Micah 4

1 et in novissimo dierum erit mons domus Domini praeparatus in vertice montium et sublimis super colles et fluent ad eum populi

2 et properabunt gentes multae et dicent venite ascendamus ad montem Domini et ad domum Dei Iacob et docebit nos de viis suis et ibimus in semitis eius quia de Sion egredietur lex et verbum Domini de Hierusalem

3 et iudicabit inter populos multos et corripiet gentes fortes usque in longinquum et concident gladios suos in vomeres et hastas suas in ligones non sumet gens adversus gentem gladium et non discent ultra belligerare

4 et sedebit vir subtus vineam suam et subtus ficum suam et non erit qui deterreat quia os Domini exercituum locutum est

5 quia omnes populi ambulabunt unusquisque in nomine dei sui nos autem ambulabimus in nomine Domini Dei nostri in aeternum et ultra

6 in die illa dicit Dominus congregabo claudicantem et eam quam eieceram colligam et quam adflixeram

7 et ponam claudicantem in reliquias et eam quae laboraverat in gentem robustam et regnabit Dominus super eos in monte Sion ex hoc nunc et usque in aeternum

8 et tu turris Gregis nebulosa filiae Sion usque ad te veniet et veniet potestas prima regnum filiae Hierusalem

9 nunc quare maerore contraheris numquid rex non est tibi aut consiliarius tuus periit quia conprehendit te dolor sicut parturientem

10 dole et satage filia Sion quasi parturiens quia nunc egredieris de civitate et habitabis in regione et venies usque ad Babylonem ibi liberaberis ibi redimet te Dominus de manu inimicorum tuorum

11 et nunc congregatae sunt super te gentes multae quae dicunt lapidetur et aspiciat in Sion oculus noster

12 ipsi autem non cognoverunt cogitationes Domini et non intellexerunt consilium eius quia congregavit eos quasi faenum areae

13 surge et tritura filia Sion quia cornu tuum ponam ferreum et ungulas tuas ponam aereas et comminues populos multos et interficiam Domino rapinas eorum et fortitudinem eorum Domino universae terrae

Micah 4 Commentary

Chapter 4

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.

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO MICAH 4

This chapter contains some gracious promises concerning the glory and happiness of the church of Christ in the last days; as of its stability, exaltation, and increase, and of the spread of the Gospel from it, Mic 4:1,2; and of the peace and security of it, and constant profession and exercise of religion in it, Mic 4:3-5; and of the deliverance of it from affliction and distress, and the ample and everlasting kingdom of Christ in it, Mic 4:6-8; and then follow some prophecies more particularly respecting the Jews; as that, though they should be in distress, and be carried captive into Babylon, they should be delivered from thence, Mic 4:9,10; and, though many people should be gathered against them, yet should not be able to prevail over them, but their attempts would issue in their own destruction, Mic 4:11-13.