Title: Emmanuel's Consolation During Assyrian Oppression / Isaiah 8
Contents Emmanuel's comfort during Assyrian oppression
Isaiah 8
1. Omen of Mahel-Salal-Hasbath (1-4)
Ahaz, full of fear from the invasion of Syria and the Northern Kingdom, shows signs of Shealjashub (7:3) and Immanuel (7:14) and does not trust God who promised victory. So, finally, the omen of Mahal-Salal-Hasbath is given through this paragraph.
God had Isaiah write on a large tablet “Mahel-Shalal-Hazbath,” which means “the plunder is swift and the plundering is swift,” in common characters that people at the time can easily read, and put his son's name on the tablet . Mahel-Salal-Hasbath”. Through these signs, the prophet prophesied that Damascus and Samaria would be destroyed in a short time.
2. Consolation of Emmanuel (5-10)
When the signs and prophecies about the judgment of the two kings who tried to harm the house of David are finished, God tells the reason for their judgment. Damascus and Samaria wanted to strike down, afflict, and destroy Judah for worldly good. It is a conspiracy to destroy David's dynasty forever, and it is a direct challenge to God who wants to fulfill the history of salvation through David's descendants. The Syrians and northern kingdoms that challenged the house of David are destroyed by Assyria, and the Assyrian invasion extends even to Judah.
In this context, Isaiah thinks of the already revealed “Salvation of Immanuel”. In particular, the fact that Immanuel is the lord, king, and ruler of all the land of Israel is added to the contents of chapter 7, and the prophet strongly proclaims the destruction of the nations that oppose the kingdom of God based on the salvation and victory that Immanuel will give them. Because the assurance that ‘God is with you’ means that there is no worldly power that can hinder God’s people.
3. Comfort and warning to the set apart (11-22)
God, who had confirmed the destruction of Damascus and Samaria, and the safety of Judah, now turns his attention to Isaiah and his disciples, and to those who are very separated, speaking words of comfort and warning. Israel should never fall for worldly values or magical idols, but only trust and endure in God.
① Fear of God (11-15)
Do not be afraid of men, but fear God. Fear God only.
Distrusting and disobeying God is a trap and a snare, with disastrous results.
② Faith that endures (16-18)
Faith in waiting for the Lord.
③ Pursuit of the Word (19-22)
Do not ask sorcerers or strangers, but obey the word according to the word.