Isaiah 11:6; "And the wolf will dwell with the lamb." Part I

וגר זאב עם כבש --veGAR Zeev im Keves.

Note the emphasis on veGAR, which comes from the root גור-GUR-from the same root the word GER comes from also.
So, the question is asked:

1) In order for the wolf to dwell with the lamb, does the wolf need to undergo a ritual of conversion?

2) If yes, does the wolf then becomes a lamb?

3) Does he remain a wolf?

4) Does he become a wolf in sheep clothing?....

I thought I should ask.....

All this would have been funny if it would not be so serious...

In his fine blog YINON, Rabbi Joshua speaks of conversion in early Judaism. He identifies the term "conversion" by the Hebrew word "גיור "-(gyur). He then writes:
"it is true that the Torah and the earliest portion of the Tanach do not mention conversion clearly."
Well, The Torah and ALL portion of the Tanach do not mention the term "conversion"-gyur--AT ALL. There is no place in the whole Hebrew Scriptures that any formal ritual of conversion (gyur) was in place in the time of Moses, not in the era of the prophets. Even in the historical narrative and the prophetic literature of post exilic time, there is no ritual of conversion mentioned or implied. The GER "sojourner" became a covenant member on his own word, declaring his/hers willingness to confess to the God of Israel. The GER proved it by conforming to the Torah of Israel. He/she then received all the privileges along with the responsibilities that were enjoyed by the common Israelite. The GER became a part of Israel. He did not become a Jew, he remained as one chosen from the nations.

There is no evidence that circumcision was a part of any "ritual of conversion" in ancient times. That circumcision is singled out in Ex. 12 is understandable, since Passover points to the redemption from Egypt for God's covenant people. It would be silly to keep the Passover without being part of the covenant people. But circumcision did not make a person a covenant member, it only proved that the person was willing to obey God. Circumcision is a sign of the covenant just like the Shabbat is. A GER who broke the Shabbat would also be prohibited from participation in the Passover (Numb. 15).

The "ritual of conversion" is not documented until late in the second Temple era. Since covenant status had been changed, meaning there is only covenant blessing to the Jew,they came up with the brilliant idea that any Gentile who submits to the ritual, automatically is identified as a Jew...Covenant membership was available only to Jews.....

More later....