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Book of Isaiah

Isaiah Chapter 8

This chapter, and the next four that follow it (9-12) are all one continued discourse or sermon, which is to show the great destruction that would shortly be brought upon the kingdom of Israel, and the great disturbance that would be given to the kingdom of Judah by the king of Assyria, and that both judgments were for their sins.  

But because of the love, grace and mercy of the LORD, rich provision is made to comfort those that feared God (reverenced and revered Him) in those dark times, and I believe this refers especially to the days of the Messiah.
In Chapter 8, we have:
#1. A prophecy of the destruction of the confederate kingdoms of Syria and Israel by the king of Assyria (vs.1-4)
#2. The desolations that would be made by that proud victorious prince in the land of Israel and Judah (vs.5-8).
#3. Great encouragement is given to the people of God in the midst of those disturbances; they are assured of: (a). That their enemies shall not fulfill their plan against them (vs.9-10). (b). That if they keep fearing God, and not fear man, they would find God as their Refuge (vs.11-14), and while others stumbled, and fell into despair, they would be enabled to wait on God, and would be reserved for better times (vs.15-18). (c). And last but not least, they are given a necessary caution to all, at their peril, NOT to consult with familiar spirits (demonic spirits), for they would thereby throw themselves into despair, but to keep close to the word of God (vs.19-22). And all these counsels and these comforts will still be of use to us today in the time of trouble. Familiar spirits: (Lev.19:31: 20:6; Deut.18:11; 1 Sam. 28:3,9; 2 Ki.21:6; 23:24; Isa.8:19; 19:3).

Theme: The birth of the prophet's second son as a sign; prediction of Assyria's invasion of Immanuel's land.
Chapters 7-12 set up a series of prophecies given during the reign of Ahaz. Some have attempted to identify the virgin's Son of chapter 7 with Isaiah’s son in chapter 8. The names prevent that possibility, and the additional information in chapter 9 makes it an impossibility for the two to be the same. The prophet Isaiah and his son are a sign (vs.18).

This chapter is rather significant as it contains the prediction of the invasion of Immanuel's land (vs.8), by the king of Assyria. God had kept the flood tide of foreign invasions fenced off from His people for over five hundred years. But, now He opens the floodgates and permits an enemy to cover the land like a flood. The foolish people look to an alliance with its supposed friends, instead of looking to Almighty God for help.

This chapter ends with a terrible warning against spiritualism (demonic spirits) as the last resort of people who have rejected God's wise counsel and turned in dreadful desperation to the satanic world. The end will be trouble, darkness, and anguish to anyone who goes this route! BEWARE!!

The Birth of the Prophet's Second Son as a Sign (8:1-8)

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)

Moreover the LORD said unto me . . . this is another prophecy, confirming the same thing that was promised in the Chapter 7, meaning the safety to the Jews from the two kings of Syria and Israel, which combined against them.
Take thee a great roll . . . a roll of parchment, in which the ancients used to write (Ps.40:7). Some render it, a table, such a one as Zacharias called for Lk.1:63), and this was to be a great or large one, because much was to be written in it.  
And write in it with a man's pen . . . such as men usually write with; and in such a style and language as may be easily understood by men, even though unlearned; clearly, very plain and explicit, and easy to read.
Concerning Mahershalalhashbaz . . . a son of the prophet Isaiah, so called (vs.3), whose name was very significant, and was given him purposely to express the sudden destruction of the enemies of Judah. Some render it, hasten to seize the prey, and to take away the spoil, others translate it, in hastening the prey, the spoiler hastens.

***** There is always a good reason for what God does, and God wants Isaiah to give his sons these unusual names. The reason is found in verse 18: Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. Isaiah and both his sons are signs, and their names carry a message.

Mahershalalhashbaz means hasten booty, speed prey. This simply means that God is against all those who are against His people. Romans 8:31 What shall we then say to these things? If God be for us, who can be against us? (KJV)  

I believe that this boy's name is also a warning for Ahaz. This king was an ungodly man, and God is trying to get across to him. The Lord tells Isaiah to get a great roll and write on it. He is then to hang it up in a prominent place like a billboard so that everyone can read it. God wants this boy's name written down so that even the most humble person in the kingdom will see it, read it, and understand it. God is trying to reach Ahaz, first through Isaiah's first son, Shearjashub (Isa.7:3, a remnant shall return), and then through Mahershalalhashbaz (hasten booty, speed prey). It seems that this second son's name is to assure Ahaz that God will absolutely take care of the enemies of His people.

Isaiah 8:2 And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record, Uriah the priest, and Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah. (KJV)

And I took unto me faithful witnesses to record . . . not his marriage, nor the birth of his son, nor the name he gave him, but the prophecy written in the roll, concerning the spoiling of Syria and Israel, in a very short time; that so, when it came to pass, it might be a clear and certain point that it had been foretold by him.
Uriah the priest . . . of whom mention is made in 2 Ki.16:10, which some object to, because he proved a wicked man, and obeyed the king's command, contrary to the law of God, in building an altar according to the form of one at Damascus. There are those who think that Uriah the prophet is meant (Jer.26:20), who prophesied in the times of Jehoiakim, and was slain by him,  to which it is objected, that he was not a priest, and was not born until a hundred and forty years after this. Uriah means Jehovah is my light.
And Zechariah the son of Jeberechiah . . . most likely this Zechariah, a Levite, a son of Asaph (2 Chron.29:13). Zechariah means Jehovah remembers. Jeberechiah means Jehovah will bless. This is quite an interesting combination, is it not?

*****In all of Isaiah's actions there is a message for the people. He is acting out and writing out his message so that the people will understand it. The Book of Isaiah is a picture sermon. Our Lord used this method also. The reason is that people will look at a picture. Because God knows the inclination of mankind, He tries to get a message across to these people by using a picture.

Isaiah 8:3 And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.  (KJV)

And I went unto the prophetess . . . his wife, so called; not because she prophesied, but because she was the wife of a prophet; and besides, the birth of her son later mentioned, and his name, had in them the nature of a prophecy. The phrase of going unto her is an understatement, a modest way of expressing the marital duty.
And she conceived and bare a son . . . this is NOT the same prophecy as in (Isa.7:14). This is totally different. Not only are the names of the children different, but the mothers are totally different! One is a virgin, the other if Isaiah’s wife!
Then said the Lord to me, call his name Mahershalalhashbaz . . . of the significance of this name; see (vs.1).

*****The prophetess in this verse is Isaiah's wife, Mrs. Isaiah. She conceives and bears a son, and the child's name is given to him before he is born.

Isaiah 8:4 For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, My father, and my mother, the riches of Damascus and the spoil of Samaria shall be taken away before the king of Assyria. (KJV)

For before the child shall have knowledge to cry, my father, and my mother . . .  before the child is old enough to say father of mother, Isaiah tells what will happen.
The riches of Damascus, and the spoil of Samaria, shall be taken away . . . the kingdoms of Syria and Israel, here signified by their two capital cities, shall be stripped of their wealth and power, as they were by Tiglathpileser, within the time here limited (2 Ki.15:29).
Before the king of Assyria . . . in his presence, and by himself and his forces. Others refer this phrase to the ancient custom of conquerors, of sending or carrying their spoils before them into their own country. The enemy in the north is planning to come against Judah and is going to be taken away into captivity. It will not be due to the brilliant military ability of Ahaz to work out a strategy that will bring victory. The victory will be due to the sovereign grace of God . . . God makes this clear.

