Trusting God Amidst Invasion: A Coptic Orthodox Commentary on Isaiah 8

Executive Summary ✨

Isaiah 8, a profound chapter laden with prophetic warning and divine reassurance, unveils the impending Assyrian invasion as God’s instrument of judgment against a wayward Judah. The chapter emphasizes the futility of seeking refuge in earthly alliances and the paramount importance of trusting God amidst invasion. Isaiah’s symbolic act of naming his son “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” serves as a stark reminder of the swift and inevitable plunder. The prophet exhorts the people to reject occult practices and instead seek guidance from the Lord. Ultimately, Isaiah 8 offers a timeless message of hope and unwavering faith in God’s sovereignty, even in the face of overwhelming adversity, calling us to lean on His unwavering presence in times of crisis. This chapter resonates deeply with the Coptic Orthodox emphasis on steadfast faith and reliance on God’s providence.

This commentary will delve into the depths of Isaiah 8, exploring its historical context, prophetic significance, and spiritual application, illuminated by the wisdom of the Church Fathers and the enduring truths of the Coptic Orthodox tradition, guiding us to find trusting God amidst invasion.

Commentary

Isaiah 8:1

Και εἶπέν Κύριος πρός με· Λάβε σεαυτῷ χάρτην καινὸν μέγαν καὶ γράψον ἐν αὐτῷ γραφίδι ἀνθρώπου· Ταχέως σκύλευσον, ὀξέως προνόμευσον. (LXX)
Moreover the Lord said to me, “Take a large scroll, and write on it with a man’s pen concerning Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.” (NKJV)

The Lord commands Isaiah to take a large scroll and write the phrase “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” – “Swift is the plunder, speedy is the booty”. This is not merely a name, but a prophetic inscription meant to be witnessed by reliable individuals. The use of “a man’s pen” (γραφίδι ἀνθρώπου) signifies human agency in recording divine truth, emphasizing the tangible reality of the impending judgment. This act reminds us that God uses human instruments to communicate His will.

Spiritual Application: We are called to be witnesses to God’s truth in our own lives, using our words and actions to proclaim His message, even when it is difficult. Like Isaiah, we must be willing to record and share the warnings and promises of God, trusting that His word will accomplish its purpose.

Isaiah 8:2

καὶ κατέστησά μοι μάρτυρας πιστοὺς τὸν Ουριαν τὸν ἱερέα καὶ τὸν Ζαχαριαν τὸν υἱὸν Βαραχιου. (LXX)
And I will take for Myself faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah.” (NKJV)

To ensure the validity and authenticity of the prophecy, God instructs Isaiah to call upon faithful witnesses: Uriah the priest and Zechariah, son of Jeberechiah. These witnesses serve as guarantors that the prophetic inscription and subsequent events are divinely ordained. The choice of a priest and a figure of familial lineage emphasizes the importance of both spiritual and communal validation in receiving and transmitting God’s word.

Spiritual Application: Seek out wise counsel and accountability from trusted members of your spiritual community. We are not meant to walk our faith journey alone. Having faithful witnesses in our lives helps us stay true to God’s word and navigate life’s challenges with wisdom and discernment. Consider utilizing a dohost.us tool to connect more easily with your spiritual community.

Isaiah 8:3-4

καὶ προσῆλθον πρὸς τὴν προφῆτιν, καὶ συνέλαβεν καὶ ἔτεκεν υἱόν· καὶ εἶπέν μοι Κύριος· Κάλεσον τὸ ὄνομα αὐτοῦ Ταχέως σκύλευσον, ὀξέως προνόμευσον· πρὶν γὰρ γνῶναί σε καλεῖν τὸν πατέρα ἢ τὴν μητέρα, λήμψεται δύναμις Δαμασκοῦ καὶ τὰ σκῦλα Σαμαρείας ἐναντίον βασιλέως Ἀσσυρίων. (LXX)
Then I went to the prophetess, and she conceived and bore a son. Then the Lord said to me, “Call his name Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz; for before the child shall have knowledge to cry ‘My father’ and ‘My mother,’ the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria will be taken away before the king of Assyria.” (NKJV)

Isaiah’s son becomes a living symbol of the impending judgment. Before the child can even utter the basic cries of “father” or “mother,” the wealth of Damascus and Samaria will be seized by the king of Assyria. This highlights the swiftness and certainty of God’s judgment. This prophecy emphasizes that God’s plans are often set in motion before we can even fully comprehend them.

Patristic Insight: St. Cyril of Alexandria comments on the timing of these events, noting that it reveals God’s active involvement in history, ensuring that judgment follows disobedience swiftly and decisively (Cyril of Alexandria, *Commentary on Isaiah*, PG 70.245).

Spiritual Application: God’s judgment is sure, and we must be vigilant and ready to repent and turn to Him. We should not delay in seeking His forgiveness and guidance, knowing that time is precious. Let us strive to live lives pleasing to God, recognizing the urgency of the present moment.

Isaiah 8:5-8

Καὶ προσέθετο Κύριος λαλῆσαί μοι ἔτι λέγων· ἀντὶ τοῦ ἀποδοκιμάσαι τὸν λαὸν τοῦτον τὸ ὕδωρ τὸ πορευόμενον σιγῇ τοῦ Σιλωὰμ καὶ εὐφρανθῆναι τὸν Ρασιν καὶ τὸν υἱὸν Ρεμελίου, διὰ τοῦτο ἰδοὺ Κύριος ἀνάγει ἐπ᾽ αὐτοὺς τὸ ὕδωρ τὸ πολὺ καὶ τὸ ἰσχυρὸν τὸν βασιλέα τῶν Ἀσσυρίων καὶ πᾶσαν τὴν δόξαν αὐτοῦ, καὶ ἀναβήσεται ἐπὶ πάντα τὰ χειμάρρους αὐτῶν καὶ παρέξει ἐπὶ πάσαν τὴν ὄχθην αὐτῶν καὶ παρελεύσεται διὰ τοῦ Ιουδα καὶ ἐπιφωτίσει καὶ ἐπιβήσεται ἕως τοῦ τραχήλου, καὶ ἔσται τὸ διάταγμα τῆς πτερύγος αὐτοῦ πληρῶσαι τὸ πλάτος τῆς γῆς σου, Εμμανουηλ. (LXX)
The Lord also spoke to me again, saying: “Inasmuch as these people refused the waters of Shiloah that flow softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son, now therefore, behold, the Lord brings up over them the waters of the River, mighty and many—the king of Assyria and all his glory; he will go up over all his channels and go over all his banks. He will pass through Judah, he will overflow and pass over; he will reach up to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings will fill the breadth of Your land, O Immanuel.” (NKJV)

The people of Judah have rejected the gentle, life-giving waters of Shiloah (representing God’s guidance) and instead rejoiced in the leadership of Rezin (king of Syria) and Remaliah’s son (Pekah, king of Israel). This rejection leads to God bringing upon them the overwhelming flood of the Assyrian king and his army. The invasion will reach even to the neck, threatening to engulf the entire land. However, the chapter concludes with the hopeful declaration “O Immanuel” – God with us – indicating that even in the midst of devastation, God’s presence will remain with His people.

Geographical Context: The Pool of Siloam in Jerusalem provided a source of fresh water, essential for the city’s survival. It represents the life-giving provision of God. The rejection of its “softly flowing waters” symbolizes the rejection of God’s gentle guidance.

Spiritual Application: We must not reject God’s gentle guidance and wisdom for the fleeting pleasures and false promises of the world. When we turn away from God, we open ourselves up to spiritual destruction. We should always seek God’s counsel and direction, knowing that He is the source of true life and peace. Even when judgment comes, God promises to be with us, “Immanuel”, offering hope and comfort in the midst of our trials.

Isaiah 8:9-10

Γνῶτε, ἔθνη, καὶ ἡττᾶσθε, καὶ ἀκούσατε ἕως ἐσχάτου τῆς γῆς· ἰσχύσατε, καὶ ἡττηθήσεσθε πάλιν. Ἐὰν βουλήσθε, βουλεύεσθε, διασκεδάσει Κύριος· λαλήσατε λόγον, καὶ διασκεδάσει Κύριος· ὅτι μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός. (LXX)
“Be shattered, O you peoples, and be broken in pieces! Give ear, all you from far countries. Gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, but be broken in pieces. Take counsel together, but it will come to nothing; speak your word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.” (NKJV)

Isaiah boldly proclaims the ultimate futility of the nations’ plans against God’s people. Despite their strength and strategies, they will be shattered because “God is with us” (μεθ᾽ ἡμῶν ὁ Θεός). This powerful declaration of faith underscores the unwavering protection and power of God over all earthly forces. This verse serves as a reminder that our ultimate victory lies in our relationship with God, not in our own strength or resources.

Spiritual Application: When facing opposition or adversity, we must remember that God is with us. We should not be afraid to stand firm in our faith, knowing that He will ultimately prevail. Let us boldly proclaim our faith and trust in God, even when the world opposes us.

