[1] Fragments containing parts of this chapter were found among the Dead Sea Scrolls (3rd century BC or later): There is also a translation into Koine Greek known as the Septuagint, made in the last few centuries BCE.

Extant ancient manuscripts of the Septuagint version include Codex Vaticanus (B;

Since the sign of Immanuel (Isaiah 7:14-17) gives an undisclosed time in the future, another sign is given to deal with the contemporary scene, in the form of a child with an ordinary birth and a name which would be a standing witness (cf.

[4] The striking similarity with Isaiah 7:14-15 raises an argument that this is a variant version of the same story, but 'the heavily symbolic name given to the unsuspecting child has markedly different overtone'.

[8] Using evil to fight evil would bring Judah to the path of the torrent/flood which would jeopardize herself as the land of Immanuel, but for Immanuel's sake, there is a limit set (verse 8: up to the neck; cf.

[12] As the oracle of judgement in this part gives clear warning to all conspiring against the community that the presence of Immanuel ('God is with us') will overthrow their plans: There is no political solutions to the community's problems, but the people are to trust in YHWH (Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread).