8:1 with a common stylus pen Written with an ordinary writing instrument so all could understand.

Maher-Halal-Hash-Baz This Hebrew name means “spoil speeds, prey hastens,” symbolizing the rapidly approaching defeat of Israel and Aram (also known as Syria). See Isa 7:3 and note; 7:14 and note.

Symbolic Names of People in Hebrew Table

8:2 reliable witnesses Since Ahaz rebuffed Isaiah’s call for him to trust in Yahweh, witnesses will verify the authenticity of this new sign.

Uriah the priest See 2 Kgs 16:10–16.

8:3 the prophetess Often assumed to be the prophet Isaiah’s wife, since she bears his child. However, she is not explicitly identified as such. Being called a “prophetess” likely indicates some status greater than simply “wife of a prophet.” It is a rare distinction to be identified as a female prophet in the ot.

8:4 knows to call ‘my father The boy is not old enough to talk—indicates a time within a year.

the spoil of Samaria Loss of wealth to the spoils of war is the fate symbolized by the boy’s name.

8:7 the waters of the great and mighty river The coming invasion is visualized as a flood from the Euphrates south through Aram (Syria), Israel, and Judah. The metaphor is developed through Isa 8:6–8 until Judah is left up to her neck in floodwaters, barely surviving the onslaught (see v. 8).

8:8 spread his wings out Usually an image of divine protection (see Deut 32:11; Psa 17:8), the wings here describe the flood spread over the entire land as divine judgment. The use of a metaphor for protection could hint at the divine mercy that preserves a remnant even in the midst of judgment.

God with us The re-use of the name “God with us” links the judgment back to the sign of Isa 7:14 and points ahead to the future victory of Immanuel (see vv. 9–10; note on 7:14).

8:11 said this to me while his hand weighed heavily on me The prophets sometimes describe a very tangible experience of the divine presence. Ezekiel especially talks about God’s hand physically being upon him (see Ezek 1:3; 3:14, 22; 33:22).

8:14 a stumbling-stone Paul quotes from this verse in Rom 9:33.

8:16 my disciples Prophets sometimes were accompanied by groups of followers, more frequently referred to as the “sons of the prophets” (see 2 Kgs 2:15). The consistency of the message and vocabulary of Isaiah suggests that his prophecies were preserved by disciples.

8:18 the children Isaiah refers to his sons who were given symbolic names foreshadowing the judgment, restoration, and redemption of Judah: Shear-jashub, “A remnant will return” (Isa 7:3); Immanuel, “God with us” (7:14); and Maher-shalal-hash-baz, “Spoil speeds, prey hastens” (vv. 3–4).

signs and portents Isaiah and his family are living, visible reminders of God’s warning. Judgment is now inevitable—the people have turned away from God, but they cannot say they were not warned.

8:19 the ghosts and the spirits The people will turn to magic and idol worship instead of seeking Yahweh. Compare 2 Kgs 1, where Elijah rebukes the king for inquiring of an idol instead of Yahweh.