Isaiah 11:8
The infant will play by the cobra's den, and the toddler will reach into the viper's nest.
The infant
The Hebrew word for "infant" here is "יוֹנֵק" (yoneq), which refers to a nursing child. This imagery is powerful, symbolizing innocence, vulnerability, and the beginning of life. In the context of Isaiah 11, it represents the peace and safety that will characterize the Messianic age. The infant, typically defenseless, will be secure even in the presence of creatures that would normally pose a threat. This reflects the transformative power of God's kingdom, where natural enmities are reconciled.

will play
The Hebrew verb "שָׁעַשׁ" (sha'ash) means to delight or play. This word conveys a sense of joy and carefree activity, which is significant in a world where fear and danger are prevalent. The use of "play" suggests a return to Edenic conditions, where harmony and peace reign. It is a prophetic vision of the restoration of creation, where even the most vulnerable can engage with the world without fear.

by the cobra’s den
The "cobra's den" refers to the dwelling place of a venomous snake, a symbol of danger and death. In ancient Near Eastern culture, snakes were often associated with evil and chaos. The fact that an infant can play by the cobra's den without harm signifies the complete eradication of fear and danger in the Messianic kingdom. It is a metaphor for the triumph of good over evil, where even the most perilous threats are neutralized.

and the toddler
The Hebrew word "גָּמוּל" (gamul) refers to a weaned child, slightly older than an infant but still young and vulnerable. This stage of life is marked by exploration and learning. The mention of a toddler highlights the theme of innocence and the natural curiosity of children. In the prophetic vision, even these young ones are safe, underscoring the profound peace and security of the coming age.

will reach
The verb "הָדָה" (hadah) means to stretch out or reach. This action implies a sense of trust and fearlessness. In a world where danger lurks, reaching out would typically be a risky endeavor. However, in the context of Isaiah 11, it symbolizes the confidence and assurance that comes with divine protection. It is an expression of the restored relationship between humanity and creation.

into the viper’s nest
The "viper's nest" is another symbol of danger, similar to the cobra's den. Vipers are known for their deadly venom, and their nests would be places to avoid. The imagery of a toddler reaching into such a nest without harm is a powerful testament to the peace and safety of the Messianic age. It signifies the complete reversal of the curse and the restoration of harmony in creation. This vision points to a future where fear and danger are no more, and God's kingdom is fully realized.

Persons / Places / Events
1. Infant and Toddler
Represent innocence and vulnerability, symbolizing a future time of peace and safety.

2. Cobra’s Den and Viper’s Nest
Dangerous places that, in this prophecy, become harmless, symbolizing the transformation of the natural world.

3. Isaiah
The prophet who delivered this message, speaking to the people of Judah about the coming Messianic age.

4. Messianic Age
A future time of peace and righteousness under the reign of the Messiah, as prophesied by Isaiah.

5. Judah
The southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah's prophecies were primarily directed.
Teaching Points
Peace in the Messianic Kingdom
Isaiah 11:8 illustrates the profound peace and safety that will characterize the reign of the Messiah. This peace extends even to the natural world, where traditional enemies coexist without harm.

Transformation through Christ
The imagery of children playing safely near dangerous animals symbolizes the transformative power of Christ's reign. Believers are called to live as agents of this transformation, promoting peace and reconciliation in their communities.

Trust in God's Promises
The prophecy assures us of God's ultimate plan for restoration and peace. Christians are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when current circumstances seem contrary.

Childlike Faith and Innocence
The reference to infants and toddlers invites believers to approach God with childlike faith and innocence, trusting in His protection and provision.

Hope for the Future
This vision of peace provides hope for the future, encouraging believers to persevere in faith and righteousness as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.
Bible Study Questions
1. How does the imagery of children playing near dangerous animals in Isaiah 11:8 challenge our understanding of peace and safety in the world today?

2. In what ways can we, as Christians, work towards creating environments of peace and reconciliation in our communities?

3. How does the promise of a future Messianic age influence our daily lives and decisions as believers?

4. What are some practical ways we can cultivate childlike faith and trust in God amidst life's challenges?

5. How do the themes of peace and restoration in Isaiah 11:8 connect with the broader account of redemption found throughout Scripture?
Connections to Other Scriptures
Genesis 3:15
The enmity between the serpent and humanity is introduced, which Isaiah 11:8 envisions as being resolved in the Messianic age.

