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Isaiah 8

22 verses

TL;DR

Isaiah 8 warns of imminent Assyrian judgment and urges Israel to trust in God rather than foreign alliances, using the birth of Mahershalalhashbaz as a prophetic sign.

Summary

In the first part of the chapter Isaiah receives divine instruction to name the unborn child Mahershalalhashbaz, symbolizing the swift taking of Damascus and Samaria by Assyria. The prophet then declares the coming judgment of the Assyrian king, describing a powerful flood that will engulf Judah and threaten Israel’s land. Isaiah calls for the people to unite in faith, refusing to rely on political confederacies and foreign worship practices. He stresses sanctification of God, the need to keep the law and testimony, and warns that those who do not heed the divine word will be snared. The chapter concludes with a promise that Isaiah and his followers will be signs of wonder to Israel, affirming God’s presence in Zion and denouncing reliance on familiar spirits or wizards.

Outline
  1. Isaiah is commissioned to name the child Mahershalalhashbaz as a sign of Assyrian conquest
  2. The prophet pronounces Assyrian judgment, describing a destructive flood and its impact on Judah
  3. Israel is urged to remain faithful to the covenant, reject idolatry, and trust in God’s presence
Themes
Judgment and warningCovenant faithfulnessDivine sovereignty and presence
Keywords
MahershalalhashbazAssyriajudgmentcovenantlawtestimonysanctuaryfaithfulnessdivine presence
People
IsaiahMahershalalhashbazUriah the priestZechariah son of JeberechiahProphetessKing of Assyria
Places
DamascusSamariaShiloahRezinRemaliahJudahIsraelJerusalemMount Zion
Things
Mahershalalhashbazwaters of ShiloahAssyrian riverwingssanctuarystone of stumblingrock of offenselawtestimonyfamiliar spiritswizards
Key Verses
  • Isaiah 8:4: Introduces the prophetic name Mahershalalhashbaz, foreshadowing swift judgment.
  • Isaiah 8:7: Details the coming Assyrian invasion and its devastating impact.
  • Isaiah 8:10: Affirms God's presence with Israel despite impending trials.
  • Isaiah 8:18: Promises signs and wonders from God, underscoring divine power.
  • Isaiah 8:20: Emphasizes adherence to law and testimony as the basis for hope.
Questions
  • What does the name Mahershalalhashbaz symbolize in the context of Assyrian threat?
  • How does Isaiah’s call to reject political alliances reflect Israel’s covenantal obligations?
  • What is the significance of the recurring image of the Assyrian ‘river’ and its impact on Judah?
  • In what ways does the chapter portray God’s presence amidst impending judgment?
  • Why does Isaiah emphasize the law and testimony as central to Israel’s survival?
Sentiment

mixed
The chapter contains warnings of judgment and hope in divine presence.