17 And I will wait upon the Lord, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him.
17 I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my trust in him.
17 I will wait for the Lord, who is hiding his face from the house of Jacob, and I will hope in him.
17 While I wait for God as long as he remains in hiding, while I wait and hope for him.
17 And I will wait on the Lord, Who hides His face from the house of Jacob; And I will hope in Him.
17 I will wait for the Lord, who has turned away from the descendants of Jacob. I will put my hope in him.
15 Verily thou art a God that hidest thyself, O God of Israel, the Saviour.
15 Truly you are a God who has been hiding himself, the God and Savior of Israel.
15 Truly, you are a God who hides himself, O God of Israel, the Savior.
15 Clearly, you are a God who works behind the scenes, God of Israel, Savior God.
15 Truly You are God, who hide Yourself, O God of Israel, the Savior!
15 Truly, OÂ God of Israel, our Savior, you work in mysterious ways.
(Read Isaiah 45:11-19)
Believers may ask in prayer for what they need; if for their good, it will not be withheld. But how common to hear God called to account for his dealings with man! Cyrus provided for the returning Jews. Those redeemed by Christ shall be provided for. The restoration would convince many, and convert some; and all that truly join the Lord, find his service perfect freedom. Though God be his people's God and Saviour, yet sometimes he lays them under his frowns; but let them wait upon the Lord who hides his face. There is a world without end; and it will be well or ill with us, according as it shall be with us in that world. The Lord we serve and trust, is God alone. All that God has said is plain, satisfactory, and just. As God in his word calls us to seek him, so he never denied believing prayers, nor disappointed believing expectations. He gives grace sufficient, and comfort and satisfaction of soul.
Matthew Henry's Commentary on Isaiah 8:17
Commentary on Isaiah 8:17-22
(Read Isaiah 8:17-22)
The prophet foresaw that the Lord would hide his face; but he would look for his return in favour to them again. Though not miraculous signs, the children's names were memorials from God, suited to excite attention. The unbelieving Jews were prone to seek counsel in difficulties, from diviners of different descriptions, whose foolish and sinful ceremonies are alluded to. Would we know how we may seek to our God, and come to the knowledge of his mind? To the law and to the testimony; for there you will see what is good, and what the Lord requires. We must speak of the things of God in the words which the Holy Ghost teaches, and be ruled by them. To those that seek to familiar spirits, and regard not God's law and testimony, there shall be horror and misery. Those that go away from God, go out of the way of all good; for fretfulness is a sin that is its own punishment. They shall despair, and see no way of relief, when they curse God. And their fears will represent every thing as frightful. Those that shut their eyes against the light of God's word, will justly be left to darkness. All the miseries that ever were felt or witnessed on earth, are as nothing, compared with what will overwhelm those who leave the words of Christ, to follow delusions.