Romans 8:19-22
Paul speaks of creation waiting for liberation from its bondage to decay, which aligns with the peace and restoration described in Isaiah 11.

Revelation 21:4
The vision of a new heaven and new earth where there is no more death or pain, echoing the peace and safety in Isaiah 11:8.
The Coming of the MessiahE. Johnson Isaiah 11:1-9
A Prophecy Concerning Messiah the PrinceIsaiah 11:1-16
Assyria and Israel: a ContrastJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
Christ the Fruitful BranchF. Delitzsch.Isaiah 11:1-16
Eternal YouthfulnessJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
Messiah's ReignD. Brown, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
Prophecy: a Very Good TransitionIsaiah 11:1-16
The BranchExpository TimesIsaiah 11:1-16
The Kingdom of ChristE. N. Packard.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Kingdom of Christ in the World is Only the Presence of Christ in the WorldE. N. Packard.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Picture of the FutureProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Qualifications of Christ for His Mediatorial OfficeJ. Hambleton, M. A.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Rod Out of the Stem of JesseJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
The Stem from the Rod of JesseAnon.Isaiah 11:1-16
Three Great IdealsProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:1-16
A Beautiful EpitaphIsaiah 11:6-9
A Child's Voice Settling a Great QuestionJ. H. Hitchens, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
A Little Child May Disarm AngerE. Medley, B. A.Isaiah 11:6-9
A Mother Led to Christ by Her ChildE. Medley, B. A.Isaiah 11:6-9
A Picture of What the World is to BeR. J. Kyd.Isaiah 11:6-9
A Portrait of HumanityHomilistIsaiah 11:6-9
Age and YouthS. Cox, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
Child LeadingJ. C. Cameron.Isaiah 11:6-9
Children's InfluenceCanon Wilberforce, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
Led by a ChildS. Cox, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
Little Lord FauntleroyE. Medley, B. A.Isaiah 11:6-9
Man to Blame for the Wildness of the BeastsProf. O. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
Man's Relation to the Lower AnimalsProf. O. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
Ministry of ChildrenSeed for Busy Sowers.Isaiah 11:6-9
My DarlingChristian AgeIsaiah 11:6-9
Nature's Social Union: a Picture of Heaven Upon EarthR. J. Kyd.Isaiah 11:6-9
Not Exterminated, But TamedProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Child not to Rule But to LeadE. Medley, B. A.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Child to the FrontW. Hubbard.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Children LeadingS. Cox, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Effect of a Child's PrayerChristian Endeavour TimesIsaiah 11:6-9
The Fruits of Christ's KingdomIsaiah 11:6-9
The Intensive and Extensive Power of the GospelW. Clarkson Isaiah 11:6-9
The Legend of St. BlaiseMrs. Jameson.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Mystery of the Brute CreationJ. Parker, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Power of the ChildrenE. Medley, B. A.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Redemption of NatureProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Splendour and Amplitude of Christ's KingdomS. Patrick, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
The Touchstone of RegenerationIsaiah 11:6-9
The Wild BeastsProf. G. A. Smith, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
What is the Child SpiritS. Cox, D. D.Isaiah 11:6-9
People
Ammonites, Elam, Isaiah, Jesse
Places
Assyria, Cush, Edom, Egypt, Elam, Euphrates River, Hamath, Jerusalem, Judah, Moab, Pathros, Sea of Egypt, Shinar
Topics
Adder, Adder's, Asp, Basilisk, Basilisk's, Breast, Bright, Child, Cobra, Cobra's, Cockatrice, Den, Eye, Forth, Hole, Nest, Nursing, Older, Play, Played, Playing, Poison-snake, Snake, Sucking, Suckling, Viper's, Weaned
Dictionary of Bible Themes
Isaiah 11:8

