a devotee, especially a king. Do not lose heart suggests “be tough-minded” (lit. “your mind must not be tender”). It is soft to be activist, in the mistaken conviction that you are responsible for your people’s destiny. Key to Isaiah’s challenge is the name of the son he brings with him, Shear-Jashub, “a remnant will return,” though this name conveys an ambiguous message (see on 1:8–9; 3:10; 4:2–3). Only a remnant of the Assyrians will return to their land if Ahaz trusts in Yahweh; only a remnant
Pages 64–65