The Lord has Isaiah continue spreading the unpopular word that an attack by Assyria is coming unless the people and their leaders repent and return to God.

18.1

Isaiah was commanded to write his prophecy on a large tablet because the letters were to be large. It was to be writing in the language of the common people so that it could be easily read. Maher-shalal-hash-baz means “Destruction is imminent”. This was a warning about the Assyrians.

18.2

Isaiah was told to take witnesses of unquestionable reputation, who coud bear witness that the name and prophecy were written and published according to God’s command.

18.3

The prophetess = Isaiah’s wife.

18.4

Before the child is able to say Daddy or Mammy the riches of the two capitals of the kings of the confederate armies will be carried to the king of Assyria.

18.5

The Lord speaks again.

18.6

The prophet reproves the whole nation of the Jews for despising the mild and gentle reign of the family of David, and for seeking the aid of foreign nations.

18.7

The river is the Euphrates – the symbol of Assyria. The “channels” and “banks” describe the intended course of the Assyrian army as invading Syria and Israel; but it was to overflow those banks and sweep over Judah. 

18.8

The flood shall not stop at Syria and Samaria, but shall penetrate into Judea.

Judah is described as a body with the water coming up to the neck but not over the head (Jerusalem).

Thy land O Immanuel ie the land of the future birth of Immanuel.

18.9

The prophet challenges the enemies of the Jews. Their efforts would be vain, and they themselves would be broken to pieces.

Associate yourselves…and ye shall be broken  ie form political alliances with other nations for protection and you will be broken into pieces. The foreign nations that attack Judah will also be broken into pieces.

18.10

If you form a plan against God’s people your plan will be frustrated. Judah won’t be destroyed completely.

18.11

With a strong hand = firmly. Isaiah was told not to do as the people did.

18.12

Judah should not rely on secret plots with others for safety.

18.13

Trust in God and do not be alarmed at what man can do.

18.14

God shall be your refuge and a stumbling block for the ruling houses of Israel and Judah. The inhabitants of Judah will be caught in a trap.

18.15

Many were taken captive; many killed, and many were carried to Babylon. 

18.16

 Now the prophecy is complete,  bind it up and place it in the custody of disciples.

18.17

I will now look patiently for the Lord who has withdrawn His favour from the people of Israel.

18.18

My family and I are a reminder to Israel that the Lord lives.

18.19

Isaiah recommends that the people look to God rather than to mediums and soothsayers.

18.20

If they don’t speak according to the scriptures it is because they are in darkness.

18.21

Israel will be taken into captivity distressed and famished and in their despair they will curse their King and their God and look heavenward.

18.22

Finding no help from heaven they will look to the earth for help and see only trouble and darkness and they will be driven from one calamity to another.