     4675   nest
     4687   snake

Isaiah 11:1-9

     2376   kingdom of God, coming
     9140   last days

Isaiah 11:1-10

     1443   revelation, OT
     6708   predestination

Isaiah 11:2-9

     9145   Messianic age

Isaiah 11:4-9

     2565   Christ, second coming

Isaiah 11:6-8

     4604   animals, nature of

Isaiah 11:6-9

     1175   God, will of
     2378   kingdom of God, characteristics
     5059   rest, eternal
     5942   security

Isaiah 11:6-10

     5511   safety

Library
The Sucker from the Felled Oak
'And there shall come forth a rod out of the stem of Jesse, and a Branch shall grow out of his roots: 2. And the Spirit of the Lord shall rest upon him, the spirit of wisdom and understanding, the spirit of counsel and might, the spirit of knowledge and of the fear of the Lord; 3. And shall make him of quick understanding in the fear of the Lord: and he shall not judge after the sight of his eyes, neither reprove after the hearing of his ears: 4. But with righteousness shall he judge the poor, and
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

Great Voices from Heaven
'Comfort ye, comfort ye my people, saith your God. 2. Speak ye comfortably to Jerusalem, and cry unto her, that her warfare is accomplished, that her iniquity is pardoned: for she hath received of the Lord's hand double for all her sins. 3. The voice of him that crieth in the wilderness, Prepare ye the way of the Lord, make straight in the desert a highway for our God. 4. Every valley shall be exalted, and every mountain and hill shall be made low: and the crooked shall be made straight, and the
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

July the Second Light and Lightning
"And the spirit of the Lord shall rest upon Him." --ISAIAH xi. 1-10. And the spirit is one of light! All the doors and windows are open. His correspondences are perfect and unbroken. He is of "quick understanding," keen-scented to discern the essences of things, alert to perceive the reality behind the semblance, to "see things as they are." All the great primary senses are awake, and He has knowledge of every "secret place." "He shall smite ... with the rod of His mouth, and with the breath
John Henry Jowett—My Daily Meditation for the Circling Year

The First Trumpet.
The first trumpet of the seventh seal begins from the final disturbance and overthrow of the Roman idolarchy at the close of the sixth seal; and as it was to bring the first plague on the empire, now beginning to fall, it lays waste the third part of the earth, with a horrible storm of hail mingled with fire and blood; that is, it depopulates the territory and people of the Roman world, (viz. the basis and ground of its universal polity) with a terrible and bloody irruption of the northern nations,
Joseph Mede—A Key to the Apocalypse

Would You See when and Where the Kingdoms of this Fallen World are Become A...
Would you see when and where the kingdoms of this fallen world are become a kingdom of God, the gospel prophet tells you, that it is then and there where all enmity ceases. "The wolf," says he, "shall dwell with the lamb, and the leopard shall lie down with the kid. The calf and the young lion and the fatling together, and a little child shall lead them. The cow and the bear shall feed, and their young ones shall lie down together, and the lion shall eat straw like the ox. The suckling child shall
William Law—An Humble, Affectionate, and Earnest Address to the Clergy

Fragment iv.
[1745] As the elders who saw John the disciple of the Lord remembered that they had heard from him how the Lord taught in regard to those times, and said]: "The days will come in which vines shall grow, having each ten thousand branches, and in each branch ten thousand twigs, and in each true twig ten thousand shoots, and in every one of the shoots ten thousand clusters, and on every one of the clusters ten thousand grapes, and every grape when pressed will give five-and-twenty metretes of wine.
Papias—Fragments of Papias

Of Passages from the Holy Scriptures, and from the Apocrypha, which are Quoted, or Incidentally Illustrated, in the Institutes.
TO THE AUTHORS QUOTED IN THE INSTITUTES PREFATORY ADDRESS TO HIS MOST CHRISTIAN MAJESTY, THE MOST MIGHTY AND ILLUSTRIOUS MONARCH, FRANCIS, KING OF THE FRENCH, HIS SOVEREIGN; [1] JOHN CALVIN PRAYS PEACE AND SALVATION IN CHRIST. [2] Sire,--When I first engaged in this work, nothing was farther from my thoughts than to write what should afterwards be presented to your Majesty. My intention was only to furnish a kind of rudiments, by which those who feel some interest in religion might be trained to
John Calvin—The Institutes of the Christian Religion