Isaiah 8:11-15

ὅτι οὕτως εἶπε Κύριος πρός με ἰσχυρᾷ χειρὶ ἐπιστάμενος ἐπ᾽ ἐμὲ τοῦ μὴ πορεύεσθαι ἐν τῇ ὁδῷ τοῦ λαοῦ τούτου λέγων· Μὴ λέγετε σκληρόν, ὅτι σκληρὸς ἐστίν· καὶ τὸν φόβον αὐτοῦ οὐ μὴ φοβηθῆτε οὐδὲ μὴ πτοηθῆτε. Κύριον δὲ τὸν σέβοντα αὐτὸν αὐτὸν ἁγιάσατε, καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται φόβος ὑμῶν, καὶ αὐτὸς ἔσται πτόησις ὑμῶν. καὶ ἔσται ὑμῖν εἰς ἁγιασμόν, καὶ οὐχ ὡς λίθος προσκόμματος οὐδὲ ὡς πέτρα πτώσεως τοῖς κατοικοῦσιν ἐν Ιερουσαλήμ, οὐδὲ εἰς παγίδα οὐδὲ εἰς δίκτυον τῷ οἴκῳ Ισραηλ. (LXX)
For the Lord spoke thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying: “Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls a conspiracy, nor be afraid of their threats, nor be troubled. The Lord of hosts, Him you shall hallow; let Him be your fear, and let Him be your dread. He will be as a sanctuary, but a stone of stumbling and a rock of offense to both houses of Israel, as a trap and a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem.” (NKJV)

God warns Isaiah not to align himself with the conspiracies and fears of the people. He is to hallow the Lord of Hosts and let Him be his fear and dread. For those who trust in Him, God will be a sanctuary, but for those who reject Him, He will be a stone of stumbling and a trap. This passage highlights the importance of discerning between worldly fears and godly reverence. True security and protection are found in hallowing the Lord, not in worldly alliances.

Spiritual Application: We must not be swayed by the anxieties and conspiracies of the world. Our focus should be on hallowing God and seeking His will. Let us prioritize God above all else, knowing that He is our true refuge and protector. Discerning the difference between worldly fear and reverence for God is crucial for spiritual growth.

Isaiah 8:16-18

Σφράγισαι τὸν νόμον τοῦ μαρτυρίου, τοῦ μὴ μαθεῖν αὐτοὺς. καὶ ἐρεῖ· Προσέλθω πρὸς τὸν Θεόν, ἀποστρέφοντα τὸ πρόσωπον αὐτοῦ ἀπὸ τοῦ οἴκου Ιακωβ, καὶ ἐλπιῶ ἐπ᾽ αὐτῷ. Ἰδοὺ ἐγὼ καὶ τὰ παιδία, ἅ μοι ἔδωκεν ὁ Θεός, καὶ ἔσονται εἰς σημεῖον καὶ εἰς τέρατα ἐν τῷ οἴκῳ Ισραηλ ἀπὸ Κυρίου Σαβαωθ τοῦ κατοικοῦντος ἐν τῷ ὄρει Σιων. (LXX)
Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. And I will wait on the Lord, who hides His face from the house of Jacob; and I will hope in Him. Here am I and the children whom the Lord has given me! We are for signs and wonders in Israel From the Lord of hosts, Who dwells in Mount Zion. (NKJV)

Isaiah is instructed to seal up the testimony and the law among his disciples, indicating a time of spiritual darkness and rejection. He declares his unwavering faith in the Lord, even when God hides His face from the house of Jacob. Isaiah and his children serve as “signs and wonders” in Israel, symbolizing God’s continued presence and purpose, even in the midst of judgment. This emphasizes the enduring nature of God’s covenant and the importance of remaining faithful even when facing apparent abandonment.

Spiritual Application: In times of spiritual darkness and uncertainty, we must remain steadfast in our faith and trust in God, even when He seems distant. Like Isaiah, we should be prepared to be signs and wonders, demonstrating God’s love and faithfulness to a world in need. We must cherish and nurture our faith, passing it on to future generations, so that they too can be signs of God’s presence in the world.

Isaiah 8:19-22

καὶ ἐὰν εἴπωσιν πρὸς ὑμᾶς· Ζητήσατε τοὺς ἐγγαστριμύθους καὶ τοὺς ἐπαοιδούς, τοὺς κενολόγους τοὺς λέγοντας κενὰ καὶ περὶ τῶν νεκρῶν· Πρὸς νόμον καὶ πρὸς μαρτύριον· ἐὰν μὴ εἴπωσιν κατὰ τὸν λόγον τοῦτον, οὗ οὐκ ἔστιν αὐτοῖς ὄρθρος. καὶ διελεύσονται δι᾽ αὐτῆς σύντριμμα πεινῶντες· καὶ ἔσται ὅταν πεινάσωσιν καὶ θυμωθῶσιν καὶ καταράσονται τῷ βασιλεῖ αὐτῶν καὶ τῷ Θεῷ αὐτῶν καὶ ἀναβλέψουσιν εἰς τὸν οὐρανόν, καὶ ἐπὶ τὴν γῆν ἐμβλέψονται καὶ ἰδοὺ θλῖψις ἀπορία καὶ ἀνάγκη ἀποκνεφώσεως ἡ ἀπωθημένη καὶ οὐχ ἕσται αὐτοῖς ἐκβολή. (LXX)
And when they say to you, “Seek those who are mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter,” should not a people seek their God? Should they seek the dead on behalf of the living? To the law and to the testimony! If they do not speak according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. They will pass through it hard-pressed and hungry; and it shall happen, when they are hungry, that they will be enraged and curse their king and their God, and look upward. Then they will look to the earth, and see trouble and darkness, gloom of anguish; and they will be driven into darkness. (NKJV)

