Isaiah 8:17
A focused desk for reading, commentary, cross-references, original language notes, and your own observations.
Isaiah 8:17
17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
Chapter Context
Isaiah 8 is a prophetic oracle chapter in the Old Testament that explores themes of truth, obedience, love. Written during the Assyrian and pre-exilic periods (c. 740-680 BCE), this chapter should be understood within its historical context: Addressed Judah during Assyria's rise, Babylon's threat, and anticipated restoration.
The chapter can be divided into several sections:
- Verses 1-5: Introduction and setting the context
- Verses 6-12: Development of key themes
- Verses 13-20: Central message and teachings
- Verses 21-22: Conclusion and application
This chapter is significant because it provides guidance for worship and spiritual devotion. When studying this passage, it's important to consider both its immediate context within Isaiah and its broader place in the scriptural canon.
Verse Study
Isaiah 8:17
17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
Analysis
Isaiah's personal resolution to wait on the Lord demonstrates faith amid divine hiddenness. 'Hideth his face' indicates God's temporary withdrawal of blessing and protection from Israel due to sin. Yet this doesn't produce despair but patient expectation: 'I will wait upon him.' The parallel 'I will look for him' emphasizes active, hopeful anticipation. This models the Reformed virtue of perseverance—continuing to trust God even when His purposes seem hidden. Faith doesn't require constant visible blessing but trusts God's character despite circumstances.
Historical Context
During the dark years of Assyrian threat and eventual devastation, God seemed absent from Israel's national life. Yet Isaiah models persistent faith, waiting for God's deliverance rather than seeking human solutions. This waiting was vindicated when God destroyed Sennacherib's army in 701 BC. More broadly, the righteous remnant 'waited' through exile until God brought restoration. Simeon and Anna (Luke 2:25-38) exemplify this same patient expectation for Messiah.
Reflection
- How do we wait on the Lord when He seems to hide His face from our circumstances?
- What is the difference between passive resignation and active, expectant waiting on God?
- How does patient endurance in times of God's hiddenness demonstrate and strengthen faith?
Word Studies
- Lord: יְהוָה / אֲדֹנָי (YHWH / Adonai) H3068 - The LORD / Lord
Cross-References
- References Lord: Isaiah 25:9, 50:10, 54:8, Psalms 27:14, 33:20, Micah 3:4
- Parallel theme: Isaiah 59:2, Habakkuk 2:3, 1 Thessalonians 1:10, Hebrews 9:28