Albert Barnes Commentary Isaiah 8:1

"And Jehovah said unto me, Take thee a great tablet, and write upon it with the pen of a man, For Maher-shalal-hash-baz;" — Isaiah 8:1 (ASV)

Take yourself a great roll - The word translated here as ‘roll’ more properly signifies a tablet. The Chaldee renders it this way. These tablets were made of wood, metal, or stone for the purpose of writing on (Habakkuk 2:2).

On these tablets, or smooth plates, writing was performed by cutting the letters with an iron stylus, or small chisel. The process was slow, but the writing was permanent. They sometimes used the skins of animals or the bark of trees, and later the papyrus of Egypt (compare the note at Isaiah 19:7); and it is possible that Isaiah may have used such a roll or volume on this occasion .

With a man’s pen - The word “pen” here (חרט chereṭ) denotes the iron stylus, which was used to engrave or cut the letters in the metal or wood. The phrase ‘a man’s pen,’ has been variously interpreted. The Chaldee renders it, ‘Write in it an open, or clear writing, or an expanded writing,’ meaning that he should make it clear and distinct so as to be easily read. The Syriac, ‘Write on it in the (usual) custom of men.’ The word translated as ‘man’s אנושׁ 'ĕnôsh’ usually denotes common men—the lower ranks—in opposition to the higher ranks of society.

And probably the direction simply means, ‘Write on it in letters such as men commonly use; in a plain, open, distinct manner—without using any mysterious emblems or characters, but so that men may read it distinctly and easily.’ A parallel passage occurs in Habakkuk 2:2: Write the vision and make it plain upon tables, that he may run that readeth it.

Concerning - Hebrew ל (le). This preposition may denote concerning, of, or to. I understand it here as referring to the heading or title of the prophecy. This was to be set over the prophecy as a running title to denote its main subject. The subject is indicated in the name that is immediately added.

Maher - Hasten; or, he shall hasten. “Shalal.” Spoil, or prey.

Hash - Hasten, or make speed.

Baz - Spoil, or prey. The name used here is a repetition of the same idea—denoting haste in seizing prey or spoil—and is repeated to give emphasis and to excite attention. The idea is that the Assyrian would hasten to his plunder—that it would be accomplished with speed. This name was to be given to a child of Isaiah, and this child was to be a sign of the event signified by the name .