The Tension between Experiences of Nothingness and Hope in the Metaphorical Meaning of the Names of the Children (Isaiah 7–8) from a Perspective of Generational Imprinted Trauma and Resilience

Abstract

The texts of Isaiah 7 and 8 are a paragon of metaphorical meanings and signs, especially as they pertain to the name-giving of Isaiah’s sons: Shear-Jashub, Immanuel, and Maher-shalal-hash-baz. This opens a scope of possibilities for Biblical scholars as hardly any research has been done on the implications and corollaries of the three sign names. The significance of children and the function they have within the Hebrew Bible are investigated to give a better understanding of the prophetic utterance of Isaiah. Furthermore, when a perspective of generational imprinted trauma is applied to explore and understand the text, an opportunity arises to assess the text within the parameters of pre-migration and the ensuing traumatic experiences. The metaphorical names give us as biblical scholars a glimpse into the possible outcome of fear and threat that is posed by the Syro-Epohraimite coalition and the Assyrian campaign. Within the three sign-names, the pragmatics of individual and collective trauma, healing, and resilience are also underpinned. As the axes sway between hopelessness (nothingness) and hopefulness, the sign-names of the children provide dualistic solutions of either divine punishment or the restitution of a remaining remnant through complete faith and the knowledge that ‘God is with us’.