Matthew Poole and continuators on Micah 4:3

3 ¶ And he shall judge among many people and rebuke strong nations afar off : and they shall beat their swords into plowshares, and their spears into pruning-hooks : nation shall not lift up a sword against nation , neither shall they learn war any more .

God by tho[illegible: 1 letter]e Governours, High-priests and Prophets (taking his word for their Rule) set up of God, Types and Servants of the Messiah, who in due time and in a fuller accomplishment of this Prophesie shall by himself during the dayes of his dwelling in flesh, and by his Spirit, and Word, and Officers he hath appointed, unto the end of the Word.

Judge, rule persons, determine controversies, appoint Ordinances, inlighten minds, convince sinners, and convert them, as Psal. 2.8.

As the knowledge of God, and the worship of God after the Restitution of the Captivity was somewhat more extended by the coming in of many proselytes, as is noted ver. 1, 2. and this as Type prefiguring the largeness of the Kingdom of the Messiah or the Gospel Church, so when Christ set up his visible Kingdom, and commissioned his Apostles, it was Matth. 28.18, 19. to teach all Nations.

By the captive Jewes he did convince some of those mighty Nations among whom the Jewes did live 70 years, and though they were far off from God, his Law, his Temple, and true Worship, he brought them over, they were made proselytes to the true God, so now much more is this fulfilled in the turning the mighty Nations, the Roman Empire and many other Nations from dumb Idols to serve the living and true God, and to wait for his Son from heaven, 2 Thes. 1.9, 10.

All that do heartily Embrace the Gospel shall be of a peaceable disposition both in their private and publick capacities, and shall, as much as in them is, follow peace with all men. They shall gladly see Wars cease and turn their weapons of war and slaughter into instruments of Husbandry. Isa. 2.4.

Wh[illegible: 1 letter]ch receive and obey the Gospel shall not, unless necessitated to it, enter into a course of War and bloodshed.

To make it the employment of their life for their maintenance, or the chosen way to Riches and Honour.

Marginal references: Joel 3.10.; Or, Sithes.