A little one shall become a thousand, and a small one a strong nation: I the LORD will hasten it in his time.
A little one shall become a thousand - even one, and that the smallest in number and rank, shall be multiplied a thousandfold in both respects (Micah 5:2; Matthew 13:31-32.)
I the Lord will hasten it in his time - not our time: we might wish to hasten it, but it will come in the due time, as in the case of Jesus' first coming (Galatians 4:4); so in that of the restoration of Israel and the conversion of the world (Isaiah 66:8; Habakkuk 2:3; Acts 1:7; Hebrews 10:37).
Remarks: It is impossible to understand this chapter, with its glowing and magnificent promises, as having been fulfilled in the first advent of Christ, and the establishment of the Christian Church, the spiritual Israel of God. Nothing yet has taken place to realize the terms of this prophecy, even in the present Church, much less in the literal Israel. Now, it is plain from the contrast which is herein drawn between "Zion" and "the Gentiles," that it is the literal Jerusalem, the representative of all Israel, which is meant. Zion, which is now abased, is hereafter to "arise." She who is now in darkness is to he illuminated with "light" especially designed for her, even 'the glory of the Lord rising upon her.' As yet only an election has been and is being gathered from among the Gentiles. But when Jerusalem shall assume her rightful place as Mother-Church of Christendom, 'the Gentiles shall come to her light, and kings to the brightness of her sunrising.'