The identity of the 8th harbinger is a mystery that has intrigued Bible scholars and prophecy experts for years. This elusive figure is mentioned in the Book of Isaiah as one of the harbingers of judgment against ancient Israel. In recent times, some have speculated that the 8th harbinger may point to a coming judgment on America. This article will explore the clues about the possible identity of this cryptic harbinger and the significance that many see in its message of warning and repentance.
What are the Harbingers?
According to the prophecy in Isaiah 9:10, the harbingers were sent as wake-up calls to spur Israel to repentance before judgment would fall. Each harbinger was a sign given to show that the nation was headed down a path of destruction unless they turned their hearts back to God. Specifically, there were 9 harbingers sent to Israel:
| 1. The Breach | The destruction of Israel’s security hedge |
| 2. The Terrorist | The invading and attacking enemy |
| 3. The Fallen Bricks | Collapse of the nation’s walls |
| 4. The Tower | Destruction of the temple tower |
| 5. The Gazit Stone | Quarried and dressed stone for rebuilding |
| 6. The Sycamore | An uprooted and destroyed Sycamore tree |
| 7. The Erez Tree | A Cedar tree planted in the place of the Sycamore |
| 8. The Utterance | Defiant words and vows of “We will rebuild” |
| 9. The Prophecy | Judgment that did not turn the nation to repentance |
The first 7 harbingers appeared in Israel’s last days before judgment fell for their national apostasy. The 8th harbinger is only referred to as “the Utterance.” The 9th harbinger was the prophecy of their destruction which would soon occur if they did not repent.
The Mystery of the 8th Harbinger
Very little about the 8th harbinger is directly explained in scripture. We know from Isaiah’s prophecy that the “Utterance” was a defiant statement made by Israel’s leaders in response to the prior 7 harbingers warning them of judgment. Their words essentially vowed to rebuild the nation stronger without consideration for what God desired. Beyond this, the actual content and context of the utterance is unknown. Several theories exist on the identity of the 8th harbinger:
– It was a specific statement made by a king of Israel at the time. If so, it is lost to history.
– It refers generally to the attitude of defiance that permeated Israel’s leadership and culture.
– There was an actual known prophetic utterance that Isaiah was referencing that is now forgotten.
– Isaiah was speaking metaphorically about a symbolic harbinger and there was no actual utterance.
– The “Utterance” harbinger is yet to appear, awaiting a connection to a future judgment.
This mystery has sparked much debate among scholars. It remains unclear exactly what – if anything – the 8th harbinger represents beyond a general attitude of defiance toward God. Any specifics around actual words or speeches remain an enigma lost to antiquity.
Possible Candidates for the 8th Harbinger in Israel’s History
Though the full meaning of the Utterance is uncertain, some candidates have been proposed as possibilities for what it could refer to. Here are a few of the potential links that scholars have theorized:
Hezekiah’s Pride
Some believe Isaiah was referencing a defiant statement by King Hezekiah in 2 Chronicles 32. After Assyria invaded Judah, Hezekiah strengthened Jerusalem’s defenses and accumulated wealth and treasures. 2 Chronicles 32:25 states that this made his heart “proud.” As a result, judgment fell on both Hezekiah and Judah. This could potentially be linked to the Utterance.
Manasseh’s Idolatry
Another candidate is King Manasseh who did more evil and promoted more idolatry than any other king in Judah’s history. His defiant sins brought judgment from God. His unrepentant attitude could be what Isaiah meant by the 8th Harbinger.
Jehoiakim’s Rebellion
King Jehoiakim rebelled against God’s word spoken through Jeremiah the prophet. He burned the prophetic scroll that was meant to turn the nation back to God. His defiance could be seen as a symbol of the Utterance.
Zedekiah’s Stubbornness
The last king of Judah, Zedekiah, was stubborn and ignored Jeremiah’s warnings right up until Jerusalem’s destruction. The Utterance could reference Zedekiah’s unbending defiance against God’s call to repent.
Ultimately, there is no consensus on which – if any – of these kings represent the mysterious 8th Harbinger. This part of Isaiah’s prophecy remains shrouded in mystery.
Possible Connections to America
A number of writers have drawn parallels between Isaiah 9:10 and recent events in America. On the surface, several striking similarities exist:
– The terrorism of 9/11 mirrored the invading enemy in Isaiah’s prophecy.
– Damaged bricks and a sycamore tree at Ground Zero resembled the fallen bricks and uprooted sycamore of the Biblical harbingers.
– Rebuilding efforts at the Freedom Tower site could echo the ancient vows to rebuild that Isaiah warned about.
Those who connect Isaiah 9:10 to America see the 9/11 attack as a wake-up call for the nation to repent and turn back to God. But like ancient Israel, America largely responded with a resolve to rebuild bigger and stronger while failing to address moral and spiritual issues. Without true repentance, further judgment is inevitable from this perspective.
But what about the mysterious 8th Harbinger? A few possible candidates have been proposed for how it could manifest:
The Supreme Court Ruling on Same-Sex Marriage
In 2015, the Supreme Court struck down all state bans on same-sex marriage, effectively legalizing it nationwide. This defiant act against Biblical values could represent the Utterance against God’s design for sexuality and family.
The Election of President Obama
Some view the election of Barack Obama in 2008 as a turning point for America stepping away from her Judeo-Christian heritage and Biblical foundations. His vocally progressive policies and values embody this defiance.
America’s Foreign Policy Shift
Shifts in America’s support for Israel and stances toward Middle Eastern nations like Iran have reflected a foreign policy much less friendly to Judeo-Christian morals. This could constitute the Utterance against God’s purposes.
However, definitive proof has not emerged for any of these representing Isaiah’s prophetic 8th Harbinger. Its full meaning and connection to America is as of yet unclear.
Conclusion
The true identity and significance of the 8th Harbinger continues to elude both scholars and prophecy watchers. The mystery remains intact from Isaiah’s day through the present. From the past possibilities in ancient Israel to potential modern connections to America, the question begs an answer: Exactly what is the 8th Harbinger? Until evidence comes forth or fulfillment unfolds, the prophecy’s full meaning is known only to God. Perhaps the definitive answer will only arrive when judgment finally falls. In the meantime, the seeking soul should focus less on speculating over cryptic omens and rather on walking in sincere repentance and revival before the Lord.
