Isaiah 8:1

Moreover. Literally, “and,” here equivalent to “then,” or “again.” In Hebrew the wau, “and,” connected with the form of the verb yo’mer, “said” (literally, “will say”), here appears to give what is known as the “wan consecutive construction” (see Vol. I, p. 27). This links ch. 8 with ch. 7, and makes of it a continuation of that narrative. In other words, ch. 8 is to be considered as a sequel to ch. 7, and therefore an explanation, or clarification, of it. Accordingly, the incident of ch. 8 should therefore be understood as directly related to that of ch. 7. The time of this prophecy is approximately the same time as that of the previous chapter, either late in 735 or early in 734 B.C. (see on ch. 7:1, 16). The prophecy itself is also closely related to that of the preceding chapter, and is to be understood against the background of that chapter.

Roll. Heb. gillayon, “tablet.” The same word is translated “glasses,” meaning “mirrors,” in ch. 3:23.

A man's pen. A literal translation of the Heb. cheret ’ enosh, an idiomatic expression meaning “a common pen [or stylus],” that is, a pen or stylus in common use.

Maher-shalal-hash-baz. Literally, “speed the spoil, hasten the plunder.” This name, to be recorded on a tablet, was meant to signify the imminence of the Assyrian invasion foretold in ch. 7:17-25. For nearly a year before the birth of the child this name bore its mute, symbolic message to the inhabitants of Jerusalem, giving them ample opportunity to ponder its import. See further on v. 8.