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Translation
King James Version
But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it.
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KJV (with Strong's)
But they shall sit H3427 every man H376 under his vine H1612 and under his fig tree H8384; and none shall make them afraid H2729: for the mouth H6310 of the LORD H3068 of hosts H6635 hath spoken H1696 it.
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Complete Jewish Bible
Instead, each person will sit under his vine and fig tree, with no one to upset him, for the mouth of ADONAI-Tzva'ot has spoken.
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Berean Standard Bible
And each man will sit under his own vine and under his own fig tree, with no one to frighten him. For the mouth of the LORD of Hosts has spoken.
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American Standard Version
But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig-tree; and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of Jehovah of hosts hath spoken it.
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World English Bible Messianic
But they will sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and no one will make them afraid: For the mouth of the LORD of Hosts has spoken.
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Geneva Bible (1599)
But they shall sit euery man vnder his vine, and vnder his figge tree, and none shall make them afraid: for the mouth of the Lord of hostes hath spoken it.
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Young's Literal Translation
And they have sat each under his vine, And under his fig-tree, And there is none troubling, For the mouth of Jehovah of Hosts hath spoken.
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Study This Verse

SUMMARY

Micah 4:4 presents a profound prophetic vision of future peace, security, and prosperity under God's righteous and universal reign. It paints an idyllic picture of a restored world where every individual enjoys undisturbed tranquility and abundance, a stark and hopeful contrast to the judgment and turmoil prevalent in Micah's contemporary society and indeed, throughout much of human history. This promise is sealed by the infallible decree of the Almighty God.

CONTEXT

  • Literary Context: Micah 4:4 is situated within a glorious prophetic oracle (Micah 4:1-5) that describes the future Messianic kingdom, often referred to as the "latter days." The preceding verses (Micah 4:1-3) portray the exaltation of Zion as the spiritual center of the world, where all nations will stream to learn God's ways, leading to universal disarmament and an end to war. Specifically, Micah 4:3 declares that nations "shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruninghooks: nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more." Micah 4:4 then shifts focus from the global cessation of conflict to the individual's experience of this profound peace, illustrating the personal tranquility and security that will accompany this worldwide harmony. It serves as a personal, domestic complement to the grand, international vision.
  • Historical & Cultural Context: The prophet Micah ministered in Judah during the tumultuous 8th century BC (c. 735-700 BC), a period marked by significant political instability, rampant social injustice, and the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. Kings Ahaz and Hezekiah reigned during this time, facing pressures from both internal corruption and external imperial powers. Micah's prophecies often interwove declarations of divine judgment for the sins of Israel and Judah (e.g., idolatry, oppression of the poor, corrupt leadership) with glorious promises of future restoration and salvation. The imagery of "sitting under his vine and under his fig tree" was a well-known biblical and ancient Near Eastern idiom for a settled, prosperous, and secure existence, signifying peace, domestic tranquility, and the enjoyment of one's own land and labor without fear of invasion or displacement. This imagery stands in stark contrast to the insecurity and displacement that characterized much of the region's history, particularly during times of war and exile. For instance, 1 Kings 4:25 uses this phrase to describe the widespread peace and security enjoyed during the reign of King Solomon.
  • Key Themes: Micah 4:4 contributes significantly to several major theological and narrative themes within the book of Micah and broader prophetic literature. The most prominent themes include Peace and Security, where the promise that "none shall make them afraid" speaks to an absolute absence of external threats and internal anxieties, ensuring undisturbed rest and confidence for every individual. This is a profound vision of shalom. Another key theme is Prosperity and Abundance, represented by the imagery of sitting "under his vine and under his fig tree." This signifies a time of agricultural bounty, economic stability, and the secure enjoyment of one's personal property and the fruits of one's labor, a stark contrast to the oppression and dispossession Micah often condemned. This phrase is also echoed in other prophetic books, such as Zechariah 3:10. Finally, the theme of Divine Assurance is powerfully conveyed by the concluding phrase, "for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it." This emphasizes that the promise is not merely a human hope or aspiration but a divine decree, guaranteed by the omnipotent God of armies (Hebrew: Yahweh Sabaoth), whose word is infallible and cannot fail. This underscores God's sovereignty and faithfulness to His covenant promises.

EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

Key Word Analysis

  • sit (Hebrew, yâshab', H3427): This primitive root means "to sit down," but implies much more than mere physical posture. It conveys the idea of dwelling, remaining, settling, and abiding in a place. In the context of Micah 4:4, it signifies a permanent, undisturbed, and secure habitation, free from the need to flee or migrate due to fear or conflict. It speaks to a settled existence, a profound sense of home and belonging.
  • afraid (Hebrew, chârad', H2729): This primitive root means "to shudder with terror" or "to fear." It encompasses both external threats that cause fear and the internal emotional state of anxiety or dread. The declaration that "none shall make them afraid" signifies a complete eradication of all sources of terror and apprehension, both physical and psychological. It promises absolute security and peace of mind, a state of perfect tranquility.
  • spoken (Hebrew, dâbar', H1696): This primitive root primarily means "to speak" or "to arrange." When applied to God, it denotes a divine utterance, a decree, or a command. The phrase "the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it" emphasizes the authoritative, unchangeable, and performative nature of God's word. It is not merely a prediction but a divine fiat, a guaranteed promise that will assuredly come to pass because it originates from the sovereign will and power of God Himself.

Verse Breakdown

  • "But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree": This clause paints a vivid picture of individual peace and prosperity. The imagery of the vine and fig tree is a well-established biblical idiom for a time of peace, security, and abundance, where each family enjoys the fruits of their own labor on their own land without threat. It speaks to a settled, domestic tranquility, where individuals are secure in their possessions and can enjoy the blessings of their environment without disturbance. "Every man" underscores the universal nature of this peace, extending to each person individually.
  • "and none shall make them afraid": This phrase directly addresses the absence of fear, which is the natural consequence of true peace and security. It implies the removal of all external threats—whether from invading armies, oppressive rulers, or internal strife—and the eradication of the internal anxiety that such threats produce. This is a promise of absolute safety and freedom from terror, allowing for a life lived in confidence and rest.
  • "for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it": This concluding declaration serves as the ultimate guarantee for the fulfillment of the preceding promises. It grounds the entire prophecy in the unassailable authority and power of God. "The LORD of hosts" (Yahweh Sabaoth) is a title emphasizing God's supreme sovereignty over all heavenly and earthly armies and powers. His word is not merely a suggestion or a hope, but a divine decree, a covenant promise that cannot fail, ensuring the certain and complete realization of this future age of peace.

Literary Devices

Micah 4:4 is rich in Imagery, primarily through the vivid depiction of "every man under his vine and under his fig tree." This evokes a pastoral scene of idyllic peace, personal ownership, and abundant provision, allowing the reader to visualize the promised tranquility. This specific imagery functions as a powerful Idiom, a well-understood phrase in ancient Israelite culture that universally represented a time of national and personal security, prosperity, and undisturbed domestic life, contrasting sharply with the instability and fear of war. The phrase "none shall make them afraid" employs Negation to emphasize the complete absence of fear, highlighting the profound and comprehensive nature of the promised security. Finally, the concluding statement, "for the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it," acts as a Divine Fiat or Divine Decree, a declaration that underscores the absolute certainty and infallible nature of the prophecy. This rhetorical device assures the audience that the promise is not a mere human hope but an unchangeable divine word, guaranteed by God's omnipotence and faithfulness.

THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS

Micah 4:4 encapsulates a profound eschatological hope deeply rooted in God's covenant promises to Israel. It points to a future reality where God's perfect peace, or shalom, will reign supreme, fulfilling the ancient longing for a return to an Edenic state of undisturbed communion with God and harmonious existence. This vision is not merely about political stability or economic prosperity, but about a holistic well-being that flows from the direct and sovereign rule of God. It echoes the promise of rest and secure inheritance given to Israel in the land of Canaan, but expands it to a universal, cosmic scale, where all fear is banished because God Himself is the ultimate source of security and justice. This future peace is a manifestation of God's character as the "LORD of hosts," whose word is powerful enough to bring about the most radical transformation of human society and the natural world.

REFLECTION AND APPLICATION

Micah 4:4 offers profound hope for believers today, pointing towards a future reality where God's perfect peace will reign supreme. While the full, literal fulfillment of this prophecy awaits the establishment of God's kingdom on Earth in its consummated form, it also inspires present trust in God's sovereignty amidst current fears and uncertainties. This vision reminds us that ultimate peace and security are found not in human efforts, political systems, or material wealth, but in the guaranteed promises of God. It calls us to cultivate a spirit of peace and contentment, trusting that God is ultimately in control, even when the world around us is chaotic and frightening. Living with this eschatological hope encourages us to be agents of shalom in our own spheres of influence, seeking justice, promoting reconciliation, and demonstrating the peace of Christ in a world desperately in need of it. It is a powerful reminder that our deepest security is in the unfailing word of the LORD.

Questions for Reflection

  • How does the promise of ultimate peace in God's kingdom, where "none shall make them afraid," shape your perspective on current fears and anxieties in your life or in the world?
  • In what ways can believers begin to embody the "vine and fig tree" peace—a sense of contentment, security, and enjoyment of God's blessings—in their own lives and communities today, even amidst a fallen world?
  • How does knowing that "the mouth of the LORD of hosts hath spoken it" strengthen your faith in God's promises, particularly those that seem far-off or impossible from a human perspective?

