Micah 4 Study Notes

4:1-5:15 This central section portrays Yahweh establishing himself as the true ruler over his people and all nations. He would replace Israel’s wicked rulers with his own ruler, who would bring God’s reign and peace to the world (5:4-5a).

4:1-4 This oracle (also in Is 2:1-4) refers to the last days when God’s kingdom will be established. The temple mount, representing God’s dwelling on earth, though previously destroyed (3:12), would be established at the top of the mountains, and God would exalt himself among the nations (Ps 46:10). Many peoples will be drawn to him saying, Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord. They will want to learn his ways, and they will be changed by the truth of his instruction (Hb torah). God himself will bring peace between peoples and nations, causing bloodshed to end (3:10) and instruments of death to be remade into implements promoting life. Nations will never again train for war. Peace and security are certain because the mouth of the Lord of Armies has spoken.

4:5 Though outnumbered by unbelievers, faithful worshipers promised to walk in the name of the Lord our God forever. Looking in hope, they would always follow his leadership, trusting him to work out his plan in history.

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.