Bible Commentaries

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).

the LORD. Hebrew. Jehovah. App-4.

established: abidingly: not merely for a time.

people = peoples.

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.

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".

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.

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.

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-68and 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; 2 Chronicles 16:11; 2 Chronicles 20:34 (acts).

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.