Micah 5

1 nunc vastaberis filia latronis obsidionem posuerunt super nos in virga percutient maxillam iudicis Israhel

2 et tu Bethleem Ephrata parvulus es in milibus Iuda ex te mihi egredietur qui sit dominator in Israhel et egressus eius ab initio a diebus aeternitatis

3 propter hoc dabit eos usque ad tempus in quo parturiens pariet reliquiae fratrum eius convertentur ad filios Israhel

4 et stabit et pascet in fortitudine Domini in sublimitate nominis Domini Dei sui et convertentur quia nunc magnificabitur usque ad terminos terrae

5 et erit iste pax Assyrius cum venerit in terram nostram et quando calcaverit in domibus nostris et suscitabimus super eum septem pastores et octo primates homines

6 et pascent terram Assur in gladio et terram Nemrod in lanceis eius et liberabit ab Assur cum venerit in terram nostram et cum calcaverit in finibus nostris

7 et erunt reliquiae Iacob in medio populorum multorum quasi ros a Domino et quasi stillae super herbam quae non expectat virum et non praestolatur filios hominum

8 et erunt reliquiae Iacob in gentibus in medio populorum multorum quasi leo in iumentis silvarum et quasi catulus leonis in gregibus pecorum qui cum transierit et conculcaverit et ceperit non est qui eruat

9 exaltabitur manus tua super hostes tuos et omnes inimici tui interibunt

10 et erit in die illa dicit Dominus auferam equos tuos de medio tui et disperdam quadrigas tuas

11 et perdam civitates terrae tuae et destruam omnes munitiones tuas et auferam maleficia de manu tua et divinationes non erunt in te

12 et perire faciam sculptilia tua et statuas tuas de medio tui et non adorabis ultra opera manuum tuarum

13 et evellam lucos tuos de medio tui et conteram civitates tuas

14 et faciam in furore et in indignatione ultionem in omnibus gentibus quae non audierunt

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.

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.