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.
Isaiah 8:17 (KJV)
Context
Isaiah 8 records the prophet’s warning to Judah of the coming Assyrian invasion, a judgment brought on by the people’s disobedience. In that setting, Judah was tempted to seek safety through alliances with foreign nations rather than relying on the Lord. Isaiah’s words call God’s people to trust in Him and seek His guidance instead of turning to human schemes.
Meaning
The declaration “I will wait upon the Lord” expresses the prophet’s personal commitment to rely on God and trust in His timing and intervention. Waiting involves patience and confident expectation in God’s faithfulness, even when circumstances seem bleak. It means seeking His will, listening for His voice, and remaining steadfast in faith.
The phrase “that hideth his face from the house of Jacob” indicates that God had withdrawn His favour and protection from Israel because of their disobedience. This hiding of His face is not abandonment but a temporary withdrawal that allows the people to experience the consequences of their actions. It serves as a call to repentance and a reminder to turn back to God.
The second part, “and I will look for him,” reveals the prophet’s determination to seek God despite the absence of visible signs of His presence. This is an active pursuit, a longing to experience God’s presence, and a desire to align oneself with His purposes. Isaiah’s waiting is not passive; it is filled with eager, hopeful expectation.
Biblical connections
This verse also carries a traditional messianic interpretation. Waiting for the Lord can signify faith in the coming of Christ, the Immanuel, who would be a sanctuary to some and a stone of stumbling to others, as Isaiah 8:14 describes. In this view, God hiding His face describes Christ before His incarnation as the hidden God, until He was manifest in the flesh. The prophet speaks in his own person and in the person of others who share this expectation, waiting on behalf of God’s people.
Application
Trust in God’s timing: Just as Isaiah waited upon the Lord, we are encouraged to trust in God’s timing and not be discouraged when we do not see immediate results. God’s plans unfold in His perfect time.
Seek God’s face: Even when God seems distant, we should actively seek Him, longing for His presence and guidance. Our pursuit of God should be persistent and fervent.
Repentance and obedience: The hiding of God’s face from Israel reminds us of the importance of obedience and repentance. When we stray from God’s ways, we must turn back to Him and seek forgiveness.
Patience in challenging times: The context of Isaiah 8 teaches us to remain patient and trust God’s faithfulness, even in difficult circumstances. God is with us, even when His face seems hidden.
Reflection
Isaiah’s example calls us to a deliberate choice: to wait on the Lord and look for Him even when His presence feels hidden. This waiting is not merely for personal needs but can be on behalf of God’s people, as a servant of God waits for Him even when He hides His face from the nation. It models a posture of patient, faithful trust in God’s promises, looking for His intervention in times of darkness and apparent divine absence.
