Bible Commentaries
Micah 4

Verse 1

in the last days = at the end of the days. Here we are carried forward to a yet future day. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 49:1 , the same phrase. Numbers 24:14 ). App-92 . Compare Isaiah 2:2 , &c. Ezekiel 38:8 , Ezekiel 38:16 . Hosea 3:5

the mountain, &c. Compare Micah 3:12 ; and see Isaiah 2:2-4 . Both prophecies are independent, and complementary (see Psalms 24:3 .Ezekiel 28:16; Ezekiel 28:16 ).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4 .

established: abidingly: not merely for a time.

people = peoples.

Verse 2

come = go.

Come = Come ye.

the God of Jacob. See notes on Psalms 20:1 .

God. Heb Elohim. App-4 .

the law. As contained in the Pentateuch. App-92 .

Verse 3

He shall judge = He shall rule (Psalms 2:5 , Psalms 2:9 ; Psalms 72:8 , Psalms 72:11 ; Psalms 72:8 ; Psalms 96:13 ; Psalms 98:9 ; Psalms 110:5 , Psalms 110:6 . Isaiah 11:3-5 ; Isaiah 51:6 . Matthew 25:31 , Matthew 25:32 ).

plowshares. Compare Isaiah 2:4 .Joel 3:10 .

pruninghooks: or, scythes.

nation. Some codices, with four early printed editions (one Rabbinic, margin), Septuagint, and Syriac, read "and nation".

Verse 4

sit = dwell.

under, &c. Compare 1 Kings 4:25 .Zechariah 3:10 .

LORD of hosts. See note on 2 Samuel 1:3 .

saith the LORD = [is] Jehovah's oracle.

halteth = is lame.

gather = gather out. Compare Psalms 147:2 .Ezekiel 34:13 ; Ezekiel 37:21 .

Verse 7

halted = was lame.

a remnant. Compare Micah 2:12 ; Micah 5:3 , Micah 5:7 , Micah 5:8 ; Micah 7:18 .

shall reign. Compare Isaiah 9:6 ; Isaiah 24:23 .Daniel 7:14 , Daniel 7:27 . Obadiah 1:21 .Luke 1:33 .Revelation 11:15 .

in mount Zion. Contrast Micah 3:12 .Psalms 2:6 . Isaiah 24:23 .

Verse 8

tower of the flock. Hebrew tower of 'Eder. Reference to Pentateuch (Genesis 35:21 ; nowhere else). Used here of Bethlehem (compare Genesis 35:19 with Micah 5:2 ); coupled here with "Ophel" in next clause, "David's birth-place" and "David's city".

the stronghold. Hebrew ' Ophel. See App-68 and App-54 , line 21, "citadel", p. 78. See note on 2 Chronicles 27:3 .

first = former. For this rendering compare Exodus 34:1 (tables). Numbers 21:26 (kings). Deuteronomy 4:32 ; Deuteronomy 10:10 , &c. (days). 2 Chronicles 9:29 ; 2Ch 16:11 ; 2 Chronicles 20:34 (acts).

Verse 9

why dost thou Cry. ? This refers to the birth-pangs of the new nation which will be brought forth in that day and at that time. Compare Isaiah 13:8 ; Isaiah 21:3 , &c.

Verse 10

now = mean-while: i.e. before that day. Compare Micah 4:11 and Micah 5:1 .

even to = as far as. Compare Isaiah 39:7 ; Isaiah 43:14 .

Babylon. May "not have been on Micah's political horizon", but it was on Jehovah's. Compare Amos 5:25-27 . Acts 7:42 , Acts 7:43 .

there . . . there. Note the repetition for emphasis: i.e. there and then in that future day.

redeem = redeem [as a kinsman]. Hebrew. ga'al. See note on Exodus 6:6 .

Verse 11

Now = Meanwhile: as in Micah 4:10 ; Micah 5:1 . Referring to the then immediately impending hostility.

many nations. Compare Isaiah 33:3 .Lamentations 2:16 . Obadiah 1:11-13 .

eye. So some codices, with two early printed editions, Aramaean, Syriac, and Vulgate; but Hebrew text reads "eyes". Compare Psalms 54:3 .

Verse 12

they know not. Compare Isaiah 55:8 . Jeremiah 29:11 .

thoughts = purposes, or plans: i.e. for Israel in purging him of idolatry by his tribulation.

counsel: i.e. with regard to themselves. The reason follows.

for: or, that.

floor = threshing-floor.

Verse 13

thresh = tread as oxen.

horn . . . hoofs. Referring to the strength of the oxen, and to the completeness of the destruction. Reference to Pentateuch (Deuteronomy 25:4 ). App-92 . Compare Isaiah 41:15 .Jeremiah 51:33 .

I will. Aramaean, Septuagint, Syriac, and Vulgate read "thou shalt".

consecrate = devote; as in Joshua 6:19 , Joshua 6:24 . Compare Zechariah 14:14 . Reference to Pentateuch (Leviticus 27:28 ).

THE LORD. Hebrew. 'Adon. The Divine title, relating to dominion in the earth. See App-4 .