v1-4: Isaiah's wife was a prophetess, their sons were signs and wonders, v18; here was a family united in serving the Lord God. The prophecy of the second son's name would soon be fulfilled, as Israel and Aram were to be brought under the power of Assyria. (The scroll was witnessed by two reliable men, thus constituting a legal declaration.) In 2 Kings 16.7-9 the riches of Aram (Damascus) were removed; and the cost was Ahaz' submission to Tiglath-Pileser. In 2 Kings 17.3 Hoshea, king of Israel, paid Assyria tribute.

v5-8: The attack of Assyria, like the Euphrates overflowing its banks. Judah would also suffer. Ahaz had refused God's "gently flowing waters," seeking alliance with Rezin and Pekah (son of Remaliah); should he not rather have chosen God's deliverance?

v9-10: The ultimate victory is God's, as human counsel and strength come to nothing.

v11: The firm word from the Lord, that Isaiah should not walk in the ways of his people. He had to remain distinct from the rebellious people to whom he was sent.

v12: The people threatened Isaiah, presumably because of his message, compare 1 Kings 18.17; Jer 38.4; the faithful man was accused of damaging the nation. The sort of messages delivered by God's prophets was not popular, for they were sent by God to His rebellious people.

v13: Fear the Lord, Luke 12.4-5, not man.

v14: The Lord is the sanctuary for the faithful, see Ezek 11.16. At the same time, He is the stone of stumbling and the rock of offence, which is quoted in 1 Pet 2.8. The real problem was not the threat of the Assyrian army, but the people's disobedience.

v15: The sad prophecy, that many would not repent, but would maintain their rebellion.

v16: There was a small remnant, remaining faithful in difficult circumstances; there were "my disciples", and "reliable witnesses" (v2), so Isaiah was not alone. The law and the testimony were known by only a few, and had to be preserved by them. Isaiah's son, Shear-Jashub bore the name 'a remnant shall return,' which is consistent here.

v17: Like Job, Isaiah trusted in the Lord through his circumstances, whatever those circumstances were.

v18: Isaiah's bold testimony; God had sent him, his wife and children, to Israel. In this he pictures Christ, Heb 2.13.

v19: False religion; mediums and wizards, who whisper and mutter, occult practices, referred to in 2.6, the religion of the Philistines and other nations.

Medium ('familiar spirits', AV). Communicating with the dead.

Wizard, Heb:YIDDEONI, a 'knowing one,' similar to Gnosticism, claiming secret knowledge.

Whisper and mutter; making strange, indistinguishable noises.

The answer is clear; should not the people seek the true God? There is folly in speaking to the dead.

v20: There is an objective test, the law and the testimony. Isaiah's conclusion, which is God's view also, is that there is no light in them. We do not learn helpful things from such false religion.

v21: The initial judgment, hunger, at which they would curse both God and their king.

v22: Later judgment, they would see trouble and darkness, and the gloom of anguish, as they suffer the Day of the Lord, Zeph 1.15.