Photo and Commentary ©2024 by Darren Milam
Wednesday, December 18, 2024
During a recent trip to our nation’s capital, Washington, D.C., we had an opportunity to visit the D.C. zoo – also known as the Smithsonian’s National Zoo & Conversation Biology Institute (https://nationalzoo.si.edu/) This image is from that trip, not from a safari. Regardless of its location, as you can see, not only is this one beautiful but largely impressive tiger. The zoo has two male Amur tigers named Vostok and Metis – apologies as I am not sure which this guy is.
The Amur (or Siberian) tigers are the largest of the species and are native to Eastern Russia, Northeast China and even into North Korea. Despite their size, males averaging between 400-650lb., they are still endangered. Clearly, they are on the top of the food chain, but there is a lack of food supply in the natural habitats. Thankfully, over the past few years their numbers have increased slightly with the help of various conservation programs. When you look into his eyes, you may not see a wild, ferocious beast, but one in his natural surroundings, that’s exactly what he is.
While the tiger is not mentioned in the Bible (because they were not native to the Middle East), we do get a glimpse of how big cats and other predators will act in a peaceful environment.
Isaiah 11:6 & 7
The wolf will live with the lamb,
the leopard will lie down with the goat,
the calf and the lion and the yearling together;
and a little child will lead them.
The cow will feed with the bear,
their young will lie down together,
and the lion will eat straw like the ox.
These verses, and all of chapter 11, are a vision of prophecy, describing the result of Jesus coming and fulfilling His plan to save each one of us. Then we will have the privilege to accompany our Creator to New Earth when peace is all around us. Where love (not hate) fills the air. A place so pure, a wild beast will sit right next to a helpless little lamb – and nothing bad happens. What a wild place to dream about. What an incredible destination to long for. Thank you, God, for the opportunity to choose You and see this magical location with our own eyes.