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Isaiah 8:1

Made Simple — Modern English Translation

Translated by Verse Made Simple Editorial
KJV ORIGINAL
Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.
Close to the original. Clear modern English.
✦ MADE SIMPLE

Then the LORD said to me, 'Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen about Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.'

⚡ THE BOTTOM LINE

God is instructing Isaiah to write down a specific prophetic message using a name that would serve as a sign to the people.

📚 Historical Context

In the 8th century BC, the prophet Isaiah was serving in Judah during a period of political instability, with the powerful Assyrian Empire threatening to invade Israel and its allies. God commanded Isaiah to write the symbolic name "Mahershalalhashbaz," meaning "quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil," on a large scroll using an ordinary writing instrument, as a prophetic sign of the impending judgment on Israel's enemies. This act was meant to warn the people of Judah to turn to God for protection rather than relying on human alliances.

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