Micah 4

Micah 4:1-5

In the apostolic and millennial periods the gospel-church, represented by Zion and the temple, shall in all the kingdoms of the world, be most firmly and visibly established. Then shall multitudes of Gentiles every where earnestly excite one another to attend the ordinances, and embrace the doctrines of the gospel, issuing forth from Jerusalem in the ministration of the apostles, and other Jewish preachers: and, by his gracious influences and government, Jesus Christ shall introduce spiritual peace and holy conversation, and even civil concord, virtuous industry, and safety, among the nations, where murderous wars, idleness, and danger, had long prevailed. And though others should follow their idolatrous courses, in which they have been educated, we will constantly persevere in the faith, profession, worship, and obedience of the true God, in his strength, and according to the rule of his word. 6, 7. And not only shall the weak, dispirited, and scattered Jews, be preserved, brought back to and happily re-established in, their own land, as the people of God, but the most weak and wretched sinners shall be every where gathered to Christ, and the very weakest of saints encouraged by him

Micah 4:8

And, both in the apostolic and millennial periods, multitudes of Jews shall be among the first noted converts to the gospel-church. 9, 10. There is therefore no ground of desperate sorrow amidst your distresses, by the Assyrians, Chaldeans, or Romans; for, after ye have been reduced to the most miserable captivity, bondage, and dispersion, ye shall be marvellously delivered: and the deliverances of the gospel-church, from her Heathen and Antichristian persecutors, shall take place when her distress is at the greatest, and her case seemingly desperate

Micah 4:11-13

And however the Gentiles may insult you, O Jewish church and nation, in your distress by the Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syro-grecians, and Romans, and rejoice in hopes of your utter destruction, God shall, in prosecution of his secret purposes, gather them together to be destroyed, even by your means, and their spoil shall be consecrated to pious uses, and many of themselves be turned to the Lord. And however the Heathens, Antichristians, and Mahometans, insult the gospel-church, she shall at last be exalted on their ruins, and true Christians be enabled to destroy and tread under foot every opposer

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. IV.—Graciously has God set his promises and threatenings, the one over against the other. And glorious is our New Testament church, and regularly and firmly founded. What profitable instruction, light and conviction, peace and love, faithfulness, vigour, harmony, holiness, and comfort, abound in her! God graciously issues forth comforting promises before distress takes place, that his consolations may be ready for his afflicted people. And the extremity of trouble always issues in marvellous deliverances to the church and her members. Yes, in all her harassments and oppressions, her enemies and her God have very different ends. They aim at ruining her and exalting themselves; and God aims at purifying, enlarging, and enriching her, and ruining them