“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;” Isaiah 8:3
God’s warnings are neither hidden nor mysterious—He makes them clear for all to see. His justice is transparent, and He gives ample time for repentance.”for true and just are His judgments”
Our text (Isaiah 8:1-4) this morning is fascinating. God instructs Isaiah to give his son the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz and to write it down on a large scroll even before the child is conceived. The name means “Quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil.” This is prophetic—it signifies that the Assyrians will soon invade and plunder Damascus (Syria) and Samaria (Israel, the Northern Kingdom). Before Isaiah’s son can even say “my father” or “my mother,” the prophecy will be fulfilled.
In the past, God spoke through prophets in similitudes and signs, but now He speaks expressly through His Spirit. The Bible says, “Let him that has an ear hear what the Spirit is saying.”
We sometimes view warnings as doom and gloom, but in reality, they reveal God’s mercy. The fact that He gives such specific and early warnings shows His desire for people to take heed and turn back to Him. This is consistent with God’s character throughout the Bible—He is patient, not wanting any to perish. But when repentance is rejected, judgment follows.
2 Peter 3:9 says:
“The Lord is not slow in keeping his promise, as some understand slowness. Instead, he is patient with you, not wanting anyone to perish, but everyone to come to repentance.”
Many mistake God’s patience for weakness or delay, but in reality, He is showing mercy—giving every opportunity for repentance before judgment comes. This was true in Isaiah’s time, and it is still true today.
Proverbs 29:1 says:
“Whoever remains stiff-necked after many rebukes will suddenly be destroyed—without remedy.”
God corrects those He loves. He still warns us today—through His Word, the Holy Spirit, and sometimes even through life circumstances.
Are we listening?
Author
kay.alli@legalview.co.uk