Isa 8:11-15 | TNotes | STEP | Summary for Isa 8:11-15: 8:11-15 This text reveals the heart of Isaiah’s message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see 7:9 ; 8:6 ). When an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (cp. Prov 29:25 ; see thematic note for Fearing People at end of chapter). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary; their salvation is assured.

a8:11-15►

b7:9►

c8:6►

dProv 29:25►

e8:12►

f7:1►

g4►

h8:13►

iProv 1:7►

jIsa 7:9►

k10:24►

l8:14►

m28:16►

nPs 118:22-23►

oLuke 2:34►

pRom 9:32-33►

q1 Pet 2:6-8►

‏ Isaiah 8:11-15

Summary for Isa 8:11-15: 8:11-15 ^a This text reveals the heart of Isaiah’s message. The issue was fear of the Lord versus fear of people (see 7:9 ^b; 8:6 ^c). When an individual fears people, the Lord becomes a trap and destruction is certain (cp. Prov 29:25 ^d; see thematic note for Fearing People at end of chapter). For those who fear the Lord, he becomes a sanctuary; their salvation is assured.
8:12 ^e People regarded Isaiah’s message of non-involvement with Assyria as treasonous, part of a conspiracy. But Isaiah was not trying to play political games; rather, he proclaimed God’s message.

• What frightens them was the alliance of Syria and Israel attacking Judah (see 7:1 ^f, 4 ^g).
8:13 ^h To make the Lord ... holy meant giving him first place in life and acknowledging that nothing is greater than he is.

• Fear of God means reverencing him as God (Prov 1:7 ⁱ). The people of Judah were not to fear Israel and Syria or the Assyrians (Isa 7:9 ^j; 10:24 ^k).
8:14 ^l He will keep you safe (literally he will be a sanctuary): God is a place of refuge.

• stone ... stumble ... rock ... fall: By trusting Assyria rather than God, the people of Jerusalem would find themselves in a trap and a snare as the Assyrians turned against them. For those who trust in the Lord, however, he is faithful and strong (28:16 ^m; see Ps 118:22-23 ⁿ; Luke 2:34 ^o; Rom 9:32-33 ^p; 1 Pet 2:6-8 ^q).