Isaiah 8:1 - Printer Friendly

ESV: Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, ‘Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.’

NIV: The LORD said to me, 'Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.'

NASB: Then the Lord said to me, 'Take for yourself a large tablet and write on it in ordinary letters: Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

CSB: Then the Lord said to me, "Take a large piece of parchment and write on it with an ordinary pen: Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

NLT: Then the Lord said to me, 'Make a large signboard and clearly write this name on it: Maher-shalal-hash-baz. '

KJV: Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.

NKJV: Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.

Chapter 8 continues to deal with the same events described in the previous chapter (Isaiah 7). Now, the conversation takes place between the Lord and Isaiah without King Ahaz present.

The Lord tells Isaiah to take up a large tablet. Translations and commentators differ on the best English translation of the Hebrew word gillāy'wōn. Some say "scroll" or "signboard." Since the Lord apparently means for Isaiah to make this seen for others, it may best be understood as a flat piece of wood or metal. The purpose is not merely to write, but to make something clear and obvious for others to observe.

The Lord then tells Isaiah to write on the tablet "in common characters," or "with an ordinary pen (NIV)." This is likely means as an instruction to write in easy-to-read letters. The Lord intends for people to be able to see, read, and understand what Isaiah will write. His message is not secret, nor hidden, nor is it meant to be kept from the people.

The Lord tells Isaiah to write what will become a name: Maher-shalal-hash-baz. Some translations put the words "belonging to" before this name. This lengthy name means something close to, "speeding to the plunder, hurrying to the spoil." It appears the sign was to be a multi-part prophecy. One aspect was the birth of the baby Isaiah spoke of in Isaiah 7:14–17. The other was the destruction of Israel and Syria by the King of Assyria. This becomes clearer in the following verses (Isaiah 8:3–4).

Isaiah 8:1–10 continues the prophetic tone of Isaiah 7. The Lord tells Isaiah to write a name on a sign in front of prominent witnesses. Then Isaiah gives that name to a newborn son. Before that son is old enough to speak, Syria and Israel will be wiped out by Assyria. Assyria will then bring destruction to Judah. This is compared to a mighty river flooding over its banks. In poetry, Isaiah tells the people of Judah that their preparations for war will be meaningless and that they will be shattered.

Isaiah 8 begins with the Lord telling Isaiah to write a name on a large sign. Then Isaiah conceives a son, with a woman referred to as the "prophetess," likely his wife. The son is given the name on the sign. Before the son can speak, Judah's enemies will be wiped out by Assyria. Assyria will then bring destruction on Judah. Isaiah must not live in fear and dread as the people do. They will stumble over the stone of the Lord instead of trusting in Him. Isaiah will continue to hope in the Lord. Those who reject God's truth will live in darkness.

The prior chapter included a famous prophecy regarding the virgin birth of Jesus. Isaiah 8 continues to prophesy about the coming destruction of Judah's current enemies: Syria and Israel. Isaiah has a son whose name he has written on a sign. Before that son is old enough to talk, Assyria will destroy Judah's enemies and then bring destruction into Judah. The Lord warns Isaiah to honor God, not live in fear. The people will reject God as their foundation, falling into further sin. But Isaiah declares that he and his family will continue to point toward God's faithfulness. Those who reject God's revelation will live in and frustration and despair. This sets up additional prophecies which connect to the ministry of Christ.

Isaiah is among the most important prophetic books in the entire Bible. The first segment details God's impending judgment against ancient peoples for sin and idolatry (Isaiah 1—35). The second part of Isaiah briefly explains a failed assault on Jerusalem during the rule of Hezekiah (Isaiah 36—39). The final chapters predict Israel's rescue from Babylonian captivity (Isaiah 40—48), the promised Messiah (Isaiah 49—57), and the final glory of Jerusalem and God's people (Isaiah 58—66).