Old Testament
Isaiah 8:3
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I went to the prophetess, and she became pregnant and gave birth to a son. The LORD told me, 'Name him Maher-shalal-hash-baz.'
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And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.
What Isaiah 8:3 means
Plain-English insight for readers
In this verse, the prophet Isaiah visits a woman referred to as the prophetess, who gives birth to a son. This event is significant because it fulfills God's command to Isaiah to name the child Maher-shalal-hash-baz, which means 'swift is the booty, speedy is the prey.' This name symbolizes the impending judgment and swift consequences that would come upon Israel and its enemies. The birth of this child serves as a sign to the people, indicating that God is actively involved in their history and that His plans will unfold as foretold. The unusual name reflects the urgency of God's message and the seriousness of the situation facing the nation. It emphasizes that God is aware of their struggles and is preparing to act decisively against their adversaries, reminding them of His sovereignty and power.
How to apply Isaiah 8:3 to your life
This verse encourages us to recognize that God is involved in our lives and history. Just as Isaiah received a message through the birth of a child, we can find hope and direction in our circumstances. Trusting in God's plans can help us navigate challenges with faith.
Curated for this public verse page. Isaiah Summary
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Illustrated scene from Isaiah's story: A Son Named Maher-shalal-hash-baz (Isaiah 8:1–4)
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Isaiah
Photo: Deror Avi, via Wikimedia Commons. License: CC BY-SA 4.0. Source. Location: Tel Shiloh archaeological site, West Bank. Resized for the web.
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Shiloh
Where Israel set up the tabernacle, and where God called the boy Samuel.
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At a Glance — the Book of Isaiah
- Author
- Isaiah the prophet
- Written
- Around 700 BC
- Genre
- Prophecy
- Original Audience
- Judah and the surrounding nations
Frequently Asked Questions
Quick, clear answers about this verse
What does Isaiah 8:3 mean?
Isaiah 8:3 describes the prophet Isaiah visiting a woman known as the prophetess, who gives birth to a son named Maher-shalal-hash-baz. This name signifies the swift judgment and consequences that God would bring upon Israel and its enemies, serving as a sign of God's active involvement in their history.
What is the significance of the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz in Isaiah 8:3?
The name Maher-shalal-hash-baz means 'swift is the booty, speedy is the prey.' It symbolizes the urgency of God's impending judgment and the swift consequences that would follow for Israel and its adversaries.
How does Isaiah 8:3 relate to God's sovereignty?
Isaiah 8:3 illustrates God's sovereignty by showing that He directs events in history, such as the birth of the child and the specific name given. This reflects His control over the situation and His plans for judgment against Israel's enemies.
What can we learn from Isaiah 8:3?
From Isaiah 8:3, we learn that God is actively involved in our lives and history. The verse encourages us to trust in God's plans, as He is aware of our struggles and prepares to act in our favor.
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