [03820]; and saveth [03467] such as be of a contrite [01793] spirit [07307].

⁸ But [235] what [5101] saith it [3004]? The word [4487] is [2076] nigh [1451] thee [4675], even in [1722] thy [4675] mouth [4750], and [2532] in [1722] thy [4675] heart [2588]: that is [5123], the word [4487] of faith [4102], which [3739] we preach [2784];
⁹ That [3754] if [1437] thou shalt confess [3670] with [1722] thy [4675] mouth [4750] the Lord [2962] Jesus [2424], and [2532] shalt believe [4100] in [1722] thine [4675] heart [2588] that [3754] God [2316] hath raised [1453] him [846] from [1537] the dead [3498], thou shalt be saved [4982].

¹³ For [3956] [1063] whosoever [3739] [302] shall call upon [1941] the name [3686] of the Lord [2962] shall be saved [4982].

¹⁵ While [1722] it is said [3004], To day [4594] if [1437] ye will hear [191] his [846] voice [5456], harden [4645] not [3361] your [5216] hearts [2588], as [5613] in [1722] the provocation [3894].

¹³ But [235] exhort [3870] one another [1438] daily [2596] [1538] [2250], while [891] [3739] it is called [2564] To day [4594]; lest [3363] any [5100] of [1537] you [5216] be hardened [4645] through the deceitfulness [539] of sin [266].

³ How [4459] shall we [2249] escape [1628], if we neglect [272] so great [5082] salvation [4991]; which [3748] at the first [746] began [2983] to be spoken [2980] by [1223] the Lord [2962], and was confirmed [950] unto [1519] us [2248] by [5259] them that heard [191] him;

² (For [1063] he saith [3004], I have heard [1873] thee [4675] in a time [2540] accepted [1184], and [2532] in [1722] the day [2250] of salvation [4991] have I succoured [997] thee [4671]: behold [2400], now [3568] is the accepted [2144] time [2540]; behold [2400], now [3568] is the day [2250] of salvation [4991].)

²¹ Then [3767] said [2036] Jesus [2424] again [3825] unto them [846], I [1473] go my way [5217], and [2532] ye shall seek [2212] me [3165], and [2532] shall die [599] in [1722] your [5216] sins [266]: whither [3699] I [1473] go [5217], ye [5210] cannot [3756] [1410] come [2064].

³⁴ Ye shall seek [2212] me [3165], and [2532] shall [2147] not [3756] find [2147] me: and [2532] where [3699] I [1473] am [1510], thither ye [5210] cannot [3756] [1410] come [2064].

¹ Then [5119] shall the kingdom [932] of heaven [3772] be likened [3666] unto ten [1176] virgins [3933], which [3748] took [2983] their [846] lamps [2985], and went forth [1831] to meet [529] [1519] the bridegroom [3566].
² And [1161] five [4002] of [1537] them [846] were [2258] wise [5429], and [2532] five [4002] were foolish [3474].
³ They [3748] that were foolish [3474] took [2983] their [846] [1438] lamps [2985], and took [2983] no [3756] oil [1637] with [3326] them [1438]:
⁴ But [1161] the wise [5429] took [2983] oil [1637] in [1722] their [846] vessels [30] with [3326] their [846] lamps [2985].
⁵ While [1161] the bridegroom [3566] tarried [5549], they all [3956] slumbered [3573] and [2532] slept [2518].
⁶ And [1161] at midnight [3319] [3571] there was a cry [2906] made [1096], Behold [2400], the bridegroom [3566] cometh [2064]; go ye out [1831] to [1519] meet [529] him [846].
⁷ Then [5119] all [3956] those [1565] virgins [3933] arose [1453], and [2532] trimmed [2885] their [846] lamps [2985].
⁸ And [1161] the foolish [3474] said [2036] unto the wise [5429], Give [1325] us [2254] of [1537] your [5216] oil [1637]; for [3754] our [2257] lamps [2985] are gone out [4570].
⁹ But [1161] the wise [5429] answered [611], saying [3004], Not so; lest [3379] there be [714] not [3756] enough [714] for us [2254] and [2532] you [5213]: but [1161] go ye [4198] rather [3123] to them [4314] that sell [4453], and [2532] buy [59] for yourselves [1438].
¹⁰ And [1161] while they [846] went [565] to buy [59], the bridegroom [3566] came [2064]; and [2532] they that were ready [2092] went in [1525] with [3326] him [846] to [1519] the marriage [1062]: and [2532] the door [2374] was shut [2808].
¹¹ Afterward [1161] [5305] came [2064] also [2532] the other [3062] virgins [3933], saying [3004], Lord [2962], Lord [2962], open [455] to us [2254].
¹² But [1161] he answered [611] and said [2036], Verily [281] I say [3004] unto you [5213], I know [1492] you [5209] not [3756].
¹³ Watch [1127] therefore [3767], for [3754] ye know [1492] neither [3756] the day [2250] nor [3761] the hour [5610] wherein [1722] [3739] the Son [5207] of man [444] cometh [2064].

