Reader Michael Zorn offers the following paraphrase of Isaiah 8:3:

The Almighty: Isaiah! You’re doing a pretty good job down there. Keep

up

the good work. Meantime, you’re going to have a son.

Isaiah: Oh, thank you, LORD. This is a joy for me, and for my wife,

too. We’re both very happy.

The Almighty: His name is going to be Mahershalalhashbaz.

Isaiah: Oy!

The name, loosely translated, seems to mean “Assyria is going to get its

butt kicked, and pretty soon, too”. Astoundingly, there are actual people

with this name, including a current TV actor, Mr Mahershalalhashbaz Ali.