The exaltation of Jerusalem

In 3:12, the devastation of Jerusalem was prophesied. This refers to an event that would occur in the near future. In 4:1-5, the exaltation of Jerusalem is prophesied. This refers to an event that will occur in the distant future. This prophecy announces the coming of the Messianic Kingdom (the Millennial Kingdom). The same prophecy is found in Isaiah 2:1-4.

(1) It says, “In the last days.” The God of the Bible is the One who directs history. God has a “plan through history.” In the what is called the end times, the prophecies concerning the Messianic Kingdom will be fulfilled. (2) It continues, “That the mountain of the house of the Lord will be established as the chief of the mountains. It will be raised above the hills.” “The mountain of the house of the Lord” refers to Jerusalem. Before the Messianic Kingdom appears, the topography of the earth will be dramatically changed: the high mountains will be made low, and Jerusalem will become the highest mountain in the world. (3) Furthermore, it says, “And the peoples will stream to it.” Jerusalem will become the focus of attention for the Gentile nations. The Gentiles will go up to Jerusalem. (4) Their purpose is to receive instruction directly from the Messiah and to walk in His ways. “Many nations will come and say, ‘Come and let’s go up to the mountain of the Lord and to the house of the God of Jacob, so that He may teach us about His ways, and that we may walk in His paths.’” Jerusalem will become the center of the world, where the Gentiles gather and learn the word of God. That will be the condition of Jerusalem in the Messianic Kingdom.

Worldwide Peace

(1) Furthermore, in the Messianic Kingdom, worldwide peace will come. This is because the Messiah will judge international disputes and render righteous decisions. When issues arise that could lead to conflict, the Gentile nations will bring them to the Messiah in Jerusalem. (2) “They will beat their swords into plowshares and their spears into pruning hooks” is a symbolic prophecy that weapons of war will be transformed into tools for production. Because the Messiah will resolve all disputes, there will no longer be any need to learn the art of war. (3) Not only will international relations be peaceful, but individual lives will also be filled with safety, prosperity, and security. As it is written, “Each of them will sit under his vine and under his fig tree, with no one to make them afraid.” (4) In the Messianic Kingdom, even if the Gentile nations were to walk in the name of other gods, Israel would not be influenced by them. As it is written, “As for us, we will walk in the name of the Lord our God forever and ever.”

God has a plan that will be fulfilled through the Messiah. The prophecy of the Messianic Kingdom was given to encourage the people of Israel, who were in despair before judgment. The blessings that God has promised will be fulfilled in the distant future. What we need is to continue obeying God with perseverance. “For you have need of endurance, so that when you have done the will of God, you may receive what was promised” (Heb. 10:36).