The General Deliverance
"The earnest expectation of the creature waiteth for the manifestation of the sons of God. For the creature was made subject to vanity, not willingly, but by reason of him that subjected it: Yet in hope that the creature itself also shall be delivered from the bondage of corruption, into the glorious liberty of the sons of God. For we know that the whole creation groaneth, and travaileth in pain together until now." Rom. 8:19-22. 1. Nothing is more sure, than that as "the Lord is loving to every
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

The General Spread of the Gospel
"The earth shall be full of the knowledge of the Lord, as the waters covers the sea." Isa. 11:9. 1. In what a condition is the world at present! How does darkness, intellectual darkness, ignorance, with vice and misery attendant upon it, cover the face of the earth! From the accurate inquiry made with indefatigable pains by our ingenious countryman, Mr. Brerewood; (who travelled himself over a great part of the known world, in order to form the more exact judgment;) supposing the world to be divided
John Wesley—Sermons on Several Occasions

Appendix ix. List of Old Testament Passages Messianically Applied in Ancient Rabbinic Writings
THE following list contains the passages in the Old Testament applied to the Messiah or to Messianic times in the most ancient Jewish writings. They amount in all to 456, thus distributed: 75 from the Pentateuch, 243 from the Prophets, and 138 from the Hagiorgrapha, and supported by more than 558 separate quotations from Rabbinic writings. Despite all labour care, it can scarcely be hoped that the list is quite complete, although, it is hoped, no important passage has been omitted. The Rabbinic references
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Absurd Doctrine of Abaelard, who Attributes Properly and Specically the Absolute and Essential Names to one Person, is Opposed.
The absurd doctrine of Abaelard, who attributes properly and specically the absolute and essential names to one Person, is opposed. 5. Now notice more clearly what he thinks, teaches, and writes. He says that Power properly and specially belongs to the Father, Wisdom to the Son, which, indeed, is false. For the Father both, is, and is most truly called, Wisdom, and the Son Power, and what is common to Both is not the proprium , of Each singly. There are certainly some other names which do not belong
Saint Bernard of Clairvaux—Some Letters of Saint Bernard, Abbot of Clairvaux

Thou Shalt not Commit Adultery.
In this Commandment too a good work is commanded, which includes much and drives away much vice; it is called purity, or chastity, of which much is written and preached, and it is well known to every one, only that it is not as carefully observed and practised as other works which are not commanded. So ready are we to do what is not commanded and to leave undone what is commanded. We see that the world is full of shameful works of unchastity, indecent words, tales and ditties, temptation to which
Dr. Martin Luther—A Treatise on Good Works

The Child-Life in Nazareth
THE stay of the Holy Family in Egypt must have been of brief duration. The cup of Herod's misdeeds, but also of his misery, was full. During the whole latter part of his life, the dread of a rival to the throne had haunted him, and he had sacrificed thousands, among them those nearest and dearest to him, to lay that ghost. [1084] And still the tyrant was not at rest. A more terrible scene is not presented in history than that of the closing days of Herod. Tormented by nameless fears; ever and again
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

The Return of Christ to the Earth Itself.
If to-day the presence of the Lord on earth is urgently needed, how much greater will be this need at the close of the Tribulation period! The Anti-christ in full power, openly blaspheming and blatantly defying God! All the world worshipping this Son of Perdition and branded with his mark on their foreheads or in their hands as token of their allegiance to him! The godly remnant of the Jews in the very last extremity and crying, "Keep not Thou silence, O God: hold not Thy peace, and be not still
Arthur W. Pink—The Redeemer's Return

Notes on the First Century:
Page 1. Line 1. An empty book is like an infant's soul.' Here Traherne may possibly have had in his mind a passage in Bishop Earle's "Microcosmography." In delineating the character of a child, Earle says: "His soul is yet a white paper unscribbled with observations of the world, wherewith at length it becomes a blurred note-book," Page 14. Line 25. The entrance of his words. This sentence is from Psalm cxix. 130. Page 15. Last line of Med. 21. "Insatiableness." This word in Traherne's time was often
Thomas Traherne—Centuries of Meditations

