Preparing for Deliverance
Reflection on Isaiah 8
Isaiah 8 is a more detailed look at how the prophecy toward Judah that began in Isaiah 7 concerning the foreseen attack of Israel and Aram, and the Assyrian army’s help and later betrayal.
In this chapter the word of the LORD comes to Isaiah and so he writes it on a tablet, and that word is “Maher-shalal-hash-baz”, which means “speedily”. This was a sign to let Judah know that the LORD was moving quickly. So when Isaiah had his first son, he named him Maher-shalal-hash-baz, for he said that before the baby is old enough to call “mother” or “father” the Asyrian army would have already defeated Judah’s enemies.
This devotion is broken into 3 points: A Refused Blessing, A Rebellious People, and Seeking Help in Wrong Places. Again we get to learn from some of the mistakes that Judah made.
A) Isaiah 8: 1-10 - A Blessing Refused
Grace and deliverance was given to Judah by God through God’s use of the Assyrian army to defeat the joint forces of Israel and Aram (Isaiah 8:15). Yet the LORD spoke to Isaiah again and said, “Because this people has refused the waters of Shiloah that flow gently,” but instead, “melt in fear before Rezin and the son of Remaliah.”(Isaiah 8:6).
Judah was unrepentant, and out of their fear of the approaching enemies they began to seek further advice from Assyrian seers. And after Judah’s enemies were defeated they even molded a replica of an Assyrian altar. Isaiah says that because of this, “The LORD is bringing up against it(Judah) the mighty flood waters of the River, the king of Assyria and all his glory, it will rise above all its(Judah’s) channels and overflow its(Judah’s) banks.“(Isaiah 8:7)
Despite the fear of the pending chaos, Isaiah offers the name Immanuel meaning God with us (Isaiah 8:8, 7:14). The naming of Isaiah’s son was therefore a testimony of God’s presents in the name Immanuel (God with us), and as in the testimony of God’s quick deliverance in the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz (speedily).
Have you ever been offered a blessing you thought you were better without?
B.) Isaiah 8:11-14 - A Rebellious People
God cautions Israel against adopting the fears of the Assyrians, but only fear The LORD of Hosts. Isaiah says that those who don't fear the LORD will soon regret it as the LORD would become a trap and a snare to them, and a rock they stumble over. (Isaiah 8:14). Both Peter and Paul use this text to refer to Christ because they understood that the son of God shares the same essence as the Heavenly Father. New Testament writers often used scriptures like Isaiah 8:14 and others that applied the the LORD (Jehovah,Yahweh, or YHWH) to describe Jesus the Christ.
New Testament writers used Judah’s rebellion against the LORD their God to compare it to the Jews rebellion against Jesus as their Messiah. Just as rebellious Judah stumbled over the LORD, so did unbelieving Jews stumble over Jesus.
Why do some people choose rebellion even against their own interests?
C.) Isaiah 8:15-22 - Seeking Help in Wrong Places
Isaiah says that he, his children, and his disciples will stand as signs among the people of Israel (which could describe a new priestly lineage), they will help with any matters among Israel and Judah that require discerning. The LORD cautions the people that they are not to go to any other ghost or spirit for consultations, and says that they should not be so foolish to consult the dead for living matters. (Isaiah 8:19).
But this is not what Judah does, they consult the Assyrian diviners and as seen in 2 Kings 16:7-14, they even construct an Assyrian altar and put in the place of the bronze altar the LORD. This was their ultimate idolatry and downfall, and it occurred just after the LORD had delivered them. They consulted issues concerning the living with those living among the dead, and so Isaiah says, “when they become hungry, they will be enraged and will curse their king and their gods.”(Isaiah 8:20)
How do you caution others on WHERE to get their advice?
You are welcomed to pray this prayer with me:
Gracious God,
Thank you for your mercy and grace in that you protect me from dangers seen and unseen. Help me to learn from Judah’s mistakes in their idolizing the Assyrians whom you sent to deliver Judah. Sometimes the help you send memorizes metoo, but help me to remember that all good things come from you, even if you choose a new means to get them to me. Help me as I discern what is for me and what is not, for I look to your Godly guidance for my instruction. In Jesus Name, Amen!