Definition: And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son. Then said the LORD to me, Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.
Explanation: Okay, let's break down this passage from Isaiah 8:3. It’s a really significant and somewhat mysterious part of the Bible, and it’s packed with symbolism. Here’s a simplified explanation: What it says: “And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bare a son.” What it means in simpler terms: A young woman, likely a prophetess (someone who speaks for God), became pregnant and gave birth to a baby boy. Now, here’s where it gets interesting – it's about a prophecy: Isaiah: Isaiah was a Jewish prophet during the time of King Hezekiah in Judah. He was known for his visions and prophecies. The Prophetess: This woman is a prophetess who is listening to God’s word, which is revealed through Isaiah. She's receiving guidance and understanding. She conceived: She became pregnant. She bore a son: She gave birth to a baby boy named Mahershalalhashbaz. The Significance – It’s a Big Deal! This passage is extremely important because it's part of a prophecy about the future. The Bible says that this baby would be a sign of something very significant coming to pass. Here’s what the prophecy suggests: A Time of Great Change: The prophecy tells us that this baby will bring about a time of great change and upheaval – a “deep corruption” (which is often translated as “desolation”). God's Judgment: The prophecy says God will call his name "Mahershalalhashbaz." This name suggests a powerful, possibly even frightening, figure. It’s not a friendly or comforting name! It points to a divine judgment and a time of significant consequence. In short, this verse is a dramatic sign that God is about to intervene in the world, and that this baby will be a symbol of something terrible to come. Important Note: The exact meaning of this prophecy has been debated for centuries. It’s one of the oldest and most mysterious parts of the Bible! --- Do you want me to delve deeper into any specific aspect of this passage? For example, would you like to know: More about the role of Isaiah? What does "desolation" mean in the context of this prophecy? How this story connects to other biblical events?