from מַהֵר and שָׁלָל and חוּשׁ and בַּז; hasting (is he (the enemy) to the) booty, swift (to the) prey; Maher-Shalal-Chash-Baz; the symbolical name of the son of Isaiah; Maher-sha-lal-bash-baz.
### Core Meaning & Semantic Range
The Hebrew phrase **Mahêr Shâlâl Châsh Baz**, represented by `{{H4122}}`, is a symbolic name for the son of Isaiah. Its meaning is "hasting (is he (the enemy) to the) booty, swift (to the) prey." This unique name appears **2 times** across **2 unique verses** in the Bible, highlighting its specific prophetic purpose.
### Biblical Occurrences & Contextual Analysis
In the biblical narrative, `{{H4122}}` is given through direct commands from the LORD. First, the LORD `{{H3068}}` instructed Isaiah to **write** `{{H3789}}` "Mahershalalhashbaz" on a great roll as a public witness before the child was conceived [[Isaiah 8:1]]. Following the birth of Isaiah's son, the LORD `{{H3068}}` then commanded him to **call** `{{H7121}}` his son's name `{{H8034}}` Mahershalalhashbaz [[Isaiah 8:3]]. This two-step process establishes the name as a deliberate and divine prophecy.
### Related Words & Concepts
Several related words are central to the context of this prophetic name:
* `{{H3789}}` **kâthab** (to write): This action solidifies the name as a pre-ordained message. The LORD's command to **write** the name on a roll ensures the prophecy is recorded before it is embodied in the child [[Isaiah 8:1]].
* `{{H7121}}` **qârâʼ** (to call): This word signifies the act of formally giving the name. The instruction from the LORD was specifically to **call** his name Mahershalalhashbaz, linking the child's identity directly to the divine message [[Isaiah 8:3]].
* `{{H8034}}` **shêm** (an appellation, name): This term confirms that the phrase is not merely descriptive but serves as a formal **name**, a memorial of individuality and a sign from God [[Isaiah 8:3]].
### Theological Significance
The theological weight of `{{H4122}}` is found in its function as a direct communication from God.
* **Prophetic Naming:** The name itself is a living prophecy. By being commanded first to **write** `{{H3789}}` the name and then to **call** `{{H7121}}` his son by it, Isaiah participates in a symbolic act where a child's name becomes a divine oracle to the nation ([[Isaiah 8:1]], [[Isaiah 8:3]]).
* **Divine Sovereignty:** The name originates not with Isaiah, but with **Yᵉhôvâh** `{{H3068}}`, who **said** `{{H559}}` what to name the child. This underscores God's direct intervention and authority in revealing future events.
* **A Living Sign:** As a "symbolical name," the child Mahershalalhashbaz served as a constant, public reminder of God's impending judgment, as foretold by the meaning, "hasting to the booty, swift to the prey."
### Summary
In summary, `{{H4122}}` is a powerful example of a prophetic name in scripture. It is not merely a label but a message from God, written and proclaimed at his command. The name Mahêr Shâlâl Châsh Baz, given to Isaiah's son, stands as a testament to God's use of symbolic acts to communicate his sovereign plans and warnings to his people.
TRV