AS A DEW FROM THE LORD, AS THE SHOWERS UPON THE GRASS

From the desolation of Jerusalem at the end of chapter 3, we turn with a sense of relief to the later chapters of Micah’s prophecy. The opening of chapter 4 provides a complete contrast as our thoughts are directed by the prophet to ‘the last days’. In the previous verses, Micah foresaw Jerusalem left barren and empty, with the temple mount overgrown and deserted. Yet, in the fol­lowing verse, he speaks of a time when ‘the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established … it shall be exalted … and people shall flow into it’, Mic. 4. 1. The prophet Isaiah joined with Micah in speaking these same words, Isa. 2. 2-4, thus under­lining for future generations the absolute certainty of blessings yet to come for the nation of Israel.

In chapters 4 and 5 Micah is given a remarkable panoramic view of the prophetic programme. With the prospect of a glori­ous millennial day in view, 4. 1-8, he foretells the time of captivity in Babylon, but also the return, vv. 9, 10. In anticipation of further hostility against the nation, Micah reveals the coming of One who will be Saviour, Shepherd and Sovereign to His peo­ple, 4. 11 - 5. 4. With just a brief, yet all important, glimpse of the first advent to Bethlehem, Micah then focuses our attention once more on the future establishment of a millennial kingdom. All opposition will be put down and ‘the remnant of Jacob’, a redeemed, restored, regathered nation, will enjoy the acclaim of Gentiles and prosperity in their own land.

In Israel, where rainfall is seasonal and often scarce, the dew is very important to keep the land productive. At times God withheld these blessings in view of the nation’s sin, 1 Kgs. 17. 1. Yet, Moses foretold a time when Israel will ‘dwell in safety alone: the fountain of Jacob shall be upon a land of corn and wine; also his heavens shall drop down dew’, Deut. 33. 28. In that day Israel will no longer endure the hatred of surrounding nations but will provide refreshment and blessing to all. The prophetic words of Isaac to Jacob will then be fulfilled, ‘God give thee the dew of heaven, and the fatness of the earth… let people serve thee, and nations bow down to thee’, Gen. 27. 29.