11:6-9
We now get one of the well known sections, though I suspect that most people don’t know where it comes from. We read in this section of a complete transformation of what we know as the natural order. Wolves and lambs do not live together! One is food for the other. And you would not dream of allowing a little child to look after them. Yet the situation will be that such things are possible. This section has to be looking forward to the coming of God’s kingdom. I think we also have to take it as figurative as well. Whether it applies to actual lions etc is a moot point. What it does mean is that previously sworn enemies will live together in peace. How on earth can this happen? The answer is given in v9 when it says “the earth will be filled with the knowledge of the Lord”. It is only in Christ that we can find peace. In Ephesians Paul speaks of the wall of hostility between Jews and Gentiles being broken down in Christ. We will not find harmony by focusing on the issues that cause conflict, it is only by focusing on Christ, where all need to come to repentance.
11:10,11
We get another mention of the “Root of Jesse”. It is significant that the Messiah is referred to as the “Root of Jesse”, rather than David. The Messiah is “another David”. He will be a rallying point for all nations. The book of Isaiah is big on the global reach of God’s plan. While it is global, it also includes the Jews. For the remnant of Israel will be redeemed from wherever they have gone. Christ is the only source of human peace.
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