Isaiah 8:5 The LORD spake also unto me again, saying, (KJV)

The LORD spake also unto me again . . . possibly the Spirit of the Lord, is meant, since the Person speaking is distinguished from Immanuel (vs.8).
Saying . . . as follows:

Isaiah 8:6 Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son; (KJV)

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah, that go softly . . . Shiloah is the same as Siloam (Jn.9:7), and the word used here means sent. Some say it is a fountain, whose name was Gihon and Shiloah (1 Ki.1:33; 2 Chron.32:30; Neh. 3:15). Siloam is a fountain at the foot of Mount Sion, which does not send forth water all the time, but just on certain times and days; which comes through the hollow places of the Earth and caves of a hard rock. This was a small stream of water, which moved softly and slowly, not rapidly as some rivers do; to which the kingdom of the house of David is compared, because of its easy and gentle government. Because this people hated the kingdom of the house of David which ruled them quietly, as the waters of Shiloah which flow softly. Waters of Shiloah, their source is southeast of Zion and east of Jerusalem. It is symbolic for the mild, though now weak, sway of the house of David; in the highest sense Shiloah expresses the kind and benevolent power of Jehovah in the theocracy, administered through David. It is in contrast to the violent Euphrates, the river that typifies Assyria (vs.8). This people (Isa.6:9), refers both to Israel, which preferred an alliance with Rezin of Syria to one with the kings of Judah, and to Judah, a party in which seems to have favored the pretentions of the son of Tabeal against David's line (Isa.7:6); also to Judah's desire to seek an Assyrian alliance is included in the censure (Isa.7:17). Verse 14 shows that both nations are meant; since both rejected the divine Shiloah. Not My people, as elsewhere, when God expressed favor. My people: (Ps.81:13; Isa.1:3; 3:12, 15; 5:13; 32:18; 52:6; 65:19, 22). My people is found in 312 verses in the KJV of the Bible. This people is found in 268 verses.
And rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son . . . what was the sin of the discontented party in Judah? This people refused the waters of Shiloah that go softly, despise their own country and the government of it, and love to run it down, because it does not make so great an image, nor as great a noise as some other kingdoms do. They refuse the comforts which God's prophets offer them from the Word of God, which speaks to them in a still small voice (1 Ki.19:12), and consider them nothing . . . but they rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah's son, who were the enemies of their country, and were now actually invading it. Some of this sounds like today’s world!

Isaiah 8:7 Now therefore, behold, the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many, even the king of Assyria, and all his glory: and he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks: (KJV)

Now therefore the Lord bringeth up upon them the waters of the river, strong and many . . . referring to the Euphrates River, which ran by Babylon. It was a large river with a rapid flow, totally opposed to Shiloah and its waters that flowed softly.
Even the king of Assyria, and all his glory . . . the king’s army was his glory, in which he gloried, and by which he got himself honor and glory. It is usual for mighty kings, kingdoms and armies, to be indicated by such waters, for their multitude and strength (Isa.17:12; Jer.47:2-3; Rev.17:1, 15).
And he shall come up over all his channels, and go over all his banks . . . shall overflow the borders, run over all the whole land, and possess its fortified towns and cities, and means that the king of Assyria, and his army, would pass the Euphrates, and come out of their own land, and subdue the adjacent kingdoms and territories, and above all the land of Judah.

*****In verses 5-7, we have a remarkable Passage of Scripture. The people refuseth the waters of Shiloah, which means they refuse the peace God offered them, a peace here represented by a gentle, rippling brook, contrasted to the waters of the river, strong and many (vs.7), which is evidently the Euphrates River where Assyria was located. These waters came down like a flood. In other words, the flood waters of the Euphrates symbolize the judgment of God and are contrasted with the gentle waters of Shiloah. The LORD is giving a message to His people through these two WATERS. Shiloah is a softly flowing little spring. It flows between Mount Zion and Mount Moriah. There is a message in that little stream for us today, IF we so desire to listen! It is a message sweeter than the gentle, rippling music of the little stream itself. Dear one, the story of God’s amazing, free grace of Mount Zion, stands in direct opposition to Mount Sinai, which symbolizes the Mosaic Law. Moriah is where Abraham offered his son, and Moriah is where God provided him a Lamb. He spared Abraham's son, but He did not spare His own Son.
The LORD is speaking lovingkindness grace to Ahaz. He is saying to him, I will spare you, if only you will listen to Me. He is telling people in today’s world the same thing! Are you listening?

Isaiah 8:8 And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel. (KJV)

And he shall pass through Judah . . . meaning the king of Assyria, compared to a river of mighty waters; who would not only run over and possess the land of Israel (the ten tribes), but would enter into Judea, and pass through it, as a punishment for not trusting in the Lord, but sending to Assyria for help; who instead of helping, distressed them in the times of Ahaz, meaning Tilgathpilneser, king of Assyria (2 Chron. 28:20). Pass through . . . the flood would not stop at Syria and Samaria, but shall penetrate into Judea.
He shall overflow, and go over . . . the whole land of Judea, as Sennacherib king of Assyria did in Hezekiah's time.  
He shall reach even to the neck . . . that is, to Jerusalem: the whole land is compared to a body, of which Jerusalem was the head. The Assyrian army compared to the waters of a great river, which overflowed the whole land, took all the fenced cities of Judah, and came up even to Jerusalem, so that the whole land was in great danger of being drowned and destroyed; as is a man when the waters are come up to his neck (2 Ki.18:13). The danger shall be so looming as to reach near Jerusalem at Sennacherib's invasion in Hezekiah's reign; but it shall be spared (Isa.30:28).
And the stretching out of his wings . . . the wings is the Assyrian army, wings, is the extreme bands of the Assyrian armies, fulfilled (Isa.36:1; 37:25).
Shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel . . . Judea, called Immanuel's land, because He was to be born there, this is mainly mentioned to show that, although this land would be overrun by the Assyrians, it would not be destroyed, until Immanuel, the son of the virgin, was born here.

Pronouncement against a Confederacy as a Substitute for God (8:9-14)

Isaiah 8:9 Associate yourselves, O ye people, and ye shall be broken in pieces; and give ear, all ye of far countries: gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces; gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces. (KJV)

Associate yourselves, O ye people . . . both Syria and Israel, whose two kings were united against Judah: associate yourselves rather, raise tumults, rage, do your worst . . . referring possibly to the attack of Rezin and Pekah on Jerusalem.
And ye shall be broken in pieces . . . as the kingdom of Syria was by Tilgathpilneser soon after this (2 Ki.16:9), and the kingdom of Ephraim or Israel by Shalmaneser (2 Ki.17:6).
And give ear, all ye of far countries . . . the Assyrians, and the nations that belonged to them, who were more remote from Judea. Give ear . . . far countries, witness the humiliation of Judah's enemies. I think that the prophecy looks on into the future, to the final conspiracy of Antichrist and his supporters against the Heir of David's throne in the latter days and their utter overthrow (Rev.19:20).
Gird yourselves . . . for a long and tedious march, and for war. This may mean the putting on of their whole armor.
And ye shall be broken in pieces . . . as the Assyrian army was, which came up against Jerusalem in Hezekiah's time (2 Ki.19:35).
Gird yourselves, and ye shall be broken in pieces . . . this is repeated for confirmation sake, to mean the certainty of it. Gird yourselves, the repetition strongly expresses the certainty of their being broken in pieces (thrown into utter dismay).

