In William Strutt’s 1896 painting “Peace,” he depicted a young child holding a palm leaf and leading a group of animals. Among these animals are a gentle lamb and cow, but also a lion, leopard, bear, and wolf.
The painting is eye-catching because we would not normally see a child leading such a strange group of animals. Even adults would not dare to lead a wild lion or wolf.
The painting is based on Isaiah 11:6-7, which reads, “The wolf will live with the lamb, the leopard will lie down with the goat, the calf and the lion and the yearling together; and a little child will lead them. The cow will feed with the bear, their young will lie down together, and the lion will eat straw like the ox.”
Strutt made the right decision by including a palm leaf in his painting, for in these verses, we see harmony and peace restored.
Different Interpretations Based on Various Approaches to Scripture
Generally, many commentators and scholars view the statement that “a little child will lead them,” as an indication of peace.
Depending on a commentator or scholar’s approach to biblical interpretation and the End Times, though, they come to different conclusions as to what this verse is referring to and its significance. A major question among scholars is whether the verse is literal or figurative.
Some Christians who hold to an Amillennial view of the End Times, which means they do not believe in an earthly Millennial reign of Christ, interpret Isaiah 11:6-7 as symbolic.
According to this view, the idea of a lamb, wolf, lion, and calf living together with a little child leading them gives an image of the type of peace that Jesus brings to people now.
Hence, many commentators interpret the animals as figuratively representing people who become tamable and calm animals once they are saved. Another common interpretation among Amillennialists is to view Isaiah 11:6-7 as referring to the New Heaven and New Earth (Isaiah 65:17).
Other Christians approach Isaiah 11 literally or plainly and interpret verses 6-7 as referring to the earthly Millennial reign of Christ, in which creation will be partly restored to its Edenic state.
Typically, those who interpret Isaiah 11:6-7 literally adhere to a Premillennial eschatology, believing that Jesus will return and then set up His Kingdom to rule on the Throne of David.
The picture of a small child leading wild animals as if they were tame like a dog demonstrates that peace will rule in creation because of the Messiah's reign.
The effects of sin will not be completely done away with until the New Heaven and New Earth, but some aspects of the curse will be reversed during the millennium.
Although a believer could hold to any of these views, I believe that the literal or plain approach to Scripture is more consistent in application and context. Taking these verses figuratively misses the connection to the effects of the Fall of Man and how the curse of sin impacts all creation.
To get a clearer understanding of the significance of a child leading a mixture of tame and wild animals, we need to examine the context and the wider teaching of Scripture.
Passage Context and Other Relevant Passages
At the beginning of the passage, Isaiah mentions a branch that will spring up from “the stump of Jesse” (Isaiah 11:1). Referencing a descendant of Jesse, from the house of David, Isaiah alludes to God’s covenant with David that his house and throne would endure forever (2 Samuel 7:16).
This “branch” matches Jesus because when He came to earth, He was born into the line of David. As Gabriel told Mary when referring to Jesus, “He will be great and will be called the Son of the Most High. The Lord God will give him the throne of his father David, and he will reign over Jacob’s descendants forever; his kingdom will never end” (Luke 1:32-33).
The other verses in Isaiah 11 also apply to Jesus. The Holy Spirit descended on Jesus at His baptism (Luke 3:22; compare to Isaiah 11:2-3).
Also, we know that when Jesus returns, He will defeat the Antichrist with the breath of his mouth and destroy those who oppose Him (2 Thessalonians 2:8 and Revelation 19:11-21; compare to Isaiah 11:4-5). Jesus is the Branch who will physically rule over Israel in the Millennial Kingdom (Revelation 20:4).
During Jesus’ thousand-year reign, people will live in peace with the natural world. No longer will children or adults fear wild and dangerous animals.
Humans will live in harmony with animals such as lions, wolves, bears, and snakes (Isaiah 11:6-7; 65:25). The significance of a little child leading these animals shows the impact of Jesus’ righteous rule and His power of bringing peace to creation.
When we consider the wider teaching of Scripture, we can see why taking these verses literally is important. Genesis records that before the Fall of man, Adam and Eve lived in harmony with the animals (see Genesis 1:28; 2:19-20).
All the animals also lived in peace with each other. They did not eat or fight each other. Only after Adam and Eve sinned did death enter the world (Romans 5:12).
During Jesus’ Millennial Reign, He will restore that peace, though death will not be destroyed until the Eternal Kingdom (Revelation 21:4).
In addition to the teaching of Genesis, we also have the verses in Romans which mention how sin affected all of creation (Romans 8:20-22). As a result, “creation waits in eager expectation for the children of God to be revealed” (Romans 8:19).
Animals are part of creation, and thus, they, too, await the renewal of all things. Jesus’ Kingdom will provide a picture of eternity, in which believers will dwell forever in the New Heaven and New Earth, no longer affected by the curse.
Peace in the Millennial Reign of Christ
The image of a young child leading a group of animals, including wild animals, in Isaiah 11:6 shows us that righteousness and peace will prevail in Christ’s Kingdom. No one will live in fear of dangerous animals.
People will be so safe that children will walk freely with animals, and even play near snake dens (Isaiah 11:8). The harmony we will experience in the Millennial Kingdom will come from the knowledge of the Lord filling the earth (Isaiah 11:9).
Believers can look forward to the day when Isaiah’s prophecy will be fulfilled — when a little child will be able to safely lead wild animals during Jesus’ reign.
Why Does This Matter?
Many Christians hold various views about Isaiah 11. Some commentators and scholars interpret the mention of wild animals becoming tame and following a young child as symbolic of the peace Christ brings to the world.
Others believe that the passage should be taken literally or plainly, referring to a real child leading real animals.
Based on a plain interpretation that considers the wider context of Scripture, I believe Isaiah 11:6 refers to Christ’s future Millennial Reign, which will bring a partial reversal of the curse placed on creation. As a result of Jesus’ rule, people will live in harmony with animals as they did in the Garden of Eden before the Fall.
Regardless of the view or interpretation someone takes, the words of Isaiah’s prophecy should cause all believers to praise Christ, the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).
For further reading:
What Is the Millennial Kingdom and Reign?
How Are the End Times Described in 2 Timothy?
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