Crying Out Loud Micah 4:9

The LORD God through the prophet Micah promised that He would assemble and gather the nation of Israel so that the messiah in Jerusalem was as a tower watching over and providing for them. These people would be comprised of the “halt, driven out and afflicted”, and the LORD would make this remnant a “strong nation” to whom He would return “the first dominion” and “the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem”. In chapter four and verse nine, Micah asks why the people of “cry out loud” where we read:

Now why do you cry out aloud? is there no king in you?

is your counsellor perished? for pangs have taken you as a woman in travail.

The verse begins, “Now why do you cry out aloud? is there no king in you?” As Micah the prophet shifted his focus from the coming millennial age, he now addressed the imminent coming of the armies which were to come against Samaria and Jerusalem. He began with the phrase, “Now why do you cry” which means “to shout, raise a sound or give a blast” “out aloud” like a “blast of triumph or roar”. Micah also asked, “is there no king in you?” or “ruler among you?”. The idea is that since the people knew these enemies were coming upon them, they were crying out loud, and Micah's question and implication to them was, “why are you afraid? Don't you have a king ruling over you?” Though they had a king ruling over them, he had no power to resist the enemy that was at hand.

The verse continues, “is your counsellor perished? for pangs have taken you as a woman in travail.” Micah went on to ask, “is your counsellor” or “one who gives advise, consult, counsel, purpose, devise and a plan” “perished” which means “vanished, gone astray and destroyed”. Micah continued, “for pangs” or “agony, sorrow, a writhing and anguish” “have taken you” or “grown strong, prevailed or grown in strength” “as a woman in travail” which means “to bear, bring forth, beget and gender”. The reason for the crying aloud from the people is because they feel agony like a woman who is having birth pains because they know a conquering enemy is upon them, and there is no one, neither king nor counsellor who is able to help them.

As we think about Micah's words, it will help us to imagine ourselves being in these peoples' condition. What if there was an enemy just outside of our country who was ready to attack us and take over our houses and lands? What if we knew they had conquered every enemy they attacked previously and we were next on their list? And what if we knew that our “king” and our “counsellors” were not well equipped enough to defeat this foe? Would we “cry out loud”? Would we not shout or give a blast of sound which would seek the help of anyone who might come? Can we understand their “pangs”? As we meditate upon these things, let us remember that the LORD Jesus is the only one upon whom we can truly depend. Should He ever lift His hand of protection, no nation, army or person would ever be able to halt our defeat. Heavenly Father, may we ever keep in mind from whom our real protection and provision come. In Jesus Name, Amen.

Next time Micah shares how the people will go through pain before they are delivered, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The Kingdom Shall Come Micah 4:8

Micah prophesied of the reassembling of the “halt, driven out and afflicted” of the nation of Israel. He told how God would make a “remnant” from those who were lame and a “strong nation” from those who were “cast far off”. When this happens, “the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.” In chapter four and verse eight of his prophesy, Micah shares how “the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem” where we read:

And you, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto you shall it come, even the first dominion; the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.

The verse begins, “And you, O tower of the flock, the strong hold of the daughter of Zion, unto you shall it come, even the first dominion;” As the words of the LORD continue through Micah, he employs the Hebrew phrase “Migdal Eder, Migdal Eder” which translated is “And you, O tower” which refers to an “elevated stage, pulpit or raised bed” “of the flock” or “herd”. In keeping with the reference to people being like a flock, the “tower” would be the watching point from which the shepherd would take oversight. This is a reference to “the strong hold” or “ophel” which means “hill, mound, or impregnable fort” “of Zion” which we learned in earlier lessons means “parched place” and is another name for Jerusalem. Micah said, “unto you it shall come” which means “will arrive or bring”, and then he answers what the “it” is with “even the first dominion” which is a reference to the “primary and former rule and reign” which was known in the time of King David. When the regathering and assembling of the nation of Israel is fulfilled, the glory of their “dominion” will be restored to that of the former days.

