The book of ISAIAH

THE PEACEFUL KINGDOM

The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David’s descendants.

The spirit of the Lord will give him wisdom,

and the knowledge and skill to rule his people.

He will know the Lord’s will and have

reverence for him, and find pleasure in obeying him.

He will not judge by appearance or hearsay;

he will judge the poor fairly

and defend the rights of the helpless.

At his command the people will be punished,

and evil persons will die.

He will rule his people with justice and integrity.

Wolves and sheep will live together in peace,

and leopards will lie down with young goats.

Calves and lion cubs will feed together,

and little children will take care of them.

Cows and bears will eat together, a

nd their calves and cubs will lie down in peace.

Lions will eat straw as cattle do.

Even a baby will not be harmed

if it plays near a poisonous snake.

On Zion, God’s sacred hill,

there will be nothing harmful or evil.

The land will be as full of knowledge of the Lord

as the seas are full of water.

(Chapter 11:1-10)

This is the Word of the Lord,

Thanks be to Lord Jesus Christ!