Precise Predictions

Isaiah now returns to the immediate situation.  While Jerusalem is still under siege by the Syro-Israelite combine, Isaiah reports:  "Jehovah proceeded to say to me: 'Take for yourself a large tablet and write upon it with the stylus of mortal man, "Maher-shalal-hash-baz." And let me have attestation for myself by faithful witnesses, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.' "
(Isaiah 8:1, 2) The name Maher-shalal-hash-baz means "Hasten O Spoil!  He Has Come Quickly to the Plunder."  Isaiah asks two respected men in the community to attest his writing this name on a large table, so that  they can later confirm the authenticity of the document.  This sign, though, is to be confirmed by a second sign. 

Isaiah says:  "Then I went near the prophetess, and she came to be pregnant and in time gave birth to a son.  Jehovah now said to me: 'Call his name Maher-shalal-hash-baz,  for before the boy will now how to call out, "My father!"  and "My Mother!" one will carry away the resources of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria before the king of Assyria.' "  (Isaiah 8:3, 4) Both the large tablet and the newborn boy will serve as signs that Assyria will soon plunder Judah's oppressors, Syria and Israel.  How soon?  Before the boy is able to say his first words that most babies learn-"Father" and "Mother."  Such an exact prediction should build the people's confidence in Jehovah. Or it could cause some to ridicule Isaiah and his sons.  Whatever the case, Isaiah's prophetic words come true. -2 Kings 17:1-6.

Christians can learn from Isaiah's repeated warnings. The apostle Paul revealed to us that in this historic drama, Isaiah portrayed Jesus Christ and Isaiah's sons foreshadowed Jesus' anointed disciples.  (Hebrews 2:10-13) Jesus, through his anointed followers on earth, has been reminding true Christians of the need to "keep awake" in these critical times.  (Luke 21:34-36)  At the same time, unrepentant opposers are warned of  their coming destruction, although such warnings are  often met with ridicule.  (2 Peter 3:3, 4) The fulfillment of time-related prophecies in Isaiah's day is a guarantee that  God's timetable for out day will also  "without fail come true.  It will not be late." - Habakkuk 2:3.

Next time: Devastating  "Waters"

From the Book Isaiah's Prophecy Light for all Mankind