He Shall Gather Them as Sheaves Micah 4:12

As Micah continued his prophesy concerning Samaria and Jerusalem, he wrote how “many nations” were gathered against them, and desired that Zion “be defiled” and put in a position that their “eye” may “look upon” them. In other words, these nations were going to rejoice over Jerusalem's plight. In chapter four and verse twelve, Micah shows how these nations did not know the LORD's thoughts concerning Zion nor did they realize that he was to “gather them as the sheaves”. We read:

But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel:

for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.

The verse begins, “But they know not the thoughts of the LORD, neither understand they his counsel:” Micah began with the word “but” which we have learned is a disassociation conjunction that means “however” and implies that what is about to be stated takes precedence over what was just written. He added, “they know not” or “have not perceived or been acquainted with” “the thoughts” or “device, plan, purpose or intention” “of the LORD” which refers to “Yehovah or Jehovah”. Micah continued, “neither understand” which means “to discern, understand, consider, perceive or have insight into” “they his counsel” or “advise or purpose”. Though these onlooking nations were in positions where they thought they knew the intentions of the LORD, they actually knew nothing about the LORD's ultimate plan for Zion.

The verse continues, “for he shall gather them as the sheaves into the floor.” Micah wrote, “for he shall gather” which means “assemble, collect and bring together” “them as the sheaves” or “swath or row of fallen grain” “into the floor” which refers to a “threshing-floor”. Like a farmer who harvested his grain from a field and brings his “sheaves” into the threshing-floor, the LORD would collect the people of Zion once again and bring them back to Jerusalem to be under His care.

While we think upon Micah's words, let us allow ourselves to see the LORD as a great harvester who gathers his “sheaves” into his barns. From all over the world where the Jewish people were scattered due to oppression and removal from their homeland, the LORD was to gather them into Israel again. Though many nations looked upon Israel's exile and rejoiced over their difficult days, they forgot one thing, the LORD was watching over them. He was to assemble them back into their homeland once again, and everyone who reads Micah's words should take heed. May the LORD help us to know that He has full control over the people of Israel, and whenever other nations laugh at their demise, He overcomes their rejoicing with a plan of His own. May our LORD Jesus Christ help us to know He is always in control.

Next time Micah shares more about how the LORD will deal with His people, 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.