Lectionary Calendar

Tuesday, January 28th, 2025
the Third Week after Epiphany

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Isaiah 8

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Verses 1-22

Intro:
1. It’s all in a name! - You got it from your Father, it was all he had to give.So it's yours to use and cherish, for as long as you may live. If you lose the watch he gave you, it can always be replaced. But a black mark on your name, son, can never be erased. It was clean the day you took it, and a worthy name to bear, when he got it from his father, there was no dishonor there. So make sure you guard it wisely, after all is said and done. You'll be glad the name is spotless when you give it to your son.
2. Charlie Stink was constantly being advised by his friends and co-workers that he should have his name changed. Finally he agreed, and went to court to have the process completed. The next day back at work, his associates inquired, "What did you have your name changed to?" "I changed it to George Stink," he answered, "but for the life of me I can't see what difference it's going to make!"
WARNINGS! (1-22)
1. IT’S ALL IN A NAME! (1-4)
2. Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz – “Speed to the spoil! Hasten to the booty!”
  1. His last son Shear-Jashub(a remnant shall return) was in 7:3.
  2. This was Isaiah’s double message of doom & hope.
  3. This son’s name[longest in the bible]refers to the victory that Assyria would have over Syria (Damascus) & Israel (Samaria) [4].
  4. Isaiah’s new wife would give birth to a son, & before he was old enough to say “Aba & Ema”(my father & my mother)Syria & Israel would be destroyed. [i.e. in 2 years…& they were in 732bc!]
3. KEEPIN YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER! (5-10)
4. (6,7) The waters of Shiloh that flow softly – (i.e. here used symbolically of God’s providence)
  1. Syria & Israel wouldn’t be the only ones to feel the crush of Assyria!
    1. These people of Judah would also!
  2. Notice the point of contrast between: the calm waters of Shiloh (a reference to a spring in Jerusalem/Gihon); & the flood waters of the Euphrates (referring to Assyria) when it floods & overruns its banks & destroys everything in its path.
  3. Q: Have you experienced these gentle waters of the Lord?
5. (8) Up to the neck - Up to there necks, but not totally destroyed.
  1. 2 Cor.4:8,9 “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”
  2. Immanuel’s land would be devastated but Jerusalem will survive.
  3. Remember, you can be treading water, but as long as the head is above water…you can’t drown!
  4. Q: What are you up to your neck in?
  5. There is always a limit to the power of evil!!!
    1. Job 1:10,12 "Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?... And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”
6. (10) God is with us – The true meaning of Immanuel will remain.
  1. This reminds us of the Great Promise after the Great Commission.
  2. “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
7. WHOM SHALL I FEAR? (11-15)
8. (11,12) Strong hand – Mighty power.
  1. His honest words would have been seen as treasonable!
    1. But God commanded Isaiah not to be afraid of what men thought!
    2. Jesus said it best, "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” Lk.12:4,5
  2. Q: Has the Lord given you hard words to speak to anyone?
  3. Q: Whom will you fear? (man/god)
9. Two fears – Man or God?
  1. If you fear God, you need not fear the threats of men.
  2. Make Jesus Lord of your life & he will take care of your fears.
    1. 1 Pet.3:13-17
  3. Story - Courage ! – Plutarch, the Greek biographer and philosopher, in writing about the king of Sparta wrote, “An ambassador on a diplomatic mission visited the famous city of Sparta. Knowing that its strength was acclaimed throughout all of Greece, he had expected to see massive fortresses surrounding the town, but he found nothing of the kind. Surprised, he exclaimed to the ruler, "Sir, you have no fortifications for defense. Why is this?" "Ah, but we are well protected," he replied. "Come with me tomorrow and I will show you the walls of Sparta." The next day he led his guest to the plain where the army was drawn up in full battle array. Pointing proudly to his soldiers who stood fearlessly in place, he said, "Behold the walls of Sparta -- 10,000 men and every man 'a brick'!"
10. (13) Hallow, fear, dead – “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb.10:31
11. (14) He will be as a Sanctuary – Our “Stone of Refuge!”
  1. Our Holy abode. Our safe place.
  2. Q: When you were a kid did you have a “safe place” you escaped to? (I always had a fort)
  3. Q: How can God be both Sanctuary & Stone of Stumbling?
    1. 1 Pet.2:7,8 “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.”
    2. So, He is your Foundation Stone or your Stumbling Stone; your Salvation or your Condemnation!
12. THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET! (16-22)
13. (16) Bind up & seal the word – Isaiah seal it up & wait for its fulfillment. (so it’s more like remember my prophecy, not don’t tell anyone)
  1. It means preserve it for the coming generations.
14. (17) Wait & hope – A Christian is like a bird…A bird is always on the perch or on the wing!
  1. He is either resting in God, or in flight after Him!
  2. Both are good & necessary! Q: Which best describes you today?
15. (18) Heb.2:13 quotes this & puts it in the context of Jesus & his church.
  1. Indicating Isaiah & his children were types of Christ & his spiritual children.
16. (19) People are inclined to want to know the future.
  1. Often then they seek it through pagan mediums & psychics.
  2. King Saul learned that the dead can’t help the living, when he went to the witch of En Dor. (1 Sam.28)
    1. What was the message? “Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”
  3. Isaiah exhorted them to seek knowledge from the living God rather than dead pagans. – Seek the Mediator not a medium! – Seek the Scripture not a Séance!
  4. The only trusty standard is the Word of God alone! (i.e. law & testimony of Isaiah. vs.20)
    1. Abraham said to the rich man in Lk.16:31, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
17. (20-22 )Let the Word be your light in this dark world.
  1. Ps.119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
  2. Ps.18:28 “For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”
  3. Q: Where do you look for light in this dark world?
18. Faith is often our problem! - It is usually not our circumstances, our finances, or our family.
  1. The issue is whether we will trust the Lord in a crisis.
  2. Q: So where does our trust & faith come from?
    1. It is developed through reading the Word. (20)
    2. Rom.10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
  3. Reading the Word develops our faith greater than anything!

