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.