*****This is a warning against nations who form an alliance against God's land. Beginning with Isaiah Chapter 13, we see a series of messages to the nations that adjoined to Israel, or at least had dealings with them in that day, and we will see that the judgment of God will come upon them. The section which goes all the way from Isaiah 13 to Isaiah 35, is a most remarkable section in God's Word. Most of it is fulfilled prophecy. God says that the nations will never discourage His purpose here on Earth. It is quite interesting that the nations of the world (Gentiles) no longer seek wisdom or counsel from God. God does have a purpose, and His purpose will prevail. Any time a nation (or an individual) goes in a direction, other than in the direction of God, judgment will come upon it!
http://www.godcannotlie.org/book_of_isaiah_intro.htm

Isaiah 8:10 Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. (KJV)

Take counsel together . . . as Rezin king of Syria, and Remaliah's son, did against Judah (Isa.7:5).
It shall come to nought . . . for, although they came up against it, they could not overcome it (2 Ki.16:5).
Speak the word . . . what they intended, resolved upon, and determined to do; this is the issue of their counsels.
And it shall not stand . . . Isaiah 7:7 Thus saith the Lord GOD, It shall not stand, neither shall it come to pass. (KJV)
For God is with us . . . which is the interpretation of the Name Immanuel (Isa.7:14; Mat.1:23), and which shows that the reason why the consultations and resolutions of the enemies of Judah would not take place, so as to destroy it, was because Immanuel, the virgin's son, was to be born in it. God is with us (Num.14:9; Ps.46:7).

Isaiah 8:11 For the LORD spake thus to me with a strong hand, and instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people, saying, (KJV)

For the Lord spake thus to me with a strong hand . . . with an intense and more than ordinary inspiration, strongly imprinted it in Isaiah’s mind. This is like parents or teachers taking hold of the hands of children, while they advise and instruct them, as expressing their great affection for them; and when they would retain or restrain them from doing wrong.
And instructed me that I should not walk in the way of this people . . . Isaiah knew that he would NOT join with them in their desire to seek for the help of the king of Assyria, against Rezin and Remaliah's son; nor in being willing to surrender into their hands: Of this people, again this people, NOT My people (vs.6), and means the people of Judah; whose eminent danger and calamity he foretells (vs.8), but still gives them full assurance that God would deliver them out of it (vs.9-10), which he does to worsen the present sin of Ahaz and his people, in forsaking God, and seeking to the king of Assyria for help, as they did (2 Ki.16:6-8). Saying . . . as follows:

Isaiah 8:12 Say ye not, A confederacy, to all them to whom this people shall say, A confederacy; neither fear ye their fear, nor be afraid. (KJV)

Say ye not, a confederacy . . . with the king of Assyria, or any other; do not ask as if  it is a right thing, and express pleasure and satisfaction in it, and encourage others to come into it, and vote for it, and declare an approval of it . . . for to do so shall 
deliver up the kingdom of the house of David into the hands of its enemies.
To all them to whom this people shall say, a confederacy . . . who either were for entering into an alliance with the Assyrian monarch, and sending to him to help; or were for joining with their enemies, to the rebellion of the present government. Some have said that Shebna the Scribe (Isa.22:15; 36:3, 22; 37:2), and his company; conspired against Hezekiah, and secretly made an agreement with Sennacherib king of Assyria; but it seems to me that the first sense is best.
Neither fear their fear, nor be afraid . . . let not the same fear possess you as does them, because of Syria and Israel joining together against Judah; nor be afraid of their two kings, since there was nothing to fear from them; it being impossible that the kingdom of Judah should fail until Shiloh came, or Immanuel was born of a virgin in it. It does NOT become the people of God, and especially His prophets and pastors, to be afraid of men; since the fear of men brings a snare (1 Pet.3:14).

Isaiah 8:13 Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. (KJV)

Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself . . . Christ Jesus, Immanuel, God with us, the LORD of the armies above and below, of angels and of men . . . Almighty God is over all, the only True God is set apart by His people, when they declare Him to be so! The LORD of hosts is holy; and we should celebrate the perfection of His holiness, and accredit it to Him. We must sanctify Him (set Him apart), by looking to Him as our holiness and sanctification, and by getting and expecting every degree and measure of holiness from Him, by exercising faith in Him, and showing a regard to His commands and ordinances.
And let him be your fear, and let him be your dread . . . only Almighty God should be the object of our fear and dread; a holy reverence and godly fear! Such a fear as this flows only from the love and goodness of God. We must fear Him, lest we provoke His wrath by our fear of man and distrust of Him.

Isaiah 8:14 And he shall be for a sanctuary; but for a stone of stumbling and for a rock of offence to both the houses of Israel, for a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem. (KJV)

And he shall be for a sanctuary . . . NOT the king of Assyria, as some say, but the LORD of hosts. Only the Lord, the Indispensable Word (Jn.1:1); the Messiah, can be a sanctuary, a shelter, a place of refuge for His people in any and all times of distress, and who is their dwelling place in all generations! He dwells in them (Jn.14:16-18; 15:6; 17:23, 26); and they dwell in Him; and where they dwell safely and securely, peacefully and quietly, comfortably and pleasurably, and that for always. He is a Sanctuary to worship in, in Whom we draw nigh to the Father, and offer up the sacrifices of prayer and praise, and where the glory of God is seen by us, and we have communion (fellowship) with Him (1 Cor.1:9; Eph.2:6; Phil.2:1; 1 Jn.1:3; Rev.3:20).
But for a stone of stumbling, and for a rock of offence, to both the houses of Israel . . . Christ was indeed a stone of stumbling (Isa.8:14; 1 Pet.2:8), and a rock of offence (Isa.8:14; Rom.9:33; 1 Pet.2:8), to the Jews in common; who were offended and stumbled at His Birth and His Parentage, His descending from poor parents; at His education and place of bringing up; at His low and humble appearance and His common followers; at the vagueness of His Kingdom, it not being of this world (Jn.18:36), at the company He kept, and the onlookers that attended Him; at His doctrines and His miracles; and at His death, and the manner of it. Both houses, Israel and Judah . . . here again the prophecy looks out in the future, far beyond the temporary application in Ahaz' time. The very stone, Immanuel, which would have been a sanctuary on belief, becomes a fatal stumbling-block through unbelief. Christ Jesus refers to this. Matthew 21:44 And whosoever shall fall on this stone shall be broken: but on whomsoever it shall fall, it will grind him to powder. (KJV) . . . They who oppose Him, reject Him, and continue unrepentant, shall be crushed by Him in the Day of Judgment, and perish forever. Also see: (Deut.32:4, 15, 18, 30-31, 37; Dan.2:34; Rom.9:33-34; 1 Pet.2:8).
Romans 9:32-33 Wherefore? Because they sought it not by faith, but as it were by the works of the law. For they stumbled at that stumblingstone; 33  As it is written, Behold, I lay in Sion a stumblingstone and rock of offence: and whosoever believeth on him shall not be ashamed. (KJV)
For a gin and for a snare to the inhabitants of Jerusalem . . . even the principal inhabitants of it, such as the elders of the people, priests, Scribes and Pharisees, who tried to entangle Christ in His talk, and to ensnare Him by questions; but were themselves snared and taken, convicted, confounded, and silenced (Mat.22:15). A gin is a trap, in which birds are unexpectedly caught (Lk.2135; 1 Thes.5:2). So it was at the destruction of Jerusalem under Titus.

