Isaiah 11:7

"The wolf will live with the lamb, and the leopard will lie down with the young goat, the calf, the young lion, and the fattened calf together; and a little child will lead them."

Key Reflection

Isaiah 11:7 paints a vivid picture of a future utopia where natural conflicts are resolved and harmony prevails. The imagery of the wolf living with the lamb, the leopard lying down with the young goat, and even the fierce lion sharing space with cattle and children suggests that in this ideal world, not only will predators no longer prey on their usual targets, but all creatures will coexist peacefully. This vision extends beyond mere animal relations to symbolize a broader societal peace where even the weakest can lead without fear—highlighting God's ultimate reign of justice and tranquility.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And the cow and the bear shall feed -That is, together. Animals that by nature do not dwell together, where by nature the one would be the prey of the other, shall dwell together - animage of safety and peace. And the lion shall eat straw like the ox -A representation of the change that will take place under the reign of the Messiah in the natural disposition of men, and in the aspect of society; as great as if the lion were to lose his natural appetite for blood, and to live on the usual food of the ox.

More from Isaiah 11

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