The verse continues, “the kingdom shall come to the daughter of Jerusalem.” Micah continued, “the kingdom” which refers to the “dominion, reign and sovereignty” “shall come” or “enter, come or go in” “to the daughter of Jerusalem” which means “the offspring of the teachings of peace”. The idea is that dominion and rule shall come to Jerusalem, and the Great Shepherd will be there to govern over it.

As we ponder these words of Micah, we may allow ourselves to see the fulfillment of this prophesy through our mind's eye. As we think about the regathering of the people of Israel and their position within the world, we can see how Jerusalem will be a center-point of rule for the Great King. This King is like Jesus who watches over His flock, the church, within the world. He reigns on high and may take dominion over the Earth any time He chooses. When the millennial age comes, He shall rule and have dominion from Jerusalem, and the entire world shall be subject unto Him. Until that time, He has rule over the church, and as He watches, so to speak, from His tower over us, we may know that our Great Shepherd has not only our provision but our protection within eyes.

Next time Micah asks why the people “cry out aloud”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

The LORD Shall Reign Over Them Micah 4:7

As Micah continued his prophesy, He wrote the LORD's words who declared He would “assemble her that halts, and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;”. It was to be the LORD, Jehovah God, who would assemble and gather those who were lame, driven out and afflicted by Him. In chapter four and verse seven of his prophesy, Micah continued to record the LORD's words as He shared concerning reigning over them. We read:

And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation:

and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.

The verse begins, “And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation:” After assembling the “halt”, the LORD said, “And I will make” which means “to put, place, set, appoint, establish, determine, constitute and fashion” “her that halted” or “limps or is lame” “a remnant” which means “rest, residue, remainder and what is left”. The LORD added, “and her that was cast far off” which refers to “those removed far away” “a strong” or “mighty, vast, numerous and countless” “nation” which means “people”. If we use our imaginations we can picture the LORD assembling and gathering people from all over the world who were made lame by their exile and were removed from their home land by force. This was to be a small group of people from whom the LORD again would build a strong nation.

The verse goes on to say, “and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.” Once this “remnant” was gathered back into Israel and Jerusalem, the LORD declared, “and the LORD shall reign” which means “be or become king” “over them in mount” or “hill, mountain or hill country” “Zion” or “parched place” which is another name for Jerusalem“from henceforth” or “even to, until, unto, till and during” “even for ever” which means “long duration, antiquity, futurity, for ever, ever, everlasting, evermore, perpetual, always, continuous existence, indefinite, unending future and eternity”. In other words, when the LORD gathers this remnant of people who are lame and “cast off”, He will rule and reign over them forever.

As we ponder the LORD's words through Micah the prophet, perhaps it will help us to keep in mind that the LORD does not see as we see. The LORD God lives outside of our time continuum, and when He speaks of the future, He sees it as already taking place. So, when we read of His words concerning assembling the “halted” and “cast off”, it is as though it is happening before Him now. It would be like watching a sporting event or movie we have already seen. We could report to others when this event happens or that outcome occurs, and the movie would play out just as we declared. The LORD sees His gathering of this small group of damaged people, and when He assembles them, He will become their King and have rule over them for all of eternity. Let us wonder, if the LORD sees this future event taking place as though it already is, what does He have in mind for us? May we know His Son Jesus Christ more and more every day through His Holy Spirit, and let us continue in His word that we may grow and trust that He sees and has everything within His site and control. Reign, Jesus, Reign.

Next time Micah shares how the kingdom shall come to “the daughter of Jerusalem”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Assembling the Halt, Driven Out and Afflicted Micah 4:6

As Micah the prophet continued his sharing concerning the time of the “millennial age” when Jesus Christ will rule over the earth, He told of the prosperity and protection that would be provided to those who “walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever”. In chapter four and verse six of his prophesy, Micah wrote again of the LORD assembling and gathering His people back to Him again where we read:

In that day, says the LORD, will I assemble her that halts,

and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;

The verse begins, “In that day, says the LORD, will I assemble her that halts,” Micah began, “In that day” which means “a division or period of time” “says the LORD” or “declares Yehovah or Jehovah” “will I assemble” which means “gather, receive or take in” “her that halts” or “limps or is lame”. If we use our imaginations we can picture the LORD gathering together those who were either born lame, acquired limps or were made crippled through battle.

