The concept of "waiting upon God" is a significant theme throughout the Scriptures, often associated with trust, hope, and expectation in the divine promises and timing. While much of the Old Testament focuses on the relationship between God and Israel, the prophetic literature also extends this theme to the Gentiles, indicating a future inclusion of all nations in the worship and service of the one true God.

Biblical Prophecies and Promises

The prophetic books of the Old Testament contain several passages that predict the Gentiles' participation in waiting upon God. Isaiah, in particular, is rich with such prophecies. In Isaiah 42:1-4, the Servant of the Lord is described as one who will bring justice to the nations, and it is stated, "In His law the islands will put their hope" . This passage suggests that the Gentiles will look to God's Servant with expectation and trust, aligning themselves with His righteous decrees.

Isaiah 11:10 further reinforces this idea: "In that day the Root of Jesse will stand as a banner for the peoples; the nations will rally to Him, and His resting place will be glorious" . Here, the "Root of Jesse" is a messianic reference, indicating that the Gentiles will seek and wait upon the Messiah, finding hope and rest in Him.

The Role of the Messiah

The New Testament reveals the fulfillment of these prophecies in the person of Jesus Christ. The Apostle Paul, in Romans 15:12, cites Isaiah 11:10 to demonstrate that Jesus is the fulfillment of the hope for the Gentiles: "The Root of Jesse will appear, One who will arise to rule over the Gentiles; in Him the Gentiles will put their hope" . This connection underscores the belief that through Christ, the Gentiles are grafted into the spiritual promises initially given to Israel.

Gentiles in the Early Church

The early Christian church witnessed the realization of these prophecies as Gentiles began to embrace the gospel message. The Book of Acts records numerous instances where Gentiles, such as Cornelius the centurion (Acts 10), eagerly awaited and received the message of salvation through Jesus Christ. This acceptance and waiting upon God by the Gentiles were seen as a fulfillment of the Old Testament prophecies and a testament to the inclusive nature of the New Covenant.

Theological Implications

From a theological perspective, the inclusion of the Gentiles in waiting upon God highlights the universality of God's redemptive plan. It emphasizes that God's promises and salvation are not limited to a single ethnic group but are available to all who seek Him in faith. This theme encourages believers to recognize the global scope of the gospel and the unity of all believers, regardless of their ethnic or cultural backgrounds, in their shared hope and expectation in God.

Practical Application

For contemporary believers, the concept of waiting upon God as predicted for the Gentiles serves as a reminder of the importance of patience, trust, and hope in God's timing and promises. It calls Christians to live in anticipation of God's continued work in the world and to participate actively in the mission of sharing the gospel with all nations, reflecting the inclusive nature of God's kingdom.Isaiah 42:4
He shall not fail nor be discouraged, till he have set judgment in the earth: and the isles shall wait for his law.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

Isaiah 60:9
Surely the isles shall wait for me, and the ships of Tarshish first, to bring your sons from far, their silver and their gold with them, to the name of the LORD your God, and to the Holy One of Israel, because he has glorified you.
Torrey's Topical Textbook

The Destruction of Jerusalem and the Coming of Christ. Ch. 21:5-38
... long years of faithful service and of eager waiting which were ... to pass, know ye that
the kingdom of God is nigh ... a snare: 35 for so shall it come upon all them ...
/.../erdman/the gospel of luke an exposition/i the destruction of jerusalem.htm

The Prophetic Theme. Rev. Gervase Smith.
... the suspense of heaven and hell when waiting Jehovah's fiat ... A weight of obligation
rests upon each member which ... of heaven, from angels, saints, and God, urge us ...
/.../the wesleyan methodist pulpit in malvern/the prophetic theme rev gervase.htm

A Prospect of Revival
... one Monday afternoon, when we had been waiting upon the Lord ... is our duty, and we
may work upon it, as ... Bunyan says that "all the flowers in God's garden bloom ...
/.../spurgeon/spurgeons sermons volume 62 1916/a prospect of revival.htm

Faustus Denies that the Prophets Predicted Christ. Augustin Proves ...
... to the promised land, hoping and patiently waiting for that ... he comes himself, and
lays himself exactly upon the dead ... it revives: as the Word of God sent the ...
/.../faustus denies that the prophets.htm

On the Faith and Piety of Theodosius Augustus.
... church than he did to be a king upon the earth. ... the reward is eternal happiness,
of which God is the ... had already written their answer, but were waiting a time ...
//christianbookshelf.org/augustine/city of god/chapter 26 on the faith and.htm

Acts i. 1, 2
... But thou art waiting for Lent: and why ... prisoners in the jails, there is joy and gladness:
God sends down ... Not to mention that sometimes it is upon the dead that ...
/.../chrysostom/homilies on acts and romans/homily i acts i 1.htm

Psalm LXXXVI.
... of the ungodly are tormented, one waiting and praying ... of thousands joined with Angels
playing upon harps, with ... in everlasting peace they enjoy the Face of God. ...
/.../augustine/exposition on the book of psalms/psalm lxxxvi.htm

Acts XVII
... (16) And while he was waiting for them ... unknown; and, at the same time, we are dependent,
for all we do know of the first half of it, upon the word of God. ...
/.../mcgarvey/a commentary on acts of the apostles/acts xvii.htm

The Doctrine of the Truth Continued.
... anything that is wicked, or our meditating upon it, that ... as speaking through them
to the Church of God in all ... nature with Christ, and thou also waiting for the ...
/.../hippolytus/the refutation of all heresies/chapter xxix the doctrine of the.htm

His Future Work
... of their knowledge about dispensational truths, independent of their waiting for
Him ... The Son of God wore the crown of thorns. The curse was put upon Him. ...
//christianbookshelf.org/gaebelein/the work of christ/iii his future work.htm

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