Online Resource Library
Commentary Index | Return to PrayerRequest.com | DownloadPaul Kretzmann Commentary - Isaiah 8:1 - 8:4
(Show All Books | Show All Chapters)
This Chapter Verse Commentaries:
A Double Prophetic Sign
v. 1. Moreover the Lord said unto me, apparently not long after the event related in the last chapter, Take thee a great roll, evidently a large writing-tablet of the kind usually employed, and write in it with a man's pen, the stylus making impressions on the wax covering the tablet in such a way that the ordinary man could read the script, concerning Mahershalal-hash-baz ("Make speed to the spoil—Hasten to the prey"). The inscription, as made by Isaiah, was purposely enigmatic, the purpose being to arouse the interest and curiosity of the people, to make them feel that the announcement contained in these mysterious words was very important.
v. 2. And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, the Lord Himself choosing them through the prophet to be present and to testify to Isaiah's preparing the tablet, Uriah, the priest, 2Ki_16:10, and Zechariah, the son of Jeberechiah. These men could later, when the prophecy was fulfilled, vouch for the fact that Isaiah had written concerning the future. But in close connection with this event there was another.
v. 3. And I went unto the prophetess, to his own wife, and she conceived and bare a son. Then said the Lord to me, Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz, the same mysterious words which had been written on the tablet almost a year before, the word signifying either "Make speed to the spoil—Hasten to the prey," or, "The spoil hastens—Robbery hastens forward. "
v. 4. For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, "My father," and, "My mother," that is, before the passing of another year, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria, so that all their wealth would be borne as a trophy before the king of Assyria. This happened about the year 739 B. C. Syria being entirely overthrown, together with that part of the northern kingdom which was east of the Jordan—the sad beginning of Israel's destruction.