The verse goes on to say, “and I will gather her that is driven out, and her that I have afflicted;” Micah went on to say, “and I will gather” which means “assemble or bring together” “her that is driven out” which refers to people who were “impelled, thrusted and driven away or banished” from their homeland. Micah continued, “and her that I have afflicted” which refers to the ones the LORD had “displeased, injured, hurt or broken”. Let us be sure to note that this is “the LORD” who is saying these words, and it is He who will gather the “driven out” and the people whom He Himself afflicted.

While we meditate upon the LORD's words as recorded by Micah, let us direct our attention toward two discoveries we may make in this verse. First, the LORD will be busy assembling and gathering these people who were affected by the overthrow of their country. They were made to be “halt”, “driven out” and “afflicted” when they were forced to leave, and at that time the LORD will gather them back together again. Secondly, let us take some time to think about the last phrase of this verse, “her that I have afflicted”. The LORD took responsibility for the “affliction” of this last group. He allowed it. He watched over it, and ultimately it was within His oversight where this affliction took place. The people, we remember, had forsaken the LORD, and although He made many appeals to them to return unto Him, they rejected His offer and suffered affliction. Could it be that He would allow the same thing again today? In light of Micah's prophesy, may we bow our heads, humble ourselves, discover the LORD's ways, and know Him intimately before we too become the “afflicted” of the LORD whom He must regather.

Next time Micah shares about the LORD reigning over the afflicted and downtrodden, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

We Will Walk in the Name of the LORD Micah 4:5

As Micah the prophet continued his prophesy concerning the time of the millennial reign of the LORD, he wrote of the LORD's ruling, protection and provision for the people over whom he will reign. He also stated, “none shall make them afraid” because “the mouth of the LORD has spoken it”. In chapter four and verse five, Micah shares how the people “will walk in the name of the LORD” where we read:

For all people will walk every one in the name of his god,

and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.

The verse begins, “For all people will walk every one in the name of his god,” Micah declared, “For all people” or “though every person, every where” “will walk” which refers to “proceeding or maneuvering toward” “every one” or “every man” “in the name of his god” or will be “in worship toward his deity whether true or not”. The loyalty of most people within a nation to their gods is prevalent throughout the world. Micah's idea is that as the people of the world are loyal to their gods, the nation of Israel will be to theirs as well.

The verse goes on to say, “and we will walk in the name of the LORD our God for ever and ever.” Micah said, “and we will walk” or “proceed or maneuver toward” “in the name” or “in the reputation, fame and glory” “of the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah the existing one” “our God” which means “ruler, judge and divine one” “for ever and ever” or until perpetuity. During the millennial age, the nations will benefit from the blessings and protection of the LORD, and they shall worship Him with loyalty forever.

When we stop to think about these words of Micah, we may wonder, what will it be like to have the entire population of the world worshipping Jesus Christ? Everyone will be walking “in the name of the LORD”, and though the Bible declares that some will defect from the faith during the last portion of the millennial age, for the most part, people everywhere will worship the LORD. The LORD will extend His provision and protection for everyone, and all people will worship Him in loyalty in return. What a different world this will be when at last Jesus Christ rules and reigns. May He return soon, and let us pray that He will allow us to be a part in His rule.

Next time Micah shares the LORD will gather the afflicted and downtrodden, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

None Shall Make Them Afraid Micah 4:4

Micah the prophet wrote of the events of “the last days” when Jesus shall rule and reign upon the Earth for one thousand years. The temple of the LORD will be rebuilt, and people from “many nations” shall go there to learn the ways of the LORD. These nations will no longer teach war, and they will “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:”. In chapter four and verse four Micah continued his prophesy as he wrote “none shall make them afraid” where we read:

But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree;

and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken it.

