Isaiah 8:1

KJV

¶ Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.

KJV (with Strong's)

Moreover the LORD {H3068} said {H559} unto me, Take {H3947} thee a great {H1419} roll {H1549}, and write {H3789} in it with a man's {H582} pen {H2747} concerning Mahershalalhashbaz {H4122}.

Complete Jewish Bible

ADONAI said to me, "Take a large tablet, and write on it in easily readable letters; 'Maher shalal, hash baz [the spoil hurries, the prey speeds along].'"

Berean Standard Bible

Then the LORD said to me, “Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary stylus: Maher-shalal-hash-baz.

American Standard Version

And Jehovah said unto me, Take thee a great tablet, and write upon it with the pen of a man, For Maher-shalal-hash-baz;

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Isaiah 8:1 records a direct divine command to the prophet Isaiah, instructing him to prepare a large, publicly visible scroll and inscribe upon it a cryptic yet profoundly significant name: Mahershalalhashbaz. This act serves as a prophetic sign, a tangible declaration from the LORD concerning the swift and inevitable judgment that would fall upon the enemies of Judah, specifically the allied kingdoms of Syria and Israel, signaling God's sovereign control over historical events and His unwavering commitment to His prophetic word.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the dramatic events of [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy and Ahaz's Unbelief"), where King Ahaz of Judah, facing the Syro-Ephraimitic alliance, stubbornly refused to ask for a sign from the LORD, despite God's gracious offer. Instead, Ahaz planned to seek aid from Assyria, a decision that would ultimately prove disastrous for Judah. In response to Ahaz's lack of faith and the escalating political crisis, God commands Isaiah in [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Prophecy of Mahershalalhashbaz") to perform a new, public prophetic act. This act of writing the symbolic name "Mahershalalhashbaz" on a large scroll serves as a further, undeniable sign, reinforcing the certainty of God's impending judgment on Judah's northern adversaries, a judgment that would be swift and overwhelming. The name itself anticipates the birth of Isaiah's son, whose naming in [Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz") further solidifies the prophetic message.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The setting is the tumultuous period of the Syro-Ephraimitic War (c. 735-732 BCE). The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Aram (Syria), under Kings Pekah and Rezin respectively, formed an alliance to pressure Judah into joining their anti-Assyrian coalition. When Ahaz refused, they besieged Jerusalem, intending to depose him and install a puppet king. This was a time of immense fear and political instability for Judah. In this environment, public declarations and symbolic acts by prophets carried significant weight. A "great roll" (scroll) was a common medium for official decrees, prophecies, and records in the ancient Near East. Writing "with a man's pen" implies using a standard, legible script, making the message accessible to the general populace and ensuring its public verification, contrasting with more esoteric or divine scripts. This public display ensured that the prophecy was not merely a private revelation but a verifiable, undeniable sign for all to witness.
* **Key Themes:** [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Prophecy of Mahershalalhashbaz") powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Isaiah. Firstly, it underscores **Divine Sovereignty and Foreknowledge**, demonstrating God's absolute control over the destinies of nations and His ability to declare future events before they transpire, even amidst human political maneuvering. Secondly, it highlights the theme of **Prophetic Action and Symbolism**, where God uses His prophet not only to speak but also to perform symbolic acts that embody His message, making it more impactful and memorable. The act of writing on the scroll and the subsequent naming of Isaiah's son (as detailed in [Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz")) are powerful visual aids to the divine word. Thirdly, the verse introduces the theme of **Imminent Judgment**, specifically the swift and decisive defeat of Judah's immediate enemies, Syria and Israel, by the Assyrian Empire. While this judgment is directed at Judah's foes, it subtly foreshadows the broader consequences of Judah's own unfaithfulness and reliance on human alliances, as the Assyrians would eventually become a threat to Judah itself, a theme explored further in [Isaiah 10](/isaiah/10 "Isaiah 10 - The Arrogance of Assyria").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** This is the covenant name of God, Jehovah (or Yahweh), derived from a root meaning "to be" or "to exist." Its use here emphasizes that the command to Isaiah comes from the self-existent, eternal God who is faithful to His covenant promises and sovereign over all creation and history. It underscores the divine authority and certainty behind the prophetic act.
* **roll (Hebrew, _gillâyôwn'_):** This term refers to a tablet or scroll, a writing surface. The description "great" (Hebrew, _gâdôwl'_) implies a large, prominent scroll, suggesting that the message was intended for public display and easy readability. This was not a private note but a public declaration, meant to be seen and understood by many, reinforcing the verifiable nature of the prophecy.
* **Mahershalalhashbaz (Hebrew, _Mahêr Shâlâl Châsh Baz'_):** This is a compound prophetic name, literally meaning "Hasting (is he to the) booty, swift (to the) prey." It is formed from four Hebrew words: _Mahêr_ (hasten, quick), _Shâlâl_ (spoils, plunder), _Châsh_ (hurry, speed), and _Baz_ (prey, booty). This name encapsulates the core message of the prophecy: the swift and certain plundering of Damascus (Syria) and Samaria (Israel) by the Assyrians. Its very length and unusual nature would have drawn attention, making it a memorable and undeniable sign.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Moreover the LORD said unto me,"**: This opening phrase establishes the divine origin and authority of the subsequent command. It highlights that Isaiah is not speaking his own words or acting on his own initiative, but is a direct messenger of YHWH, the covenant God of Israel. This divine imperative underscores the seriousness and certainty of the prophetic message that follows.
* **"Take thee a great roll,"**: The LORD instructs Isaiah to acquire a large, prominent writing surface. The "great roll" (or tablet) signifies that the message is not a private communication but a public, observable sign. Its size suggests it was meant to be easily seen and read by many, serving as a tangible testament to the impending prophecy.
* **"and write in it with a man's pen"**: This detail emphasizes the clarity and legibility of the inscription. A "man's pen" (or common stylus) implies that the writing should be in a standard, easily understandable script, accessible to the common person, rather than an obscure or symbolic script. This ensures that the message is unambiguous and verifiable by human witnesses, further validating its divine origin and purpose.
* **"concerning Mahershalalhashbaz."**: This clause reveals the content of the inscription: the symbolic name Mahershalalhashbaz. This name, meaning "Hasten Spoils, Speed Plunder," is the core of the prophecy, directly foretelling the swift and decisive plundering of Judah's enemies, Syria and Israel, by the Assyrian forces. The public inscription of this name before its fulfillment served as a powerful, undeniable sign of God's foreknowledge and sovereign control over historical events.

