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"The remnant of His brethren shall return"

Text: Micah 5:3

FEATURES OF GOD’S PLAN REVEALED

Israel wanted very much to know what God’s plan was. However, their concern was more focused on the immediate threat of war waged by formidable enemies. Would God intervene and deliver them as He had done so many times over in the past? God’s answer revealed some important features.

“Therefore He shall give them up,
Until the time that she who is in labour has given birth;
Then the remnant of His brethren
Shall return to the children of Israel.”
Micah 5:3

1. The Plan concerning the immediate future

a) “Therefore He shall give them up”

i) This was not the message that Israel wanted to hear.

ii) The Lord would not deliver them from their present predicament.

iii) He will give them up to be delivered to the Babylonians.

b) This was however not the permanent plan.

i) This would not be the complete end (Jeremiah 5:10).

ii) The destruction of Jerusalem was not the final word.

iii) There was yet hope for the distant future.

c) “Until the time that she who is in labour has given birth”

i) Israel would give birth to the remnant.

ii) The remnant would be born in captivity in Babylon.

iii) The hope for a remnant must enable them to cope.

2. The Plan concerning the remnant

a) God will protect the remnant in Babylon and elsewhere.

b) The remnant will return to Jerusalem.

c) Jeremiah’s prophecy spoke of 70 years in captivity (Jeremiah 25:11).

3. A third feature of God’s Plan

a) The remnant of His brethren.

b) This perspective involved the Messiah-Ruler personally.

c) “The remnant of His brethren” refers to believers in the New Testament period and beyond.

d) They will return to the concept of “the children of Israel”.

e) The Messiah whom God would raise up would feature significantly and personally.