The verse begins, “But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree;” Micah began this phrase with the word “But” which shows a contrast to what was just stated about no more study of war and adds, “they shall sit” which means “to dwell, remain, inhabit or abide” “every man” which refers to “every person or whosoever” “under his vine” which was a symbol of prosperity “and under his fig tree” which was also a symbol of prosperity and a tranquil and happy life.

The verse continues, “and none shall make them afraid:” As an added bonus, Micah shared, “and none” which means “no one, nation or people group” “shall make them afraid” or “to tremble, quake, move about, be startled, be terrified, and be anxious” any more. Though they were to be in great fear and anxiousness because they were to be defeated earlier in Micah's prophesy, the people would no longer experience that fear when the millennial age comes.

Finally the verse says, “for the mouth of the LORD of hosts has spoken it.” Micah gave the reason the people would be so tranquil and at peace, “for the mouth” or the “opening of the mouth with the reference of breathing” “of the LORD” or “Yehovah or Jehovah” “of hosts” which refers to “that which goes forth, an army, war or warfare” “has spoken it” which means “commanded, promised, warned and threatened” it. The idea is the One who has charge over all the armies of war declared that peace will be upon the Earth, and no one person, people group or nation will be able to override His command.

As we ponder Micah's words, we might wonder, “What will it be like to have the entire world tranquil, at peace, unafraid and without anxiousness any more?” We will not know a time like this until the “Prince of Peace” Jesus reigns and rules as Micah prophesied. In the mean time, perhaps we should echo the words of John the apostle when he wrote in the book of Revelation in chapter twenty-two and verse twenty:

He which testifies these things says, Surely I come quickly. Amen. Even so, come, Lord Jesus.

Next time Micah shares how people will walk in the name of the LORD, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Plowshare Swords and Pruninghook Spears Micah 4:3

As Micah wrote of “the last days” which refers to the millenial age, he included prophecies concerning “many nations” coming to “the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob”. There the LORD “will teach” the people of those nations “his ways”, and they will “walk in his paths”. “The word of the LORD” will come from Jerusalem and “the law” will “go forth of Zion”. In chapter four and verse three, Micah the prophet shares how the nations will “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks” where we read:

And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.

The verse begins, “And he shall judge among many people, and rebuke strong nations afar off; As the LORD sits in the place of ruling authority in “the last days”, Micah wrote, “And he shall judge” or “govern, vindicate and decide controversy” “among many people” which refers to “much, numerous and a great number of nations”. He will also, “rebuke” or “to prove, decide, judge, reprove, correct, and be right over” “strong nations” which refers to “mighty vast and numerous people” “afar off” or “remote, far, distant, distant lands, and distant ones”. In other words, the LORD will have rule over the entire earth, and people from nations near and far will be judged and rebuked by Him.

The verse continues, “and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:” The result of the LORD's rule will be, “and they” speaking of these nations near and far, “shall beat” or “crush by beating, crush to pieces, and crush fine” “their swords” which refers to actual “swords or knives” “into plowshares” which are “hoes, mattoxes or other digging instruments”. Micah said they will also beat “their spears” or “javelins or spearheads” “into pruninghooks” which were “pruning knives” such as knives for pruning plants.

Finally the verse says, “nation shall not lift up a sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more.” In addition to beating “their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:”, Micah wrote, “nation shall not lift up” which means “bear up, carry, or take” “a sword” or “knife or actual swords” “against nation” or “groups of people”. In addition Micah declared, “neither shall they learn” which means “teach in, exercise or be trained in” “war any more” which refers to “battle”. Can we even begin to imagine such a wonderful time as this?

