Isaiah 11 Fulfilled
The Symbolism of the Wolf and the Lamb in Isaiah 11: Literal Future, or Spiritual Present?
Introduction
The famous passage about the wolf and the lamb in Isaiah chapter 11, specifically verses 6 and 7, has intrigued many readers throughout history. Different interpretations have been proposed, and in this piece, I will delve into the position of the earliest interpreter of this passage, The Apostle Paul. By following in the style of The Apostles typological interpretations of Scripture, we may uncover interesting insights and refine our understanding together.
The famous passage about the wolf and the lamb in Isaiah chapter 11, specifically verses 6 and 7. Now, if you've heard about the futurist's view or have come across this perspective, you might already be familiar with their take on these verses. According to the futurist camp, these lines are talking about a future time on Earth when Jesus will reign for a literal thousand-year period. During this time, they believe that all creatures will be tamed, no longer acting on their natural instincts, and instead living peacefully together. Sounds “intriguing”, right?
However, I have a different interpretation that I'd like to present to give hear. Let's lay some viewpoints here:
1. Animals: Jew and Gentile Together?
2. The Child and The Believers
3. The Apostle Paul Parks The Prophecy In The Present
BONUS: Isaiah stands out among his contemporaries.
Now, when I read Isaiah 11, I encounter a vivid description of Christ's accomplishment in establishing his bride The Church. “On this rock I will build my church”. But what did Christ thave in mind? Isaiah tells exactly what he had in mind. It mentions the wolf and the lamb lying down together, as well as other pairings like the leopard with the young goat, and the calf with the young lion and the fatling. It even says that a little child will lead them. But here's the question: In what sense is this a reality? Is it meant to be taken literally?
Let's pay attention to the animals mentioned. We have what the Jews would consider both clean and unclean animals, as well as docile and ferocious carnivores. But they're together! “THATS UNHEARD OF!”… No, thats New Covenant. Interestingly, some of these same animals—lion, leopard, and bear—are also mentioned in Daniel chapter 7, where they represent Gentile nations that persecuted the Jews.
Some nerd notes for Hostile animals as enemies of israel are:
“In describing the enemy, Jeremiah uses the common metaphor the ―lion.‖ Earlier foes from Assyria were roaring ―lions‖ (2:15); now the foe from the N is another ―lion‖ (4:7; 5:6), or else a ―wolf‖ or a ―leopard‖ (5:6). In 8:17 Babylon is depicted as 2 different varieties of snakes. Other metaphors in 4:11 (―desert wind‖) and 15:12 (―iron, iron from the north, and bronze‖) are weakened by clarification, which may mark them as later insertions into the text. In 25:32b the enemy is a ―great tempest‖ (cf. 6:22 which has ―great nation‖). The foreign kings coming with their armies from the E are ―shepherds with their flocks‖ (6:3). Judah‘s kings are also ―shepherds‖ (2:8; 22:22; 23:1–4)” - Anchor Bible Dictionary
Eagle (Lamentations 4:19) The eagle is used metaphorically to describe the swift and powerful enemy forces that besieged Jerusalem. It symbolizes the speed and ferocity with which the enemy attacked.
Viper (Isaiah 30:6) The viper is mentioned in the context of the Israelites' disobedience and reliance on Egypt for protection instead of trusting in God. It represents the harmful consequences of their misguided alliances.
Scorpion (Deuteronomy 8:15) The scorpion is mentioned as one of the dangers in the wilderness during the Israelites' exodus from Egypt. It represents the threats and challenges they faced during their journey.
Locust (Exodus 10:4-6) The locusts are depicted as a devastating plague unleashed upon Egypt as a punishment for Pharaoh's refusal to let the Israelites go. Although they were not directly hostile to Israel, their presence intensified the pressure on Pharaoh to release the Israelites.
Wolf (Ezekiel 22:27) The wolf is used metaphorically to describe the leaders of Israel who exploit and prey on the weak and vulnerable. It symbolizes their cruelty and lack of concern for the well-being of their fellow Israelites.
We all know the famous fourth beast is described as an indescribable and ferocious creature but never an exact animal. Now, it's worth noting that in the New Testament, Jesus and the Apostles warned us about wolves. The fascinating connection is that the Gentile nations in Daniel are represented by these very animals. But that's not the hot point.
Here's another set of nerd notes I put together.
The truth is, there's a spiritual aspect to these verses, involving the relationship between God's people and those who are not His followers. It's not just about literal animals behaving differently, but rather a symbolic portrayal of the coming together of different nations and the peaceful coexistence between them. Where do you find this? THE NEW COVENANT. The peaceful and docile animals mentioned, such as the cow, lamb, and kid, are often associated with sacrificial offerings. They are considered clean animals. This brings to mind a reference in the Bible where God advised against plowing with an ox and an ass together. This was because the ox was considered clean, while the ass was seen as unclean. In a similar vein, the Apostle Paul urged his audience to not be unequally yoked with unbelievers. This metaphor implies a distinction between the clean and unclean, representing God's people and those who are not.
Pretty thought-provoking.
Truth be told, there has always been a lot of hostility between nations, just as there is often conflict between ferocious animals and docile ones. It's a natural part of our world. But here's something interesting: in Christ’s New Covenant, these opposing forces actually find peace and harmony.
Apassage from the book of Ephesians, specifically Ephesians 2:12-16 fulfills isaiah 11. In this passage, the apostle Paul explains what Jesus accomplished through His life and sacrifice. He talks about how, before Christ, there was a division between those who were outside of God's covenant and those who were part of Israel. People were separated and without hope. But now, through Jesus, those who were once far off have been brought near by His blood. He is our peace, the one who has broken down the barriers that kept us apart. Jesus abolished the enmity, the hostility that existed, by fulfilling the law and creating a new unity. He reconciled both Jews and Gentiles to God, making them one body through His death on the cross.
So, what does this mean? Well, Jesus has taken the believing Jews and the believing Gentiles and united them into one body, which we call the church. God has removed the enmity, the animosity that existed between these groups, and in Christ, He has made them one. It's a beautiful picture of unity and peace. There's your wolf and lamb, and all the rest of the counterpart animals that would in their natural state fight and fear. But in Christ they lay down together, in peace.
These are the clean and sacrificial animals:
Clean animals[Israel]: Cattle: Genesis 7:2 Sheep and Goats: Leviticus 11:2 Exodus 23:19 Deer: Deuteronomy 14:5 Gazelle and Roe Deer: Deuteronomy 14:12 Oxen and Sheep: Deuteronomy 12:21
Sacrificial Animals: Lambs: Leviticus 3:9 Bulls and Oxen: Leviticus 4:2 Leviticus 5:6 Doves and Pigeons: Leviticus 5:7 Male Goats: Leviticus 16:6 Leviticus 16:21
So if we put Isaiah's prophetic picture together, ALL OF THESE CLEAN AND SACRIFICIAL ANIMALS ARE DWELLING WITH UNCLEAN ANIMALS…. or are they still unclean in the new covenant?….
All these animals in isaiahs prophecy are PEOPLE….
Now, if we want further evidence of this idea of the animals and child are representations and not literal anticipations of animals dwelling together, let's turn back to Isaiah 11. At the end of verse 6, it says, "And a little child shall lead them." Interestingly, Jesus also spoke about the importance of being like a little child in Matthew 18:1-4. He said that unless we become like little children, we won't enter the kingdom of heaven. So, in both the prophecy of Isaiah and the teachings of Christ, we see the significance of a child.
In Isaiah's prophecy a child leads, and in God's Kingdom in heaven, a child is considered the greatest.
Let's delve deeper! In Isaiah 11:8-9, it mentions a nursing child playing by a cobra's hole and a weaned child putting their hand in a viper's den. Now, some may argue that these poisonous snakes symbolize demons or the devil, often referred to as a serpent or a dragon in Scripture. If we take that interpretation, we see that the most vulnerable of God's people, the little children, have authority over the serpent. They can play fearlessly near dangerous creatures, unharmed and undisturbed.