*****In verses 13-14, they are to fear God above and look to Him for help. The LORD will be either their salvation OR a stone of stumbling. When a person finally learns that when you fear God, you have NO man to fear. 1 Cor. 1:23 But we preach Christ crucified, unto the Jews a stumblingblock, and unto the Greeks foolishness; (KJV)

The Lord Jesus tells us that we either fall on this Stone (He is the Stone) for salvation, and rest upon Him Who is the Only Foundation (1 Cor.3:11), and you will be saved; OR He, the Stone, will fall on you on Judgment Day, and you will be ground to powder (Mat.21:44 above). You have only TWO options: you can either accept Him or reject Him. Your choice.

Sanctify the Lord of hosts himself is a strange command. Peter said: 1 Peter 3:15 But sanctify the Lord God in your hearts: and be ready always to give an answer to every man that asketh you a reason of the hope that is in you with meekness and fear: (KJV) . . . This is what God's people need to do. Today there is little thinking about God, and a terrible lack of reverence (fear) for Him and for His Word. So many people ridicule godly things that are sacred, make light of things that should not be made light of. We need to sanctify the LORD God in our hearts, because there are vast multitudes of people all over the world, who are not convinced that:
Habakkuk 2:20 But the LORD is in his holy temple: let all the earth keep silence before him. (KJV) . . . If they believed this, more people would be in church.

Isaiah 8:15 And many among them shall stumble, and fall, and be broken, and be snared, and be taken. (KJV)

And many among them . . . not all, but the greater part; for Christ was set for the falling and rising of many in Israel (Lk.2:34).

Shall stumble, and fall, and be broken . . . stumble at Christ, the stumbling stone; fall by unbelief into other sins and punishment, and be broken in pieces by this stone (Mat.21:44).
And be snared, and be taken . . . and so die in their sins, and perish eternally. The reference is to birds being taken in a snare or trap, and then held and detained. Stumble, taken are symbolic of the ways used in taking wild animals.

Isaiah 8:16 Bind up the testimony, seal the law among my disciples. (KJV)

Bind up the testimony . . . these are not the words of the prophet, as some think, but of the words of the Lord to the prophet, and are part of that instruction given to him in verse 11. The testimony means the word of prophecy delivered to Isaiah, especially that evangelical part concerning Immanuel, who was to be born of a virgin, and would be a sanctuary to them that believe in Him, and a stone of stumbling, and a rock of offence, to unbelievers; so the Gospel is called the testimony of Christ, for it bears witness of His person, His office and His grace (2 Tim.1:8). Binding up means to take care of it, as something valuable, that should not be lost, but committed to the trust faithful men, called disciples of Christ in the next clause. Testimony . . . confirmed by Uriah and Zechariah (vs.2).
Seal the law among my disciples . . . the disciples of Christ, the faithful of that day, and of latter times, to whom this prophecy, and the doctrine in it, which the word law signifies, even the doctrine of Christ, should be spread or communicated, which is meant by sealing of it; not hiding it from them, but indicating, that while it was a sealed book, a hidden doctrine, and delivered in parables to others (Mat.13:34; Mk.4:34; Lk.14:7; 18:9; Jn.10:6), it would be made known to them, and sealed and laid up by them among their treasure. The Gospel, the doctrine of grace, would be highly honored by the TRUE disciples and followers of Christ; those who are taught of God (Mat.10:20; 16:17; Mk.13:11; Lk.12:12; Jn.14:26; 16:13; Acts 1:2; 1 Cor.2:10,13; 12:3; Eph.3:5), have learned of the Father, who continue in the Word and doctrine of Christ, love His people, take up the cross and follow Him, and bring forth fruit to the glory of His heavenly Father (Isa.2:3; 54:13; Jer.31:33-34; Mic.4:2; Jn.6:45; Eph.4:21-22; 1 Thes.4:9; Heb.8:10-11,16). This implies that it relates to distant events, and is therefore to be a sealed and not understood testimony (Isa.6:9-10), except in part among God's disciples, that is, those who sanctify the Lord by obedient trust (Ps.25:14). Later revelations would afterwards clear up what now seemed dark; as the Book of Revelation explains what in Daniel was left unexplained (Dan.8:26; 12:9). The words are closed up and sealed until the time of the end; but: Rev. 22:10  And he saith unto me, Seal not the sayings of the prophecy of this book: for the time is at hand. (KJV) Also see (Rev.5:1, 5, 9).

***** The people of God (Israel) have the unspeakable (2 Cor.9:15; 12:4; 1 Pet. 1:8) privilege in having the prophecies of God consigned to them, and being entrusted with the sacred writings. That they may sanctify the LORD of hosts, should make Him their fear and know that He is their Sanctuary, their Refuge!

It is a great example of God's love and care of His church that He has given us in  the invaluable treasure of divine revelation.
#1. It is a testimony and a law; not only this prophecy, but the entire Word of God! God has confirmed it, and He has commanded it. As a testimony (evidence) it directs our faith; and as a law it directs how we should live. We should be in obedience to the Truths of it and to submit to the teachings of it.
#2. This testimony and this law are bound up and sealed . . . because we are NOT to add to them nor take away from them (Rev.22:18-19); for they are indeed a letter from God to man, folded up and sealed, an announcement from Him under the seal. The binding up and sealing of the Old Testament indicated that the full clarification of many of the prophecies of it were reserved for the New-Testament times. Daniel 12:4 But thou, O Daniel, shut up the words, and seal the book, even to the time of the end: many shall run to and fro, and knowledge shall be increased. (KJV) . . . But what was then bound up and sealed, is now open and unsealed, and revealed unto babes (Mat.11:25). However with reference to the time of the end, the last days and the future state of the world . . .  the testimony is still bound up and sealed, for we know only in part, and prophesy but in part (1 Cor.13:9-10).
#3. The prophecies are given as a sacred deposit in the hands of the disciples of the children of the prophets and the covenant (Acts 3:25). This is the good thing which is committed to them, and which they are charged with the safekeeping of. 2 Tim. 1:13-14 Hold fast the form of sound words, which thou hast heard of me, in faith and love which is in Christ Jesus. 14  That good thing which was committed unto thee keep by the Holy Ghost which dwelleth in us. (KJV) . . . All people should keep close to the Written Word.

