Topical Encyclopedia Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz is a significant figure in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Isaiah. The name itself is deeply symbolic and is directly tied to the prophetic ministry of Isaiah, serving as a divine message to the people of Judah during a tumultuous period in their history.Biblical Context The name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz appears in Isaiah 8:1-4. The Lord instructs the prophet Isaiah to take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary stylus, "Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz," which translates to "Swift is the plunder, speedy is the prey." This name is a prophetic sign concerning the imminent threat posed by the Assyrian Empire to the kingdoms of Israel and Syria, as well as to Judah. Isaiah 8:3-4 states: "And I had relations with the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. The LORD said to me, 'Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. For before the boy knows how to cry ‘My father’ or ‘My mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.'" Symbolic Meaning The name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz serves as a prophetic symbol of the swift and decisive judgment that God would bring upon the northern kingdom of Israel and its ally, Syria. The prophecy foretells that before the child could speak, the Assyrian king would conquer these nations, emphasizing the immediacy and certainty of God's judgment. Theological Significance From a theological perspective, Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz represents the sovereignty of God over the nations and His ability to use world events to fulfill His divine purposes. The name underscores the theme of divine retribution and the fulfillment of prophecy, demonstrating that God's word, as delivered through His prophets, is both powerful and reliable. The birth and naming of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz also serve as a tangible sign to the people of Judah, reinforcing the message that reliance on foreign alliances, rather than on God, would lead to their downfall. It is a call to trust in the Lord's protection and to heed the warnings delivered through His prophets. Historical Background During the time of Isaiah's prophecy, the geopolitical landscape was fraught with tension. The Syro-Ephraimite War saw the northern kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) and Syria (Aram) forming an alliance against the Assyrian Empire. They sought to coerce Judah into joining their coalition against Assyria. King Ahaz of Judah, however, chose to seek Assyrian assistance rather than trust in the Lord, a decision that Isaiah strongly opposed. The prophecy concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz was fulfilled when the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III invaded and conquered Damascus and Samaria, effectively ending the threat posed by the Syro-Ephraimite alliance and demonstrating the accuracy of Isaiah's prophetic message. Conclusion The account of Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz in the book of Isaiah serves as a powerful reminder of God's control over history and His ability to bring about His purposes through the events of the world. The symbolic name given to Isaiah's son encapsulates a message of impending judgment and serves as a testament to the faithfulness of God's word. Nave's Topical Index Isaiah 8:1-4Moreover the LORD said to me, Take you a great roll, and write in it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. Nave's Topical Index Strong's Hebrew 4122. Maher Shalal Chash Baz -- "swift (is) booty, speedy (is) ...... is) prey," symbolic name of Isaiah's son NASB Word Usage Maher-shalal-hash-baz (1 ... booty, swift (to the) prey; Maher-Shalal-Chash-Baz; the symbolical name of the ... /hebrew/4122.htm - 6k Library The Section Chap. I. -iii. Resources Questions about People in the Bible (All) | GotQuestions.orgOld Testament Individuals ' Article Index | GotQuestions.org How did Jeremiah die? | GotQuestions.org Bible Concordance • Bible Dictionary • Bible Encyclopedia • Topical Bible • Bible Thesuarus Subtopics Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz: A Symbolical Name Related Terms |
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