Matthew Poole and continuators on Isaiah 8:18

18 Behold , I and the children , whom the LORD hath given me, are for signs, and for wonders in Israel , from the LORD of hosts , which dwelleth in mount Zion .

It is worthy of your observation and admiration. These Words are literally spoken by Isaiah concerning himself, but withal mystically concerning Christ, of whom he speaks more frequently and fully than any other Prophet, and of whom he was an evident Type; and therefore they are fitly applied to Christ, Heb. 2. 13.

Either, 1. his natural Children, whose very Names were Prophetical, and Signs of future Events, ch. 7. 3. & 8. 3, 4. or, 2. his spiritual Children, whom he had either begotten or brought up by his Ministry. For the Prophets were called fathers not onely with respect to the young Prophets, who were commonly called the sons of the prophets, but also in relation to others, as 2 Kings 2. 12. & 13. 14. And this sence seems more probable than the former, because it agrees best, 1. with the following Words, which seem to be too lofty and emphatical to be used concerning his natural Children, for their Prophetical Names, which, if they were Signs, could not properly be called Wonders: 2. with the Context, and scope of the Place, which is to set forth the Incredulity of the Israelites, and their Contempt and Rejection of Christ, and of all his faithful Messengers, both the Prophets, who were sent as Harbingers before his coming, and the Apostles, who were Witnesses of his coming: 3. with Heb. 2. 13. where they are expounded of spiritual Children.

Are a Gazing-stock to, and admired by them, for our Folly in believing God's Promises: For so the believing Iews now were, to Ahaz and the generality of the People, who thought it their Wisdom and Interest to procure Aid from Assyria, and esteemed those Fools who, upon pretence of relying upon God, would neglect so great an Advantage. And so the Prophet foretells that they should be when the Messiah did come; which is the mystical, as the other is the literal sence: and so both of them may be meant in this place.

Even amongst the Israelites, who have been taught and do profess better things.

Which comes to pass by the wise Counsel and Providence of God, in which I willingly acquiesce.

Where the Temple now was, and where the Messiah was to set up his Kingdom.

Marginal references: Heb. 2. 13.; Psal. 71. 7. Zech. 3. 8.