Commentaries:
Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown
(Isa. 8:1-9:7)
great—suitable, for letters large enough to be read by all.
roll—rather, tablet of wood, metal, or stone (Isaiah 30:8; Habakkuk 2:2); sometimes coated with wax, upon which characters were traced with a pointed instrument, or iron stylus; skins and papyrus were also used (Isaiah 19:7).
man's pen—that is, in ordinary characters which the humblest can read (so Habakkuk 2:2). Hebrew, enosh means a "common man," is contrasted with the upper ranks (Revelation 21:17; Romans 3:5). Not in hieroglyphics. The object was that, after the event, all might see that it had been predicted by Isaiah.
concerning—the title and subject of the prophecy.
Maher-shalal-hash-baz—"They (that is, the Assyrians) hasten to the spoil (namely, to spoil Syria and Samaria), they speed to the prey" [GESENIUS]. Otherwise, "The spoil (that is, spoiler) hastens, the rapine speeds forward" [MAURER].
Other Jamieson, Fausset, and Brown entries containing Isaiah 8:1:
Isaiah 30:8
Jeremiah 19:1
Ezekiel 24:17
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