Introduction:
Mahershalalhashbaz is a significant figure in the prophetic literature of the Old Testament, specifically within the book of Isaiah. His name, one of the longest in the Bible, carries profound prophetic meaning and is directly linked to the divine messages delivered by the prophet Isaiah.

Etymology and Meaning:
The name Mahershalalhashbaz is of Hebrew origin and is typically translated as "Swift is the booty, speedy is the prey." This name serves as a prophetic sign, symbolizing the imminent plundering and swift destruction that would befall the enemies of Israel, particularly the kingdoms of Syria and Israel, at the hands of the Assyrian Empire.

Biblical Context:
Mahershalalhashbaz is mentioned in the book of Isaiah, specifically in Isaiah 8:1-4. The Lord instructs Isaiah to write the name on a large scroll and to have it witnessed by reliable individuals. Subsequently, Isaiah's wife, referred to as "the prophetess," conceives and bears a son, whom the Lord commands to be named Mahershalalhashbaz. This act serves as a living prophecy concerning the fate of Damascus and Samaria.

Scriptural Reference:
Isaiah 8:1-4 : "Then the LORD said to me, 'Take a large scroll and write on it with an ordinary stylus: Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. And I will appoint for Myself trustworthy witnesses—Uriah the priest and Zechariah son of Jeberekiah.' And I had relations with the prophetess, and she conceived and gave birth to a son. The LORD said to me, 'Name him Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz. For before the boy knows how to cry ‘Father’ or ‘Mother,’ the wealth of Damascus and the plunder of Samaria will be carried off by the king of Assyria.'"

Prophetic Significance:
The birth and naming of Mahershalalhashbaz serve as a tangible sign of God's sovereignty and the fulfillment of His word through the prophet Isaiah. The prophecy underscores the swift and decisive nature of God's judgment against those who oppose His people. The name itself encapsulates the urgency and inevitability of the coming judgment, emphasizing the themes of divine retribution and the transient nature of earthly power.

Historical and Theological Implications:
Historically, the prophecy concerning Mahershalalhashbaz was fulfilled when the Assyrian king Tiglath-Pileser III conquered Damascus and Samaria, leading to the downfall of these kingdoms. Theologically, Mahershalalhashbaz's role in Isaiah's prophecy highlights the faithfulness of God in executing His plans and the importance of heeding divine warnings. It serves as a reminder of the consequences of disobedience and the assurance of God's protection for those who remain faithful to Him.

Conclusion:
While Mahershalalhashbaz is a relatively minor character in the grand narrative of the Bible, his name and the prophecy associated with it carry significant weight in understanding the nature of God's interaction with His people and the nations surrounding them. His account is a testament to the power of prophetic symbolism and the certainty of God's word.Mahershalalhashbaz

(i.e. hasten-booty speedspoil), whose name was given by divine direction to indicate that Damascus and Samaria were soon to be plundered by the king of Assyria. (Jeremiah 8:14)

Plunder speedeth; spoil hasteth, (Isaiah 8:1-3; Comp. Zephaniah 1:14), a name Isaiah was commanded first to write in large characters on a tablet, and afterwards to give as a symbolical name to a son that was to be born to him (Isaiah 8:1, 3), as denoting the sudden attack on Damascus and Syria by the Assyrian army. MAHER-SHALAL-HASH-BAZ

ma'-her-shal'-al-hash'-baz (maher shalal chash baz, "the spoil speedeth; the prey hasteth"): Asymbolic name given to Isaiah's son to signify the sharp destruction of Rezin and Pekah by the Assyrian power (Isaiah 8:1, 3). Compare the Greek idea of Nemesis.

Mahershalalhashbaz (2 Occurrences)
... Multi-Version Concordance Mahershalalhashbaz (2 Occurrences). Isaiah ... son. Then
said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz. (KJV). ...
/m/mahershalalhashbaz.htm - 8k

Maher (1 Occurrence)

/m/maher.htm - 6k

Maher-shalal-hashbaz (1 Occurrence)
Maher-shalal-hashbaz. Mahershalalhashbaz, Maher-shalal-hashbaz. Maher-shalal-
hash-baz . ... Mahershalalhashbaz, Maher-shalal-hashbaz. Maher-shalal-hash-baz > ...
/m/maher-shalal-hashbaz.htm - 6k

Roll (57 Occurrences)
... Isaiah 8:1 Moreover the LORD said unto me, Take thee a great roll, and write in
it with a man's pen concerning Mahershalalhashbaz. (KJV WBS NIV). ...
/r/roll.htm - 33k

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