Isaiah 8:17

KJV

And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will wait {H2442} upon the LORD {H3068}, that hideth {H5641} his face {H6440} from the house {H1004} of Jacob {H3290}, and I will look {H6960} for him.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will wait for ADONAI, who is hiding his face from the house of Ya'akov; yes, I will look for him.

Berean Standard Bible

I will wait for the LORD, who is hiding His face from the house of Jacob. I will put my trust in Him.

American Standard Version

And I will wait for Jehovah, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:17 stands as a powerful declaration of the prophet's unyielding faith and steadfast resolve amidst national apostasy and impending divine judgment. At a time when Judah's king and people sought security in human alliances rather than divine faithfulness, Isaiah articulates his personal commitment to patiently await and earnestly seek the Lord. This resolve persists even when God appears to have withdrawn His favor or "hideth His face" due to the nation's profound sin. The verse serves as a profound testament to faithful perseverance and an unwavering hope in God's ultimate revelation, sharply distinguishing the prophet and the faithful remnant from the unfaithful majority of the "house of Jacob."

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This pivotal verse is strategically placed within a significant prophetic section of Isaiah (chapters 7-12), which primarily addresses the Syro-Ephraimite War and its profound theological implications for Judah. Immediately preceding this declaration, Isaiah has delivered stern warnings against King Ahaz's unbelief and the nation's reliance on human strategies, exemplified by their refusal to trust God and their subsequent appeal to Assyria. [Isaiah 8:16](/isaiah/8-16 "Isaiah 8:16 - Sealing the Testimony") speaks of sealing up the testimony and binding up the law among the prophet's disciples, hinting at a period of divine silence or hiddenness where God's word would be preserved for a future, more receptive generation. Following Isaiah's personal vow, [Isaiah 8:18](/isaiah/8-18 "Isaiah 8:18 - Isaiah and His Children as Signs") reveals that Isaiah and his children are to serve as "signs and wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts," underscoring their prophetic role as a faithful remnant. Thus, Isaiah 8:17 functions as the prophet's personal pledge of steadfastness, providing a profound model for this small, loyal group who would endure the severe judgment to come.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical setting for Isaiah 8:17 is the tumultuous late 8th century BCE, a period of immense geopolitical upheaval in the ancient Near East. The northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria) formed an alliance, attempting to coerce Judah into joining their anti-Assyrian coalition. When King Ahaz of Judah refused, they launched an attack on Jerusalem around 734 BCE. Rather than placing his trust in God's explicit promise of deliverance, as offered in [Isaiah 7:4-9](/isaiah/7-4-9 "Isaiah 7:4-9 - God's Promise of Deliverance from Syria and Ephraim"), Ahaz, driven by fear and unbelief, chose to appeal to Tiglath-Pileser III of Assyria for military aid. This decision, while seemingly pragmatic, constituted a profound act of spiritual apostasy, ultimately inviting Assyrian domination and setting the stage for Judah's eventual downfall. Culturally, the idiom "hiding one's face" was universally understood to signify divine displeasure, the withdrawal of favor, or a period of judgment, typically as a consequence of covenant infidelity. The practice of "waiting" on the Lord—often associated with seeking divine counsel and presence, particularly in the temple—was a deeply ingrained spiritual discipline, though frequently neglected during times of national crisis.
* **Key Themes:** Isaiah 8:17 powerfully encapsulates several foundational themes that resonate throughout the entire book of Isaiah. Firstly, the theme of **Faithful Perseverance** is paramount; despite the pervasive unfaithfulness of the nation and the perceived divine silence or displeasure ("hideth his face"), the prophet Isaiah exemplifies unwavering trust and active expectation in God. This stands in stark contrast to King Ahaz's profound lack of faith, vividly described in [Isaiah 7:9](/isaiah/7-9 "Isaiah 7:9 - If you are not firm in faith, you will not be firm at all"). Secondly, the theme of **Divine Discipline and Judgment** is clearly evident in the phrase "hideth his face," which unequivocally signals God's righteous response to Judah's persistent sin. Yet, this stern reality is juxtaposed with the underlying hope of God's ultimate revelation and restoration. Finally, the verse profoundly highlights the **Role of the Remnant**, as Isaiah explicitly identifies himself with those who remain loyal to the Lord, thereby distinguishing them from the broader "house of Jacob" that has tragically turned away. Their commitment to "wait" and "look" for God is presented as the defining characteristic of true devotion in a time of widespread national apostasy, a theme that echoes powerfully throughout Isaiah, particularly in passages such as [Isaiah 10:20-22](/isaiah/10-20-22 "Isaiah 10:20-22 - The Remnant of Israel Will Return").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **wait (Hebrew, _châkâh'_):** H2442, a primitive root meaning to adhere to; hence, to await. This word conveys a sense of patient, clinging expectation, a steadfast resolve to remain fixed on the object of waiting. It is not a passive resignation but an active, hopeful endurance, suggesting a deep-seated trust that the Lord will eventually reveal Himself and intervene.