In fact, in Luke chapter 10, Jesus tells the seventy disciples that even demons are subject to them in His name. He gives them authority over serpents and scorpions, representing the power of the enemy. Nothing can harm them. When Jesus says, "nothing shall by any means hurt you," it echoes the words of Isaiah: "They shall not hurt nor destroy in all My holy mountain."
It's fascinating to me how these passages from different parts of the Bible connect and reinforce each other! It's a powerful reminder that in Christ, all barriers and enmity can be overcome. We can find unity, peace, and authority over the forces that once caused division and fear. Jesus has brought us together and given us the ability to live harmoniously, just like the docile and ferocious animals lying down together in Isaiah's prophecy.
In 1 John 4, there's a discussion about the spirit of the antichrist, those dark entities that try to keep people in darkness. But here's the amazing part: little children have overcome them! So we, as God's little children, key phrase here, have the power to overcome these spiritual forces.
Now, let's look at Isaiah 11:8-9 for a moment. It talks about a nursing child playing by a cobra's hole and a weaned child putting their hand in a viper's den. It's a poetic description of peace and safety, is it not? Futuristor not we would all agree. But I believe these verses have spiritual significance for us today and not in some distant future. In the new covenant, the "holy mountain" refers to the Church, the community of believers. It's like a safe haven, where we can find unity and peace. The same way Ephesians 2 speaks about us being the Church built upon the apostles and prophets and Christ our cornerstone.
Speaking of the new covenant, Isaiah prophesied about the coming Messiah. He described Him as the shoot from the stump of Jesse. Jesus was anointed with the Holy Spirit, and through Him, we experience the blessings of the Messiah's New Covenant.
Isaiah uses beautiful imagery to paint a picture of unity and peace in the New Covenant. Wolves dwelling with lambs, leopards lying down with goats – it's like natural enemies living together harmoniously. Other prophets like Jeremiah, Ezekiel, and Hosea also present a somewhat vague similar picture of the New Covenant's unity but not anywhere near isaiah 11.
Jesus Himself foreshadowed this unity when He went to Caesarea Philippi, a Gentile town, and later was transfigured on Mount Hermon, the northernmost border of Israel. It was a symbolic representation of how in Him, the barriers between Jew and Gentile would be broken down.
My main point, the most irrefutable fact is that The Apostle Paul actually connects Isaiah 11 to his own time, the New Covenant Age. He quotes Isaiah 11:10 and says that it was fulfilled in his lifetime when he said it would “confirm the promises of the fathers, 9 and the nations on behalf of mercy to glorify God.” Romans 15:8-9. That promise was peace in the mountain of Zion[The Church] between Jews and gentile nations.
Rom 15:4-12 KJ3 4 For as many things as were written before were written for our instruction, that through the patience and the encouragement of the Scriptures we might have hope. 5 And may the God of patience and encouragement give to you to be mindful of the same thing among one another according to Christ Jesus, 6 that with one accord and with one mouth you may glorify the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ. 7 Therefore receive one another as Christ also received us, to the glory of God. 8 And I say, Jesus Christ has become a minister of circumcision for the truth of God, to confirm the promises of the fathers, 9 and the nations on behalf of mercy to glorify God, even as it is written, "Because of this I will confess to You among the nations, and I will sing praise to Your name." Psa. 18:49 10 And again He says, "Rejoice, nations, with His people." Deut. 32:43 11 And again, "Praise the Lord, all the nations, and praise Him all the peoples." Psa. 117:1 12 And again Isaiah says, "There shall be the Root of Jesse, and the One rising up to rule the nations; on Him nations will hope." Isa. 11:10
The contextual understanding of Isaiah 11 and Romans 15 indicates the unification of God's remnant, comprising both Jews and Gentiles, in Christ. Isaiah uses figurative language, while Paul's message in Romans is simply straightforward like luke does with daniels prophecy. The mystery of God, foretold by the prophets, had been unveiled and was on the verge of fulfillment during Paul's time. Ephesians 3:6 calls gentiles fellow heirs, while Revelation 10:7 echoes the reoccurring theme of God's plans being from long ago).
