Bible Figure
Maher-shalal-hash-baz
the second mentioned prophetic-name child in Isaiah chapter 7–9
Maher-shalal-hash-baz was Isaiah's son whose prophetic name signaled the approaching Assyrian plunder of Damascus and Samaria.
Biography
Isaiah 8 records God's instruction to write the name Maher-shalal-hash-baz publicly. Isaiah then went to the prophetess, who conceived and bore a son, and the Lord told him to give the child that name. Before the boy would be old enough to call for his parents, the wealth of Damascus and spoil of Samaria would be carried away by the king of Assyria. The name conveys the idea that plunder and spoil are coming quickly.
Biblical Significance
Maher-shalal-hash-baz was a living prophetic sign during the Syro-Ephraimite crisis. His name embodied the immediacy of God's announced judgment through Assyria.