Tyndale Open Study NotesIsaiah 8

These prophecies occurred when Assyria rose to power. Syria and Israel formed an alliance against Judah (Isaiah 7:1–2; see 2 Kings 16:5). God used Assyria as a tool to punish Syria, Israel, and Judah (Isaiah 7–10).

The name Maher-shalal-hash-baz means “Swift to plunder and quick to carry away.” This name applies to both Judah's enemies (Isaiah 8:4) and Judah itself (8:7–8). Judah trusted Assyria instead of God, and now Assyria would turn against them and nearly destroy them. God was with them (Immanuel; see Isaiah 7:14), but his presence would be harmful if they refused to trust him (see 8:14).

Like the name Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14), Maher-shalal-hash-baz is symbolic. This child might have partially fulfilled the Immanuel prophecy (see study note on Isaiah 7:14). The ultimate fulfillment of the Immanuel prophecy happened with the birth of Jesus (Matthew 1:22–23).

• before the boy knows how to cry: See also Isaiah 7:16.

• Damascus and Samaria were ruined and destroyed in 732 BC. This event fulfilled this verse along with Isaiah 7:8, 19–20.

This prophecy connects the sign of Maher-shalal-hash-baz with the sign of Immanuel (Isaiah 8:8, 10).

• The gently flowing waters of Shiloah provided Jerusalem with water. They symbolize God's loving presence and care (see Psalm 46:4).

• Ahaz rejected God's sign and promise of protection. He lacked faith (Isaiah 7:9). Now the people followed his example by hoping Assyria would save them from King Rezin and King Pekah (compare Isaiah 7:7–9, 16).

The mighty flood from the Euphrates River symbolizes the invading Assyrian army (see Jeremiah 47:2). The river would overflow its channels when the Assyrians advanced into Judah. This was a stark contrast to the gently flowing waters of Shiloah (Isaiah 8:6).

• up to the neck: Judah barely survived the Assyrian attacks in 701 BC (see Isaiah 36–37).

• its spreading streams will cover your entire land: From north to south, Judah was almost destroyed, except for Jerusalem (see Isaiah 1:8–9; chapters 36–37).

• Immanuel: Despite their lack of trust and the resulting disaster, God remained with his people (see Isaiah 7:14).

God's plan to save his stubborn people would eventually succeed. God intended to destroy Assyria, just as he does with any proud nation that rejects him or brags about its own power.

God is with us: See Isaiah 7:14 and 8:8.

This text reveals Isaiah's main message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see Isaiah 7:9; 8:6). When someone fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (compare Proverbs 29:25; see “Fearing People” Theme Note). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary and their salvation is assured.

People saw Isaiah’s message of staying out of Assyrian affairs as treason and part of a conspiracy. However, Isaiah was not engaging in political games. He was sharing God’s message.

What scared them was the alliance of Syria and Israel attacking Judah (see Isaiah 7:1, 4).

you shall regard as holy: This means to give God first place in life and recognize that nothing is greater than he is.

He should be feared: This means honoring God with deep respect (Proverbs 1:7). The people of Judah were not to fear Israel and Syria or the Assyrians (Isaiah 7:9; 10:24).

• He will be a sanctuary: God is a place of refuge.

• stone … stumbling … rock … offense: By trusting Assyria instead of God, the people of Jerusalem would fall into a trap as the Assyrians turned against them. However, for those who trust in the Lord, he is faithful and strong (Isaiah 28:16; see Psalm 118:22–23; Luke 2:34; Romans 9:32–33; 1 Peter 2:6–8).

The command to preserve Isaiah’s teaching suggests that many people did not accept his message. Some may have wanted to silence him and stop his words from spreading.

However, faithful disciples kept his messages safe. They protected and passed on the prophet’s words to future generations.

law (Hebrew torah): The Torah described how Israel was to live in covenant with God. However, the people quickly forgot these instructions (see also Isaiah 1:10).

• I will wait for the LORD … I will put my trust in Him: Isaiah’s message about Syria, Israel, and Assyria came true in later historical events. This fulfillment encouraged the faithful to wait for the end of all unjust power structures (see Isaiah 8:9–10).

  Waiting for the Lord involves submission, prayer, hope, and faith (see Isaiah 25:9; 26:8; 33:2). This leads to a calm spirit and renewed inner strength (40:31).

  The book of Hebrews connects these words to Jesus Christ (Hebrews 2:13).

• God had turned away. The people of Israel and Judah were separated from the Lord because of their sin.

Here am I, and the children the LORD has given me as (see the reference to Jesus Christ in Hebrews 2:13): The names of the prophet Isaiah and his children held important meanings as signs and warnings.

Shear-jashub (a remnant will return; Isaiah 7:3) symbolized God's faithfulness to Judah.

Maher-shalal-hash-baz (swift to plunder and quick to carry away) indicated the destruction of Damascus and Samaria (Isaiah 8:1–4) and the desolation of unfaithful Judah (8:5–8).

The name of Isaiah (Yahweh is salvation) itself signifies that salvation is from the Lord alone. These three names also represent major themes in the book:

• the remnant (the small group of people who remain faithful),

• the coming desolation of Judah (the land becoming empty and ruined), and

• salvation (God’s rescue of his people).

Immanuel (God is with us) brings together all of these themes. It also shows that Judah would be protected if the people trusted in the Lord. God’s presence with them was their true safety.

• Isaiah contrasted his message with the advice of ungodly people around him. His message brought light and truth. The message of spiritists led to darkness and death.

• Mediums tried to discover the future through divination (seeking hidden knowledge through rituals). Some claimed to speak with the dead (see Isaiah 19:3). However, God had forbidden these practices because they were empty and harmful (Isaiah 47:9; Deuteronomy 18:9–11).

God gave instructions and teachings through the law and through his prophets, such as Isaiah (see Isaiah 8:16).