Isaiah 8:14

Sanctuary] The secondary meaning of 'refuge' is here the prominent one (1 Kings 1:50; 1 Kings 2:28).

Both the houses] i.e. the two kingdoms of Judah and Israel. Every revelation of God puts men on their trial and sifts them: to those who accept it in faith and turn to Him it means deliverance, but those who reject it bring judgment on themselves. This was seen in God's revelation of Himself in Christ; to those who accepted Him He gave power to become sons of God (John 1:12). He came to save the world (John 12:47); yet it may also be said that for judgment He came into the world (John 9:39), because those who received Him not brought judgment on themselves, and found Him to be a rock of offence. Thus Isaiah's words are quoted in NT. with a Christian application (Matthew 21:44; Romans 9:33; 1 Peter 2:7).