Isaiah 11:8

"The cow and the bear will graze. Their young ones will lie down together. The lion will eat straw like the ox."

Key Reflection

This passage depicts a profound image of peace and harmony, where even animals that are natural enemies will coexist peacefully—symbolizing the ideal state of society under Messiah's rule. It illustrates how divine governance would transform not just human interactions but also the very nature of creation, ensuring safety and prosperity for all.

From the Scholars: Barnes' Notes

And the sucking child -An emblem here of harmlessness and innocence. The change in the world, under the Messiah, shall be as great as if a sucking infant should be able to play unharmed with a venomous serpent. Shall play -Shall delight himself (שׁעשׁעshı̂‛ăsha‛) as children usually engage in their sports; compareProverbs 8:30-31;Psalms 119:24. On the hole of the asp -Over, or around the cavern, hole, or place of retreat of the asp. He shall play over that place as safely as if the nature of the asp was changed, and it had become innocuous.

Related Verses

More from Isaiah 11

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