Isaiah 8 1

Isaiah 8:1 kjv

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

Isaiah 8:1 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.

Isaiah 8:1 niv

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

Isaiah 8:1 esv

Then the LORD said to me, "Take a large tablet and write on it in common characters, 'Belonging to Maher-shalal-hash-baz.'

Isaiah 8:1 nlt

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

Isaiah 8 verses

Isaiah 8 1 Meaning

The LORD said to me, "Take a large tablet and write on it with a regular stylus: To Mahershalalhashbaz."

Isaiah 8 1 Context

This verse marks the beginning of chapter 8, which is deeply embedded in the historical context of the Syro-Ephraimitic War (circa 734 BC). King Rezin of Syria and King Pekah of Israel had formed an alliance against Judah, then ruled by King Ahaz. They invaded Judah and threatened Jerusalem. Isaiah, through God's command, was to provide a prophetic sign that demonstrated God's sovereignty and the impending judgment on these northern kingdoms, while simultaneously offering hope for Judah's future. Chapter 8 immediately follows chapter 7, where Isaiah delivered the prophecy of Immanuel. This command to Isaiah to take a large tablet and write the name "Maher-shalal-hash-baz" is another crucial prophetic sign for King Ahaz and the people of Judah, indicating the swiftness and certainty of the judgment to come upon the enemies of Judah.

Isaiah 8 1 Word analysis

• Thus (כֹּה - ko): Thus, so, therefore. This introductory adverb signals the introduction of a divine command or pronouncement. It indicates that what follows is to be understood as a direct utterance from God.

• said (אָמַר - amar): said, spoke, told. A common verb for divine communication or instruction to a prophet.

• the LORD (יְהוָה - YHWH): The covenant name of God, emphasizing His personal relationship with Israel and His redemptive actions.

• to me (אֵלַי - elai): to me. Indicates direct address and communication from God to the prophet Isaiah.

• Take (קַח - qach): Take, get, seize. An imperative verb, commanding Isaiah to act.

• you (אַתָּה - atah): you (masculine singular). Refers specifically to Isaiah.

• a large (גָּדוֹל - gadol): great, large, big. Denotes significant size or importance.

• tablet (לוּחַ - luach): tablet, board, plank. Likely referring to a material like wood or clay, on which inscriptions were made.

• and write (וּכְתֹב - u'chtov): and write. A conjunctive imperative, joining the action of taking the tablet with the action of writing.

• on it (עָלָיו - alai): on it, upon him. Referring to the tablet.

• with a regular (בְּעֵט - be'et): with a pen, with a style, with writing utensils. The preposition 'be' (with) indicates the instrument used for writing.

• pen (סוֹפֵר - sofer): scribe, pen, ink. In this context, it refers to the stylus or writing instrument used by a scribe. The combination "b'et sofer" signifies using an ordinary, perhaps large and clear, writing instrument, not necessarily elaborate or mystical.

• boldly (מְהֻפֶּכֶת - mehupheket): turned over, inverted, reversed. In some translations this refers to the manner of writing or the clarity of the inscription. However, a more common understanding is "man's writing" or a common writing instrument as opposed to a divine inscription. The Authorized Version has "clearly", which refers to the legibility, implying it should be written clearly and legibly for all to see. Another view relates it to the stylus itself.

• the name (אֶת־שֵׁם - et-shem): the name. Refers to the specific name that follows.

• Mahershalalhashbaz (מַהֵר שָׁלָל חָשׁ בַּז - Maher-shalal-hash-baz): Quick to the spoil, he hastens the prey. This is a highly significant symbolic name.

  • Maher (מַהֵר - Maher): haste, speed, be quick.
  • Shalal (שָׁלָל - shalal): spoil, booty, plunder.
  • Chash (חָשׁ - chash): hastens, moves quickly.
  • Baz (בַּז - baz): prey, booty, plunder.

• Words-group by words-group analysis:

  • "Take a large tablet and write on it with a regular pen": This is a direct, sensory instruction. The emphasis on "large tablet" suggests the importance and public nature of the message. "Regular pen" contrasts with any miraculous or overly ornate inscription, grounding the prophetic act in observable reality, though the message itself is divine.
  • "Mahershalalhashbaz": The name itself is a sentence of prophecy: "Hasten, O spoil! He is quick, O prey!" It foreshadows the swift and devastating military victory of Assyria against both Syria and Israel, who were the enemies of Judah. It signifies that their own spoils of war would be plundered, and their speedy advance would lead to their swift destruction.

Isaiah 8 1 Bonus section

The practice of giving prophetic names, like Maher-shalal-hash-baz, is a recurring motif in the Old Testament. Examples include:

• Jezreel (Hosea 1:4): meaning "God sows," but also related to the valley where much bloodshed occurred.
• Lo-ruhamah (Hosea 1:6): meaning "not pitied."
• Lo-ammi (Hosea 1:8): meaning "not my people."
• Shear-jashub (Isaiah 7:3): meaning "a remnant shall return."

These names were not mere labels but acted as living sermons, conveying theological truths and divine judgments. "Mahershalalhashbaz" carries a particularly severe message, indicating the utter and swift destruction of the enemies of God's people. This name serves as a testament to God's active involvement in the affairs of nations and His ultimate vindication of His covenant people. The instruction to use a "regular pen" likely implies that the writing should be clear and legible to all witnesses, not a private, mystical communication. The significance is amplified when considered alongside the prophecy of Immanuel in the preceding chapter. While judgment is proclaimed on enemies, a future hope is also established through Immanuel.

Isaiah 8 1 Commentary

The LORD directly commands Isaiah to take a large tablet and inscribe it with a clear writing instrument. The inscription is the name "Mahershalalhashbaz," which means "Hasten the plunder, seize the spoil." This act serves as a visible sign and a written prophecy for King Ahaz and Judah. The name itself declares the impending doom of Syria and Israel at the hands of Assyria. God is demonstrating His foreknowledge and His sovereign control over nations, even their military conquests. This prophetic name foreshadows the swift destruction and plundering of Israel and Syria, and by extension, the futility of alliances made apart from God. It serves as a stark warning against relying on human strength or political maneuvering rather than trusting in the Lord. The name is not just a label but a potent theological statement about God's judgment and power.