Isaiah 8:17 And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. (KJV)

And I will wait upon the Lord . . . for the Coming of Christ, the Immanuel, Who would be a Sanctuary to some, and a Stone of Stumbling to others, and whose doctrine would be temporarily bound up and sealed. Faith in, and expectation of the Messiah's Coming, are often meant by waiting for Him (Isa.25:9; Ps.62:5-7; Mic.7:7; Lk.2:25). I (Isaiah) . . . will look to the LORD alone, no matter what the rest of the nation would do.  
That hideth his face from the house of Jacob . . . to whom the Promise of Him was made, from whom Immanuel would descend, to whom He would be sent, and whom He would redeem. This is not to be understood of His deserting of His people, and withdrawing His gracious Presence from them, to show His displeasure at them, and resentment of their conduct, which is sometimes the sense of this phrase . . . but instead this describes Christ BEFORE His assumption of human nature (Jn.1:14), when He was supposedly the hidden God (Isa.45:15), until He was made visible in the Flesh (Jn.1:14); and which is therefore called His appearing (2 Tim.1:10).
And I will look for him . . . Isaiah here speaks for himself, and for the church who in succeeding ages, as well as before, were looking by faith for the Coming of Christ, and redemption by Him (Lk.2:38), although some understand this of Christ as expressing His satisfaction in the few disciples (Mat.7:14) that He had among the Jews, and determining to wait for the accomplishment of Divine Promises in the latter days (Rev.7), when He would have a greater number. The LORD for the present, was hiding His Face from the Jewish nation, and giving them over to a spirit of judicial blindness; which sense well agrees with what goes before, and follows after.

Isaiah 8:18 Behold, I and the children whom the LORD hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the LORD of hosts, which dwelleth in mount Zion. (KJV)

Behold, I, and the children whom the Lord hath given me . . . some say that these are the Words of Christ (Heb.2:13). Others say it is the words of Isaiah, and that by the prophet's own practice and resolutions, he embraced the law and the testimony, and he had great comfort from them, even in the midst of the many restraints he met with. The ministers that can best recommend the Word of God to others are those that have themselves found the satisfaction of relying on it. Consider the hindrances which the prophet labored under. He gives us two:
#1. The anger of God, not so as on himself, but on his people, whose interests were near his heart. The prophet’s job was to reveal God's wrath against them, but yet he grieved for it, as one that did not want to see that woeful day. Isaiah knew that if the house of Jacob forsook the God of Jacob (Gen.49:24; Ex.3:6,15-16; 4:5), it certainly would not be strange that God would hide His Face from them (Deut.31:17-18; 32:19-20; Isa.59:1-15; Jer.33:5; Mic.3:4)
#2. The contempt and reproaches of men, not only upon himself, but upon the LORD’S disciples, among whom the law and the testimony was sealed. The children whom the LORD had given Isaiah were for signs to the sinful people. Most likely the prophetical names that were given to his children were ridiculed and mocked by the profane scoffers. Isaiah himself was a wonder unto many (Ps.71:7). It seems that all God's TRUE people are the world's wonder (Eze.24:24; Zec.3:8), for their uniqueness in having faith in God, and because they run not with them to the same excess of riot (1 Pet.4:4). The prophet was in reality, a type of Christ; for this is quoted (Heb.2:13) to prove that believers are Christ's children.

Pronouncement against Spiritualism as a Substitute for the Word of God (8:19-22)

Isaiah 8:19 And when they shall say unto you, Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards that peep, and that mutter: should not a people seek unto their God? for the living to the dead? (KJV)

And when they shall say unto you . . . some say that these are the Words of Christ continued (vs.18), as making His Appearance in Israel; and are a speech to His people, even to His children (Heb.2:13), disciples and followers, advising them what they should do, when those among whom they dwelt would press them to,
Seek unto them that have familiar spirits, and unto wizards, that peep, and that mutter . . . meaning the Scribes and Pharisees, the doctors among the Jews, who sat in Moses's chair, and who were very much given over to sorcery, magic art, and used enchantments (being put under a spell) which were performed by muttering. Even such as these were chosen into the Sanhedrim, or great council, for they were to be skilled in the arts of soothsayers, diviners and wizards, etc., that they might know how to judge them. The Jews would have had the disciples of Christ to have gone to these men to direct their judgments in religious affairs, and be determined by them concerning the Messiah and other things. See Special Comments at the end of this chapter for witchcraft.
Should not a people seek unto their God? . . . to Christ Jesus, Who IS God!
http://www.godcannotlie.org/is_jesus_god.htm
http://www.hisservants.org/is_jesus_god_h_s.htm
The LORD Jesus is omniscient and omnipotent, He knows all things, and His Name is called Wonderful, Counsellor, the Angel of His Presence (Isa.63:9) and He is well able to give the best counsel and direction in any and all matters, and is well able to do everything for His people that they stand in need of, for He, being present with them, God manifest in the flesh (1 Tim.3:16), it would be utter folly to apply this to any other. John 6:68 Then Simon Peter answered him, Lord, to whom shall we go? thou hast the words of eternal life. (KJV)
For the living to the dead? . . . Jesus is NOT dead!! He is alive! He is at the right Hand of God the Father (Mk.16:19; Lk.22:69; Acts 5:31; 7:55-56; Rom.8:34; Col.3:1; Heb.10:12; 12:2; 1 Pet.3:22). NO dead person can save us from Hell! No one can find life among the DEAD! The disciples of Christ, the children that God had given Him (Heb.2:9-18), were quickened and made alive by the grace of God (Eph.2:8-9), and had values of grace and spiritual life implanted in them, having passed from death to life (Jn.5:24; 1 Jn.3:14), and thy lived by faith on Christ (1 Cor.2:14; Gal.2:16,20;  3:26; Phil.3:9).
 
Isaiah 8:20 To the law and to the testimony: if they speak not according to this word, it is because there is no light in them. (KJV)

To the law, and to the testimony . . . means the revelation of God by His prophet (vs.16), to which he directs them to refer to those who would advise necromancy.
If they speak not according to this word . . . some understand they to be the necromancers (Deut.18:11; 26:14; Isa.8:19; 29:4), but others say that they are those in the dark night of trial, without any hope, who shall say, Do not seek, as we did, to necromancy, but to the law. The law and testimony is the sure word of prophecy, to which men do well to take heed, as to a light shining in a dark place; a lamp to the feet, and a light to the path (Ps.119:105).
It is because there is no light in them . . . means in them that speak not according to the law and testimony, meaning the Scribes and Pharisees who reject the written Word, and set up the traditions of the elders (Mat.15:9), above the Holy Word of God, and taught the people to walk according to them; and they were, as our Lord says, blind leaders of the blind (Mat.15:14), speaking of the seducers and false teachers (vs.19), that speak not according to the Word of God and testimony of Jesus. Seducers or false prophets shall have no morning of light and joy, no grace nor comfort, nor any spiritual happiness . . . Christ will be no morning, no light to them, but they will continue in their dark, destitute and miserable condition, described in the following verse.

