Isaiah 8:17

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

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.

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

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

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

Commentary

Context

Isaiah 8:17 is a profound declaration by the prophet Isaiah amidst a period of intense national crisis for the Kingdom of Judah. At this time, Judah, under King Ahaz, faced military threats from a coalition of Aram (Syria) and the Northern Kingdom of Israel. Instead of trusting in God's protection, Ahaz sought an alliance with the powerful Assyrian Empire, a decision that would bring further trouble upon Judah. Throughout chapters 7 and 8, Isaiah delivers prophecies of judgment against both Israel and Judah for their unfaithfulness, but also offers hope for a faithful remnant. This verse encapsulates the prophet's personal resolve and represents the attitude of those who would remain loyal to the Lord amidst national apostasy and divine displeasure.

Key Themes

  • Faithful Perseverance: The core message is one of unwavering faith and endurance. Despite God's seeming withdrawal ("hideth his face"), the prophet commits to patiently wait and actively seek Him. This highlights the importance of spiritual resilience in times of darkness or perceived divine silence.
  • Divine Discipline and Hope: The phrase "hideth his face" is a powerful biblical idiom signifying God's displeasure, withdrawal of favor, or a period of judgment due to sin. It implies a lack of clear guidance or blessing. However, the prophet's response demonstrates that even in such times, hope and the pursuit of God are paramount. It's a recognition that God's discipline is not abandonment.
  • The Remnant's Resolve: Isaiah often speaks of a faithful remnant within Israel. Here, the prophet embodies that remnant, distinguishing himself and those who follow his teaching from the majority who have turned away from God. This commitment to wait and look for the Lord is a hallmark of true devotion.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "wait upon" is qavah (ืงึธื•ึธื”), which implies more than passive waiting. It conveys an active, hopeful expectation, a patient endurance rooted in trust. It's a clinging to God with eager anticipation, even when circumstances are bleak. The phrase "hideth his face" (ืกึธืชึทืจ ืคึธึผื ึดื™ื, satar panim) is a common biblical metaphor. It's not that God is literally concealed, but that His manifest presence, favor, and blessings are withdrawn, often as a consequence of the people's sin, as seen in Deuteronomy 31:17 or Psalm 27:9.

Practical Application

Isaiah 8:17 offers profound encouragement for believers today. When life's circumstances are challenging, or when God's presence feels distant, this verse reminds us to:

  • Persevere in Prayer and Faith: Even when answers seem delayed or God's direction is unclear, maintain a steadfast commitment to seeking Him. Like Isaiah, we are called to "wait on the LORD" with active hope.
  • Examine Our Hearts: If God's face seems hidden, it can be a call to introspection, to consider if our actions or attitudes have contributed to a separation from His favor.
  • Trust God's Sovereignty: Understand that God is still in control, even when His ways are mysterious or His discipline is at work. Our role is to remain faithful and continue to "look for him," confident that He will reveal Himself in His perfect timing. As Isaiah 40:31 promises, "they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength."
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Please note that only the commentary section is AI-generated โ€” the main Scripture and cross-references are stored on the site and are from trusted and verified 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

    ยถ 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.
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