#### Literary Devices
Isaiah 8:1 employs several powerful **Literary Devices**. Foremost is **Prophetic Action**, where the prophet is commanded to perform a symbolic act (writing on a scroll) that embodies the divine message. This act is not merely descriptive but performative, making the prophecy a tangible reality for the audience. The name "Mahershalalhashbaz" itself is a profound example of **Symbolism** and **Onomatopoeia** (though not strictly onomatopoeia, its sound and length contribute to its impactful, urgent feel). It functions as a **Sign-Name**, a common prophetic device where a name carries a profound prophetic meaning, summarizing the impending judgment. The very act of writing it publicly serves as a form of **Foreshadowing**, preparing the people for the swift and devastating defeat of their enemies, and implicitly, for the consequences of their own unfaithfulness. The "great roll" and "man's pen" are also symbolic, emphasizing the public, clear, and verifiable nature of God's word.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Isaiah 8:1 profoundly illustrates God's active involvement in human history and His unwavering commitment to communicating His will, especially concerning judgment and salvation. It highlights that God does not merely observe human affairs but actively directs them, using both natural events and prophetic declarations to accomplish His purposes. The command to Isaiah to publicly record the name Mahershalalhashbaz underscores the certainty and imminence of God's word; what He declares, He will bring to pass. This serves as a powerful reminder that God's warnings are not idle threats but sure declarations, demanding attention and a response of faith, even when the circumstances seem overwhelming or contrary to human expectations.

* [Isaiah 7:3](/isaiah/7-3 "Isaiah 7:3 - Isaiah Meets Ahaz") - This verse provides immediate literary context, showing God's instruction to Isaiah to meet Ahaz with his son Shear-jashub, whose name also carried prophetic significance ("A remnant shall return"). This establishes a pattern of God using Isaiah's family as living prophecies.
* [Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz") - This verse describes the birth of Isaiah's son, who is then named Mahershalalhashbaz, directly fulfilling the symbolic act commanded in [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Prophecy of Mahershalalhashbaz") and making the prophetic sign a living reality.
* [Deuteronomy 18:21-22](/deuteronomy/18-21 "Deuteronomy 18:21-22 - Testing a Prophet") - This passage provides the biblical standard for testing a true prophet: if the prophet's word comes to pass, then it is from the LORD. Isaiah's public inscription of Mahershalalhashbaz, before its fulfillment, serves as undeniable proof of his prophetic authenticity when the events indeed unfold.