As we take time to meditate upon Micah's words, we can use our imaginations to picture a time when men from nations near and far will no longer take up arms against one another. These “last days” written of by Micah will be a time when the LORD Jesus reigns and rules upon the earth, and there will be no injustice, warring, and great controversy allowed. The “peace on Earth” will be so abundant that weapons of warfare will be turned into agricultural tools, and there will be no need for military training or academies. It seems almost too good to be true, but the prophet Micah declared the words of the LORD concerning this time, and this period of peace indeed shall be. In light of this prophesy, perhaps we should offer up this prayer, “May the LORD Jesus return to the Earth very soon that we may live in peace upon the Earth in reality, and not simply declare it as an ideal”. “Even so come quickly LORD Jesus”. Amen.

Next time Micah shares how “none shall be afraid”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Many Nations Shall Come Micah 4:2

After prophesying against the false prophets and corrupt leaders within Samaria and Jerusalem, Micah the prophet began to share concerning “the last days” and the restoration of “the house of the LORD” which “shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.” In chapter four and verse two, Micah continues to share about the “house of the LORD” as he wrote of the “many nations” which will come to it and be taught the ways of the LORD. We read:

And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths: for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.

The verse begins, “And many nations shall come, and say, Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the LORD,” During the time of the last days when the house of the LORD is rebuilt, Micah prophesied, “And many nations” which means “much, abounding and abundant nations” “shall come” or “walk, proceed and traverse” “and say” which refers to the way they will be “talking, conversing, uttering and avowing” as they go toward the temple “Come, let us go up”. The idea is that they will be giving invitations to one another to “ascend, climb and arise” “to the mountain of the LORD” which refers to the “high place or hill” of “Yehovah or Jehovah”.

The verse goes on to say, “and to the house of the God of Jacob; and he will teach us of his ways, and we will walk in his paths:” Micah adds, “and to the house” which refers to the “dwelling place, habitation and shelter” “of the God of Jacob” or “the divine, ruling one of Jacob which means heel-catcher or supplanter”. When the people of the nations arrive, Micah wrote, “and he will teach us” which means “throw, shoot, cast and pour into us” “of his ways” or “manner, path, direction and course of life”. Micah also added, “and we will walk” or “come, depart, proceed, move, go away, and have a manner of life” “in his paths” which refers to His “ways of living”.

Finally the verse says, “for the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the LORD from Jerusalem.” Micah then gives the reason the people of the nations will “walk in his paths” - “for the law” which refers to the “direction, instruction, custom, manner and legal directives” “shall go forth” or “go, exit, lead, deliver and proceed” “of Zion” which literally means “parched place” and refers to “Jerusalem”. Micah added, “and the word” or “speech, speaking and utterance” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” “from Jerusalem” which literally means “teaching of peace” and was “the chief city of Palestine and capital of the united kingdom and the nation of Judah after the split”.

If we use our imaginations we can almost visualize the many nations sitting at the feet of Jesus and learning His ways. The temple of the LORD will be upon the holy mountain in Jerusalem, and the nations of the world will not only go there to be taught of the LORD, but they will also leave from there walking in His ways. These passages of Micah refer to what is known as the “millennial age” when Jesus Christ will rule on earth for one thousand years. This time is yet future, but it will be a time when we will be able to go to the rebuilt temple in Jerusalem, sit at Jesus' feet, and learn of his paths and ways. Oh what glorious time that shall be, and as we continue to study Micah's prophesy we shall realize more and more benefits when Jesus reigns upon the earth. Until then, may we sit at the feet of His word, the Bible, and continue to learn of Him by His Holy Spirit.

Next time Micah tells how people will “beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks:”, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

In the Last Days Micah 4:1

After declaring the judgment which would fall upon Samaria and Jerusalem because of the evil within the leaders and false prophets located there, Micah the prophet began a new chapter where he commenced to sharing concerning “the last days”. We begin this study in chapter four and verse one where we read:

But in the last days it shall come to pass, that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains, and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.

The verse begins, “But in the last days it shall come to pass,” Once again we encounter the word “But” to begin this section. We have learned that the word “But” is a disassociation conjunction which means “however, or in contrast to what was just stated” “in the last days” or “the after part, the end, latter time or hindermost time” “it shall come to pass” or “it shall be established”. The idea is in contrast to the judgment which Samaria and Jerusalem will endure, there will be a reestablishing of the people which is noted in the next portion of the verse.

