Micah Chapter 4
1 But in the latter days, it will happen that the mountain of the LORD's temple will be established on the top of the mountains, and it will be exalted above the hills; and peoples will stream to it.
2 Many nations will go and say, "Come! Let's go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths." For the law will go out of Zion, and the LORD's word from Jerusalem;
3 and he will judge between many peoples, and will decide concerning strong nations afar off. They will beat their swords into ploughshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not lift up sword against nation, neither will they learn war any more.
4 But they will sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and no one will make them afraid: For the mouth of the LORD of Armies has spoken.
5 Indeed all the nations may walk in the name of their gods; but we will walk in the name of the LORD our God forever and ever.
6 "In that day," says the LORD, "I will assemble that which is lame, and I will gather that which is driven away, and that which I have afflicted;
7 and I will make that which was lame a remnant, and that which was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD will reign over them on Mount Zion from then on, even forever."
8 You, tower of the flock, the hill of the daughter of Zion, to you it will come, yes, the former dominion will come, the kingdom of the daughter of Jerusalem.
9 Now why do you cry out aloud? Is there no king in you? Has your counsellor perished, that pains have taken hold of you as of a woman in travail?
10 Be in pain, and labour to give birth, daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail; for now you will go out of the city, and will dwell in the field, and will come even to Babylon. There you will be rescued. There the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies.
11 Now many nations have assembled against you, that say, "Let her be defiled, and let our eye gloat over Zion."
12 But they don't know the thoughts of the LORD, neither do they understand his counsel; for he has gathered them like the sheaves to the threshing floor.
13 Arise and thresh, daughter of Zion; for I will make your horn iron, and I will make your hoofs bronze; and you will beat in pieces many peoples: and I will devote their gain to the LORD, and their substance to the Lord of the whole earth.
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Micah Chapter 4:1 - 5:1 Guide
From this scene of a corrupt people governed by corrupt rulers, the prophet lifts his eyes, and looking into the future sees the day when under true government deliverance will be wrought and the divine order be established. In this look ahead he saw the mountain of Jehovah's house established and the peoples flowing into it. Out of Zion the Lord would come forth, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. The result of this establishment of divine authority would be cessation of war, and peaceful possession of the land, with all its benefits.
In the light of this future deliverance the prophet addresses himself to the present. In the midst of diction there was assurance. Even while the cry of pain and travail was heard, there was hope. He declares that there was to be yet further pain and suffering, but that the day of deliverance is certain.
From "An Exposition of the Whole Bible" by G. Campbell Morgan.
Micah Chapter 4 Commentary
Chapter Outline
- The peace of the kingdom of Christ. -- (1-8)
- The judgments to come upon Jerusalem, but the final triumph of Israel. -- (9-13)
Verses 1-8
The nations have not yet so submitted to the Prince of Peace, as to beat their swords into ploughshares, nor has war ceased. But very precious promises these are, relating to the gospel church, which will be more and more fulfilled, for He is faithful that has promised. There shall be a glorious church for God set up in the world, in the last days, in the days of the Messiah. Christ himself will build it upon a rock. The Gentiles worshipped their idol gods; but in the period spoken of, the people will cleave to the Lord with full purpose of heart, and delight in doing his will. The word "halteth," describes those who walk not according to the Divine word. The collecting the captives from Babylon was an earnest of healing, purifying, and prospering the church; and the reign of Christ shall continue till succeeded by the everlasting kingdom of heaven. Let us stir up each other to attend the ordinances of God, that we may learn his holy ways, and walk in them, receiving the law from his hands, which, being written in our hearts by his Spirit, may show our interest in the Redeemer's righteousness.
Verses 9-13
Many nations would assemble against Zion to rejoice in her calamities. They would not understand that the Lord had collected them as sheaves are gathered to be threshed; and that Zion would be strengthened to beat them to pieces. Nothing has yet taken place in the history of the Jewish church agreeing with this prediction. When God has conquering work for his people to do, he will furnish them with strength and ability for it. Believers should cry aloud under distresses, with the prayer of faith, not with despondency.
From the "Concise Commentary on the Bible" by Matthew Henry.