Vere. 9-13; eh. v.1.-Tlvr()1J,!Jh trial to triumph. There is a very natural connection btitween these and the previous verses. The seer has presented a glowing picture of the uHimate triumphs of the Messia.h's kingdom. In choicest language he has unfolded the nature of the Messiah's rule, and the beneficent effects to be secured thereby. And now he reminds us that this victory should he won by suffering-that God's order is thr()1J,!Jh trial to triumph. Notice- 1. THE EXPERIENCE OIi' BORROW AS PREPARATORY TO JOY j OF CONFLICT AS PRE- PARATORY To VICTORY. (Vers. 9-13; eh. v. 1.) Whatever view may be taken as to the true application of these verses, it is very clear that they refer to deep sorrow, through which the nation must pass before the manifestation of the true spiritual King whose coming is so clearly indicated in the chapter following. Captivity must be experienced; conflict must be engaged in with "many nations;" loss of rulers and leaders must be sustained ; war and siege mnst be felt. Yet all these should prove but preparatory to the experience of joy and victory; they should be but as the pangs preceding birth ; out of and following these throes there should come the establishment of a kingdom which should never be moved, and which their mate1·ial kingdom, now being so shaken, even in its most prosperous and peaceful days only faintly symbolized. And this is ever the Divine order of procedure. It is the all-wise appointment of God that his servants should pass through trial and be made perfect through suffering. He takes the seed and plants it in rough soil, and as the result he causes to arise beauteous flowers. The tear often precedes the smile. The thick cloud gathers over our heads, and lo I afterwards the triumphant arch spans the sky, telling of the Divine faithful- ness and love. We must suffer would we ultimately reign; we must bear the cross would we wear the crown. God's servants are soldie:rs, and the soldier must "endure hardness" (2 Tim. ii. 3), and engage in sharp conflict ere he reaps the warrior's reward. His followers are trees of righteousness, and God prnnes his trees that "they may bring forth much fruit" (John xv. 2). II. STIMULATING THOUGHTS AMIDST THESE DARKER EXPERIENCES OF LIFE. Several such thoughts are suggested here. 1. The:re's "a needs be" for these sorrows. (Ver.10.) It is here declared that there was a necessity for the sorrows here predicted. The trials are referred to as experiences that must be, and that could not be avoided. The travail must be endured, the captivity must be experienced, the discipline must be passed through. The nation had woefully transgressed, and only thus could it be purged and purified. As the crushing of the seed resnlts in a more abundant increase, so the oppression of God's servants should result in the upspringing of" the peaceable fruits of righteousness." "Of sorrow, sanctity is born." Here is one solution of" the mystery of suffering." It is designed to work purification; it is a healthful discipline. It is not that our Father-God is wanting in sympathy that we have to pass through adverse scenes, but because his sympathy is so large and so perfect that it extends to the whole of our being. When he says, "Be in pain," etc. (ver. 10), it is not that he does not feel with us, but rather because his sympathy is so large that he deigns to lift us up to a higher level, and to lead us to attain unto a purer and more perfect character and life; and hence, whilst "he will not break the brnised reed, nor quench the smoking flax," he will also "send forth judgment unto victory" (Isa. xlii. 2, 3). 2. There is an overruling Providence. (Vers. 11, 12.) In these verses the heatheu nations are represented as encouraging each other to make a decisive onslaught upon the favoured people, and as speaking as though their plans could very easily be executed, the overthrow of Judah be effected, and they gaze with satisfaction upon the downfall and desolation (ver. 11). But there was a higher than any mere human power swaying the destinies of the peoples of the earth. The Lord God omnipotent was reigning. He had his purposes and plans of which the nations took no account, but which nevertheless were to be developed. And in the unfolding of these all the dark designs of the evil would be overruled, and whilst the nation of his choice should thus be tried as by fire, and so have its dross consumed, they who, prompted by their own mercenary and ambitious ends, assaulted it, should be brought to utter confusion 58 THE BOOK OF MICA H. [OH, IV, 1-13
:rn,l shame (ver. 13). The world slill abounds in evil-doers who Bra pursuing their own ouds, and that they may gain these are ever planning and contriving harm; but it may well comfort and st rengtheu our heBrts, amidst the anxiety and distress suoh occasion, thnt there is still an overruling Providence guiding human affairs, and that un~er God's Bll-wise and loving direction good only shall eventually come to the good, whilst the counsel of the wicked shall perish, and the Brill of their power be broken, 3. Ther_e is th~ Divine abiding pi·esence. This is implied in ver. 9. The prophet, aboundrng in <leepest sympathy with his people in their calamities, would, neverthe- less, have them foel that they were not left utterly destitute; that, though earthly rulers had failed them, there was One who ever abides, and who, if they but trusted him, would bear them safely through all. He who had been the Kina and Guide of their nation before earthly monarch had ever been appointed over it (1 Sam. xii. 12) would not forsake them now that human supports had given way, but would make their present sorrows to end in higher joy than they had formerly experienced (Hos. xiii. 9, 14). Nor need we fea.r in the time of trouble, so long as it remaineth that "the Lord of hosts is with us," etc. (Ps. xlvi. 7). 4. Tliere is ultimate deliverance. (Ver. 10.) The Lord would assuredly" turn again the captivity of Zion" (Ps. cxxvi. 1-6). Through fire and through water they should be brought out into a wealthy place (Ps. cxvi. 12). Weeping might endure for a night, but joy should come in the morning (Ps. xxx. 5). And so with his servants in every age. The way he would have us take, despite all its difficulties and discouragements, shall bring us at length to the palace and to our crown.