The verse continues, “that the mountain of the house of the LORD shall be established in the top of the mountains,” Micah wrote, “that the mountain” which means “the hill, mount or hill country” “of the house” or “dwelling place or habitation” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah” “shall be established” or “be firm, stable, fixed and secure” “in the top of the mountains” which refers to the “head, top, summit, upper part, and chief” of all the high places.

Finally the verse says, “and it shall be exalted above the hills; and people shall flow unto it.” Micah added, “and it shall be exalted” which means “lifted, borne up, carried, and taken” “above the hills” or “lower hills which were usually used for illicit worship”. Micah also wrote, “and people” or “nations, country-men, compatriots, and kinsmen” “shall flow into it” which means “shine, beam, light and be radiant” within it. In other words, this “house of the LORD” will be established during the latter days, and all nations of people will flow into it.

While we think upon this transition of Micah from his current day to “the last days”, we may begin to realize that this latter time is closer than we think. Isaiah the prophet wrote nearly the same words in his prophesy in chapter two and verse two where we read:

And it shall come to pass in the last days, that the mountain of the LORD'S house shall be established in the top of the mountains, and shall be exalted above the hills; and all nations shall flow unto it.

The LORD will reestablish the temple, and “all nations” shall be a part of the worship of the LORD. As we proceed with this study in the next few lessons, let us allow ourselves to realize that the LORD has all these things within His control and within His timing. May we believe everything the LORD has planned shall and will come to pass, and they will do so because of Jesus Christ God's Son.

Next time Micah tells more of what will occur during the last days, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Plowed, Heaps and Forest Micah 3:12

As Micah concluded the third chapter of his prophesy concerning Samaria and Jerusalem, he wrote of the wickedness of the rulers and prophets within both places. These evil men not only took bribes to persuade their judgments and teachings, but also believed themselves to be leaning “upon the LORD” as they said, “Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” In the twelfth and final verse of chapter three, Micah shared the results of these wicked men's ways where we read:

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps,

and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

The verse begins, “Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed as a field,” Micah employed the word “therefore” which is a conclusion word which means “as a result of or consequentially” “shall Zion” which means “parched place” and is another name for Jerusalem “for your sake” or “because of or on account of you” “be plowed” which means “cut in, engraved, silenced, deaf and made quiet” “as a field” or “like a land which is occupied by wild beasts”. The judgment which was to fall upon “Zion” or Jerusalem because of these evil leaders would be as though someone plowed the entire city over and left it abandoned like a field in the wild.

The verse continues, “and Jerusalem shall become heaps,” In addition to “Zion” being plowed, “Jerusalem” which means “teachings of peace” “shall become heaps” or “ruins or heaps of ruins”. We can use our imaginations and visualize the heaps of buildings which would be the result of them being overcome by a conquering enemy.

Finally the verse says, “and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.” Not only would “Zion” be as a plowed field and Jerusalem become “heaps” of ruins, Micah said, “and the mountain” which means “hill or mountainous tract of hills” “of the house” or “dwelling place or habitation” “as the high places” which were “ridges, bamahs, heights or places of worship” “of the forest” or “woods and thickets”. This “mountain of the house” refers to the place upon which the temple of the LORD rested, and although it appeared to be impenetrable an unconquerable, it would become overrun like an overgrown forest full of shrubs and brushwood.

As we think about this prophesy of Micah's, it might be helpful to know that the Jewish “TALMAD and MAIMONIDES record that at the destruction of Jerusalem by the Romans under Titus, Terentius Rufus, who was left in command of the army, with a ploughshare tore up the foundations of the temple.” Just as Micah said, Jerusalem was overtaken and destroyed. We should keep in mind that this prophesy came as a warning to these evil leaders and prophets, but they would not heed it. They continued in their wicked practices and believed the LORD was on their side all the while. As we ponder this idea, let us be certain to align ourselves with the word of God as we make our decisions in life. We should remember these leaders thought themselves to be in alignment with the LORD, but they were not, and lest we be like them, let us humble ourselves before the LORD Jesus and be sure of not only our salvation, but also our position with Him.

