Isaiah 8:17,18 - Joseph Benson’s Commentary on the Old and New Testaments

And Or yet, as the same particle is translated, Jeremiah 2:32; Jeremiah 2:35, and elsewhere; I will wait on the Lord Notwithstanding this dreadful prophecy, concerning the unbelief and rejection of Israel, I will cast my care upon him, and expect the accomplishment of his promise, in sending the Messiah, and in conferring upon me, and all believing Israelites, all his mercies and blessings, to be procured for mankind by his merits; that hideth his face from the house of Jacob That now doth, and threatens that he will hereafter, withdraw his favour and blessing from the family or people of Israel. And I will look for him With an eye of faith and expectation, till his time come. Behold, I, &c. These words were literally spoken by Isaiah concerning himself, but mystically concerning Christ, of whom the prophet was a type, and therefore they are fitly applied to Christ, Hebrews 2:13; and the children whom the Lord hath given me His spiritual children, whom he had either begotten or instructed by his ministry; are for signs, &c., in Israel Are a gazing-stock; are derided and ridiculed, for our folly in believing God's promises, and this even among the Israelites, who have been taught and who profess better things. From the Lord of hosts Which comes to pass by the wise counsel and providence of God; which dwelleth in Zion Where the temple was now, and where the Messiah was to set up his kingdom.