FAQ

What is the significance of "under his vine and under his fig tree"?

Answer: This phrase is a well-known biblical idiom representing a state of peace, prosperity, and security. It signifies that each family or individual possesses their own land, enjoys the fruits of their labor, and lives in undisturbed domestic tranquility without fear of invasion, displacement, or oppression. Historically, it described the ideal conditions of a settled, agricultural society, where people could literally sit in the shade of their own fruit trees, enjoying the abundance of their harvest. It contrasts sharply with times of war, famine, or exile, where such stability was impossible. This imagery is also found in other biblical texts, such as 1 Kings 4:25 describing the peace under King Solomon, and Zechariah 3:10 which uses it in a similar prophetic context.

Who is "the LORD of hosts"?

Answer: "The LORD of hosts" is a translation of the Hebrew title Yahweh Sabaoth (or Jehovah Sabaoth). "Yahweh" is the personal, covenant name of God, while "Sabaoth" means "armies" or "hosts." This title emphasizes God's supreme power, authority, and sovereignty over all heavenly and earthly armies, celestial bodies, and all created things. It portrays God as the divine warrior, the commander of all forces, both visible and invisible. When used in prophetic declarations, as in Micah 4:4, it underscores the infallible certainty of God's word and the absolute power by which He will bring His promises to pass. It assures the listener that the prophecy is not merely a human hope but a divine decree, guaranteed by the omnipotent God who controls all things.

CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT

Micah 4:4 finds its ultimate and glorious fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah. He is the true "Prince of Peace" foretold in Isaiah 9:6, whose coming inaugurated the spiritual kingdom of God. While the full, physical realization of "every man under his vine and under his fig tree" awaits His second advent and the establishment of the new heavens and new earth, Christ already offers a spiritual peace that transcends earthly circumstances. He declared, "Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid" (John 14:27). Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ has disarmed the powers of darkness and removed the ultimate source of fear—the fear of death and judgment—for those who believe in Him (Hebrews 2:14-15). The security and freedom from fear promised in Micah are realized in Christ, who grants His followers a profound inner peace that "passeth all understanding" (Philippians 4:7). Ultimately, the vision of undisturbed tranquility and abundant life will be perfectly consummated when Christ returns to reign, establishing His kingdom where "God shall wipe away all tears from their eyes; and there shall be no more death, neither sorrow, nor crying, neither shall there be any more pain" (Revelation 21:4). The "mouth of the LORD of hosts" that spoke this promise is the very Word made flesh, Jesus Christ, whose "words shall not pass away" (Matthew 24:35), guaranteeing the certain fulfillment of this glorious future.

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Commentary on Micah 4 verses 1–7

It is a very comfortable but with which this chapter begins, and very reviving to those who lay the interests of God's church near their heart and are concerned for the welfare of it. When we sometimes see the corruptions of the church, especially of church-rulers, princes, priests, and prophets, seeking their own things and not the things of God, and when we soon after see the desolations of the church, Zion for their sakes ploughed as a field, we are ready to fear that it will one day perish between both, that the name of Israel shall be no more in remembrance; we are ready to give up all for gone, and to conclude the church will have neither root not branch upon earth. But let not our faith fail in this matter; out of the ashes of the church another phoenix shall arise. In the last words of the foregoing chapter we left the mountain of the house as desolate and waste as the high places of the forest; and is it possible that such a wilderness should ever become a fruitful field again? Yes, the first words of this chapter bring in the mountain of the Lord's house as much dignified by being frequented as ever it had been disgraced by being deserted. Though Zion be ploughed as a field, yet God has not cast off his people, but by the fall of the Jews salvation has come to the Gentiles, so that it proves to be the riches of the world, Rom 11:11, Rom 11:12. This is the mystery which God by the prophet here shows us, and he says the very same in the first three verses of this chapter which another prophet said by the word of the Lord at the same time (Isa 2:2-4), that out of the mouth of these two witnesses these promises might be established; and very precious promises they are, relating to the gospel-church, which have been in part accomplished, and will be yet more and more, for he is faithful that has promised.

I. That there shall be a church for God set up in the world, after the defection and destruction of the Jewish church, and this in the last days; that is, as some of the rabbin themselves acknowledge, in the days of the Messiah. The people of God shall be incorporated by a new charter, a new spiritual way of worship shall be enacted, and a new institution of offices to attend it; better privileges shall be granted by this new charter, and better provision made for enlarging and establishing the kingdom of God among men than had been made by the Old Testament constitution: The mountain of the house of the Lord shall again appear firm ground for God's faithful worshippers to stand, and go, and build upon, in their attendance on him, Mic 4:1. And it shall be a centre of unity to them; a church shall be set up in the world, to which the Lord will be daily adding such as shall be saved.

