Isaiah 8

The gentle waters of Shiloah

Forasmuch as this people refuseth the waters of Shiloah that go softly, and rejoice in Rezin and Remaliah’s son; Isaiah 8:6

The quiet waters of Shiloah, Jerusalem's spring, stand for the Lord's gentle care, which the people rejected for military alliances. Jesus later sent a blind man to wash at this same pool, called Siloam, and he was healed.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 18:6 — Nephi's copy.

Immanuel

Immanuel — God with us

And he shall pass through Judah; he shall overflow and go over, he shall reach even to the neck; and the stretching out of his wings shall fill the breadth of thy land, O Immanuel. Isaiah 8:8

Isaiah calls the land of Judah Immanuel's land. The promised child is its true owner and King.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a Church study aid lists it

• the same title in Isaiah 7:14 — The son named Immanuel.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 18:8 — Nephi's copy.

God with us

God is with us — in Hebrew the very words of the name Immanuel

Take counsel together, and it shall come to nought; speak the word, and it shall not stand: for God is with us. Isaiah 8:10

The nations' plots will fail because God is with us, which in Hebrew is the name Immanuel. The promised Son is the reason Judah can stand.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• the same title in Isaiah 7:14 — The name Immanuel.
• the same title in Matthew 1:23 — Emmanuel, which being interpreted is, God with us.

Stone of Stumbling

Stone of stumbling, rock of offence — the Lord who is a safe foundation to believers and a stumbling block to those who reject Him

Sanctify the LORD of hosts himself; and let him be your fear, and let him be your dread. Isaiah 8:13–15

The LORD of hosts will be a safe sanctuary to those who trust Him and a stone people trip over if they reject Him. Peter and Paul say this stone is Jesus Christ.

How we know: the verse itself names Him · the chapter heading names Him · a footnote points to Him · a Church study aid lists it

• quoted by 1 Peter 2:7-8 — Christ is the stone of stumbling and rock of offence to the disobedient.
• quoted by Romans 9:32-33 — Israel stumbled at that stumblingstone.
• alluded to by Jacob 4:15 — By their stumbling the Jews reject the stone upon which they might build.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 18:13-15 — Nephi's copy.

Christ and the children God gave Him

And I will wait upon the LORD, that hideth his face from the house of Jacob, and I will look for him. Isaiah 8:17–18

Isaiah speaks of trusting the Lord and of the children given to him as signs. The Epistle to the Hebrews puts these words in Christ's mouth, speaking of the people God gave Him as His brothers and sisters.

How we know: the chapter heading names Him

• quoted by Hebrews 2:13 — Christ says: Behold I and the children which God hath given me.
• a parallel account in 2 Nephi 18:17-18 — Nephi's copy.