From the earliest days of America's history, continuing right up to the present, the Bible has played a prominent role in American life.

The principles of God's Word guided the decisions on which this nation built its foundations. Throughout our history our presidents have borne eloquent testimony to that fact:

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." (George Washington, 1st President)
"That Book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests." (Andrew Jackson, 7th President)
"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to men. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book." (Abraham Lincoln, 16th President)
"There are a good many problems before the American people today, and before me as President, but I expect to find the solution of those problems just in the proportion that I am faithful in the study of the Word of God." (Woodrow Wilson, 28th President)
"The Bible is endorsed by the ages. Our civilization is built upon its words. In no other book is there such a collection of inspired wisdom, reality, and hope." (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President)
"Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face. The Bible can touch hearts, order minds, and refresh souls." (Ronald Reagan, 40th President)

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Verses 1-22

Intro:
1. It’s all in a name! - You got it from your Father, it was all he had to give.So it's yours to use and cherish, for as long as you may live. If you lose the watch he gave you, it can always be replaced. But a black mark on your name, son, can never be erased. It was clean the day you took it, and a worthy name to bear, when he got it from his father, there was no dishonor there. So make sure you guard it wisely, after all is said and done. You'll be glad the name is spotless when you give it to your son.
2. Charlie Stink was constantly being advised by his friends and co-workers that he should have his name changed. Finally he agreed, and went to court to have the process completed. The next day back at work, his associates inquired, "What did you have your name changed to?" "I changed it to George Stink," he answered, "but for the life of me I can't see what difference it's going to make!"
WARNINGS! (1-22)
1. IT’S ALL IN A NAME! (1-4)
2. Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz – “Speed to the spoil! Hasten to the booty!”
  1. His last son Shear-Jashub(a remnant shall return) was in 7:3.
  2. This was Isaiah’s double message of doom & hope.
  3. This son’s name[longest in the bible]refers to the victory that Assyria would have over Syria (Damascus) & Israel (Samaria) [4].
  4. Isaiah’s new wife would give birth to a son, & before he was old enough to say “Aba & Ema”(my father & my mother)Syria & Israel would be destroyed. [i.e. in 2 years…& they were in 732bc!]
3. KEEPIN YOUR HEAD ABOVE WATER! (5-10)
4. (6,7) The waters of Shiloh that flow softly – (i.e. here used symbolically of God’s providence)
  1. Syria & Israel wouldn’t be the only ones to feel the crush of Assyria!
    1. These people of Judah would also!
  2. Notice the point of contrast between: the calm waters of Shiloh (a reference to a spring in Jerusalem/Gihon); & the flood waters of the Euphrates (referring to Assyria) when it floods & overruns its banks & destroys everything in its path.
  3. Q: Have you experienced these gentle waters of the Lord?
5. (8) Up to the neck - Up to there necks, but not totally destroyed.
  1. 2 Cor.4:8,9 “We are hard pressed on every side, yet not crushed; we are perplexed, but not in despair; persecuted, but not forsaken; struck down, but not destroyed;”
  2. Immanuel’s land would be devastated but Jerusalem will survive.
  3. Remember, you can be treading water, but as long as the head is above water…you can’t drown!
  4. Q: What are you up to your neck in?
  5. There is always a limit to the power of evil!!!
    1. Job 1:10,12 "Have You not made a hedge around him, around his household, and around all that he has on every side?... And the LORD said to Satan, "Behold, all that he has is in your power; only do not lay a hand on his person." So Satan went out from the presence of the LORD.”
6. (10) God is with us – The true meaning of Immanuel will remain.
  1. This reminds us of the Great Promise after the Great Commission.
  2. “I am with you always, even to the end of the age.”
7. WHOM SHALL I FEAR? (11-15)
8. (11,12) Strong hand – Mighty power.