⁶ For this shall every one that is godly [02623] pray [06419] unto thee in a time [06256] when thou mayest be found [04672]: surely in the floods [07858] of great [07227] waters [04325] they shall not come nigh [05060] unto him.

¹ I am sought [01875] of them that asked [07592] not [03808] for me; I am found [04672] of them that sought [01245] me not [03808]: I said [0559], Behold me, behold me, unto a nation [01471] that was not called [07121] by my name [08034].

¹ Ho [01945], every one that thirsteth [06771], come [03212] ye to the waters [04325], and he that hath no money [03701]; come [03212] ye, buy [07666], and eat [0398]; yea, come [03212], buy [07666] wine [03196] and milk [02461] without money [03701] and without price [04242].
² Wherefore do ye spend [08254] money [03701] for that which is not bread [03899]? and your labour [03018] for that which satisfieth [07654] not [03808]? hearken [08085] diligently [08085] unto me, and eat [0398] ye that which is good [02896], and let your soul [05315] delight [06026] itself in fatness [01880].
³ Incline [05186] your ear [0241], and come [03212] unto me: hear [08085], and your soul [05315] shall live [02421]; and I will make [03772] an everlasting [05769] covenant [01285] with you, even the sure [0539] mercies [02617] of David [01732].

³² And it shall come to pass, that whosoever shall call [07121] on the name [08034] of the LORD [03068] shall be delivered [04422]: for in mount [02022] Zion [06726] and in Jerusalem [03389] shall be deliverance [06413], as the LORD [03068] hath said [0559], and in the remnant [08300] whom the LORD [03068] shall call [07121].

¹³ For [3956] [1063] whosoever [3739] [302] shall call upon [1941] the name [3686] of the Lord [2962] shall be saved [4982].

⁷ Let the wicked [07563] forsake [05800] his way [01870], and the unrighteous [0205] man [0376] his thoughts [04284]: and let him return [07725] unto the LORD [03068], and he will have mercy [07355] upon him; and to our God [0430], for he will abundantly [07235] pardon [05545].

⁸ When thou saidst, Seek [01245] ye my face [06440]; my heart [03820] said [0559] unto thee, Thy face [06440], LORD [03068], will I seek [01245].

² The LORD [03068] looked down [08259] from heaven [08064] upon the children [01121] of men [0120], to see [07200] if there [03426] were any that did understand [07919], and seek [01875] God [0430].

¹⁰ And they that know [03045] thy name [08034] will put their trust [0982] in thee: for thou, LORD [03068], hast not forsaken [05800] them that seek [01875] thee.

⁵ If thou wouldest seek [07836] unto God [0410] betimes [07836], and make thy supplication [02603] to the Almighty [07706];

⁸ I would seek [0199] [01875] unto God [0410], and unto God [0430] would I commit [07760] my cause [01700]:

²⁹ But if from thence thou shalt seek [01245] the LORD [03068] thy God [0430], thou shalt find [04672] him, if thou seek [01875] him with all thy heart [03824] and with all thy soul [05315].

¹⁷ Like [03644] as a woman with child [02030], that draweth near [07126] the time of her delivery [03205], is in pain [02342], and crieth out [02199] in her pangs [02256]; so have we been in thy sight [06440], O LORD [03068].

⁷ Let Israel [03478] hope [03176] in the LORD [03068]: for with the LORD [03068] there is mercy [02617], and with him is plenteous [07235] redemption [06304].

⁴ But there is forgiveness [05547] with thee, that thou mayest be feared [03372].

¹⁴ And I will be found [04672] of you, saith [05002] the LORD [03068]: and I will turn away [07725] your captivity [07622] [07622], and I will gather [06908] you from all the nations [01471], and from all the places [04725] whither I have driven [05080] you, saith [05002] the LORD [03068]; and I will bring you again [07725] into the place [04725] whence I caused you to be carried away captive [01540].

⁶ Seek [01875] ye the LORD [03068] while he may be found [04672], call [07121] ye upon him while he is near [07138]: