The Peaceful Kingdom
1The royal line of David is like a tree that has been cut down; but just as new branches sprout from a stump, so a new king will arise from among David's descendants.
2The Spirit of the LORD will give him wisdom,
and the knowledge and skill to rule his people.
He will know the LORD's will and honour him,
3and find pleasure in obeying him.
He will not judge by appearance or hearsay;
4he will judge the poor fairly
and defend the rights of the helpless.
At his command the people will be punished,
and evil persons will die.
5He will rule his people with justice and integrity.
6Wolves and sheep will live together in peace,
and leopards will lie down with young goats.
Calves and lion cubs will feed together,
and little children will take care of them.
7Cows and bears will eat together,
and their calves and cubs will lie down in peace.
Lions will eat straw as cattle do.
8Even a baby will not be harmed
if it plays near a poisonous snake.
9On Zion, God's sacred hill,
there will be nothing harmful or evil.
The land will be as full of knowledge of the LORD
as the seas are full of water.
The Exiled People will Return
10A day is coming when the new king from the royal line of David will be a symbol to the nations. They will gather in his royal city and give him honour.
