And I went unto the prophetess; and she conceived, and bore a son. Then said the LORD to me,
Call his name Mahershalalhashbaz.
Read Chapter 8
John Chrysostom
AD 407
How was it, then, one may say, that his name was not called Emmanuel but Jesus Christ? Because he did not say “you shall call” but “they shall call,” that is, the multitude and the issue of events. For here he uses an event (i.e., God being “with us”) as a name; and this is customary in Scripture, to substitute the events that take place for names. Therefore, to say, “they shall call” him “Emmanuel” means nothing else than that they shall see God among humanity. For he has always been among them, but never so manifestly. - "Homilies on the Gospel of Matthew 5.2"
The Jews say, “How then is it that he was not called Emmanuel but Jesus Christ?” One may answer: The prophet did not say “you shall call” but “they shall call.” That is, the events and deeds of his life will show that he is God and that he keeps company with us. For holy Scripture gives names that are derived from the events of one’s life; for example, “Call his name Plunder Swiftly.” Yet where does it record that anyone was ever called by such a name? But since error was despoiled and taken captive at the moment of the Lord’s birth, Scripture gives this as his name, which he acquires from the event. - "Explanation of Matthew 1"