Isaiah warns against seeking guidance from mediums and wizards. Instead, the people should seek their God and adhere to the law and the testimony. Those who reject God’s word will face hardship, hunger, and despair, ultimately cursing their king and their God. This underscores the futility of relying on occult practices and the importance of seeking divine guidance through God’s revealed word.

Deuterocanonical Connection: The Book of Sirach warns against such practices, stating “Practice not divination of any kind, for it is abhorrent to the Lord” (Sirach 34:5).

Spiritual Application: We must resist the temptation to seek answers and solutions from occult practices or worldly sources. Our ultimate source of guidance and truth is God and His word. We should diligently study the Scriptures and seek His will through prayer, trusting that He will lead us on the right path. True light and hope are found only in God.

Key Reflections on Trusting God Amidst Invasion

In this chapter, Isaiah delivers a crucial message about where to place our trusting God amidst invasion. Here are some key reflections:

• Futility of Earthly Alliances: Seeking refuge in political alliances proves worthless against God’s judgment. True security lies in trusting God alone.
• God’s Sovereignty: Assyria is God’s instrument. He is ultimately in control, even when using seemingly evil powers to accomplish His purposes.
• The Swiftness of Judgment: The naming of Isaiah’s son and the prophecy surrounding it emphasizes the speed and certainty of God’s judgment.
• Importance of Divine Guidance: Rejecting God’s guidance leads to darkness and despair. We must diligently seek His will through His word and prayer.
• “God is with us”: Even in the midst of devastation, God’s presence provides hope and comfort. We are never truly alone when we trust in Him.
• The Danger of Occult Practices: Seeking guidance from mediums and wizards leads to further darkness and destruction. We must rely on God alone.

FAQ ❓

Here are some frequently asked questions about Isaiah 8:

• Q: Why did God use Assyria to punish Judah?

  A: Assyria served as God’s instrument to discipline Judah for their idolatry and disobedience. While Assyria was a wicked nation, God used them to bring about His purposes of judgment and restoration. This highlights God’s sovereignty over all nations, using them to fulfill his divine plan.

• Q: What does the name “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” signify?

  A: The name means “Swift is the plunder, speedy is the booty”. It serves as a prophetic warning of the impending Assyrian invasion and the swiftness with which Judah’s wealth would be taken away. The name acts as a constant reminder of God’s impending judgment and the consequences of disobedience.

• Q: How can we apply the message of Isaiah 8 to our lives today?

  A: Isaiah 8 teaches us to trust in God alone, even when facing difficult circumstances. We must resist the temptation to seek solutions from worldly sources or occult practices, and instead, diligently seek God’s guidance through His word and prayer. It’s about finding trusting God amidst invasion in your own life.

• Q: What is the significance of the phrase “God is with us” (Immanuel)?

  A: “God is with us” (Immanuel) signifies that even in the midst of judgment and suffering, God’s presence provides hope and comfort. It is a reminder that we are never truly alone, and that God will ultimately deliver His people. This is a promise of God’s enduring love and presence, even during the darkest of times.

Conclusion

Isaiah 8 is a powerful reminder that true security and hope are found only in trusting God amidst invasion, not in earthly alliances or worldly wisdom. The impending Assyrian invasion served as a wake-up call for Judah, urging them to turn away from their idolatry and seek God’s guidance. The message of Isaiah 8 resonates deeply with us today, reminding us to prioritize our relationship with God above all else. Even when facing trials and tribulations, we can find comfort in knowing that God is with us, “Immanuel,” offering hope and strength in the midst of our struggles. By seeking His will, studying His word, and remaining steadfast in our faith, we can experience His unwavering presence and protection.

Tags

Isaiah, Isaiah 8, Assyria, prophecy, Coptic Orthodox, Immanuel, faith, trust, judgment, obedience, divine guidance

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Explore Isaiah 8 with a Coptic Orthodox lens: Discover the message of trusting God amidst invasion, the futility of earthly alliances, and the enduring promise of “Immanuel”.