"They will hammer swords to plows and spears to pruning knives.
Nations will not take up arms, will no longer train for war."
These verses from the prophet Isaiah are on a plaque in the gardens of the United Nations building in New York. The Jewish Study Bible (Tanakh translation)has this note on the passage: "The prophet does not imagine a future without borders or distinct nationalities. International conflicts will stlll occur, but nations will no longer resolve them through warfare. Instead, nations will submit to arbitration at Mount Zion. The Temple will become the headquarters of a divine Security Council with a membership of one and unsurpassed ability to ensure compliance."
An interesting image: God as arbitrator among nations, helping us to settle our differences without resorting to war.
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