This chapter gives us the judgment leading up to the coming of the deliverer in chapter 9. Clearly the focus is on the destruction that took place in Samaria in 722 B.C., but includes the invasion of even Judah at that time. However, the message centres on the positive note that God will be with them if they trust in His word and hold their integrity. So even in a passage about judgment there is the direction for positive application.

1. Assyria will destroy Israel and Syria (vs. 1-4)

Ahaz has decided that he is not going to follow the Word of God. So now God speaks to the prophet and gives him a sign concerning the coming judgment upon Ahaz and Judah. Through the symbolism of the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz, the prophet announces the swift invasion of Assyria that would exile the northern kingdom, but only besiege Judah because it was protected by God. The sign is to be written on a great scroll and in the writing of men. The name “Maher-shalal-hash-baz” means “speed to the spoil, hurry to the prey”. By writing the oracle and by naming his son as a sign, Isaiah prophesied that Assyria’s invasion would be swift and complete.

Isaiah’s wife was a prophetess and she bore a child. (vs. 4). Before the child could say “Mummy” or “Daddy”, the Assyrian king is going to come and take away his spoil. The son is a visible reminder that this judgment is coming soon.

2. Assyria also comes up against Judah (vs. 5-8)

The Judeans rejoiced when the Syrians and the Israelites were defeated by the Assyrians (vs. 6). The people of Judah have refused the waters of Shiloh that go softly – the gentle redemptive message of the Lord God of Israel. (vs. 7). Assyria is the land of two great rivers – the Euphrates and the Tigris. Since they have rejected the gentle message of God, the flood of the Assyrians would overflow the land of Judah but a remnant would remain. (vs. 8). 2 Kings 18:13 describes the extent of the Assyrian invasion against Judah.

3. Judah’s enemies will be destroyed (vs. 9-10)

The prophet then taunts them in these verses. He knocks their evil alliances with other countries and their political involvement without trusting in God. They would not accept the Word of God. The God who is with us is the Lord. It is he who commands heaven’s armies. There can be no greater power! The land the Assyrians will invade doesn’t really belong to Judah or to King Ahaz. It belongs to the Lord God, to the coming Messiah, to Immanuel.

4. Judah should fear God and show it by keeping His Word (vs. 11-18)

There is security when they trust in God. (vs. 11-12). They were to sanctify the Lord and He would sanctify them. (vs. 13). These people do not accept the testimony of the Word of God. God will strengthen His elect and they shall receive the promises. There is Messianic prophecy in verses 17-18. See also Hebrews 2:12f. The children of Isaiah were “disciples” of his who were given “for signs and wonders in Israel”. In the New Testament the Hebrew writer applies this verse to Jesus Christ and his “children”. (Christians).

5. Condemnation of witches and wizards (vs. 19-22)

In the present danger from Syria and Israel, and in the coming danger from Assyria, Judah will be tempted to seek guidance and comfort from those who are mediums and wizards. Isaiah sees that there is no light in any of them. Their judgment shall be severe since they deceive and lead people away from trusting in the one true God. When they forsake God’s word and trust in mediums and wizards and the dead, they are courting darkness, not light.

Categories: Isaiah