The King in Exile
'And when they were departed, behold, the angel of the Lord appeareth to Joseph in a dream, saying, Arise, and take the young child and His mother, and flee into Egypt, and be thou there until I bring thee word: for Herod will seek the young child to destroy Him. 14. When he arose, he took the young child and His mother by night, and departed into Egypt; 15. And was there until the death of Herod; that it might be fulfilled which was spoken of the Lord by the prophet, saying, Out of Egypt have I
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Death and the Raising of Lazarus - the Question of Miracles and of this Miracle of Miracles - views of Negative Criticism on this History
From listening to the teaching of Christ, we turn once more to follow His working. It will be remembered, that the visit to Bethany divides the period from the Feast of the Dedication to the last Paschal week into two parts. It also forms the prelude and preparation for the awful events of the End. For, it was on that occasion that the members of the Sanhedrin formally resolved on His Death. It now only remained to settle and carry out the plans for giving effect to their purpose. This is one aspect
Alfred Edersheim—The Life and Times of Jesus the Messiah

A vision of Judgement and Cleansing
'And he shewed me Joshua the high priest standing before the Angel of the Lord, and Satan standing at his right hand to resist him. 2. And the Lord said unto Satan, The Lord rebuke thee, O Satan; even the Lord that hath chosen Jerusalem rebuke thee: is not this a brand plucked out of the fire? 3. Now Joshua was clothed with filthy garments, and stood before the Angel. 4. And He answered and spake unto those that stood before Him, saying, Take away the filthy garments from him. And unto him He said,
Alexander Maclaren—Expositions of Holy Scripture

The Quotation in Matt. Ii. 6.
Several interpreters, Paulus especially, have asserted that the interpretation of Micah which is here given, was that of the Sanhedrim only, and not of the Evangelist, who merely recorded what happened and was said. But this assertion is at once refuted when we consider the object which Matthew has in view in his entire representation of the early life of Jesus. His object in recording the early life of Jesus is not like that of Luke, viz., to communicate historical information to his readers.
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

Balaam's Prophecy. (Numb. xxiv. 17-19. )
Carried by the Spirit into the far distant future, Balaam sees here how a star goeth out of Jacob and a sceptre riseth out of Israel, and how this sceptre smiteth Moab, by whose enmity the Seer had been brought from a distant region for the destruction of Israel. And not Moab only shall be smitten, but its southern neighbour, Edom, too shall be subdued, whose hatred against Israel had already been prefigured in its ancestor, and had now begun to display Itself; and In general, all the enemies of
Ernst Wilhelm Hengstenberg—Christology of the Old Testament

The Holy Spirit and the Incarnation of the Word. ...
The Holy Spirit and the Incarnation of the Word. We are so familiar with the part assigned in our Creeds to the Holy Spirit in connection with our Lord's birth, that the passage now to be quoted from Justin may at first sight seem very surprising. It may be well to approach it by citing some words from the learned and orthodox Waterland, who in 1734, in his book on The Trinity (c. vi: Works, III, 571: Oxford, 1843), wrote as follows in reference to a passage of St Irenæus: "I may remark by
Irenæus—The Demonstration of the Apostolic Preaching

The Extent of Messiah's Spiritual Kingdom
The kingdoms of this world are become the kingdoms of our Lord, and of His Christ, and He shall reign for ever and ever! T he Kingdom of our Lord in the heart, and in the world, is frequently compared to a building or house, of which He Himself is both the Foundation and the Architect (Isaiah 28:16 and 54:11, 12) . A building advances by degrees (I Corinthians 3:9; Ephesians 2:20-22) , and while it is in an unfinished state, a stranger cannot, by viewing its present appearance, form an accurate judgment
John Newton—Messiah Vol. 2

Love and Discernment.
"And this I pray, that your love may abound yet more and more in knowledge and all judgment: that ye may approve things that are excellent; that ye may be sincere and without offence till the day of Christ; being filled with the fruits of righteousness, which are by Jesus Christ, unto the glory and praise of God."--PHIL. i. 9-11. One of the most beautiful elements in the Pauline Epistles is the intimate relation which evidently existed between the Apostle and his converts. This is especially the
W. H. Griffith Thomas—The Prayers of St. Paul

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