Next time we begin a new chapter where Micah began to write of the last days, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Is the LORD Among Corrupt Leaders? Micah 3:11

Micah the prophet addressed the leadership within Jacob and Israel. Their ways were pernicious and wicked, and although they had authority over the people within Samaria and Jerusalem, they abused their powers and took bribes which persuaded their judgment and favor. Through their wicked ways they built “up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity”, and in chapter three and verse eleven of his prophesy, Micah continued with his indictments against these wicked leaders where he wrote:

The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money: yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.

The verse begins, “The heads thereof judge for reward, and the priests thereof teach for hire, and the prophets thereof divine for money:” Micah mentions three groups within this portion of the verse. The first were the “heads” which were the “top, summit, upper part, chief, total, sum, height, and front” of the people, “thereof judge” which means “govern, vindicate, or punish” “for reward” or “presents or bribes”. They chose to vindicate or discriminate based upon whether the people would bribe them. In addressing the second group, Micah said, “and the priests” which were “the principal officer or chief ruler within spiritual matters” “thereof teach” which literally means “to shoot, throw out, cast or pour” “for hire” or “price, reward and gain”. In other words, if they were paid or remunerated for their instruction, they would pour out to their students. If they were not paid, they would withhold their teaching. Finally, the third group mentioned by Micah were “the prophets” or “false and heathen prophets” who would “thereof divine” or “practice divination, surmise, speculate and make conjecture” “for money” or “silver, shekels or talents”. All three of these leadership groups were persuaded by whether someone “rewarded” them for their judgments.

The verse continues, “yet will they lean upon the LORD, and say, Is not the LORD among us? none evil can come upon us.” In the midst of their wicked ways, these leaders according to the prophet Micah would “lean upon” which means “trust in and support” “upon the LORD” which is “Yehovah or Jehovah – the existing one”. Though they were being wicked by allowing bribes and rewards influence their rulings and judgments, they still declared their dependence upon the LORD. Micah proclaimed they would “say, Is not the LORD among us?” which means “in our midst, within the middle and inner part of us”. Then these wicked leaders would pronounce, “none evil” or “bad, disagreeable, malignant or displeasing thing” “can come upon us” or “go in, enter or come in against us”. Though these leaders and prophets were practicing evil and were influenced in their judgments and rulings by whether people bribed and reward them or not, they still believed the LORD was with them and would protect them from any harm.

As we meditate upon these words of Micah, perhaps we should think about the deception that was present with these evil leaders. They believed they could act wickedly and still have the presence of the LORD with them. It was as though they were oblivious to the fact that their wickedness would have consequences and repercussions. As we ponder the ways of these leaders, we should be certain that we are not behaving as they did and that we are not deceived into believing wicked behavior is somehow unobserved or unseen. The LORD knows when perverted justice flows from leadership, and though for a while it may appear they are escaping His judgment, we can be certain that their evil will not go unrewarded. May the LORD Jesus help us to trust in Him with all the wickedness in leaders that He openly sees.

Next time Micah writes of the results of these wicked leaders' ways, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Zion with Blood and Jerusalem with Iniquity Micah 3:10

As Micah continued his prophesy over Samaria and Judah, he declared himself to be “full of power by the spirit of the LORD, and of judgment, and of might, to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin”, and because he was, he called upon the “heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel” whom he said, “abhor judgment, and pervert all equity”. In chapter three and verse ten of his prophesy, Micah tells more about how these leaders affected both Zion and Jerusalem where we read:

They build up Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity.