II. That this church shall be firmly founded and well-built: It shall be established in the top of the mountains; Christ himself will build it upon a rock; it shall be an impregnable fort upon an immovable foundation, so that the gates of hell shall neither overthrow the one nor undermine the other (Mat 16:18); its foundations are still in the holy mountains (Psa 87:1), the everlasting mountains, which cannot, which shall not, be removed. It shall be established, not as the temple, upon one mountain, but upon many; for the foundations of the church, as they are sure, so they are large.

III. That it shall be highly advanced, and become eminent and conspicuous: It shall be exalted above the hills, observed with wonder for its growing greatness from small beginnings. The kingdom of Christ shall shine with greater lustre than ever any of the kingdoms of the earth did. It shall be as a city on a hill, which cannot be hid, Mat 5:14. The glory of this latter house is greater than that of the former, Hag 2:9. See Co2 3:7, Co2 3:8, etc.

IV. That there shall be a great accession of converts to it and succession of converts in it. People shall flow unto it as the waters of a river are continually flowing; there shall be a constant stream of believers flowing in from all parts into the church, as the people of the Jews flowed into the temple, while it was standing, to worship there. Then many tribes came to the mountain of the house, to enquire of God's temple; but in gospel-times many nations shall flow into the church, shall fly like a cloud and as the doves to their windows. Ministers shall be sent forth to disciple all nations, and they shall not labour in vain; for, multitudes being wrought upon to believe the gospel and embrace the Christian religion, they shall excite and encourage one another, and shall say, "Come, and let us go up to the mountain of the Lord now raised among us, even to the house of the God of Jacob, the spiritual temple which we need not travel far to, for it is brought to our doors and set up in the midst of us." Thus shall people be made willing in the day of his power (Psa 110:3), and shall do what they can to make others willing, as Andrew invited Peter, and Philip Nathanael, to be acquainted with Christ. They shall call the people to the mountain (Deu 33:19), for there is in Christ enough for all, enough for each. Now observe what it is, 1. Which these converts expect to find in the house of the God of Jacob. They come thither for instruction: "He will teach us of his ways, what is the way in which he would have us to walk with him and in which we may depend upon him to meet us graciously." Note, Where we come to worship God we come to be taught of him. 2. Which they engage to do when they are thus taught of God: We will walk in his paths. Note, Those may comfortably expect that God will teach them who are firmly resolved by his grace to do as they are taught.

V. That, in order to this, a new revelation shall be published to the world, on which the church shall be founded, and by which multitudes shall be brought into it: For the law shall go forth of Zion, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. The gospel is here called the word of the Lord, for the Lord gave the word, and great was the company of those that published it, Psa 68:11. It was of a divine original, a divine authority; it began to be spoken by the Lord Christ himself, Heb 2:3. And it is a law, a law of faith; we are under the law to Christ. This was to go forth from Jerusalem, from Zion, the metropolis of the Old Testament dispensation, where the temple, and altars, and oracles were, and whither the Jews went to worship from all parts; thence the gospel must take rise, to show the connexion between the Old Testament and the New, that the gospel is not set up in opposition to the law, but is an explication and illustration of it, and a branch growing out of its roots. It was in Jerusalem that Christ preached and wrought miracles; there he died, rose again, and ascended; there the Spirit was poured out; and those that were to preach repentance and remission of sins to all nations were ordered to begin at Jerusalem, so that thence flowed the streams that were to water the desert world.

VI. That a convincing power should go along with the gospel of Christ, in all places where it should be preached (Mic 4:3): He shall judge among many people. Messiah, the lawgiver (Mic 4:2.), is here the judge, for to him the Father committed all judgment, and for judgment he came into this world; his word, the word of his gospel, that was to go forth from Jerusalem, was the golden sceptre by which he shall rule and judge when he sits as king on the holy hill of Zion, Psa 2:6. By it he shall rebuke strong nations afar off; for the Spirit working with the word shall reprove the world, Joh 16:8. It is promised to the Son of David that he shall judge among the heathen (Psa 110:6), which he does when in the chariot of his everlasting gospel he goes forth, and goes on, conquering and to conquer.

