The Assyrian Invasion Prophesy (Isa 8:1-10)
Judgement on Assyria within Isaiah’s lifetime (Isaiah 8:4)
Why Judgement? (Isaiah 8:6)
Ahaz asked Assyria for help instead of relying on the Lord
Shiloah: provided water to Jerusalem; originated at the Gihon Spring
this was before the tunnel to the pool of Siloam was built
Rezin: RSV “king of Syria” (Isa 7:8)
son of Remaliah: Samaria’s leader; an Israeli leader (Isa 7:9, Isa 7:1)
Assyria will conquer Judah (Isa 8:7-8)
Imagery is the mighty waters of the Euphrates River contrasted with the calm waters of Shiloah
Still, the water only goes up to the neck (pretty close though!) so it’s not total destruction
Immanuel (“God with us”) is likely the same as Maher-shalal-hash-baz -- which would make Maher-shalal-hash-baz the initial fulfillment of the Christ prophecy.
Judgement shifts from Judah to the nations -- which ties into the Christ prophecy (Isa 8:9-10)
The Lord Encourages Isaiah (Isa 8:11-18)
The Lord warns Isaiah not to act like Judah and the nations mentioned above (Isa 8:11) as follows:
Don’t agree with the people every time they say something is a conspiracy (Isa 8:12)
Ancient context: Many Israelites considered God’s prophets to be sympathizers with the enemy by advocating non-reliance on foreign armies (Jer. 37:13–15)
Modern day application: COVID-19: 5G, etc.
How has our reliance on foreign powers let us down? (China, WHO, UN)
Should we be self-sufficient?
Not necessarily but we should rely on God above all (Isaiah 41:13) because He is above all (Jeremiah 32:17) and apart from Him we can do nothing (John 15:4-5)!
We were reborn into the body of Christ and made to function WITH other believers -- not independently (1 Cor 12:12) and we should earnestly desire the spiritual gifts whereby the Spirit helps us within the body of Christ (1 Cor 12:31) and yet even moreso we should desire to use these in love ( 1 Cor 12:31, 1 Cor 13) so that others are built up (1 Cor 14:26)
We should each ask ourselves -- especially in the midst of COVID-19 controversy - if we are desiring Spiritual gifts, exercising them in love, and building others up. If we are not doing that we need to change our behavior and pray to the Lord for a change of heart.
God will be a sanctuary to those who have faith in Him but a stumbling block to those who do not (Isa 8:14-15)
also prophesied those who believe in and those who reject Christ (Matt. 21:44; Luke 2:34: Rom. 9:33)
These words from God given to Isaiah were fulfilled and written down to be passed down as evidence which is why we can read it today (Isa 8:16)
Isaiah and his two sons are reminders and object lessons in Israel (Isa 8:18)
Sons: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz (“speedy spoil, hasty plunder”)(Isa 8:1) and Shear-jashub (“a remnant shall return) (Isa 7:3)
has a NT fulfillment with Christ and His children (us) (Heb 2:13) since Christ shared in our humanity (Heb. 2:14)
The rest of chapter 8 (Isa 8:19-22) ties in with Chapter 9. The Lord’s followers are urged not to be drawn into dark, worldly, occult practices when God speaks clearly in his Word (Isa 8:19-20). Judah’s response is rage and contempt (Isa 8:21-22). You can read more here about the occult and how people try to get their way independently of God:
https://www.gotquestions.org/occult.html
Here is a review of a book “The Circle Maker” that has snuck its way into many churches. It encourages people to pray boldly and largely in order to receive large blessings from God. The problem is it seems to be encouraging people to attempt to manipulate God through superstitious practices for personal gain -- which is precisely what occult practices are characterized by. Although God may be acknowledged as the One Who answers these prayers, His role is diminished in favor of these superstitious extra-biblical practices. This encourages a fleshly spirit of pride and discontent rather than humility and contentment:
https://www.challies.com/book-reviews/the-circle-maker/
