Micah 5

A Promised Ruler From Bethlehem

1 Marshal your troops now, city of troops, for a siege is laid against us. They will strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod.

2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans^[a] of Judah, out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel, whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”

3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son, and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites.

4 He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth.

5 And he will be our peace when the Assyrians invade our land and march through our fortresses. We will raise against them seven shepherds, even eight commanders,

6 who will rule^[b] the land of Assyria with the sword, the land of Nimrod with drawn sword.^[c]He will deliver us from the Assyrians when they invade our land and march across our borders.

7 The remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for anyone or depend on man.

8 The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which mauls and mangles as it goes, and no one can rescue.

9 Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, and all your foes will be destroyed.

10 “In that day,” declares the LORD, “I will destroy your horses from among you and demolish your chariots.

11 I will destroy the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds.

12 I will destroy your witchcraft and you will no longer cast spells.

13 I will destroy your idols and your sacred stones from among you; you will no longer bow down to the work of your hands.

14 I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles^[d]when I demolish your cities.

15 I will take vengeance in anger and wrath on the nations that have not obeyed me.”

Micah 5 Commentary

Chapter 5

The birth of Christ and conversion of the Gentiles. (1-6) The triumphs of Israel. (7-15)

Verses 1-6 Having showed how low the house of David would be brought, a prediction of the Messiah and his kingdom is added to encourage the faith of God's people. His existence from eternity as God, and his office as Mediator, are noticed. Here is foretold that Bethlehem should be his birthplace. Hence it was universally known among the Jews, ( Matthew 2:5 ) . Christ's government shall be very happy for his subjects; they shall be safe and easy. Under the shadow of protection from the Assyrians, is a promise of protection to the gospel church and all believers, from the designs and attempts of the powers of darkness. Christ is our Peace as a Priest, making atonement for sin, and reconciling us to God; and he is our Peace as a King, conquering our enemies: hence our souls may dwell at ease in him. Christ will find instruments to protect and deliver. Those that threaten ruin to the church of God, soon bring ruin on themselves. This may include the past powerful effects of the preached gospel, its future spread, and the ruin of all antichristian powers. This is, perhaps, the most important single prophecy in the Old Testament: it respects the personal character of the Messiah, and the discoveries of himself to the world. It distinguishes his human birth from his existing from eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace to prevail through the whole earth in the latter days. In the mean time let us trust our Shepherd's care and power. If he permits the assault of our enemies, he will supply helpers and assistance for us.

Verses 7-15 The remnant of Israel, converted to Christ in the primitive times, were among many nations as the drops of dew, and were made instruments in calling a large increase of spiritual worshippers. But to those who neglected or opposed this salvation, they would, as lions, cause terror, their doctrine condemning them. The Lord also declares that he would cause not only the reformation of the Jews, but the purification of the Christian church. In like manner shall we be assured of victory in our personal conflicts, as we simply depend upon the Lord our salvation, worship him, and serve him with diligence.

Cross References

• 1. Lamentations 3:30
• 2. S John 7:42
• 3. S Genesis 35:16; S Genesis 48:7
• 4. S Numbers 24:19; S 1 Samuel 13:14; S 2 Samuel 6:21; S 2 Chronicles 7:18
• 5. Psalms 102:25
• 6. Matthew 2:6*
• 7. S Jeremiah 7:29
• 8. Isaiah 40:11; Isaiah 49:9; S Eze 34:11-15,23; Micah 7:14
• 9. Isaiah 52:13; Luke 1:32
• 10. S Isaiah 9:6; S Luke 2:14; Colossians 1:19-20
• 11. Isaiah 8:7
• 12. Isaiah 10:24-27
• 13. Genesis 10:8
• 14. Zephaniah 2:13
• 15. Nahum 2:11-13
• 16. S Amos 5:15; S Micah 2:12
• 17. S Psalms 133:3
• 18. Isaiah 44:4
• 19. S Genesis 49:9
• 20. Micah 4:13; Zechariah 10:5
• 21. S Psalms 50:22; S Isaiah 5:29; S Hosea 5:14
• 22. S Psalms 10:12
• 23. Exodus 15:4,19; S Hosea 14:3; Haggai 2:22; Zechariah 9:10
• 24. S Deuteronomy 29:23; Isaiah 6:11
• 25. S Lamentations 2:2; S Hosea 10:14; Amos 5:9
• 26. Deuteronomy 18:10-12; Isaiah 2:6; Isaiah 8:19
• 27. Nahum 1:14
• 28. Hosea 10:2
• 29. S Isaiah 2:18; S Ezekiel 6:9; Zechariah 13:2
• 30. S Exodus 34:13; S Judges 3:7; S 2 Kings 17:10
• 31. S Isaiah 65:12

Footnotes

• [a]. Or "rulers"
• [b]. Or "crush"
• [c]. Or "Nimrod in its gates"
• [d]. That is, wooden symbols of the goddess Asherah

Chapter Summary

INTRODUCTION TO MICAH 5

This chapter begins with a prophecy of the siege of Jerusalem, Mic 5:1; and then follows another concerning the place of the Messiah's birth, Mic 5:2; and of the case of the Jews, either before or after it, Mic 5:3; and of Christ's office as a shepherd, and of his grandeur in the world, Mic 5:4; and of his being a peacemaker, and protector of his people from their enemies, Mic 5:5,6; and of his people, the great increase of them, and their usefulness, and also of their courage, strength, and prowess, Mic 5:7-9; likewise that the Lord will remove from them their vain confidence, and all occasion of it, and whatsoever illicit arts and practices were found among them; and all idolatry, and the instruments of it, Mic 5:10-14; and the chapter is concluded with a threatening of vengeance to the Heathens, Mic 5:15.