Maher-shalal-hash-baz (8:1-8). 

        Immanuel was a sign for the king and royal house; Maher-shalal-hash-baz was to be one for the people. Note the method used to awaken curiosity. The strange phrase “Haste-spoil-speed-booty” is written on a large board and fastened out­side Isaiah’s house during the nine months his son is in his mother’s womb. Only after the child’s birth is it explained. It is clear that the prophet’s appeal to the people had no more success than the appeal to the king.

        Note that the identification of Immanuel with Maher-shalal-hash-baz, found in some commentaries, has nothing to commend it; also that the prophetess simply means the pro­phet’s wife.