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Isaiah 8:1 offers timeless lessons for believers today. It reminds us that God is sovereign over all nations and events, even in times of intense political turmoil and fear. Just as God provided clear, public warnings through Isaiah, He continues to speak through His Word, providing guidance, warnings, and promises that are certain to come to pass. This verse challenges us to pay diligent attention to God's revealed truth, recognizing that His pronouncements, though sometimes challenging, are ultimately for our good and His glory. It encourages us to trust in His divine plan, rather than relying on human strategies or alliances that may seem expedient but ultimately lead to disappointment. Our response to God's clear word should be one of faith and obedience, knowing that His counsel will stand.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does God's command to Isaiah in this verse demonstrate His active sovereignty over current events in our world today?**
* **In what ways might God be giving "clear warnings" or "signs" to us or our society that we might be overlooking or refusing to heed?**
* **What does it mean for us to "write" God's truth clearly and publicly in our own lives, so that others might see and understand His message?**

### FAQ

**What is the significance of the name Mahershalalhashbaz?**

Answer: The name Mahershalalhashbaz is a prophetic sentence in Hebrew, meaning "Hasten Spoils, Speed Plunder" or "Quick to the Plunder, Swift to the Booty." Its significance lies in its direct prediction of the swift and decisive defeat and plundering of the Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) by the Assyrian Empire. It served as a clear, undeniable sign from God that He would intervene in the political crisis facing Judah, bringing judgment upon its enemies. The name was so central to the prophecy that Isaiah was commanded to write it on a public scroll in [Isaiah 8:1](/isaiah/8-1 "Isaiah 8:1 - The Prophecy of Mahershalalhashbaz") and later to name his newborn son by this very name in [Isaiah 8:3](/isaiah/8-3 "Isaiah 8:3 - The Birth of Mahershalalhashbaz"), making the prophecy a living, visible sign. The fulfillment of this prophecy is indicated in [Isaiah 8:4](/isaiah/8-4 "Isaiah 8:4 - The Fulfillment of the Prophecy"), stating that before the child could speak, the wealth of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria would be carried away by the king of Assyria.

**Why did God command Isaiah to write this on a "great roll" with a "man's pen"?**

Answer: God commanded Isaiah to write the prophetic name on a "great roll" (a large scroll or tablet) with a "man's pen" (a common, legible writing instrument) for several crucial reasons. Firstly, it ensured **publicity and visibility**. A large scroll was meant to be seen and read by many, making the prophecy a public declaration, not a private revelation. Secondly, it guaranteed **clarity and legibility**. Writing with a "man's pen" implies a standard, easily understandable script, ensuring that the message was unambiguous and accessible to the common person, not shrouded in obscure symbols. Thirdly, it provided **verifiability**. By publicly inscribing the prophecy before its fulfillment, God provided undeniable proof of His foreknowledge and Isaiah's authenticity as a prophet when the events indeed came to pass. This public record served as a tangible witness to God's sovereign control over history and the certainty of His word, contrasting with King Ahaz's lack of faith in [Isaiah 7](/isaiah/7 "Isaiah 7 - The Immanuel Prophecy and Ahaz's Unbelief").

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
While Isaiah 8:1 directly concerns the geopolitical situation of Judah and the imminent judgment on its enemies, it finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in several ways. The prophetic act of writing a sign-name on a scroll foreshadows the ultimate divine communication and sign given in Jesus Christ. Just as the name Mahershalalhashbaz was a clear, public declaration of God's sovereign intent, so Jesus Himself is the ultimate, living Word of God, the ultimate sign given to humanity ([John 1:14](/john/1-14 "John 1:14 - The Word Became Flesh")). He embodies God's message of both judgment and salvation. While Mahershalalhashbaz pointed to the swift plundering of physical enemies, Christ's coming brought about the ultimate "plundering" of spiritual enemies—Satan, sin, and death ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). He is the one who "hastens" to take the "spoils" of spiritual victory, redeeming those held captive by sin and making them His own "booty" for God's kingdom ([Ephesians 4:8](/ephesians/4-8 "Ephesians 4:8 - Christ's Ascension and Gifts")). Furthermore, the idea of God's word being publicly recorded and undeniable points to the New Covenant, not written on "rolls" of parchment, but on the hearts of believers by the Spirit ([Jeremiah 31:33](/jeremiah/31-33 "Jeremiah 31:33 - The New Covenant") and [2 Corinthians 3:3](/2_corinthians/3-3 "2 Corinthians 3:3 - Letters of Christ")). Christ is the fulfillment of all God's prophetic words, the ultimate sign of God's sovereign control, and the one through whom all of God's promises find their "Yes" and "Amen" ([2 Corinthians 1:20](/2_corinthians/1-20 "2 Corinthians 1:20 - God's Promises are Yes in Christ")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Isaiah 30:8

¶ Now go, write it before them in a table, and note it in a book, that it may be for the time to come for ever and ever:

Job 19:23

¶ Oh that my words were now written! oh that they were printed in a book!

Job 19:24

That they were graven with an iron pen and lead in the rock for ever!

Habakkuk 2:2

And the LORD answered me, and said, Write the vision, and make [it] plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Habakkuk 2:3

For the vision [is] yet for an appointed time, but at the end it shall speak, and not lie: though it tarry, wait for it; because it will surely come, it will not tarry.

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 Mahershalalhashbaz.

Revelation 21:17

And he measured the wall thereof, an hundred [and] forty [and] four cubits, [according to] the measure of a man, that is, of the angel.