Isa 8:1-4 | 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 ).

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‏ Isaiah 8:1-4

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).
8:3 ^f my wife: Literally the prophetess.

• Like the name Immanuel (7:14 ^g), Maher-shalal-hash-baz is symbolic. It is possible that this child was the partial fulfillment of the Immanuel prophecy as well (see study note on 7:14). The ultimate fulfillment of the Immanuel prophecy occurred with the birth of Jesus (Matt 1:22-23 ^h).
8:4 ⁱ before this child is old enough: See also 7:16 ^j.

• Damascus and Samaria were ruined and destroyed in 732 BC, fulfilling this verse along with 7:8 ^k, 19-20 ^l.