Take notice, you peoples, and be dismayed; listen, all you far countries; gird yourselves and be dismayed! Take counsel together, but it shall be brought to naught; speak a word, but it will not stand, for God is with us.
—Isaiah 8:9–10

He is telling people to be dismayed and that all will be for naught precisely because God is with them. The tone of these verses sounds like it is trying to strengthen and encourage even as it promises judgment. And the basis for all of that is God’s presence among them.

For more on this theme, read: Advent & Hoping for God to Be With Us.

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