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Bible Chapter Summary

Isaiah 8 Summary

The Coming Assyrian Invasion and Assurance

The Lord commands Isaiah to write in a great roll the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz with faithful witnesses, and Isaiah's son is born with this name, signifying that before the child knows to call father and mother, Damascus and Samaria's riches shall be taken by the king of Assyria. The Lord rebukes Judah for refusing the gentle waters of Shiloah and rejoicing in Rezin and his son, so He will bring the strong river waters of Assyria upon them that shall overflow and reach even to the neck. Yet the Lord instructs Isaiah that God is with them and will be their sanctuary, though He becomes a stone of stumbling and a snare. The people shall be bound with the law, seek those with familiar spirits, and hunger and look to the earth in darkness.

Key themes

Prophetic signAssyrian invasionWaters overflowGod's presenceSeeking darkness

Key verses

Isaiah 8:3

And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

Isaiah 8:7

Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks:

Isaiah 8:10

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us.

Isaiah 8:19

And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead?

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