Micah 4 Study Notes

4:6-8 Though they had been injured by God’s judgment, God would also gather his lame and scattered people once more (see note at 2:12-13). From this godly remnant he would build a strong nation. Thus God’s people could expect to suffer before being redeemed. He will reign over them . . . forever. The greatness of the Davidic Empire in the past would return once more to Migdal-eder (watchtower for the flock), a location near Bethlehem (Gn 35:19-21).

4:9-10 But first (now) the people must face God’s judgment. Zion’s inhabitants were shouting loudly and in anguish much like a woman in labor before their enemies. They had forgotten the Lord, their king and counselor who would not abandon his people in their time of need. They would leave the city of Jerusalem, camp in the open fields on their way to exile, and go to Babylon. But God would not forget them, for they would be rescued and the Lord’s power would redeem them.

4:11-5:1 Judah’s oppressors did not know God’s ultimate wisdom or understand the purpose of his plan. Yahweh had actually gathered these oppressors to be threshed like sheaves of grain. His sovereign power will make his weak and frail people into a mighty army who will rise and thresh God’s enemies and glorify the Lord of the whole earth. But until that glorious day of deliverance, Jerusalem would suffer attack and siege and her ruler would be utterly humiliated. God always has a purpose for the seemingly random, difficult events of life (Gn 50:20; Rm 8:28). The Lord of all the earth never loses control and can always bring good from evil.