Isaiah 8:21 And they shall pass through it, hardly bestead and hungry: and it shall come to pass, that when they shall be hungry, they shall fret themselves, and curse their king and their God, and look upward. (KJV)

And they shall pass through it . . . the land of Judea. This begins an account of the punishment that would be inflicted on the Jews, for their neglect of the prophecies of the Old Testament, and their rejection of the Messiah.
Hardly bestead and hungry . . . bestead means to oppress, or be in circumstances of terrible hardship, put to the greatest difficulty to get food to eat, and starving for want of it; which some understand of the time when Sennacherib's army was before Jerusalem (2 Ki.19), while others refer this to the times of Zedekiah, when there was a sore famine (Jer.52:6), although it seems best of all, that this would refer to the besieging of Jerusalem, by the Romans, and the times preceding it (Mat.24:7), and in the last days (Rev.18).
And it shall come to pass, when they shall be hungry . . . either in a temporal sense, having no food for their bodies; or in a spiritual sense, being hungry and earnestly desiring the coming of their vainly expected Messiah, as a temporary Saviour of them. It may also be applied to the famine of hearing the Word, when the Gospel and the Kingdom of Heaven, was taken from the Jews for their contempt of it.  
They shall fret themselves . . . for want of food for their bodies, to satisfy their hunger; or because their Messiah does not come to help them.
And curse their King, and their God . . . Christ Jesus, Immanuel, the TRUE Messiah, Who is the TRUE King of Israel, and God manifest in the flesh (1 Tim.3:16); Whom the unbelieving Jews demanded He be crucified (Mat.27:15-25), their priests blasphemed Him mockingly (Mat.27:41-43).
And look upwards . . . the Jews were not satisfied with the TRUE Messiah . . . they keep looking to Heaven, for the coming of ANOTHER Messiah, but all in vain.  

Isaiah 8:22 And they shall look unto the earth; and behold trouble and darkness, dimness of anguish; and they shall be driven to darkness. (KJV)

And they shall look unto the earth . . . as persons in distress, up and down, back and forth, on the right and on the left, especially in the land of Judea, the land that once flowed with milk and honey, a land of light, plenty and prosperity. A land of milk and honey: (Ex.3:8,17; 13:5; 33:3; Lev.20:24; Num.13:27; 14:8; 16:13-14; Deut.6:3; 11:9; 26:9,15; 27:3; 31:20; Josh.5:6; Jer.11:5; 32:22; Eze.20:6,15).         
And behold trouble and darkness . . . adversity and miseries of all kinds, expressed by a range of words; but words greatly fail to express the horror of the tribulation of those times, which were such as were not from the beginning of the world (Mat.24:22).
Dimness of anguish . . . the utter darkness of distress (Pro.1:27; Lk.21:23-25).
And they shall be driven to darkness . . . when they escape one calamity, they shall be driven and fall into another; the whole land shall be full of chaos. Driven to darkness, thick darkness (Jer.23:12). Driven onward into deeper darkness, as though driven by a wind-swept storm. The Jewish rejection of their King and God, the TRUE Messiah, was followed by all these awful calamities. We need to pray that the Jews open their eyes and SEE the TRUE Messiah, Who has already come!

*****In today’s sin-plagued world, we are seeing a great revival of spiritualism (witchcraft). Dear one, our awesome Triune God forbids that His people mess around with ANY satanic scheme, of which there are many: divination, horoscopes, magic, necromancy, soothsayers, sorcery, witchcraft and communicating with angels. ALL of these are no-no’s to a TRUE Christian.
http://www.hisservants.org/books_our_awesome_triune_god.html
http://hisservants.org/errors_about_angels_h_s.htm
When people turn away from God, they most often go after the occult and abnormal (Ex.22:18; Lev.19:26, 31; 20:6, 27; Deut.18:9-14; 1 Sam.28:3,7- 9, Isa.8:19; 19:3; Acts 8:9-11; 16:16-19; 19:19; Gal.5:19-21; Rev.22:15).

There are millions today turning to horoscopes, the occult, the spirit world of some sort and to demonology. There are satanic churches all across the country where members worship the devil. BEWARE!!! You do NOT want to go where the devil is going (Mat.25:41).

Even Christians are experimenting with the occult. Some of them talk about casting out demons. Dear one . . . NO one but Almighty God Himself can cast out demons! BEWARE!!! Instead, just stay close to the LORD and His Word, and He will take care of the demons in your life!

May I warn you, the occult it is extremely dangerous, and it is growing by leaps and bounds everywhere! There are some people who do not believe there is anything real about it, but IT IS REAL, just as Satan is real. Messing with the spirits is like any other habit . . . the longer you stay with it, the harder it is to free yourself from it! Just do NOT go there in the first place! There were demons and witchcraft in Jesus’ time, and there are demons and witchcraft today! BEWARE!!! God warns us against it. Let us pay attention to Him!

In verses 21-22, we see the final issue of pursuing a life of disobedience which will lead you into spiritualism. The result is dimness, darkness and despair. Any disobedience on your part will take you there every time. BEWARE!!! Stay close to the Lord and His Holy Word! You cannot go wrong if you do this!

