Jamieson, Fausset and Brown on Isaiah 8:1

CHAPTER 8

Is 8:1-9:7.

The first seven verses of the ninth chapter belong to this section. The eighth chapter continues the subject of the seventh chapter, but at a later period (compare Is 8:4 with Is 7:16); implying that the interval till the accomplishment is shorter now than then. The tone of Is 8:17, 21, 22, expresses calamity more immediate and afflictive than Is 7:4, 15, 22.

1. great--suitable, for letters large enough to be read by all.

roll--rather, tablet of wood, metal, or stone (Is 30:8; Ha 2:2); sometimes coated with wax, upon which characters were traced with a pointed instrument, or iron stylus; skins and papyrus were also used (Is 19:7).

man's pen--that is, in ordinary characters which the humblest can read (so Ha 2:2). Hebrew, enosh means a "common man," is contrasted with the upper ranks (Re 21:17; Ro 3:5). Not in hieroglyphics. The object was that, after the event, all might see that it had been predicted by Isaiah.

concerning--the title and subject of the prophecy.

Maher-shalal-hash-baz--"They (that is, the Assyrians) hasten to the spoil (namely, to spoil Syria and Samaria), they speed to the prey" [Gesenius]. Otherwise, "The spoil (that is, spoiler) hastens, the rapine speeds forward" [Maurer].