Isa 8:1 | TNotes | STEP | 8:1 The meaning of the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz (“Swift to plunder and quick to carry away”) applies both to Judah’s enemies (8:4 ) and to Judah itself (8:7-8 ). They had trusted Assyria in place of God, and now Assyria would turn on them and all but destroy them. God was with them ( Immanuel; see 7:14 ), but his presence would be destructive if they refused to trust in him (see 8:14 ).

‏ Isaiah 8:1

8:1 ^a The meaning of the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz (“Swift to plunder and quick to carry away”) applies both to Judah’s enemies (8:4 ^b) and to Judah itself (8:7-8 ^c). They had trusted Assyria in place of God, and now Assyria would turn on them and all but destroy them. God was with them (Immanuel; see 7:14 ^d), but his presence would be destructive if they refused to trust in him (see 8:14 ^e).