What does Isaiah 8:2 Mean?

Verse Meaning

God selected two men whom he wanted to witness the writing or posting of this document to confirm the date of this prophecy. When the predicted events happened, they could faithfully testify that Isaiah had predicted them. One of the witnesses was Uriah ("Yahweh is light"). He was probably the high priest who built an altar, like the one in Damascus that Ahaz had seen, and set it up in place of the brazen altar (cf. 2 Kings 16:10-16). The position that this Zechariah ("Yahweh remembers") occupied is unknown, but he may have been a prominent public figure like Uriah (cf. 2 Chronicles 26:5; 2 Chronicles 29:12-13). [source][source]

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Context Summary

Ahaz, as we have seen, summoned the king of Assyria to his aid. This policy, dictated by human prudence, was fraught with vast peril. He and his advisers would rue their choice, and would have to pay dearly for introducing Assyria into the complicated politics of these minor states. Though this policy might effect a temporary success, like that which Isaiah indicated in the naming of his newborn child, yet ultimately it would work out disastrously, in the depopulation and desolation of the country. The impoverished peasants would have one cow instead of a herd, and two sheep instead of a flock. Is not this true of all the expedients which we substitute for faith in God? At first they promise well but they disappoint and fail. It is the old lesson: "Lean not to thine own understanding," Proverbs 3:5. [source]

Chapter Summary: Isaiah 8

¹  In Maher-Shalal-Hash-Baz, he prophesies Syria and Israel shall be subdued by Assyria
⁵  Judah likewise for their infidelity
⁹  God's judgments shall be irresistible
¹¹  Comfort shall be to those who fear God
¹⁹  Great afflictions to idolaters