Peace among the nations: wolves and lambs; resurrection glory

As for the concord, union, and peace that are to reign among animals of different kinds — naturally opposed and enemies of one another — the elders hold that this will be realized truly at Christ’s coming, when he has established his reign over all and everywhere. (Isa 11:6-9)

The prophet uses an image to show that people of different nations but of like manners will, because of Christ’s name, gather in a perfect peace. The assembly of the just is compared to a flock of fawns, lambs, kids, and little children, whom no one harms — not even those who formerly, by their rapacity, were like wild beasts, with savage manners, so as to resemble wolves or lions that devour the weak and wage implacable war among themselves. (Isa 65:25)

It will be the same with women who once were more dangerous than asps and vipers, able to pour deadly poisons on those they loved and sacrifice them to their jealousy. These men and women, gathered under one name, will put on peaceful manners and, by God’s grace, strip off their barbarous and savage nature.

And this has already come about; for those who formerly were so unnatural that they committed every kind of iniquity, once they have known Christ and believed in him, have been so changed that they practice all that is most excellent in righteousness — so great is the change that faith in Jesus Christ, the Son of God, works in those who believe in him! (2 Cor 5:17)

And the prophet adds that once raised, Christ will exercise his power over the Gentiles. For he had to die and rise, so that it might be confessed and believed that he is Son of God and King. Afterward the prophet declares: ‘And his resurrection shall be an honor’ — that is, a glory. (Isa 11:10; Rom 15:12) For it is since he rose that he has been glorified as God. (Rom 1:4; Phil 2:9-11)