VII. That a disposition to mutual peace and love shall be the happy effect of the setting up of the kingdom of the Messiah: They shall beat their swords into plough-shares; that is, angry passionate men, that have been fierce and furious, shall be wonderfully sweetened, and made mild and meek, Tit 3:2, Tit 3:3. Those who, before their conversion, did injuries, and would bear none, after their conversion can bear injuries, but will do none. As far as the gospel prevails it makes men peaceable, for such is the wisdom from above; it is gentle and easy to be entreated; and if nations were but leavened by it, there would be universal peace. When Christ was born there was universal peace in the Roman empire; those that were first brought into the gospel church were all of one heart and of one soul (Act 4:32); and it was observed of the primitive Christians how well they loved one another. In heaven this will have its full accomplishment. It is promised, 1. That none shall be quarrelsome. The art of war, instead of being improved (which some reckon the glory of a kingdom), shall be forgotten and laid aside as useless. They shall not learn war any more as they have done, for they shall have no need to defend themselves nor any inclination to offend their neighbours. Nation shall no longer lift up sword against nation; not that the gospel will make men cowards, but it will make men peaceable. 2. That all shall be quiet, both from evil and from the fear of evil (Mic 4:4): They shall sit safely, and none shall disturb them; they shall sit securely, and shall not disturb themselves, every man under his vine and under his fig-tree, enjoying the fruit of them, and needing no other shelter than the leaves of them. None shall make them afraid; not only there shall be nothing that is likely to frighten them, but they shall not be disposed to fear. under the dominion of Christ, as that of Solomon, there shall be abundance of peace. Though his followers have trouble in the world, in him they enjoy great tranquillity. If this seems unlikely, yet we may depend upon it, for the mouth of the Lord has spoken it, and no word of his shall fall to the ground; what he has spoken by his word he will do by his providence and grace. He that is the Lord of hosts will be the God of peace; and those may well be easy whom the Lord of hosts, of all hosts, undertakes the protection of.

VIII. That the churches shall be constant in their duty, and so shall make a good use of their tranquillity and shall not provoke the Lord to deprive them of it, Mic 4:5. When the churches have rest they shall be edified, and confirmed, and comforted, and shall resolve to be as firm to their God as other nations are to theirs, though they be no gods. Where we find the foregoing promises, Isa 2:2, etc. it follows (Mic 4:5), O house of Jacob! come ye, and let us walk in the light of the Lord; and here, We will walk in the name of the Lord our God. Note, Peace is a blessing indeed when it strengthens our resolutions to cleave to the Lord. Observe, 1. How constant other nations were to their gods: All people will walk every one in the name of his god, will own their god and cleave to him, will worship their god and serve him, will depend upon him and put confidence in him. Whatever men make a god of they will make use of, and take his name along with them in all their actions and affairs. The mariners, in a storm, cried every man to his god, Jon 1:5. And no instance could be found of a nation's changing its gods, Jer 2:11 : If the hosts of heaven were their gods, they loved them, and served them, and walked after them, Jer 8:2. 2. How constant God's people now resolve to be to him: "We will walk in the name of the Lord our God, will acknowledge him in all our ways, and govern ourselves by a continual regard to him, doing nothing but what we have warrant from him for, and openly professing our relation to him." Observe, Their resolution is peremptory; it is not a thing that needs be disputed: "We will walk in the name of the Lord our God." It is just and reasonable: He is our God. And it is a resolution for a perpetuity: "We will do it for ever and ever, and will never leave him. He will be ours for ever, and therefore so we will be his, and never repent our choice."

IX. That notwithstanding the dispersions, distress, and infirmities of the church, it shall be formed and established, and made very considerable, Mic 4:6, Mic 4:7. 1. The state of the church had been low, and weak, and very helpless, in the latter times of the Old Testament, partly through the corruptions of the Jewish nation, and partly through the oppressions under which they groaned. They were like a flock of sheep that were maimed, worried, and scattered, Eze 34:16; Jer 50:6. 17. The good people among them, and in other places, that were well inclined, were dispersed, were very infirm, and in a manner lost and cast far off. 2. It is promised that all these grievances shall be redressed and the distemper healed. Christ will come himself (Mat 15:24), and send his apostles to the lost sheep of the house of Israel, Mat 10:6. From among the Jews that halted, or that for want of strength, could not go upright, God gathered a remnant (Mic 4:7), that remnant according to the election of grace which is spoken of in Rom 11:7, which embraced the gospel of Christ. And from among the Gentiles that were cast far off (so the Gentiles are described to be, Eph 2:13, Act 2:39) he raised a strong nation; greater numbers of them were brought into the church than of the Jews, Gal 4:27. And such a strong nation the gospel-church is that the gates of hell shall never be able to prevail against it. The church of Christ is more numerous than any other nation, and strong in the Lord and in the power of his might.

