Definition: They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain: for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD, as the waters cover the sea.
Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this beautiful passage from Isaiah 11:9. It’s a really profound idea about God's plan for the future and how He will work through His people. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Basically, it says that God intends to make everything around us – including all of humanity – filled with His knowledge and understanding. Let’s unpack each part: “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain…” This is the key. "Holy mountain" refers to God's presence, His home, or His kingdom. “Not hurting” means He won’t cause harm or pain. “Not destroying” means He won’t bring about chaos or ruin. "...for the earth shall be full of the knowledge of the LORD…” This means the Earth – our world – will become a place where God's wisdom and understanding are readily available to everyone. It’s like a vast library filled with His teachings, insights, and revelations. "...as the waters cover the sea." This is a powerful image! The “waters” symbolize knowledge and truth. “Cover the sea” suggests that all of this knowledge will be so abundant that it can't be contained or fully grasped. It implies a limitless amount of understanding. So, what does this verse really mean? It’s a vision of God's ultimate plan for humanity. He wants to bring about a time when we are constantly learning and growing in His knowledge and understanding. It suggests that God’s influence will be so pervasive that it will fundamentally change the world – making it a place where wisdom and truth are abundant and accessible to all. Think of it like this: God isn't just present in our lives; He’s actively shaping the world, and through that shaping, He’s creating an environment where we can fully understand His love and purpose for us. In a nutshell, Isaiah 11:9 is a hopeful promise – a vision of a future where God's wisdom and understanding will permeate everything. --- Do you want me to: Explain another part of this verse? Discuss its symbolism in more detail? Connect it to a specific biblical story or concept?