Isaiah 8:17

“And I will wait upon the Lord, &c.] Or “for the Lord”f144; for the coming of Christ, the Immanuel, who would be a sanctuary to some, and a stone of stumbling to others, and whose doctrine in the meanwhile would be bound up and sealed; faith in, and expectation of the Messiah’s coming, are often signified by waiting for him, (<232509>Isaiah 25:9 <350203>Habakkuk 2:3): that hideth his face from the house of Jacob; to whom the promise of him was made, from whom he should descend, to whom he should be sent, and whom he would redeem. This is not to be understood of his deserting of his people, and withdrawing his gracious presence from them, to show his displeasure at them, and resentment of…”

“I--Whatever the rest of the nation may do, I will look to Jehovah alone. that hideth . . . face--though He seems now to withdraw His countenance from Judah (the then representative of "the house of Jacob"). Let us wait and trust in, though we cannot see, Him (Isa 50:10; Isa 54:8; Hab 2:3; Luk 2:25, Luk 2:38).”

“And I will wait upon the Lord - This is the commencement of a new subject. The prophet had closed his former message; but had seen that in regard to the great mass of the nation, his exhortation had been in vain. He now says, that having delivered his message, he would patiently look to God alone. His hope was in him, though the nation looked elsewhere; and though calamities were coming, yet he would still trust in God only. That hideth his face - This is a figurative expression, denoting the withdrawing of his favor and protection. He would leave them, and give them to deserved punishment; compare Job 23:9; Job 13:24; Psalms 44:24; Psalms 10:1; Psalms 104:29. And I will look for him - I…”

“Yet - Yet, notwithstanding this dreadful prophecy concerning the rejection of Israel. Wait - I will cast my care upon him, and expect the accomplishment of his promise, in sending the Messiah, and in conferring upon me and all believing Israelites all his mercies and blessings. Hideth - That now withdraws his favour and blessings, from the people of Israel. Isaiah 8:18”

“8:17 I will wait for the Lord . . . I will put my hope in him: Isaiah’s message against Syria, Israel, and Assyria would be proven true in the historical events that followed. The fulfillment would further encourage the godly to await the final downfall of all ungodly power structures (see 8:9-10). Waiting for the Lord requires submission, prayer, hope, and faith (see 25:9; 26:8; 33:2), resulting in a quiet spirit and a renewal of inner strength (40:31). The book of Hebrews applies these words to Jesus Christ (Heb 2:13). • God had turned away; the people of Israel and Judah were alienated from the Lord because of their sin.”

“I will: Isa 25:9, Isa 26:8, Isa 33:2, Isa 64:4; Gen 49:18; Psa 27:14, Psa 33:20, Psa 37:34, Psa 39:7, Psa 40:1; Psa 130:5; Lam 3:25, Lam 3:26; Hos 12:6; Mic 7:7; Hab 2:3; Th1 1:10; Th2 3:5; Heb 10:36-39 hideth: Isa 54:8, Isa 59:2, Isa 64:7; Deu 31:17, Deu 31:18, Deu 32:20; Eze 39:23, Eze 39:24; Mic 3:4 I will look: Isa 50:10; Luk 2:38; Heb 9:28 Isaiah 8:18”

“Whilst offering this prayer, and looking for its fulfilment, he waits upon Jehovah. "And I wait upon Jehovah, who hides His face before the house of Jacob, and hope for Him." A time of judgment had now commenced, which would still last a long time; but the word of God was the pledge of Israel's continuance in the midst of it, and of the renewal of Israel's glory afterwards. The prophet would therefore hope for the grace which was now hidden behind the wrath. Isaiah 8:18”