X. That the Messiah shall be the king of this kingdom, shall protect and govern it, and order all the affairs of it for the best, and this to the end of time. The Lord Jesus shall reign over them in Mount Zion by his word and Spirit in his ordinances, and this henceforth and for ever, for of the increase of his government and peace there shall be no end.

Matthew Henry (1662–1714) — Commentary on the Whole Bible. This section covers verses 1–7. Public domain.
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Methodius of OlympusAD 311
BANQUET OF THE TEN VIRGINS 10:5
The vine, and that not in a few places, refers to the Lord himself, and the fig tree to the Holy Spirit, as the Lord “makes glad the hearts of men,” and the Spirit heals them. Hezekiah is commanded to make plaster with a lump of figs—that is, the fruit of the Spirit—that he may be healed. According to the apostle this healing begins with love. For he says, “The fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, longsuffering, gentleness, goodness, faith, meekness, temperance.” On account of their great pleasantness, the prophet calls these spiritual fruits figs. Of them Micah also says, “They shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree; and none shall make them afraid.” Now it is certain that those who have taken refuge and rested under the Spirit and under the shadow of the Word shall not be alarmed or frightened by the one who troubles the hearts of humankind.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Jacob and the Blessed Life
He is indeed the field blessed by the Lord: not this earthly one, or rough with woods, or rocky with torrents, or marshy with stagnant waters, or barren of crops, or useless for vines, or infertile with stony gravel, or gaping and dry from drought, or soaked with blood, or uncultivated with thorns and brambles: but that field, of which the Church says in the Canticles: I have adjured you, O daughters of Jerusalem, by the powers and fortitude of the field. For this is the field of which the Lord says: 'And the appearance of the field is with me'. In this field is found that grape which, when pressed, shed blood and cleansed the world. In this field is that fig tree under which the saints will rest, refreshed by the sweetness of spiritual grace. In this field is that fruitful olive tree, flowing with the ointment of the Lord's peace. In this field flourish pomegranates, which cover many fruits under the protection of one foundation of faith and nourish them with the embrace of charity.
Ambrose of MilanAD 397
On Paradise
However, since here in Genesis we read that paradise was planted by God in the East, and there the man whom God formed was placed; we can now find the author of this paradise. For who else could have created paradise but the all-powerful God, who spoke and things came into being, never needing those things which he desired to be generated? Therefore, he himself planted the paradise of which Wisdom says: Every planting that my Father has not planted will be rooted up. Good planting of angels, good saints. For saints are called under the fig tree and vine in that future time of peace, in which there is a type of angels.
JeromeAD 420
Commentary on Micah
(Chapter IV - Verses 1 onwards) And it shall come to pass in the latter days that the mountain of the house of the Lord shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and it shall be lifted up above the hills; and peoples shall flow to it, and many nations shall come, and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.' For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem; he shall judge between the nations, and shall decide disputes for many peoples; and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war anymore. But they shall sit every man under his vine and under his fig tree, and no one shall make them afraid, for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. For all the peoples walk each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. On that day, says the Lord, I will gather the lame and gather her whom I have driven away, and the one whom I have afflicted; I will make the lame a remnant, and the one who was cast off a strong nation; and the Lord will reign over them in Mount Zion from now on and forever. And in the last days, the mountain of the Lord's house shall be established as the highest of the mountains, and shall be raised above the hills; and all the nations shall flow to it, and many peoples shall come and say: 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob; that he may teach us his ways and that we may walk in his paths.' For out of Zion shall go forth the law, and the word of the Lord from Jerusalem; he shall judge between many peoples, and shall arbitrate between strong nations far away; they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning hooks; nation shall not lift up sword against nation, neither shall they learn war any more; but they shall all sit under their own vines and under their own fig trees, and no one shall make them afraid; for the mouth of the Lord of hosts has spoken. For all the peoples walk, each in the name of its god, but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever. But we will go in the name of the Lord our God forever and beyond. In that day, says the Lord, I will gather her who was crushed, and her who was cast out, I will receive, and those whom I had rejected: and I will make the crushed into a remnant, and the cast out into a strong nation, and the Lord will reign over them on Mount Zion, from now and forever. For the leaders of Judah have despised justice, and have perverted all that is right, and have built Zion with blood, and Jerusalem with iniquity: and not only have they done these things, but they have also judged for bribes, and the priests of Jerusalem have answered for payment, and her prophets have divined for money, and because of them, Zion was like a plowed