028. IV. Visions Of The Triumphant Future For The Jewish Race Restored From Exile (Micah ...
IV VISIONS OF THE TRIUMPHANT FUTURE FOR THE JEWISH RACE RESTORED FROM EXILE (Micah 4, 5) The future supremacy of Zion (Micah 4:1-4). Recall, O my people, the beautiful forecast of Zion’s service to God and the world which many of you cherish. In the distant future the temple mount shall be exalted above all the earth, every nation shall acknowledge Jehovah’s law. From every quarter they shall flock to Jerusalem to be instructed in the true principles and practices of religion. Warfare will then come to an end, for even the most distant nations will accept Jehovah’s arbitration in their disputes. The weapons of war will be converted into implements of husbandry, the science of warfare will be forgotten, men shall everywhere dwell in secure possession of their property. The contrast of the present time (Micah 4:5). Alas! as yet this is but a vision of what is to be. Now every nation has its own god, which it acknowledges; but we will both now and evermore be faithful to Jehovah.
After exile the “remnant” shall become a powerful nation (Micah 4:6-7). In that future day Jehovah promises that he will gather together the crippled and scattered exiles. He will heal and forgive them, and build them up into the mighty nation of his purpose, and over them he shall reign in Jerusalem forever. Its deliverance from captivity (Micah 2:12-13). “O Israel,” he has promised, “I will surely gather together my scattered people. They shall assemble, a great multitude. From their prison shall the barrier-breaker deliver them. They shall force their way through the gates and follow their lord and king, Jehovah, who will lead the van, as in the days of yore. The Davidic restoration must be preceded by a distressing captivity (Micah 4:8-10). But thou, O Jerusalem, strong in thy defenses, yet standing in the land as solitary as a shepherd’s watch-tower on the frontier, do not lose heart entirely. The Davidic kingdom shall recover its ancient glory, but not immediately. I perceive a time of deep distress and anguish, ending in captivity. This is but the just retribution for your iniquities. Expelled from the city, camping in the open field, carried off captive [even to Babylon], you will be rescued by Jehovah and delivered from the power of your foes. The hour of Zion’s triumph (Micah 4:11-13). The time will come when the nations which now attack Judah with scornful confidence, insulting both her and her sovereign Lord, shall find that they are but sheaves for Zion to thresh. At Jehovah’s summons she will tread this human harvest, devoting to her Lord the yield thereof. The insulted nation will be delivered by the shepherd Prince of Peace (Micah 5:1-5a). Again the invading army assembles to besiege Jerusalem, the city is hemmed in, its ruler utterly helpless, and exposed[32] to gross insult. Over against this picture of what we may at present expect, I place the appearance of the promised King, the second David, destined to come from the obscure village of Bethlehem, and yet to be heir of Israel’s past glory. [Not until Immanuel appears (Isaiah 7:14) and the exiles of Israel are gathered shall this be].[33] Born among the people, he will watch over them like a faithful shepherd, ministering to their needs and proving their sufficient defense because Jehovah’s strength and majesty are his. His dominion will reach unto the ends of the earth, he will be the Prince of Peace (Isaiah 9:6).