Definition: The wolf and the lamb shall feed together, and the lion shall eat straw like the bullock: and dust [shall be] the serpent’s meat. They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain, saith the LORD.

Explanation: Okay, let’s break down this incredibly beautiful and symbolic passage from Isaiah 65:25. It’s a really rich and profound verse that speaks about God's relationship with us and our future. Here’s what it means in simpler terms: Core Idea: God is Reconciling Us with Himself The main idea is that God wants to be closer to you and to us than we can even imagine. It’s not just about a friendly relationship, but a complete restoration – a healing and reconciliation. Let's unpack the parts: “Isaiah 65:25” : This is a prophecy written by Isaiah, a prophet during the time of King Hezekiah in Judah. It’s a message from God about what’s going to happen . “The wolf and the lamb shall feed together…” : This is a really striking image. Wolves and lambs are typically seen as enemies – wild animals that don't usually coexist peacefully. But here, it suggests a mutually beneficial relationship. It implies God will bring people of different backgrounds together in harmony. “The lion shall eat straw like the bullock…” : This is another powerful image. A lion is a powerful and dominant animal. Eating straw – literally, low-quality food – means that God's power and presence will be so great that it will be able to overcome even the strongest and most disruptive forces. It symbolizes God’s ability to overcome evil and negativity. “Dust [shall] be the serpent’s meat.” : This is the most significant and symbolic part. "Serpent" refers to sin and evil. The phrase “dust” means that what was once a beautiful, powerful thing – like a serpent (often associated with deceit and malice) – will eventually return to its basic elements – dust. It implies that even the things we think are strong and perfect will eventually decay and return to their original state. “They shall not hurt nor destroy in all my holy mountain…” : This is key! God promises to heal and restore everything. He’s not just going to let evil continue; he's going to completely cleanse and repair things. “All my holy mountain” refers to God’s presence and kingdom – a place of perfection and holiness. “Saith the LORD.” : This is God speaking directly to us. So, what does it all mean? It means that God intends to bring about a complete restoration of humanity. He's offering a future where we are no longer separated from Him, but brought together in a state of perfect harmony and reconciliation. It speaks of forgiveness, redemption, and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. In essence, it’s a promise of God’s ultimate victory over sin and darkness. It's a message of hope – that even after our mistakes and struggles, God will ultimately restore us to Himself and create a perfect world. Think of it like this: The verse is saying: "Even though we are flawed and prone to making mistakes, God’s love and power will ultimately heal everything." --- Do you want me to: Explain any of these parts in more detail? Connect this verse to a specific story or example? Discuss the theological significance of this passage?