e. When proper perspective is lost (8:11-22)

Any hope Isaiah may have had of redirecting Ahaz is now long since vanished. Ahaz and his people have resolutely set out on a path that will lead to their destruction. In their disobedience they have lost perspective. It is likely that they even accused Isaiah of conspiracy (v.12). They fear the wrong king. Isaiah is reminded not to get caught up in the misdirection of the people but to fear Yahweh alone.

In vv.16-18 Isaiah brings his thoughts to a close. He bids his followers to secure these written statements. He has made his vision known; now he will wait for the Lord. He and his children stand as signs of what the Lord will do.

The words of vv.19-22 appear to be an afterthought. In stark contrast to the prophet who has heard the word of the Lord are those who trust in necromancy, a practice condemned in biblical laws (Lev 19:31; Dt 18:10-11; cf. also the story of Saul and the witch of Endor [1Sa 28]). Isaiah cannot resist a sarcastic blast at the destructive futility of their ways, which he portrays in the graphic terms of darkness, distress, and gloom.