  1. His honest words would have been seen as treasonable!
    1. But God commanded Isaiah not to be afraid of what men thought!
    2. Jesus said it best, "And I say to you, My friends, do not be afraid of those who kill the body, and after that have no more that they can do. "But I will show you whom you should fear: Fear Him who, after He has killed, has power to cast into hell; yes, I say to you, fear Him!” Lk.12:4,5
  2. Q: Has the Lord given you hard words to speak to anyone?
  3. Q: Whom will you fear? (man/god)
9. Two fears – Man or God?
  1. If you fear God, you need not fear the threats of men.
  2. Make Jesus Lord of your life & he will take care of your fears.
    1. 1 Pet.3:13-17
  3. Story - Courage ! – Plutarch, the Greek biographer and philosopher, in writing about the king of Sparta wrote, “An ambassador on a diplomatic mission visited the famous city of Sparta. Knowing that its strength was acclaimed throughout all of Greece, he had expected to see massive fortresses surrounding the town, but he found nothing of the kind. Surprised, he exclaimed to the ruler, "Sir, you have no fortifications for defense. Why is this?" "Ah, but we are well protected," he replied. "Come with me tomorrow and I will show you the walls of Sparta." The next day he led his guest to the plain where the army was drawn up in full battle array. Pointing proudly to his soldiers who stood fearlessly in place, he said, "Behold the walls of Sparta -- 10,000 men and every man 'a brick'!"
10. (13) Hallow, fear, dead – “It is a dreadful thing to fall into the hands of the living God.” Heb.10:31
11. (14) He will be as a Sanctuary – Our “Stone of Refuge!”
  1. Our Holy abode. Our safe place.
  2. Q: When you were a kid did you have a “safe place” you escaped to? (I always had a fort)
  3. Q: How can God be both Sanctuary & Stone of Stumbling?
    1. 1 Pet.2:7,8 “Therefore, to you who believe, He is precious; but to those who are disobedient, "The stone which the builders rejected Has become the chief cornerstone," and "A stone of stumbling And a rock of offense." They stumble, being disobedient to the word, to which they also were appointed.”
    2. So, He is your Foundation Stone or your Stumbling Stone; your Salvation or your Condemnation!
12. THY WORD IS A LAMP UNTO MY FEET! (16-22)
13. (16) Bind up & seal the word – Isaiah seal it up & wait for its fulfillment. (so it’s more like remember my prophecy, not don’t tell anyone)
  1. It means preserve it for the coming generations.
14. (17) Wait & hope – A Christian is like a bird…A bird is always on the perch or on the wing!
  1. He is either resting in God, or in flight after Him!
  2. Both are good & necessary! Q: Which best describes you today?
15. (18) Heb.2:13 quotes this & puts it in the context of Jesus & his church.
  1. Indicating Isaiah & his children were types of Christ & his spiritual children.
16. (19) People are inclined to want to know the future.
  1. Often then they seek it through pagan mediums & psychics.
  2. King Saul learned that the dead can’t help the living, when he went to the witch of En Dor. (1 Sam.28)
    1. What was the message? “Moreover the LORD will also deliver Israel with you into the hand of the Philistines. And tomorrow you and your sons will be with me. The LORD will also deliver the army of Israel into the hand of the Philistines.”
  3. Isaiah exhorted them to seek knowledge from the living God rather than dead pagans. – Seek the Mediator not a medium! – Seek the Scripture not a Séance!
  4. The only trusty standard is the Word of God alone! (i.e. law & testimony of Isaiah. vs.20)
    1. Abraham said to the rich man in Lk.16:31, “If they do not hear Moses and the prophets, neither will they be persuaded though one rise from the dead."
17. (20-22 )Let the Word be your light in this dark world.
  1. Ps.119:105 “Your word is a lamp to my feet And a light to my path.”
  2. Ps.18:28 “For You will light my lamp; The LORD my God will enlighten my darkness.”
  3. Q: Where do you look for light in this dark world?
18. Faith is often our problem! - It is usually not our circumstances, our finances, or our family.
  1. The issue is whether we will trust the Lord in a crisis.
  2. Q: So where does our trust & faith come from?
    1. It is developed through reading the Word. (20)
    2. Rom.10:17 “So then faith comes by hearing, and hearing by the word of God.”
  3. Reading the Word develops our faith greater than anything!