The verse begins, “They build up Zion with blood,” Micah first addresses how these godless leaders “build up” or “establish or cause to continue” “Zion” which literally means “parched place” and is another name for Jerusalem, “with blood” which refers to “bloodshed or massacre”. The idea is that they have built the wealth of their city such as “new streets and squares”, and they “adorn” them in such a way that it “advances public interest in both the church and state”, but they do so by murder and slaughter. They think they are doing God and Zion “a good service”, and yet they are doing so “with blood”.

The verse goes on to say, “and Jerusalem with iniquity.” Micah then includes, “Jerusalem” which means “teaching of peace” to the affected area by these pernicious leaders. He wrote how “Jerusalem” was built “with iniquity” or “violent deeds of injustice, unrighteousness, and wrong”. Regardless of these leaders' intentions to make Jerusalem more prosperous, they did so with unrighteous deeds, and whatever building was done would only be for a short period before judgment would fall.

As we think through these words of Micah, perhaps we will be drawn to wonder how our own country or cities have been “built”. Were there “violent deeds of injustice, unrighteousness and wrong” which were involved in their establishment? What about our own personal wealth? Were their deeds of injustice which were used to build it up? As we imagine ourselves in the position of these horrific leaders, we will discover that their place of authority was not an enviable one. May we never “build up” any wealth on the bloodshed backs of others, lest we too know the eventual pattern of judgment that came from the Lord.

Next time Micah will tell of the false impression these leaders had concerning their relationship with the Lord, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.

Leaders Who Abhor Judgment and Pervert Equity Micah 3:9

After declaring the judgment that was to fall upon the false prophets in Jacob and Israel, Micah began to contrast himself with their pernicious ways. Rather than being filled with greed and falsehoods, Micah was “full of power, judgment and might” “by the spirit of the LORD”, and he was given this power “to declare unto Jacob his transgression, and to Israel his sin”. In chapter three and verse nine of his prophecy, Micah charges the leadership of Jacob and Israel with two sins and calls upon them to hear him. We read:

Hear this, I pray you, you heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel,

that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.

The verse begins, “Hear this, I pray you, you heads of the house of Jacob, and princes of the house of Israel,” Micah wrote, “Hear this” or “listen to, obey, consent to and agree” “I pray you” which shows the intensity of his request, “you heads” or “top, height, chief and upper part” “of the house of Jacob” which was the habitation of those who lived in “supplanter or heel-catcher”. Micah added, “and princes” or “chief, ruler, commander or dictator” “of the house of Israel” which is a reference to those who lived within “God prevails or governed by God”. Micah's idea is to focus upon the leadership within Jacob and Israel, and with the power, judgment and might of the Spirit of the LORD behind him, they would do well to listen.

The verse continues, “that abhor judgment, and pervert all equity.” After drawing their attention, Micah then began to appraise these leaders' character. He said they “abhor” which means “loathe, make abominable and detest” “judgment” which refers to “right, justice, rectitude and ordinance”, and they “pervert” or “twist, make crooked, prove perverse, declare perverse and distort” “all equity” or that which is “straight, upright, correct, right, fitting and proper”. In other words, as Micah stated before, the reputations of the leadership were those “who hate the good, and love the evil”.

Although we realize we are in the middle of a thought as we conclude this verse, we can imagine Micah calling these rulers together and then declaring their wickedness unto them. What if that were to happen today? Would it be well received? If we were to examine the leadership in our country, would they be found to be those who “abhor judgment” and “pervert all equity”? Perhaps as we meditate upon these things we should pray for the leadership within our country, and use our normal time of complaints to call upon the Spirit of the Living God to fall upon them and ourselves.

Next time Micah adds additional indictments against these leaders, so read ahead, and we shall join together then.

Until tomorrow…there is more…

Look for the daily devotional book “Equipped for Battle – From Generation to Generation”, the marriage book “So, You Want to Be Married”, and the new devotional “One Year in the Sermon on the Mount” in all major bookstore sites, http://www.amazon.com ; http://www.barnesandnobles.com ; download to e-books, and find it locally at http://www.mrzlc.com/bookstore.