Isaiah 8:18

Old Testament Major Prophet ASV (1901)

What does Isaiah 8:18 say?

The American Standard Version records this verse as: “Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion.” Read the surrounding verses and the named sources below before drawing broader conclusions.

The verse

Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion.
Isaiah 8:18 — American Standard Version

Context — Isaiah 8

American Standard Version (1901) — public domain. Click any verse for its study page.
18Behold, I and the children whom Jehovah hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth in mount Zion.

What do historical commentaries say?

John Gill's Exposition
John Gill (1697–1771) · Exposition of the Old and New Testament · 18th-century historical commentary
“Behold, I, and the children whom the Lord hath given me, &c.] These are the words of Christ, as is clear from (<580213>Hebrews 2:13) who, upon the prophet’s declaring his resolution to look and wait for him, presents himself and his children to him, as if he was actually come, or else continues his discourse from the preceding verse; for these are not the words of the prophet, speaking of himself and his natural children, Shearjashub and Mahershalalhashbaz; nor of his spiritual children, his disciples, called sometimes the sons of the prophets; but of Christ, who has a seed, a spiritual offspring, to whom he stands in the relation of a father, (<230906>Isaiah 9:6 53:10) and who are given him…”
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Jamieson, Fausset & Brown
Robert Jamieson, A. R. Fausset & David Brown · Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“I and the children--Isaiah means "salvation of Jehovah"; His children's names, also (Isa 7:3, Isa 7:14; Isa 8:3), were "signs" suggestive of the coming and final deliverance. wonders--that is, symbols of the future (Isa 20:3; Zac 3:8). "Behold I . . . me" is quoted in Heb 2:13 to prove the manhood of the Messiah. This is the main and ultimate fulfilment of the prophecy; its temporary meaning is applied to Ahaz' time. Isaiah typically, in Isa 8:17-18, personates Messiah, who is at once "Father" and "Son," Isaiah and Immanuel, "Child" and "Mighty God," and is therefore called here a "wonder," as in Isa 9:6, "Wonderful." Hence in Heb 2:13, believers are called His "children"; but in Isa…”
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Barnes' Notes
Albert Barnes (1798–1870) · Notes on the Whole Bible · 19th-century historical commentary
“Behold, I... - By ‘signs and wonders,’ here, it is meant that they, by the names given them, were intended to teach important lessons to the Jewish people. Their names were significant, and were designed to illustrate some important truth; and especially the prophet here intimates that they were to inculcate the truth in regard to the presence and protection of God, to induce the people to look to him. Thus the name immanuel, ‘God with us,’ Isaiah 7:14; and Shear-jashub, ‘the remnant shall return,’ Isaiah 7:3, were both significant of the fact that none but God could be the protector of the nation. And in like manner, it is possible that his own name, signifying the salvation of Jehovah, had…”
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Wesley's Explanatory Notes
John Wesley (1703–1791) · Explanatory Notes upon the New Testament and Old Testament notes · 18th-century historical commentary
“Behold - These words are literally spoken by Isaiah concerning himself, but mystically concerning Christ; and therefore they are fitly ascribed to Christ, Heb 2:13. The children - His spiritual children, whom he had either begotten or brought up by his ministry. Wonders - Are a gazing flock, for our folly in believing God's promises. From the Lord - Which comes to pass by the wise providence of God. Zion - Where the temple now was, and where the Messiah was to set up his kingdom. Isaiah 8:19”
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Tyndale Open Study Notes
Tyndale House Publishers · Tyndale Open Study Notes · Modern study notes
“8:18 I and the children the Lord has given me (see the application to Jesus Christ in Heb 2:13): The names of the prophet Isaiah and his children carried significance as signs and warnings. Shear-jashub (a remnant will return; 7:3) was a sign of God’s faithfulness to Judah. Maher-shalal-hash-baz (swift to plunder and quick to carry away) signified the destruction of Damascus and Samaria (8:1-4) and the desolation of faithless Judah (8:5-8). The name of Isaiah (Yahweh is salvation) itself signifies that salvation is from the Lord alone. These three names also represent major themes in the book: the remnant, the desolation of Judah, and salvation. Immanuel (God is with us) embodies all of…”
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Treasury of Scriptural Knowledge
R. A. Torrey and contributors · The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge · Cross-reference reference work
“I and the: Isa 8:3, Isa 7:3, Isa 7:16, Isa 53:10; Psa 22:30; Heb 2:13, Heb 2:14 for signs: Psa 71:7; Eze 14:8; Zac 3:8; Luk 2:34; Co1 4:9-13; Heb 10:33 which: Isa 12:6, Isa 14:32, Isa 24:23; Ch1 23:25; Psa 9:11; Zac 8:3; Heb 12:22 Isaiah 8:19”
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Keil & Delitzsch
C. F. Keil & F. Delitzsch · Commentary on the Old Testament · 19th-century historical commentary
“His home was the future, and to this he was subservient, even with all his house. "Behold, I and the children which Jehovah hath given me for signs and types in Israel, from Jehovah of hosts, who dwelleth upon Mount Zion." He presents himself to the Lord with his children, puts himself and them into His hands. They were Jehovah's gift, and that for a higher purpose than every-day family enjoyment. They subserved the purpose of signs and types in connection with the history of salvation. "Signs and types:" 'oth (sign) was an omen or prognostic (σημεῖον) in word and deed, which pointed to and was the pledge of something future (whether it were in itself miraculous or natural); mopheth was…”
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Related study paths

Sources and verification