Micah 2:13 The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it… It is agreed not only by Christian, but even by some Jewish interpreters, that these words have a principal and ultimate view unto the glorious Messiah, and the great work of salvation that lie was to accomplish in the fulness of time. The prophet here prophesies that Christ should rid the way, and clear the passage, and make mountains as a plain. I. THE WAY OF THE LORD'S RANSOMED OPENED UP BY THE GREAT REDEEMER. "The breaker is come up before them." 1. The designation given to the glorious Messiah. "The breaker." Cyrus was an instrument in the hand of God for breaking the Babylonish yoke. Herein he was a type of Christ, by whom the yoke of our spiritual captivity under sin and Satan is broken. 2. We have the courageous appearance of the glorious Redeemer in His breaking work. He "comes up," He appears upon the field with an undaunted and heroic courage. 3. The party that He heads, or those in whose quarrel this Breaker appears. Enquire upon what account Christ is called the Breaker. (1) In general, because of the great opposition He had to break through. (2) He breaks up a new and living way, by which we have access to God and glory. (3) He breaks through the storms of Divine wrath, the rage of men and devils, in order to accomplish our redemption. (4) In a day of power He breaks the enmity of our hearts against Him. (5) Those who will not bow unto His royal authority He breaks in pieces. 6. He may be called a Breaker because of the breaking trials He brings on His own people, and the judgments and calamities that He brings on an offending Church or nation. II. THE UPCOMING OF CHRIST AS THE BREAKER. Understand of His coming up to avenge the quarrel of His children and people. Like a mighty champion He takes the field. Tell of some seasonable upcomings. 1. He appeared in our quarrel in the council of peace. 2. He came seasonably immediately after the fall of man. 3. Really and personally in His incarnation. 4. In the power of His Spirit in the dispensation of the Gospel. 5. In the outward dispensation of His providence. 6. When He revives His own work in a backsliding land and church. 7. In every display of His grace and love to a particular believer; when He seasonably interposes for the relief of a poor soul sinking under the burden of sin, temptation, affliction, and desertion. 8. At death.Question — In what manner doth He Come up in our quarrel, to the help of the weak against the mighty? 1. All His appearances for the help and relief of His people have been well-timed. 2. He comes up solitarily. He alone comes up. It is His own arm brings salvation. 3. With the greatest alacrity and cheerfulness. 4. Speedily, with no lingering or tarrying. 5. Courageously. 6. Victoriously. 7. His coming to His breaking work is irresistible. And — 8. It is with much awful greatness and majesty. III. WHAT IS IMPLIED IN HIS "COMING UP BEFORE THEM"? 1. It imports that He has them and their case deeply at heart. 2. It implies that their way is hard and difficult. 3. It implies His authority to rule and govern them. 4. It implies strength and ability to support authority. 5. It implies their inability to break up their own way. 6. As the Breaker is gone up before them, it implies that He has paved the road, and travelled the way before them. He goes before His people in obedience, in suffering, in going through death into glory. 7. It implies His routing and discomfiting all the enemies that stood in the way of our salvation: Satan, sin, the world, death. 8. It implies that the way to heaven is patent. 9. It implies that, whatever dangers, difficulties, or opposition be in their way, they are in absolute safety under His conduct. IV. THE GROUNDS AND REASONS OF THIS DISPENSATION, OR WHY DOTH CHRIST BREAK UP THE WAY TO HIS PEOPLE? 1. Because they were gifted to Him of the Father, as a heritage and possession. 2. Because they are the purchase of His blood. 3. Because His faithfulness is engaged to lead them in their way. 4. Because He has to give an account of them to the Father. 5. Because they cannot break up their own way. 6. Because they trust in Him as Leader and Commander. 7. Because of the near and dear relation that He has come under unto them. (E. Erskine.) Parallel Verses KJV: The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them. |
    |