* **hideth (Hebrew, _çâthar'_):** H5641, a primitive root meaning to hide (by covering), literally or figuratively. In this context, it signifies God's deliberate concealment of His manifest presence, favor, or clear guidance. It implies a period where God's face is turned away, often as a consequence of human sin, leading to a profound sense of divine absence or judgment.
* **face (Hebrew, _pânîym'_):** H6440, plural (but always as singular) of an unused noun, meaning the face (as the part that turns). In biblical idiom, "face" often represents presence, favor, attention, or direct manifestation. When God "hides His face," it means He withdraws His manifest presence, blessing, and direct communication, signaling displeasure, a period of testing, or judgment.
* **look (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** H6960, a primitive root meaning to bind together (perhaps by twisting), i.e., collect; figuratively, to expect. This word implies a strong, active, and hopeful anticipation. It suggests gathering one's thoughts and hopes, binding them together, and directing them towards the Lord with a firm, unwavering expectation. It reinforces the active, intentional nature of Isaiah's waiting.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will wait upon the LORD,"**: This opening clause expresses Isaiah's deeply personal and resolute commitment. Despite the pervasive national unfaithfulness and the looming crisis, the prophet declares his intention to actively and patiently expect the Lord. The verb "wait" (H2442, *châkâh*) signifies a clinging, hopeful endurance, a steadfast trust in God's unchanging character and ultimate intervention, even when circumstances appear dire. This is a deliberate choice to rely on divine sovereignty rather than human strategies or fleeting alliances.
* **"that hideth his face from the house of Jacob,"**: This clause provides the challenging and somber context for Isaiah's waiting. "The house of Jacob" refers to the entire nation of Israel, encompassing both the northern kingdom and Judah. The phrase "hideth his face" (H5641 *çâthar* + H6440 *pânîym*) is a powerful biblical idiom indicating God's profound displeasure, the withdrawal of His favor, or a period of judgment directly resulting from the people's persistent sin and rebellion. It signifies a lack of manifest presence, blessing, or clear divine guidance. Isaiah acknowledges this severe divine discipline, yet his commitment to wait remains unshakeable.
* **"and I will look for him."**: This concluding clause reiterates and intensifies the prophet's unwavering resolve. The verb "look" (H6960, *qâvâh*) carries a similar, yet often more active and expectant, connotation than "wait." It implies a hopeful, eager, and persistent anticipation, a binding of one's hope and expectation firmly to the Lord. It underscores that Isaiah's waiting is far from passive; it is an active seeking, a confident anticipation that God will eventually reveal Himself and His perfect purposes, even after a season of apparent hiddenness.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:17 employs several potent literary devices that profoundly amplify its message and emotional impact. The most prominent is **Anthropomorphism**, vividly seen in the phrase "hideth his face." This attributes a human action (the turning away or concealment of one's face) to God, thereby conveying the theological reality of divine displeasure or the withdrawal of favor in a relatable and impactful manner. This phrase also functions as a powerful **Metaphor** for divine judgment or a period of perceived absence, during which God's blessings and clear guidance are intentionally withheld. The verse further exhibits striking **Parallelism** in its structure, with the phrases "I will wait upon the LORD" and "I will look for him" creating a synonymous or intensifying repetition. This rhetorical technique serves to emphasize and reinforce the prophet's steadfast, active, and hopeful expectation. Furthermore, Isaiah's personal declaration in this verse serves as profound **Symbolism**; he embodies the faithful remnant, distinguishing himself from the unfaithful "house of Jacob" and providing a compelling model of unwavering trust in God during a time of widespread national apostasy.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:17 stands as a profound theological statement on the very nature of faith, particularly during times of divine judgment and perceived absence. It teaches that even when God's manifest presence or favor seems withdrawn—a direct consequence of human sin and rebellion—the appropriate and faithful response is not despair, nor is it to turn to other gods or human solutions, but rather to engage in persistent, hopeful waiting and active seeking. This posture acknowledges God's absolute sovereignty in discipline while simultaneously holding fast to His ultimate faithfulness and covenant promises. It underscores the profound biblical truth that God's hiddenness is often a pedagogical tool, meticulously designed to bring His people to repentance, deepen their reliance on Him, and refine their faith, rather than being a sign of His abandonment. The prophet's unwavering resolve becomes a luminous beacon for all who face spiritual darkness or national crisis, powerfully reminding them that true hope, security, and ultimate deliverance reside in the Lord alone.

