Definition: And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp, and the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly strange passage from Isaiah 11:8. It's a really poetic and symbolic verse, and it's often misunderstood! Here's what it means in simpler terms: The Basic Idea: This verse describes a future, idyllic scene where God is actively working to bless and protect his people. It’s about a perfect, joyous harvest of peace and prosperity. Let’s unpack the parts: “And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp” : This refers to a wild snake – an asp . The "sucking child" is symbolic of a young, innocent person, often representing a new generation or a group of people. “Playing on the hole of the asp” means they’ll be in a very dangerous and chaotic situation – a place where there are lots of dangers and things that could go wrong. It's a playful, but ultimately precarious, setting. “And the weaned child shall put his hand on the cockatrice’ den” : This refers to a cockatrice . A cockatrice is a mythical creature – often depicted as a beautiful woman with a sharp, venomous tail – that’s said to be dangerous and mischievous. The "weaned child" means a young child, likely vulnerable. “Putting his hand on” signifies a connection, a touch of affection or protection. So, what's the overall message? Isaiah 11:8 is telling us that God is working actively to bring about a time of peace and abundance for his people. It’s not just about general blessings; it’s about a specific, dramatic scene where God is actively intervening to protect and nurture those he loves. It's like saying, "God is watching over you and your family with incredible care." Important Note: This is a very symbolic passage. The imagery is meant to convey a powerful sense of divine protection and the promise of a future filled with good things for believers. --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Talk about the context of this verse within the larger book of Isaiah? Discuss what some people interpret it as referring to?