field, and Jerusalem had fallen into heaps of stones, and the mountain of the temple of God, desolate among the high forests. Therefore now, their house is abandoned and deserted, when the Son of God, going out of the temple, said: Rise, let us go hence (John 14:31): And: Your house shall be left to you desolate (Luke 13:15). The angels also, with Joseph reporting, said: Let us go forth from our abodes, for the mountain of Zion is exalted, of which it is said to the prince of Tyre. And you were wounded on the mountain of the Lord (Ezek. XXVIII). But this mountain of the Lord was revealed in the last days, when the kingdom of heaven was drawing near. For in the consummation of the ages, for the condemnation of sinners, our Savior appeared through his sacrifice, and he came at the eleventh hour to hire workers. And completing His passion, John says: It is the last hour (1 John 2:18): in six thousand years, if five hundred years are divided by the hours of each day, the last hour will consequently be called the time of the faith of the Gentiles. And it will be made manifest, he says, the mountain of the Lord prepared upon the tops of the mountains. It will be made manifest, which was previously hidden, and prepared not only in the mountains, but upon the tops of the mountains, Moses and the Prophets, who prophesied about Him. For although they have written all things holy, nevertheless, in comparison to the prophecy in which they foretold the coming of the Savior, all other things are humble and do not reach to the top of the mountains. And it is said, 'He will be exalted upon the hills.' (Philippians 2:8-9) Indeed, he appeared as a man and took on the form of a servant; he humbled himself unto death, even death on a cross. But the Father exalted him and gave him a name that is above every name, and the whole life of mankind, compared to his way of life, is called fields and valleys. So to this mountain, which is prepared on the top of the mountains, and exalted above the hills, all people will hasten, or as it is written in Hebrew, all the people will flow, that is, in the manner of rivers, innumerable crowds will gather. But the people will hasten when the Parthians, Medes, Elamites, and the inhabitants of Mesopotamia, Judea, Cappadocia, Pontus and Asia, Phrygia and Pamphylia, Egypt and the parts of Libya which are near Cyrene, and Roman visitors, Jews and proselytes, Cretans and Arabs will have believed in him together. Do they not seem to you to have hurried to the mountain, to whom it was said: Follow me, and I will make you fishers of men (Matt. 4:19-20), and they immediately followed the Savior? And again, the Scripture relates about James and John, that having left the boat and father and the waves of the world, they hurried to the mountain. And when Matthew the tax collector heard: Follow me (Matt. 9), he immediately ran. And that too in the Gospel, when great crowds from Galilee and the Decapolis and Jerusalem and Judea and beyond the Jordan followed him, and he healed them, he approves the peoples who hurried. But as the people hasten, many nations will also go to the mountain: indeed, the whole world believing in it, and they will say to the standard, mutually challenging themselves to the gallows: Come, let us ascend to the mountain of the Lord. Ascension is necessary in order for anyone to be able to reach Christ, and to the house of God of Jacob, the Church, which is the house of God, the pillar and foundation of truth. Moreover, what Jacob signifies the Savior, as we have said: Jacob, my servant, I will uphold him (Isaiah 2:3). But they will also say to those to whom they had spoken: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob; and they will add: So that they may show us His way, which we either understand in the Angels who are present in the Churches, or in the holy Scriptures, which show the way of the Lord, and Him who says: I am the way (John 14). And let us walk in His paths, namely in the Apostles, through whom we have believed in Christ. For from Zion a spiritual law has come forth, and the word of God has passed from Jerusalem to the nations, who He will judge among many peoples (John 5:22): For the Father has given all judgment to the Son. And he shall rebuke many nations unto a great distance (Ps. XCIII, 11): For the Lord takes hold of the wise in their craftiness, and he understands the thoughts of the wise, that they are futile. But he shall judge among the peoples who are deserving of salvation, and those who are unworthy, and at his coming all zeal for war shall be directed towards peace (Isai. II, 4). Swords shall be turned into plowshares, and spears into pruning-hooks, and the nation shall cease to wage war against another nation. No one will learn to fight, in the absence of the necessity to fight. And there will be such peace, that not only in cities, but also in villages and fields, everyone will be safe: and this will happen, because the mouth of the Lord has spoken. And first indeed, according to the letter, before a child was born to us, whose government was upon his shoulder, the whole world was full of blood, nations fought against nations, kings fought against kings, and peoples fought against peoples. Finally, even the Roman Republic itself was torn apart by civil wars, with Cinna and Octavius and Carbo fighting, with Sylla and Marius, Antony and Catiline, Caesar and Gnaeus Pompeius, Augustus and Brutus, and with the same Augustus and Antony: in their battles, entire kingdoms shed blood. But after the reign of Christ began, Rome obtained a unique reign; the path of the Apostles became known throughout the world, and the gates of cities were opened to them, and a unique reign of one God was established for preaching. It is also possible to interpret this saying in a tropological sense: that we may say to the faith of Christ, anger and unbridled insults are put aside, so that each person may place their hand on the plow and not