This mystery reveals that Gentiles are now co-heirs, members of the same body, and participants in God's promise through the gospel of Christ (Ephesians 3:6). In Christ Jesus, there is no distinction between Jew and Gentile (Romans 10:12-13; Galatians 3:28, 5:6, 6:15-16). The barrier of hostility has been dismantled, bringing unity among believers (Ephesians 2:14).
Metaphorically speaking, the once-threatening Gentiles (depicted as wolves) now peacefully coexist with the Jews (symbolized as lambs) within the community of Christ. The Gentile nations, previously deceived and distant (Ephesians 2:11-22; Romans 9:22-26) before Christ's sacrifice on the cross, have now been brought near. In this new reality, anyone who calls upon the name of the Lord will be saved, regardless of their background (Romans 10:12-13).
That rule resulted in peace and hope between jews and gentiles.
Embrace your identity as God's little children, knowing that we have the authority to overcome spiritual forces and live in the peace and unity with all nations in the new covenant.
So you can see how the wolf and the lamb can now dwell together peacefully.
In fact, on the day of Pentecost, Jews from every nation under heaven were gathered in Jerusalem, and they heard the gospel being preached in their own languages. Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and many others were there, and each one heard the wonders of God in their own tongues (Acts 2:5-11). It was a powerful demonstration of the fulfillment of God's promises. You might have come across passages that some interpret as referring to a future, physical and earthly kingdom centered around Jerusalem. But here's the interesting thing: many of these passages actually point to a present, non-physical and earthly kingdom centered around the New Jerusalem, which represents the Church. The New Testament provides insight into this perspective (Gal. 4:24-27, Heb. 12:22-24).
God's kingdom, characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit, is already here with us.(Romans 14:17) We can rejoice in that. While we await Christ's return, let's remember that the wolf and the lamb metaphorically lay down together every time an Arab and a Jew find common ground in knowing Christ as the Promised Prophet, Messiah, and Savior. This unity is happening more than we might realize.
Here's a bonus thought for you. In the Old Testament, the prophet Ezekiel presents a unique perspective on the idea of animals and hostile beasts. Instead of having the two coexist, Ezekiel speaks of driving out dangerous animals altogether. This differentiates his approach from Isaiah's. Ezekiel's prophecy, found in chapter 34, compares Israel to God's flock and rebukes the leaders for their improper shepherding. But the exciting part is that God promises to replace those shepherds with a Shepherd, who we understand to be Jesus (verse 23). Jesus, through the new covenant, establishes peace and causes wild beasts to cease from the land. People can dwell safely, free from fear and harm (verses 25-28). While that's a wonderful prophecy, we can see that Ezekiel's aim is more toward the babylonian exile and restoration of the Second Temple under Ezra and Nehemiah rather than the times of Jesus. Jeremiah does this too!
“Therefore a lion from the forest shall strike them down; a wolf from the desert shall devastate them. A leopard is watching their cities; everyone who goes out of them shall be torn in pieces, because their transgressions are many, their apostasies are great.” - Jeremiah 5:6
Just like Jeremiah describes Israel's enemies as a lion, a wolf, and a leopard, Israel itself is often depicted as lambs or sheep. It's interesting to think about how the image of wolves and lambs lying down together symbolizes the impact of the New Covenant. The Old Covenant had a strong focus on ethnicity, primarily centered around the Jewish people. But the New Covenant, intended for all people in the world, would bring Jews and Gentiles, who were once considered hostile enemies, together under the same Covenant. This is why Isaiah 11 truly stands out as a new attitude toward the nations compared to the views of his prophet contemporaries.
Till Next Time