(Isa. 8:1–4; refer in this text to 2 Ne. 18:18)
Isaiah was the father of two sons, Maher-shalal-hash-baz (see 2 Ne. 18:3) and Shear-jashub (see 2 Ne. 17:3). Both names are symbolic of the Lord’s intentions for the northern kingdom of Israel. Maher-shalal-hash-baz is a Hebrew term meaning “to speed to the spoil, he hasteneth the prey” (Isa. 8:1d; see also 2 Ne. 18:1b). This name describes the events spoken of in 2 Nephi 18:4. The ten tribes were overrun and despoiled by the Assyrians when Samaria, the capital of the northern kingdom, was besieged. Shear-jashub is a Hebrew term meaning “the remnant shall return” (Isa. 7:3a). This is a reference to the day when Israel will be gathered from her scattered condition. Thus Isaiah could report: “Behold, I and the children whom the Lord hath given me are for signs and for wonders in Israel from the Lord of Hosts” (2 Ne. 18:18).
(Book of Mormon Student Manual, Religion 121 and 122[Salt Lake City: The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints, 1989], 33.)
The message Isaiah carried to the people was “Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz” or, “quick to the plunder, swift to the spoil.” (See Isa. 8, footnote 1d.) This message was written on a large tablet or parchment to warn the people that an Assyrian attack was imminent. The message was also embodied in Isaiah’s son, who received the message as his given name. The nearness of fulfillment was also to be seen in the son because before he could “call out” or speak to his parents, the invasion would come upon Damascus and Samaria, and their wealth would go to Assyria… .
Isaiah had the warning witnessed by leaders of Jerusalem, and thus after his wife conceived and they named their son, the people waited for him to learn to speak. It appears that before he did, the attack came, and the Judeans received a confirmation of Isaiah’s peophetic powers.
With a witness of Isaiah’s prophecy about the Assyrian attack upon the northern countries, the people of Jerusalem could study his prophecy given about them and know that it was also to be fulfilled.
(Victor L. Ludlow, Isaiah: Prophet, Seer, and Poet [Salt Lake City: Deseret Book Co., 1982], 147.)