Isaiah 8:17Meaning & Commentary from the Church Fathers

What do you mean? Are you going to wait for the One who has led others into bondage? Indeed, He asserts, and rightly so, that others may glean patience; without it, they too will face similar discipline. This very message instructs them to persevere in trials so they may grow wiser. "I will wait," he proclaims, "with patience for the One who has humbled me and subjected me to discipline." When we are at odds with our parents, we do not seek other parents; rather, we strive for reconciliation with our own. Likewise, when God is displeased with us, we should seek the One who is upset, rather than turning to the One who is not.

It is a fundamental trait of those who remain in Christ to exhibit steadfastness, as the prophet seeks to demonstrate through the following words. For the God of all creation spoke to them regarding Immanuel, stating, “The Lord of hosts, Him shall you regard as holy; let Him be your fear” (Isaiah 8:13). They, embracing the hidden message contained within, promptly vow to be obedient, placing their complete trust in Him, declaring: “I will wait for the Lord, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; I will trust in Him.” What does the phrase “I will wait” mean if not a reflection of what the Divine David articulated: “I waited patiently for the Lord; and He inclined to me, and heard my cry” (Psalm 39:2)?

Consider the words of the Prophet. Are these not unmistakably Jewish phrases? “I will wait upon God, who hath turned away His face from the house of Jacob.” This reflects the sentiments expressed by the Jews: “I do not believe in God, I do not accept Immanuel; even though I feel abandoned, I will still look for a visitation from God, who hath ‘turned away His face from the house of Jacob.’”

I will steadfastly adhere to my beliefs and patiently anticipate God's action, remaining resolute in my convictions as I look forward to the realization of what I have prophesied. He who averted His gaze from the house of Jacob. The house of Jacob received just judgment from the Lord, whom the Israelites provoked through their numerous iniquities.

The prophet responded, stating that with the arrival of the gospel, the law has been established and confirmed among the Jews, yet You decree that it should be revealed not to them but to the Gentiles. Therefore, I will await Immanuel, for whom You gave a promise, and whom You mentioned earlier as our fear, our trembling, and our sanctification. I will look for the Lord, who has concealed His presence from the house of Jacob, meaning the Jews. I will stay watchful for the Lord, who has hidden His face from the house of Jacob, as they refused to accept Him.

The misfortunes that strike those who reject the Lord's commandments will ultimately lead some to reflect, prompting them to declare, “I will wait to see if God, who has hidden His face from the children of Jacob, will show us compassion. There is still hope: God is gracious to those who come to Him in repentance and prayer; I will place my faith in Him and His mercy.”