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Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.comJamieson Fausset Brown Commentary - Isaiah 8:1 - 8:1
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This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
Isaiah 8:1-9:7. The first seven verses of the ninth chapter belong to this section. The eighth chapter continues the subject of the seventh chapter, but at a later period (compare Isa 8:4 with Isa 7:16); implying that the interval till the accomplishment is shorter now than then. The tone of Isa 8:17, Isa 8:21, Isa 8:22, expresses calamity more immediate and afflictive than Isa 7:4, Isa 7:15, Isa 7:22.
great - suitable, for letters large enough to be read by all.
roll - rather, tablet of wood, metal, or stone (Isa 30:8; Hab 2:2); sometimes coated with wax, upon which characters were traced with a pointed instrument, or iron stylus; skins and papyrus were also used (Isa 19:7).
man’s pen - that is, in ordinary characters which the humblest can read (so Hab 2:2). Hebrew, enosh means a “common man,” is contrasted with the upper ranks (Rev 21:17; Rom 3:5). Not in hieroglyphics. The object was that, after the event, all might see that it had been predicted by Isaiah.
concerning - the title and subject of the prophecy.
Maher-shalal-hash-baz - “They (that is, the Assyrians) hasten to the spoil (namely, to spoil Syria and Samaria), they speed to the prey” [Gesenius]. Otherwise, “The spoil (that is, spoiler) hastens, the rapine speeds forward” [Maurer].