Isaiah 8 2

Isaiah 8:2 kjv

And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.

Isaiah 8:2 nkjv

And I will take for Myself faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah."

Isaiah 8:2 niv

So I called in Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah as reliable witnesses for me.

Isaiah 8:2 esv

And I will get reliable witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah, to attest for me."

Isaiah 8:2 nlt

I asked Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah, both known as honest men, to witness my doing this.

Isaiah 8 verses

Isaiah 8 2 Meaning

This verse commands the prophet Isaiah to take a large scroll and write upon it with the pen of an ordinary man. The inscription itself refers to the swiftness of the spoil and plunder that will be taken from Damascus and Samaria. It signifies a decree or a pronouncement being made, recorded for posterity, highlighting the impending judgment and the rapid nature of the enemies' actions.

Isaiah 8 2 Context

Isaiah chapter 8 follows the historical events described in chapter 7, where the prophet’s son, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, was given as a sign of the impending fall of both Syria (Damascus) and the northern kingdom of Israel (Samaria) to the Assyrians. This chapter serves as a direct continuation of that prophecy, emphasizing the inevitability of the judgment. The northern kingdom, heavily influenced by Samaria's leadership, was particularly vulnerable to Assyrian aggression. Isaiah's message was directed at a nation that had strayed from God, facing severe consequences. The primary focus is on the swift and devastating pillage that would soon occur, serving as a stark warning.

Isaiah 8 2 Word analysis

• Hebrew Text: קְחוּ־לָכֶם לְעָב פְּסָק וּבִתְעָב נְקַב אֶת־כָּתְבוּ־בָהּ יֶא מַהֵר שָׁלָל חָשׁ יְמְיָצ ... The English translation reads "Take to yourself a large tablet, and write upon it with a stylus of an ordinary man, 'Mahershalal-hash-baz.'"
• לְעָב (l'av): "to a large tablet." The term " tablet" here refers to a broad surface for writing. The adjective implies size, suggesting the importance and comprehensive nature of the message to be recorded.
• לָכֶם (lakem): "for yourself" or "to yourselves." This is a direct address to Isaiah, emphasizing personal commission and the gravity of the task entrusted to him.
• פְּסָק (pesaq): "tablet" or "board." This word refers to a material, possibly of wood or clay, meant for inscription. The use of "large" underscores the scope of the prophecy being recorded.
• וּבִתְעָב (u'vitz'av): "and with a stylus of an ordinary man." This phrase is significant. It contrasts with the divine pronouncements Isaiah typically records. The "stylus" or "pen" belongs to a common man, suggesting that while the message is divine, its initial recording is done in a human, everyday manner, making it relatable and tangible. It could also imply that the act of writing it would be performed by a regular scribe under Isaiah's instruction, not necessarily Isaiah himself writing in monumental script.
• נְקַב (neqav): "to engrave," "to inscribe," or "to pierce." In this context, it means to write or etch.
• אֶת־כָּתְבוּ־בָהּ (et-katuv bah): "write upon it." This clearly indicates the act of inscribing the message onto the tablet.
• יֶא (ye'a): An archaic vocative particle, used for direct address or emphasis. It's like saying "O you" or emphasizing the noun that follows.
• מַהֵר שָׁלָל חָשׁ בַּז (Mahershalal-hash-baz): This is the name of Isaiah's son, prophesied in Isaiah 7:14. The name itself is a prophetic declaration: "Speedy is the plunder, hastened is the prey." This name is the inscription for the tablet, encapsulating the message of impending defeat for the enemies.

Words Group Analysis:

• "Take to yourself a large tablet, and write upon it with a stylus of an ordinary man": This entire phrase signifies the commissioned act of public declaration and prophetic recording. The instruction is to prepare a very visible medium for an important message.
• "Mahershalal-hash-baz": This is not just a name but a phrase of meaning, acting as a direct summary of the prophecy concerning the imminent destruction and captivity of Israel and Syria. The writing of this name onto the large tablet is the physical manifestation of the word of the LORD concerning these nations.

Isaiah 8 2 Bonus Section

The choice of writing on a "large tablet" with a "human pen" connects to ancient Near Eastern practices where public decrees were inscribed on stelae or tablets for all to see and acknowledge. This makes the prophecy tangible and official. The name of Isaiah's son, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, itself functions as a shorthand prophecy that was also etched in stone. The act of inscribing this name is a testament to the conviction and assurance Isaiah had in the prophetic word he received. This mirrored in Jesus’ teachings about proclaiming the Kingdom of God, which requires a bold and clear announcement. The future sealing and unsealing of prophecies also finds echoes here, as a pronouncement is made, and later, understood through its fulfillment.

Isaiah 8 2 Commentary

The Lord instructs Isaiah to make a public and unmistakable declaration of impending doom for Syria and Israel by inscribing the name of his son, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, onto a large tablet. This name, meaning "Swift is the plunder, hurried is the spoil," serves as a written prophecy itself, underscoring the certainty and speed with which these nations would be plundered. The use of a common man's stylus emphasizes that this is a tangible, human-scale event, yet divinely ordained. It is a visible sign to all that God's judgment is imminent and unstoppable, reflecting the ultimate sovereign power of the Lord over the affairs of nations. This act solidifies the prophetic word into a permanent record before its fulfillment.