From the earliest days of America's history, continuing right up to the present, the Bible has played a prominent role in American life.

The principles of God's Word guided the decisions on which this nation built its foundations. Throughout our history our presidents have borne eloquent testimony to that fact:

"It is impossible to rightly govern the world without God and the Bible." (George Washington, 1st President)
"That Book, sir, is the rock on which our republic rests." (Andrew Jackson, 7th President)
"I believe the Bible is the best gift God has ever given to men. All the good from the Savior of the world is communicated to us through this Book." (Abraham Lincoln, 16th President)
"There are a good many problems before the American people today, and before me as President, but I expect to find the solution of those problems just in the proportion that I am faithful in the study of the Word of God." (Woodrow Wilson, 28th President)
"The Bible is endorsed by the ages. Our civilization is built upon its words. In no other book is there such a collection of inspired wisdom, reality, and hope." (Dwight D. Eisenhower, 34th President)
"Within the covers of the Bible are all the answers for all the problems men face. The Bible can touch hearts, order minds, and refresh souls." (Ronald Reagan, 40th President)

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Copyright Statement
These files are the property of Brian Bell.
Text Courtesy of Calvary Chapel of Murrieta. Used by Permission.

Bibliographical Information
Bell, Brian. "Commentary on Isaiah 8". "Bell's Commentary". https://www.studylight.org/commentaries/eng/cbb/isaiah-8.html. 2017.

Bible CommentariesIsaiah 8

Bell's Commentary on the BibleBell's Commentary

Verses 1-22

Verses 1-22

Bible Commentaries
Isaiah 8