Special Comments

Names, Nicknames and Titles of Christ

Adam (1 Cor.15:45) Advocate (1Jn.2:1) Almighty (Rev.1:8) Alpha and Omega (Rev.1:8) Amen (Rev.3:14) Angel (Gen48:16; Ex.23:20-21) Angel of His Presence (Isa.63:9) Anointed (Ps.2:2) Apostle (Heb.3:1) Arm of the Lord  (Isa.51:9-10) Author and Finisher of our faith (heb.12:2) Beginning and end of the creation of God (Rev.3:14; 22:13) Beloved (Eph.1:6) Blessed and only Potentate (1 Tim.6:15) Branch  (Jer.23:5; Zec.3:8) Bread of life  (Jn.6:48) Bridegroom  (Mat.9:15) Bright and Morning Star  (Rev.22:16) Brightness of the Father's glory (Heb.1:3) Captain of the Lord's host (Josh.5:14) Captain of Salvation (Heb.2:10) Carpenter (Mk.6:3) Carpenter's Son (Mat.13:55) Chief Shepherd (1 Pet.5:4) Chief Cornerstone (1 Pet.2:6) Chiefest among ten thousand (Song 5:10) Child (Isa.9:6; Lk.2:27, 43) Chosen of God (1 Pet.2:4) Christ (Mat.1:16; Lk.9:20) The Christ, Messiah (Mat.16:20; Mk.14:61) Christ, a King (Lk.23:2) Christ Jesus (Acts 19:4; Rom.3:24; 8:1; 1 Cor.1:2, 30; Heb.3:1; 1 Pet.5:10, 14) Christ Jesus our Lord (1 Tim.1:12; Rom.8:39) Christ of God (Lk.9:20) Christ, the chosen of God (Lk.23:35) Christ the Lord (Lk.2:11) Christ, the power of God (1 Cor.1:24) Christ the wisdom of God (1 Cor.1:24) Christ, the Son of God (Acts 9:20) Christ, Son of the Blessed (Mk.14:61) Commander (Isa.55:4) Consolation of Israel (Lk.2:25) Cornerstone (Eph.2:20) Counselor (Isa.9:6) Covenant of the people (Isa.42:6) David (Jer.30:9) Daysman (Job 9:33) Dayspring (Lk.1:78) Day Star (2 Pet.1:19) Deliverer (Rom.11:26) Desire of all nations (Hag.2:7) Door, the (Jn.10:7) Elect (Isa.42:1) Emmanuel (Isa.7:14) Ensign (Isa.11:10) Eternal Life (1 Jn.5:20) Everlasting Father (Isa.9:6) Faithful and True (Rev.19:11) Faithful Witness, the (Rev.1:5) Faithful and true witness, the (Rev.3:14) Finisher of faith (Heb.12:2) First and last (Rev.1:17; 2:8; 22:13) First begotten (Heb.1:6) First begotten of the dead (Rev.1:5) Firstborn (Ps.89:27) Foundation (Isa.28:16) Fountain (Zec.13:1) Forerunner (Heb.6:20) Friend of sinners (Mat.11:19) Gift of God (Jn.4:10) Glory of Israel (Lk.2:32) God (Jn.1:1) God blessed forever (Rom.9:5) God manifest in the flesh (1 Tim.3:16) God of Israel, the Saviour (Isa.45:15) God of the whole earth (Isa.54:5) God our Saviour (1 Tim.2:3) God's dear Son (Col.1:13) God with us (Mat.1:23) Good Master (Mat.19:16) Governor (Mat.2:6) Great Shepherd of the sheep (Heb.13:20) Head of the body (Eph.1:22-23; 5:23; Col.1:18, 24) Heir of all things (Heb.1:2) High priest (Heb.4:14) Head of every man (1 Cor.11:3) Head of the corner (Mat.21:42) Holy child Jesus (Acts 4:30) Holy One (Ps.16:10; Acts 3:14) Holy One of God (Mk.1:24) Holy One of Israel (Isa.41:14; 54:5) Holy thing (Lk.1:35) Hope, our (1 Tim.1:1) Horn of salvation (Lk.1:69) I AM (Ex.3:14; Isa.46:9; 48:12; Jn.8:58; Rev.1:8) Image of God (Heb.1:3) Israel (Isa.49:3) Jehovah (Isa.40:3) Jehovah's fellow (Zec.13:7) Jesus (Mat.1:21) Jesus Christ (Mat.1:1; Jn.1:17; 17:3; Acts 2:38; 4:10; 9:34; 10:36; 16:18; Rom.1:1,3,6; 2:16; 5:15,17; 6:3; 1 Cor.1:1,4; 2:2; 2 Cor.1:19; 4:6; 13:5; Gal.2:16; Phil.1:8; 2:11; 1 Tim.1:15; Heb.13:8; 1 Jn.1:7; 2:1) Jesus Christ our Lord (Rom.1:3; 6:11,23; 1Cor.1:9; 7:25) Jesus Christ our Saviour (Tit.3:6) Jesus of Nazareth (Mk.1:24; Lk.24:19) Jesus of Nazareth, King of the Jews (Mat.27:37; Jn.19:19) Jesus, the Son of God (Heb.4:14) Jesus, the Son of Joseph (Jn.6:42) Judge (Acts 10:42) Just Man, Just Person, Just One (Mat.27:19; 27:24; Acts 3:14; 7:52; 22:14) King (Mat.21:5) King of Israel (Jn.1:49) King of the Jews (Mat.2:2) King of Saints (Rev.15:3) King of Kings (1 Tim.6:15; Rev.17:14; 19:16) King of Glory (Ps.24:7-10) King of Zion (Mat.21:5) King over all the earth (Zec.14:9) Lamb (Rev.5:6,8; 6:16; 7:9-10,17; 12:11; 13:8,11; 14:1,4; 15:3; 17:14; 19:7,9; 21:9,14,22,23,27) Lamb of God (Jn.1:29) Lawgiver (Isa.33:22) Leader (Isa.55:4) Life (Jn .14:6) Light (Jn.8:12) Light, everlasting (Isa.60:20) Light of the world (Jn.8:12) Light to the Gentiles (Isa.42:6) Light, true (Jn.1:9) Living Bread, the (Jn.6:51) Living Stone (1 Pet.2:4) Lion of the tribe of Judah (Rev.5:5) Lord (Rom.1:3) Lord of Lords (Rev.17:14; 19:16) Lord of all (Acts 10:36) Lord our righteousness (Jer.23:6) Lord God Almighty (Rev.15:3) Lord from heaven (1 Cor.15:47) Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ (2 Pet.1:11; 3:18) Lord Christ (Col.3:24) Lord Jesus (Acts 7:59; Col.3:17; 1 Thes.4:12) Lord Jesus Christ (Acts 11:17. 16:31; 20:21; Rom.5:1,11; 13:14) Lord Jesus Christ our Saviour (Tit.1:4) Lord of glory (Jam.2:1) Lord of Hosts (2 Sam.5:10; 1 Ki.18:15; Ps.24:10; 84:12; Isa.1:9,24; 2:12;  3:1,15; 5:7,9,16,24; 6:3,5; 8:13,18; 9:7,13,19; 10:16,26,33; 13:4,13; 14:22-24,27; 17:3; 18:7; 19:4,12,16-18; 19:20,25; 21:10; 22:14,25; 23:9; 24:23; 25:6; 28:5,29; 29:6; 31:4-5; 37:15-16,32; 44:6; 45:13; 47:4; 48:2; 51:51; 54:5) Lord of hosts is found 273 times in the KJV of the OT. Lord, mighty in battle (Ps.24:8) Lord of the dead and living (Rom.14:9) Lord of the Sabbath (Mk.2:28) Lord over all (Rom.10:12) The Lord's Christ (Lk.2:26) Lord, strong and mighty (Ps.24:8) Lord, the, our righteousness (Jer.23:6) Lord, your holy one (Isa.43:15) Lord, your redeemer (Isa.43:14) The Man Christ Jesus (1 Tim.2:5) Man of sorrows (Isa.53:3) Master (Mat.23:8) Mediator, the only (1 Tim.2:5; Jn.14:6) Messenger of the covenant (Mal.3:1) Messiah (Dan.9:25-26; Jn.1:41) Messiah the Prince (Dan.9:25) Mighty God (Isa.9:6) Mighty One of Israel (Isa.30:29) Mighty One of Jacob (Isa.49:26) Mighty to save (Isa.63:1) Minister of the sanctuary (Heb.8:2) Morning Star (Rev.22:16) Most holy (Dan.9:24) Most mighty (Ps.45:3) Nazarene (Mat.2:23) Offspring of David (Rev.22:16) Only begotten Son (Jn.1:18; 3:16,18; 1 Jn.4:9) Only begotten of the Father (Jn.1:14) Only wise God, our Saviour (Jude 1:25) Overseer (1 Pet.2:25) Passover, our (1 Cor.5:7) Plant of renown (Eze.34:29) Potentate (1 Tim.6:15) Power of God (1 Cor.1:24) Physician (Mat.9:12) Precious Cornerstone (Isa.28:16) Priest (Heb.7:17) Prince (Acts 5:31) Prince of Life (Acts 3:15) Prince of Peace (Isa,9:6) Prince of the kings of the earth (Rev.1:5) Prophet (Deut.18:15,18; Mat.21:11; Lk.24:19) Propitiation (1 Jn.2:2) Rabbi, Rabboni (Jn.1:38,49; 3:2; 6:25; 20:16) Ransom (1 Tim.2:6) Redeemer (Job 19:25; Ps.19:14; 78:35; Pro.23:11;        Isa.41:14; 43:14; 44:6,24; 47:4; 48:17; 49;7,26; 54:8; 59:20; 60:16; 63:16; Jer.50:34) Resurrection and the Life, the (Jn.11:25) Redemption (1 Cor.1:30) Righteous Branch (Jer.23:5) Righteous Judge (2 Tim.4:8) Righteous Servant (Isa.53:11) Righteousness (1 Cor.1:30) Rock (1 Cor.10:4) Rock of Offence (1 Pet.2:8) Root of David (Rev.5:5; 22:16) Root of Jesse (Isa.11:1,10) Rose of Sharon (Song 2:1) Ruler in Israel (Mic.5:2) Salvation (Lk.2:30) Sanctification (! Cor.1:30) Sanctuary (Isa.8:14; Eze.11:16) Saviour (Lk.2:11) Saviour, Jesus Christ (2 Tim.1:1,10; Tit.1:3; 2:13; 2 Pet.1:1) Saviour of the body (Eph.5:23) Saviour of the world (1 Jn.4:14) Sceptre (Num.24:17) Second Man, the (1 Cor.15:47) Seed of David (2 Tim.2:8) Seed of the woman (Gen.3:15) Servant (Isa.42:1; 52:13; 53:11; Mat.12:18) Servant of rulers (Isa.49:7) Shepherd (Zec.13:7; Mat.26:31; Mk.14:27) Shepherd and Overseer of souls (1 Pet.2:25) Shepherd, Chief (1 Pet.5:4) Shepherd, Good (Jn.10:11) Shepherd, Great (Heb.13:20) Shepherd of Israel (Ps.80:1) Shiloh (Gen.49:10) Son of the Father (2 Jn.1:3) Son of the Blessed One (Mk.14:61) Son of the Highest One (Lk.1:32) Son of David (Mat.9:27) Star (Num.24:17) Sun of Righteousness (Mal.4;2) Surety (Heb.7:22) Stone (Mat.21:42) Stone of Stumbling (1 Pet.2:8) Sure Foundation (Isa.28:16; 1 Cor.3:11; 1 Pet.2:6) Teacher (Jn.2:3:2) True God (1 Jn.5:20) True Vine (Jn.15:1) Truth (Jn.14:6) Unspeakable Gift (2 Cor.9:15) Very Christ (Acts 9:22) Vine, the (Jn.15:1) Way, the (Jn.14:6) Wisdom (Pro.8:12) Wisdom of God, the (1 Cor.1:24) Witness (Isa.55:4; Rev.1:5) Wonderful (Isa.9:6) Word (Jn.1:1) Word of God (Rev.19:13) Word of Life (1 Jn.1:1) Victor . . . our victory through Christ Jesus (1 Cor15:54-57; Phil.3:20-21) Thank You Jesus!

