According to Harris’ Exploring the Bible, “...the Book of Isaiah represents and incorporates the three principal themes or concerns of Israel’s prophets: warnings of divine judgement, promises of forgiveness and reconciliation, and responsibilities of restoration” (163). However, what sets the book of Isaiah apart from the other prophet books is that it is actually compiled of three different prophets. These three prophets correspond with different periods of Judean history which take place before, during, and after the exile. While most readers simply interpret Isaiah for the words on the pages of the Bible, the historical framework of prophecies in Isaiah should be studied when reading these oracles because the background becomes critical
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Predictably, this child’s name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, also bears a significance that pertains to the message. Maher-shalal-hash-baz translates to “the spoil speeds, the prey hastens” which refers to the impending Assyrian invasion on Damascus and Samaria. Not only will the kingdoms of Syria and Israel be demolished, but Judah will also be subdued. Verses seven and eight describe how the Assyrian army “...will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on…” Since Judah beseeched Assyria for help, they were demoted to a vassal state under Assyria (Harris 165). Chapter 8 then proceeds to say that God is with Assyria and their invasion cannot be stopped which elicits an understandable response of unease throughout the Judean community. The kingdoms of Syria and Israel had already decimated much of the Judean countryside and now they were facing the mighty Assyrian army. It is in this terror that God reminds the people that they should only fear the Lord. If you trust him, “he will become a sanctuary” (Isa. 8.14) This chapter also imparts a warning for those who don’t trust in God and instead turn to mediums and necromancers. Those who turn against the Lord “will be thrust into thick darkness” (Isa.
Predictably, this child’s name, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, also bears a significance that pertains to the message. Maher-shalal-hash-baz translates to “the spoil speeds, the prey hastens” which refers to the impending Assyrian invasion on Damascus and Samaria. Not only will the kingdoms of Syria and Israel be demolished, but Judah will also be subdued. Verses seven and eight describe how the Assyrian army “...will rise over all its channels and go over all its banks, and it will sweep on into Judah, it will overflow and pass on…” Since Judah beseeched Assyria for help, they were demoted to a vassal state under Assyria (Harris 165). Chapter 8 then proceeds to say that God is with Assyria and their invasion cannot be stopped which elicits an understandable response of unease throughout the Judean community. The kingdoms of Syria and Israel had already decimated much of the Judean countryside and now they were facing the mighty Assyrian army. It is in this terror that God reminds the people that they should only fear the Lord. If you trust him, “he will become a sanctuary” (Isa. 8.14) This chapter also imparts a warning for those who don’t trust in God and instead turn to mediums and necromancers. Those who turn against the Lord “will be thrust into thick darkness” (Isa.