Meaning for Isaiah’s Audience: Yahweh announces his coming, but not for a particular time. It could refer both to Christ’s earthly mission and to the final judgment. The verse ends by affirming that “the isles” (obviously the habitation of the “peoples” and “nations”) are also awaiting Yahweh’s arrival.
Meaning for Jacob’s Audience: “Isles” had a particular personal meaning to Nephi. (See commentary accompanying 1 Nephi 19:10.) This verse would have direct applicability to the Nephites, who considered themselves to be on an isle. It was a sign of their inclusion in the blessings of Israel as they waited upon the Lord and trusted in him.