Forms of Witchcraft

Divination, obtaining supposedly secret knowledge, especially of the future; a pagan equal to prophecy. (Gen.44:5, 15; Num.22:7; 23:23; 24:1; Deut.18:10,14; 1 Sam.6:2; 2 Ki.17:17; Isa,44:25; Je.27:9; 29:8; Eze.12:24; 13:6,23; 21:21; Zec.10:2; Acts 16:16)
Magicians, supposed workers of wonders beyond human powers. (Gen.41:8, 24; Ex.7:11, 22; 8:7,19; 9:11; Isa.47:13; Dan.1:20; 2:2,10,27; 4:7; 5:7)
Necromancy, consulting the dead. (Deut.18:11; 1 Sam.28:11; Isa.8:18; 65:4)
Soothsayers, supposed pagan equals of the prophets; forecasters of future events. (Josh.13:22; Isa.2:6; Dan.2:27; 4:7; 5:7; Mic.5:12; Acts 16:16)
Sorcery, the practice of the occult, supernatural, mystical, or magical beliefs, practices, or miracles. Any kind of magic, witchcraft, sorcery, necromancy, wizardry, black arts, occultism, diabolism (devil worship), devilish conduct,  voodoo, white magic, witchery, mysticism. Anything to do with the devil! (Lev.19:26; Deut.18:10; 2 Ki.17:17; 21:6; 2 Chron.33:6; Isa.47:9, 12; Jer.27:9; Mal.3:5; Acts 8:11; 13;6; 19:19; Rev.9:21; 18:23; 21:8)
Witchcraft, any divination associated with idolatrous worship and demonic powers. (Ex.22:18; lev.19:21; 20:6, 27; Deut.18:10; 1 Sam.15:23; 28:3,7; 2 Ki.9:22; 21:6; 23:24; 1 Chron.10:13; 2 Chron. 33:6; 2 Ki.23:24; Isa.8:19; 19:3; 29:4; Mic.5:12; Nah.3:4; Gal.5:20)
Lying Wonders, supposed miracles. (Ex.7:11, 22; 8:7; Mat.7:22; 24:24; Mk.3:22; 2 Thes.2:9; Rev.13:13; 16:14; 19:20)

NONE of the above, in any way, are permitted by Almighty God! BEWARE!!! To do so is turning your back one the One and Only TRUE God, and in fact, worshipping the devil! BEWARE!!! Do NOT mess around with demonic spirits. You will NOT like what you shall hear on Judgment Day!

Commentaries on Old Testament Books

Book of Isaiah . . Isaiah's Mini-Bible

Isaiah Ch.1 . . Isaiah Ch.2 . . Isaiah Ch.3 . . Isaiah Ch.4 . . Isaiah Ch.5 . . Isaiah Ch.6 . . Isaiah Ch.7 . . Isaiah Ch.8 . . Isaiah Ch.9 . . Isa.Ch.10 . . Isa.Ch.11 . . Isa.Ch12 . . Home Page

JUDGMENT ON THE NATIONS . . . . . Isaiah Ch.13 . . Isaiah Ch.14 . . Isaiah Ch.15 . . Isaiah Ch.16 . . Isaiah Ch.17 . . Isaiah Ch.18 . . Isaiah Ch.19 . . Isaiah Ch.20 . . Isaiah Ch.21 . . Isaiah Ch.22 . . Isaiah Ch.23 . . Home Page

ISAIAH’S APOCALYPSE . . . . . Isaiah Ch.24 . . Isaiah Ch.25 . . Isaiah Ch.26 . . Isaiah Ch.27 . . Home Page

ISAIAH'S SIX WOES . . . Isaiah Ch.28 . . Isaiah Ch.29 . . Isaiah Ch.30 . . Isaiah Ch.31 . . Isaiah Ch.32 . . Isaiah Ch.33 . . Isaiah Ch.34 . . Isaiah Ch.35 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Historic Part . . Isaiah Ch.36 . . Isaiah Ch.37 . . Isaiah Ch.38 . . Isaiah Ch.39 . . Home Page

Isaiah Speaks of Messiah's Incarnation. . Isaiah Ch.40 . . Isaiah Ch.41 . . Isaiah Ch.42 . . Isaiah Ch.43 . . Isaiah Ch.44 . . Isaiah Ch.45 . . Isaiah Ch.46 . . Isaiah Ch.47 . . Isaiah Ch.48 . . Home Page

Isaiah's Introduction to the Suffering Servant

Isaiah's Suffering Servant Prophecy. . . Isaiah 52:13-53:12

Isaiah's Redemption Through the Suffering Servant . . . Isaiah Ch.49 . . Isaiah Ch.50 . . Isaiah Ch.51 . . Isaiah Ch.52 . . Isaiah Ch.53 . . Isaiah Ch.54 . . Isaiah Ch.55 . . Isaiah Ch.56 . . Isaiah Ch.57

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