* [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "Deuteronomy 31:17 - God Hides His Face from Disobedient Israel")
* [Psalm 27:14](/psalms/27-14 "Psalm 27:14 - Wait for the LORD; Be Strong and Take Heart")
* [Lamentations 3:25-26](/lamentations/3-25-26 "Lamentations 3:25-26 - The Lord is Good to Those Who Wait for Him")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 8:17 offers a timeless and profoundly relevant principle for believers navigating periods of spiritual dryness, unanswered prayer, or profound societal turmoil. It challenges us to cultivate a radical dependence on God, even when His presence feels distant, His purposes unclear, or His hand seems hidden. In a world that often demands immediate gratification, visible results, and quick fixes, Isaiah's unwavering commitment to "wait upon the LORD" and "look for him" calls us to a deeper, more patient, and enduring faith. It serves as a powerful reminder that God's hiddenness is not His absence, and His silence is never His indifference. Instead, such seasons can be divinely appointed opportunities for profound spiritual growth, forcing us to examine our hearts, refine our trust, and deepen our longing for His ultimate revelation. Our sacred task, therefore, is to remain steadfast, continuing to seek Him diligently through prayer, the faithful study of His Word, and obedient living, confident that He will ultimately reveal Himself and His perfect will in His appointed time.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What does it mean for God to "hide His face" in your personal experience or in the context of the world today, and how do you respond to such seasons?**
* **How does Isaiah's active "waiting" and "looking" for God challenge your current understanding and practice of patience and perseverance in faith?**
* **In what specific areas of your life are you tempted to rely on human alliances, quick fixes, or your own strength instead of patiently waiting upon the Lord?**
* **How can you intentionally cultivate a deeper sense of hopeful expectation for God's revelation and intervention, even when circumstances are bleak or His presence feels distant?**

### FAQ
**What does the phrase "hideth his face from the house of Jacob" truly signify?**

Answer: The phrase "hideth his face" (Hebrew: *satar panim*) is a powerful and frequently used biblical idiom that signifies God's deliberate withdrawal of His manifest presence, favor, blessing, and clear guidance from His people. It does not imply that God ceases to exist or is no longer omnipresent, but rather that He intentionally withholds the visible signs of His approval, protection, and direct intervention. In the specific context of [Isaiah 8:17](/isaiah/8-17 "Isaiah 8:17 - Isaiah's Declaration of Faith"), this withdrawal is a direct and righteous consequence of the "house of Jacob" (referring to the entire nation of Israel, including Judah) turning away from God through widespread idolatry, covenant unfaithfulness, and a reliance on foreign powers instead of their divine Protector. It represents a period of divine discipline and judgment, during which the people experience the painful, often disorienting, consequences of their sin, frequently leading to a profound sense of abandonment or spiritual darkness. This concept is consistently seen throughout Scripture, notably in passages such as [Deuteronomy 31:17](/deuteronomy/31-17 "Deuteronomy 31:17 - God's Anger and Hidden Face") and [Psalm 44:24](/psalms/44-24 "Psalm 44:24 - Why Do You Hide Your Face and Forget Our Suffering?").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Isaiah 8:17 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in several profound and redemptive ways. First, Isaiah's personal commitment to "wait upon the LORD" and "look for him" perfectly prefigures the unwavering faith and complete obedience of Jesus Christ. Our Savior perfectly trusted His Father, even when facing the ultimate hiddenness of God's face on the cross, crying out, "[My God, my God, why hast thou forsaken me?](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")" (from [Matthew 27:46](/matthew/27-46 "Matthew 27:46 - Jesus' Cry of Dereliction")). This moment of profound divine hiddenness was not due to any sin of Christ's own, but because He, the sinless Lamb, bore the accumulated sins of the "house of Jacob" and all humanity, enduring the Father's righteous wrath on our behalf. Second, while God's face was hidden from Old Testament Israel due to their persistent sin, in Christ, God's face is now fully and gloriously revealed. Jesus is the "[radiance of God's glory and the exact representation of his being](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")" ([Hebrews 1:3](/hebrews/1-3 "Hebrews 1:3 - Christ, the Radiance of God's Glory")), the one through whom we now truly see and know the Father ([John 14:9](/john/14-9 "John 14:9 - Whoever Has Seen Me Has Seen the Father")). Finally, for all who believe, Christ enables us to "wait upon the LORD" with a new and living hope. Because of His atoning work and triumphant resurrection, we are no longer under God's hidden face of judgment but are graciously invited into His manifest presence through the new covenant. The indwelling Holy Spirit empowers us to persevere in faith, knowing that even in seasons of perceived darkness, Christ is our unfailing light, and He will ultimately return to fully reveal God's glory to us, as promised in [1 John 3:2](/1_john/3-2 "1 John 3:2 - We Shall Be Like Him, for We Shall See Him As He Is").

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

Hebrews 10:36

For ye have need of patience, that, after ye have done the will of God, ye might receive the promise.

Hebrews 10:39

But we are not of them who draw back unto perdition; but of them that believe to the saving of the soul.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

Lamentations 3:25

The LORD [is] good unto them that wait for him, to the soul [that] seeketh him.

Lamentations 3:26

[It is] good that [a man] should both hope and quietly wait for the salvation of the LORD.

Isaiah 25:9

¶ And it shall be said in that day, Lo, this [is] our God; we have waited for him, and he will save us: this [is] the LORD; we have waited for him, we will be glad and rejoice in his salvation.

Psalms 33:20

Our soul waiteth for the LORD: he [is] our help and our shield.