look back, and desiring to reap spiritual fruits, breaking the darts of insults and spears of contempt, so that while others labor, we may enter into their labors, and it may be said of us: 'They that sow in tears shall reap in joy, carrying their sheaves.' Now no one fights against another, because we read: Blessed are the peacemakers (Matt. V, 9). No one learns to argue to the downfall of the listeners, but puts silence on his mouth, and is silent; because it is an evil time (Ps. CIII). And each one rests under his vine, to press the wine, which makes glad the heart of man, under that vine, whose farmer is the Father (John XV), and under his fig tree collecting the sweet fruits of the Holy Spirit, charity, joy, peace, and the rest. But all these things happen, according to both interpretations, because the words of the Lord are true, and he said and did them. All the peoples will go, each one on his own way: but we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and beyond. They say to all the nations going astray according to their error, we hastened to the mountain of the Lord, and we said: Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, and to the house of the God of Jacob (Isaiah 2:3), and we will walk in the name of Christ our Lord, because he is the mountain who is God. In that day, in which the sun of justice will shine, that which was formerly crushed will be gathered together, and that which was expelled will be received, and to this the crushed will be gathered together, so that it may be placed among the remnants, and the forsaken will be made into a strong nation. For unless the Lord of hosts had left us seed, we would have been like Sodom, and we would have been similar to Gomorrah (Rom. 9:29). But according to the Hebrew, it is beautiful: I will gather the limping one, and the one who has walked badly and to whom Elijah said: How long will you limp? (1 Kings 18:21). Whose foot had been scandalized was cut off (Mark 9). I will gather the one whom I had cast out, and to whom I had given the bill of divorce. And the one whom I had afflicted with various captivities, or had delivered to the devil and his angels. And so that a diligent reader may not immediately oppose us, saying how can you claim that the limping one has been gathered, and the one that had been cast out has been collected, when the Jews remain in unbelief? Let him hear about the first Church of Christ that believed from the Jews, from which even the Apostles came, about which Luke describes in the Acts of the Apostles: that in one day three thousand believed, and elsewhere five thousand (Acts 2). And about whom James speaks to Paul: You see, brother Paul, how many thousands there are among the Jews who believe, and all of these are zealous for the Law (Ibid., 21). But consider also the prophetic significance: He did not say, 'I will make the whole lame person whole,' but 'I will make the lame person into a remnant, so that the remnant and the chosen ones may be saved, and those who have labored may become a strong nation, namely the Christian people, which neither sword nor fire nor torments will overcome. See the faith and passion of the Martyrs, and you will not doubt the strength of this nation. And the Lord will rule over them, that is, over many nations, and over the lame remnants on Mount Zion, in the Church, in the watchtower, in the contemplation of virtues, from the present world to the future.' But if anyone wants to understand this which is said: 'I will gather that which was broken, and I will receive that which was cast out, etc.,' to refer to the human soul which, before the coming of Christ, was subject to various sufferings and vices, and was like a lost and diseased sheep torn apart by the jaws of wolves, he will not be mistaken, as long as he knows that the one that was broken and afflicted will later be part of the Lord's kingdom, and will live in Zion, and will be carried on the shoulders of the good shepherd to the former mountain. It should also be known, and this chapter which we have now exposed, and a similar one from Isaiah, refers the Jews and the heirs of their errors to the thousand-year reign of Christ and the saints. And that which is said: All peoples will worship, each one in the name of their Lord God, should be interpreted as each nation being tormented with their own idol, and being cast into the fire of eternal punishment. But from the subsequent things, it is argued that this is not said about the end of the ages, but about the first coming of Christ, in which the remnants of the limping are gathered and the nations are saved beforehand. Therefore Isaiah has given this testimony: The word that was spoken to Isaiah son of Amos concerning Judah and Jerusalem: In the last days the mountain of the Lord's house will be established as the highest of the mountains; it will be exalted above the hills, and all nations will stream to it. Many peoples will come and say, 'Come, let us go up to the mountain of the Lord, to the house of the God of Jacob. He will teach us his ways, so that we may walk in his paths.' The law will go out from Zion, the word of the Lord from Jerusalem. He will judge between the nations and will settle disputes for many peoples. They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks. Nation will not take up sword against nation, nor will they train for war anymore. (Isaiah 2) It is significant here that it is said that the word of God, coming out from Jerusalem, will judge between many nations and specifically rebuke the people of Judah. For he will judge us as sinners according to the measure of our works: but he will not judge them as wicked and deniers, but will reprove and condemn them.
Source: Quotations drawn from early Church Fathers and historical Christian theologians (AD 100–1500). Some quotes address the surrounding passage context rather than this verse alone.
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