Micah 4
by Pastor Mark Hudson
In Micah 4, Micah pivots from his preaching in chapters 2 and 3 and speaks of “the latter days”. Micah looks forward, by the inspiration of the Holy Spirit, to the coming days or latter days. The latter days do not always refer to the end of time. In this case, as verse 10 mentions, this includes the future when they leave for Babylon as well as the days after Christ came to earth
This is a hopeful, encouraging section that promises the victory of God’s people. Let’s make some observations about the text of Micah 4. First, this is a hard chapter to discover easily distinguished sections. You will see my sections but there is not a lot of agreement for an outline of the book of Micah or this chapter specifically.
Notice the exaltation of the mountain of the Lord (1) and the direction people are moving is toward the mountain. “People shall flow to it” (1), “nations shall come” (2). Then in verse 2, the direction changes, “For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem.”
In v. 2, the nations want to “walk in his paths.” Then in v. 5, nations walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord . . . .” Compare 3:12, “is not the Lord in the midst of us? No disaster shall come upon us.” With 4:12, “But they do not know the thoughts of the Lord; they do not understand his plan, that he has gathered them as sheaves to the threshing floor.” Notice also the “now” of v. 9, 11, and 5:1 (which is 4:14 in Hebrew).
4:1-5 Micah speaks of the latter days. We remember that the apostles taught that the time of Christ was the beginning of the latter days. Notice the similarity between here and Micah’s contemporary Isaiah chapter 2. The nations change from warlike to pastoral or agricultural in v. 3. This picture of contentment follows in verse 4. What could be better than sitting under your own vine and fig tree? Ah, the perfect picture of tranquility.
6-8 Here the believer rejoices in what God can do by gathering the lame and those God has afflicted to make them a remnant whom God will reign over.
9-13 The last section reminds Israel that they will be removed to Babylon before the return to Israel. Even though God’s enemies may taunt God’s people, “they do not know the thoughts of the Lord.” Then v. 13 promises victory to God’s chosen.
One of the themes in the Bible is salvation in the midst of judgment. Think of the ark, the patriarchs, and Christ’s death and resurrection. This chapter reminds us that while there is justifiable and deserved wrath, God is more inclined to offer us mercy. We experience His grace now. While we do not see or experience the fullness of God’s victory and grace, what we do experience should satisfy our souls. So in the mean time, we should say, “for all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.” 4:5