The infant will play by the cobra’s denThis phrase evokes a scene of peace and safety, where even the most vulnerable, an infant, can play near a dangerous creature without fear. In the biblical context, this imagery is part of a larger prophecy about the Messianic age, a time of harmony and restoration. The cobra, a venomous snake, symbolizes danger and death, often associated with evil in Scripture (
Genesis 3:1-15). The idea of an infant playing safely near a cobra's den suggests a reversal of the curse and the restoration of creation to its intended state of peace. This imagery connects to the prophecy of a new heaven and new earth where there is no harm or destruction (
Isaiah 65:25). It also reflects the peace that Jesus Christ, the Messiah, brings, as He is the Prince of Peace (
Isaiah 9:6).
and the toddler will reach into the viper’s nest
The continuation of this imagery with a toddler reaching into a viper's nest further emphasizes the theme of safety and fearlessness in the Messianic kingdom. In ancient Near Eastern culture, snakes were often feared and respected for their deadly potential. The viper, another venomous snake, represents a threat that is neutralized in this prophetic vision. This phrase suggests a world where natural enmities are reconciled, and the natural order is restored. It points to the transformative power of the Messiah's reign, where even the most dangerous elements of creation are rendered harmless. This vision aligns with the broader biblical narrative of redemption and restoration, where Jesus Christ's victory over sin and death brings about a new creation (Revelation 21:4-5).
Persons / Places / Events
1.
Infant and ToddlerRepresent innocence and vulnerability, symbolizing a future time of peace and safety.
2.
Cobra’s Den and Viper’s NestDangerous places that, in this prophecy, become harmless, symbolizing the transformation of the natural world.
3.
IsaiahThe prophet who delivered this message, speaking to the people of Judah about the coming Messianic age.
4.
Messianic AgeA future time of peace and righteousness under the reign of the Messiah, as prophesied by Isaiah.
5.
JudahThe southern kingdom of Israel, to whom Isaiah's prophecies were primarily directed.
Teaching Points
Peace in the Messianic KingdomIsaiah 11:8 illustrates the profound peace and safety that will characterize the reign of the Messiah. This peace extends even to the natural world, where traditional enemies coexist without harm.
Transformation through ChristThe imagery of children playing safely near dangerous animals symbolizes the transformative power of Christ's reign. Believers are called to live as agents of this transformation, promoting peace and reconciliation in their communities.
Trust in God's PromisesThe prophecy assures us of God's ultimate plan for restoration and peace. Christians are encouraged to trust in God's promises, even when current circumstances seem contrary.
Childlike Faith and InnocenceThe reference to infants and toddlers invites believers to approach God with childlike faith and innocence, trusting in His protection and provision.
Hope for the FutureThis vision of peace provides hope for the future, encouraging believers to persevere in faith and righteousness as they await the fulfillment of God's promises.
Bible Study Questions and Answers
1.What is the meaning of Isaiah 11:8?
2.How does Isaiah 11:8 illustrate God's future peace and restoration on earth?
3.What does the imagery of "infant" and "cobra's den" symbolize in Isaiah 11:8?
4.How does Isaiah 11:8 connect to the prophecy of the Messiah's reign?
5.In what ways can we promote peace as described in Isaiah 11:8 today?
6.How does Isaiah 11:8 encourage trust in God's ultimate plan for creation?
7.What does Isaiah 11:8 symbolize about the peace in God's future kingdom?
8.How does Isaiah 11:8 reflect the transformation of nature in the Messianic age?
9.Why are children and animals used as symbols in Isaiah 11:8?
10.What are the top 10 Lessons from Isaiah 11?
11.Why does God allow children to be born into abusive families knowing they will suffer?
12.Is God excessively self-centered?
13.Isaiah 65:20: Why is there no historical or archaeological evidence of humans living extended lifespans described here?
14.If God is all-good, why does He accept human sacrifices in some cases (Judges 11:30-39)?What Does Isaiah 11:8 Mean
The infant“Infants” embody absolute vulnerability and dependence. Here God selects the very picture of defenselessness to show how comprehensive His coming peace will be. Just asPsalm 8:2 speaks of God establishing strength “from the mouths of children and infants,” Isaiah highlights little ones as evidence that the whole created order will be so secure that even the weakest are perfectly safe. This recalls Jesus welcoming children inLuke 18:15-17, revealing the kingdom’s upside-down values: the smallest are honored and protected.
will playPlay suggests delight, freedom, and the absence of fear. In the present fallen world,Romans 8:20-22 reminds us that creation is subjected to futility, so carefree play near danger is unthinkable. But Isaiah shows a day when renewed creation erases dread, echoingZephaniah 3:17 where the Lord “rejoices over you with singing.” The word picture assures believers that God’s future involves not mere survival but joyous, unhindered life.
by the cobra’s denThe cobra symbolizes lethal threat (comparePsalm 58:4-5). Yet the infant is only “by” the den, not fleeing from it. Isaiah foresees a reversal ofGenesis 3:15, where enmity arose between the serpent and humanity. In the coming reign of Messiah, even the most toxic element of nature bows to divine authority.Hosea 2:18 speaks of a covenant in which “beasts of the field” live harmlessly with God’s people, confirming this broad pacification.
and the toddlerThe Hebrew text shifts from an infant lying near danger to a toddler actively moving toward it. Growth from newborn to walker signals continuity: every stage of life enjoys the same safety.Jeremiah 31:17 promises hope for children’s future; Isaiah here visualizes what that hope looks like under the Root of Jesse (Isaiah 11:1-5).
will reach into the viper’s nestRather than accidental proximity, the child deliberately reaches in—yet suffers no harm. This culminates Isaiah’s catalogue of peace (11:6-9). Wolves dwell with lambs, calves with lions, and now the most poisonous snakes pose no threat.Isaiah 65:25 reiterates, “They will neither harm nor destroy on all My holy mountain.”Revelation 22:3 explains why: “No longer will there be any curse.” Creation is released from corruption, harmony is restored, and God’s glory covers the earth “as the waters cover the sea” (Habakkuk 2:14).
summaryIsaiah 11:8 paints a vivid, literal snapshot of Messiah’s kingdom: total peace reaches even the instinctual realm of predator and prey. Infant and toddler—the least capable of self-defense—enjoy fearless freedom near once-deadly serpents. The scene reverses Eden’s curse, fulfills prophecies of cosmic reconciliation, and assures believers that God’s final restoration will leave no corner of creation untouched by His shalom.
(8)
And the sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp . . .--The description culminates in the transformation of the brute forms which were most identified with evil. As it is, the sight of a child near the hole of the asp (the
cobra) or cockatrice (better, perhaps,
basilisk,the great viper), would make its mother scream with terror. There was still "enmity between the seed of the woman and the seed of the serpent" (
Genesis 3:15), but in the far-off reign of the Christ even that enmity should disappear, and the very symbols of evil, subtle, malignant, venomous, should be reconciled to humanity. Some critics translate the last clause, "
shall stretch out his hand to the eye-ball of the basilisk" as if alluding to the power of fascination commonly assigned to it.
Verse 8. -
The sucking child shall play on the hole of the asp; rather,
by the hole - near it. The "asp" is probably the
Coluber Naje of Egypt, whose bite is very deadly. The cockatrice den. The "cockatrice" is another deadly serpent, perhaps the
Daboia xanthina (Tristram, 'Natural Hist. of the Bible').
Parallel Commentaries ...
Hebrew
The infantיוֹנֵ֖ק(yō·w·nêq)Verb - Qal - Participle - masculine singular
Strong's 3243:To suck, to give milkwill playוְשִֽׁעֲשַׁ֥ע(wə·ši·‘ă·ša‘)Conjunctive waw | Verb - Piel - Conjunctive perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 8173:To look upon, fondle, please, amuse, to look about, starebyעַל־(‘al-)Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe cobra’sפָּ֑תֶן(pā·ṯen)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6620:(a venomous serpent) perhaps cobraden,חֻ֣ר(ḥur)Noun - masculine singular construct
Strong's 2356:A cavity, socket, denand the toddlerגָּמ֖וּל(gā·mūl)Verb - Qal - QalPassParticiple - masculine singular
Strong's 1580:To deal fully or adequately with, deal out to, wean, ripenwill reachהָדָֽה׃(hā·ḏāh)Verb - Qal - Perfect - third person masculine singular
Strong's 1911:To stretch forth the handintoוְעַל֙(wə·‘al)Conjunctive waw | Preposition
Strong's 5921:Above, over, upon, againstthe viper’sצִפְעוֹנִ֔י(ṣip̄·‘ō·w·nî)Noun - masculine singular
Strong's 6848:A serpentnest.מְאוּרַ֣ת(mə·’ū·raṯ)Noun - feminine singular construct
Strong's 3975:Something lighted, an aperture, a crevice, hole
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OT Prophets: Isaiah 11:8 The nursing child will play near (Isa Isi Is) 
