Isaiah 8:1–15

Introduction

Isaiah 8:1–15: Isaiah’s wife bears him a son, and the LORD tells the prophet Isaiah to give his newborn son a name that symbolizes that the kings of Israel and Syria will be destroyed quickly by their Assyrian foes (8:3). But because Ahaz still prefers to seek an alliance with Assyria rather than relying on God, Isaiah warns that the Assyrians will also attack Judah.

Today’s Key Verse: Isaiah 8:13

“Remember that I, the LORD Almighty, am holy; I am the one you must fear.”

Reading

8 The Lord said to me, “Take a large piece of writing material and write on it in large letters: ‘Quick Loot, Fast Plunder.’ ² Get two reliable men, the priest Uriah and Zechariah son of Jeberechiah, to serve as witnesses.”

³ Some time later my wife became pregnant. When our son was born, the Lord said to me, “Name him ‘Quick-Loot-Fast-Plunder.’ ⁴ Before the boy is old enough to say ‘Mamma’ and ‘Daddy,’ all the wealth of Damascus and all the loot of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.”

⁵ The Lord spoke to me again. ⁶ He said, “Because these people have rejected the quiet waters of Shiloah Brook and tremble before King Rezin and King Pekah, ⁷ I, the Lord, will bring the emperor of Assyria and all his forces to attack Judah. They will advance like the flood waters of the Euphrates River, overflowing all its banks. ⁸ They will sweep through Judah in a flood, rising shoulder high and covering everything.”

God is with us! His outspread wings protect the land.

⁹ Gather together in fear, you nations! Listen, you distant parts of the earth. Get ready to fight, but be afraid! Yes, get ready, but be afraid! ¹⁰ Make your plans! But they will never succeed. Talk all you want to! But it is all useless, because God is with us.

¹¹ With his great power the Lord warned me not to follow the road which the people were following. He said, ¹² “Do not join in the schemes of the people and do not be afraid of the things that they fear. ¹³ Remember that I, the Lord Almighty, am holy; I am the one you must fear. ¹⁴ Because of my awesome holiness I am like a stone that people stumble over; I am like a trap that will catch the people of the kingdoms of Judah and Israel and the people of Jerusalem. ¹⁵ Many will stumble; they will fall and be crushed. They will be caught in a trap.”

Reflect

The references to Damascus and Samaria in verse 4 pertain to the wealth of Syria and Israel that will be plundered by their Assyrian foes. How does the name of Isaiah’s son relate to what is to take place? What warning does the LORD give to his prophet Isaiah (verses 11–12)? Where do you turn for strength and security?

Pray

Almighty God, may the plans I make this day be in accord with your will. Give me an obedient and humble heart and teach me to follow you. Amen.

Tomorrow’s Reading

Isaiah 8:16—9:7: The prophet Isaiah brings words of hope about a future king.