Study note

Isaiah 8:1

The name Maher-shalal-hash-baz means “Swift to plunder and quick to carry away.” This name applies to both Judah's enemies (Isaiah 8:4) and Judah itself (8:7–8). Judah trusted Assyria instead of God, and now Assyria would turn against them and nearly destroy them. God was with them (Immanuel; see Isaiah 7:14), but his presence would be harmful if they refused to trust him (see 8:14).