Isaiah 7-8

"Do not call conspiracy all that this people calls conspiracy, and do not fear what they fear …But the LORD of hosts, him you shall honor as holy. Let him be your fear, and let him be your dread” (8:12-13).  Isaiah prophesied as the Assyrian empire was rising up and getting ready to attack Israel.  Isaiah warned the Israelites not to be controlled by fear and not to defend themselves, but to repent and return to their Lord.  Their obedience to God was their best protection.

“And He will become a sanctuary and a stone of offense …” (8:14).  When we run away from God, He becomes “a stone of offense,” but He desires to be our sanctuary.