The Tribulation and the Millennium

Topic: Last Days
Passage: Micah 4:1–8

December 26, 2019

Commentary

The words “in the last days“ (v. 1) usually refers to the Tribulation and the Millennium. Micah did not state when “the last days“ will occur, however he mentions 11 characteristics:

  1. The millennial temple will be prominent in the world (v. 1a). Mount Zion where the temple will be built (Ez. 40-43) will become chief among the mountains (Zech. 8:3).
  2. Peoples of the world will be attracted to Jerusalem (v. 1b).
  3. Jerusalem will be the place of instruction for the entire world (v. 2a).
  4. Revelation will go forth from Jerusalem (v. 2b). Since God will be the ruler (v. 3), it is natural that His Word should come from His place of rule.
  5. The Lord will be the Judge of Jerusalem (v. 3a). Many of Micah’s readers were chafing under God’s judgement but eventually the whole world will submit to God’s Word.
  6. Peace will be universal (v. 3b). During the millennium implements of warfare (swords and spears) will be changed into tools of agriculture (plowshares and pruning hooks).
  7. Israel will dwell in security and peace (v. 4).
  8. Israel will be spiritually sensitive to God (v. 5). Though pagan nations worshiped idols, Israel in the millennium will walk in the name of the Lord and obey His standards.
  9. Israel will be regathered (v. 6). Jews will be persecuted (Dan. 7:25) and scattered (Zech. 14:5); then when Christ returns they will be regathered (Mat. 24:31).
  10. Israel will be made strong (v. 7). In contrast with Israel’s spiritual and moral weakness in Micah’s day the returned remnant of believing Jews will become a strong nation.
  11. Jerusalem will have dominion (v. 8).

Application

As I think of the last days I need to be praising the Lord that He has saved me to serve Him.

Micah 4:1– 8 (NET)

1 And in future days the Lord’s Temple Mount will be the most important mountain of all; it will be more prominent than other hills. People will stream to it.

2 Many nations will come, saying, “Come on! Let’s go up to the Lord’s mountain, to the temple of Jacob’s God, so he can teach us his ways and we can live by his laws.” For instruction will proceed from Zion, the Lord’s message from Jerusalem.

3 He will arbitrate between many peoples and settle disputes between many distant nations. They will beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks. Nations will not use weapons against other nations, and they will no longer train for war.

4 Each will sit under his own grapevine or under his own fig tree without any fear. The Lord of Heaven’s Armies has decreed it.

5 Though all the nations follow their respective gods, we will follow the Lord our God forever.

6 “In that day,” says the Lord, “I will gather the lame and assemble the outcasts whom I injured.

7 I will transform the lame into the nucleus of a new nation, and those far off into a mighty nation. The Lord will reign over them on Mount Zion, from that day forward and forevermore.

8 As for you, watchtower for the flock, fortress of Daughter Zion — your former dominion will be restored, the sovereignty that belongs to Daughter Jerusalem.”