Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in it with a man’s pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz.
Then the LORD said to me, 'Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary pen about Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz.'
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
This occurred around 735-732 BC during a time when Assyria was threatening the northern kingdom of Israel and Syria. Isaiah was commanded to record this prophecy publicly, and the strange name 'Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz' means 'quick to plunder, swift to spoil,' referring to Assyria's coming conquest. The 'man's pen' suggests this was to be written in common script that ordinary people could read, making the prophecy accessible to all.
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