Isaiah 7:3
And the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer’s Field.
English Standard Version (ESV)
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The name of Isaiah's son, Shear-jashub, meaning "a remnant shall return," was a vital, living prophecy delivered in person. God intentionally placed this symbolic child with Isaiah at this specific location, turning the king's moment of defensive planning into a prophetic encounter about future hope and God's enduring faithfulness, even amidst judgment.
King Ahaz of Judah is facing an imminent invasion by a powerful alliance of Syria and Israel, and the nation is gripped by fear. The Lord instructs Isaiah to meet King Ahaz outside the city, at a critical point overseeing the water supply, accompanied by his son Shear-jashub, whose name itself carries a prophetic message of hope. This encounter happens as Ahaz is inspecting defensive measures, highlighting the dire circumstances and the king's own desperate plans.
Why would God send a prophet to meet a king, and why would the prophet need to bring his young son along? The answer lies in the son's name.
God often used symbolic actions and names to communicate His messages, especially in times of crisis. The prophet Isaiah was instructed to meet King Ahaz with his son, Shear-jashub. This name, meaning 'a remnant shall return,' was not just a random label. It was a living prophecy, a constant reminder to Ahaz and the nation.
A Name with a Purpose
The location where Isaiah met Ahaz wasn't random. It was a place of defense, and understanding it reveals more about the king's state of mind.
The encounter between Isaiah and King Ahaz occurred at a specific, strategic location: 'at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer’s Field.' This wasn't just a casual meeting spot.
The King's Anxious Preparations
Understand the original words
YHWH · Hebrew Noun
The covenantal name of God, YHWH, revealing His self-existent, eternal nature and His faithfulness to His redemptive promises to His people. It is the name through which God relates to humanity in grace and truth.
She'ar Yashuv · Hebrew Noun (Proper Name)
A name meaning "a remnant shall return," serving as a prophetic sign. It embodies the theological truth that while judgment may come upon the people of God, a faithful portion will survive and be restored by His mercy.
The encounter between Isaiah and King Ahaz happens during a desperate siege, highlighting Ahaz's fear and distrust of God, setting the stage for Isaiah's prophecies of both immediate deliverance and long-term judgment, symbolized by his son's name.
c. 740 BC
Syrian-Ephraimitic War Begins
Rezin of Syria and Pekah of Israel unite to invade Judah. They lay siege to Jerusalem, aiming to depose King Ahaz and install their own chosen ruler.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah's Son Shear-jashub Named
Isaiah's son is born, named 'A Remnant Shall Return,' a symbolic prophecy of future judgment and hope amidst the crisis.
c. 740 BC— this verse
Ahaz Oversees City Defenses
King Ahaz is at the upper pool's conduit, likely inspecting or directing efforts to secure the city's water supply against the siege.
c. 740 BC
Isaiah Delivers God's Message
The LORD instructs Isaiah to meet Ahaz at the waterworks, delivering a message of reassurance and demanding faith, not reliance on foreign powers.
This passage directly follows the context of Isaiah 7, where the prophet is instructed to take his son Shear-jashub. Here, the birth of another son, Maher-shalal-hash-baz, further emphasizes God's judgment and impending destruction, reinforcing the thematic link of judgment and remnant found in Shear-jashub's name.
Isaiah 10:21This verse explicitly interprets the meaning of 'Shear-jashub,' stating that 'A remnant, a remnant of Jacob, shall return to the mighty God.' It directly connects the son's name to the prophecy of a returning remnant after judgment.
2 Kings 16:7-9This historical account describes Ahaz's actions that directly led to the situation in Isaiah 7, where he sought help from the king of Assyria. It provides the political and military backdrop for God's prophetic message through Isaiah and his son.
Jeremiah 31:7This passage echoes the theme of a remnant returning, speaking of God gathering His flock from the north and the ends of the earth. It shows the consistent prophetic message of hope for a remnant even amidst widespread judgment.
barnesIsaiah 7:3: "Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;"
Then said the Lord - In regard to the purposes for which Isaiah was sent to meet Ahaz, and the reason why this place was selected, see the Analysis of the chapter. Thou and Shear-ashub - The meaning of the name "Shear-jashub" is, 'the remnant shall return.' The names which Isaiah gave to his sons were significan…
jfbIsaiah 7:3: "Then said the LORD unto Isaiah, Go forth now to meet Ahaz, thou, and Shearjashub thy son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool in the highway of the fuller's field;"
- Go forth—out of the city, to the place where Ahaz was superintending the works for defense and the cutting off of the water supply from the enemy, and securing it to the city. So Isa 22:9; 2Ch 32:4.Shearjashub—that is, A remnant shall return (Isa 6:13). His very name (compare Isa 7:14; Isa 8:3) was a standing…
The name of Isaiah's son, Shear-jashub, meaning "a remnant shall return," was a vital, living prophecy delivered in person. God intentionally placed this symbolic child with Isaiah at this specific location, turning the king's moment of defensive planning into a prophetic encounter about future hope and God's enduring faithfulness, even amidst judgment.
King Ahaz of Judah is facing an imminent invasion by a powerful alliance of Syria and Israel, and the nation is gripped by fear. The Lord instructs Isaiah to meet King Ahaz outside the city, at a critical point overseeing the water supply, accompanied by his son Shear-jashub, whose name itself carries a prophetic message of hope. This encounter happens as Ahaz is inspecting defensive measures, highlighting the dire circumstances and the king's own desperate plans.
King Ahaz of Judah is facing an imminent invasion by a powerful alliance of Syria and Israel, and the nation is gripped by fear. The Lord instructs Isaiah to meet King Ahaz outside the city, at a critical point overseeing the water supply, accompanied by his son Shear-jashub, whose name itself carries a prophetic message of hope. This encounter happens as Ahaz is inspecting defensive measures, highlighting the dire circumstances and the king's own desperate plans.
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c. 734 BC
Assyrian Intervention
Ahaz, desperate, appeals to Assyria for help, paying tribute to Tiglath-Pileser III. This act brings the Assyrians into the region, ultimately leading to greater devastation.
c. 732 BC
Fall of Damascus
Tiglath-Pileser III captures Damascus, the capital of Syria, ending Rezin's threat to Judah and fulfilling part of Isaiah's prophecy.
c. 722 BC
Fall of Samaria
The Northern Kingdom of Israel (Ephraim) is conquered by the Neo-Assyrian Empire, fulfilling the prophecy that Ephraim would cease to be a people.
"And the LORD said to Isaiah, “Go out to meet Ahaz, you and Shear-jashub your son, at the end of the conduit of the upper pool on the highway to the Washer’s Field." — The name of Isaiah's son, Shear-jashub, meaning "a remnant shall return," was a vital, living prophecy delivered in person. God intentionally placed this symbolic child with Isaiah at this specific l…
