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The cow and the bear shall feed; their young ones shall lie down together; and the lion shall eat straw like the ox.

Verse Takeaways

1

A Symbolic, Not Literal, Peace

Commentators agree this is not a literal, zoological prediction. Albert Barnes states that a literal interpretation would be 'absurd' as it would require a complete change in a lion's physical makeup. Instead, this is a powerful metaphor for the radical peace and safety that will characterize the Messiah's kingdom, where deep-seated hostilities are removed.

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Book Overview

Isaiah

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Commentaries

3

Albert Barnes

Albert Barnes

On Isaiah 11:7

18th Century

Theologian

And the cow and the bear shall feed — That is, together. Animals that by nature do not dwell together, where by nature the one woul…

John Gill

John Gill

On Isaiah 11:7

17th Century

Pastor

And the cow and the bear shall feed That is, together, in one church state, at one table, or in one pasture, upon the who…

Matthew Henry

Matthew Henry

On Isaiah 11:1–9

17th Century

Minister

The Messiah is called a Rod and a Branch. These words signify a small, tender product; a shoot, such as is easily broken off. He comes forth from t…