_Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops _ THE CHURCH OF GOD I. As militant in its character. Jerusalem is addressed as “daughter of troops.” As Jerusalem was a military city containing a great body of soldiers within her walls, so is the Church on earth, it is military. The life of all... [ Continue Reading ]
_But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah _ BETHLEHEM AND ITS BABE The Jews regarded this text as a prophecy of Messiah’s birthplace. Micah, though a prophet of Divine wrath, is also a prophet of Divine promise. Next to Isaiah, he is richest in Messianic pr... [ Continue Reading ]
_He shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord _ THE MIGHTY SHEPHERD I. His activity and zeal. “He shall stand.” We read of idle shepherds, who lie down and sleep and neglect their flock. This attitude of standing shows-- 1. Dignity. He is the Royal Shepherd. 2. Observation. He who stands... [ Continue Reading ]
_And this Man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land _ PEACE IN CHRIST AMID INVADING FOES This is an announcement of the mission of our Saviour. He is to be peace. Two facts in the text. 1. A special danger is apprehended. 2. A provision is made to meet the danger. I. T... [ Continue Reading ]
_And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the Lord _ CHRISTIAN INFLUENCE This text may suggest the beneficial influence which God’s people are intended and calculated to exert upon surrounding society, wherever their lot may be cast, and whatever may be the circu... [ Continue Reading ]
_I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee _ GOD’S DEPRIVING DISPENSATION TOWARDS MEN Here the Almighty is represented as taking away from Israel many things they greatly valued. God’s providence deprives as well as bestows. Depriving dispensations are-- I. Very painful. The things He t... [ Continue Reading ]