Micah 5

A Ruler from Bethlehem

1 Now, O daughter of troops, ¹ mobilize your troops; for a siege is laid against us! With a rod they will strike the cheek of the judge of Israel.

2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, who are small among the clans ^[a] of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel ^[b]— One whose origins are of old, from the days of eternity.

3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel.

4 He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

5 And He will be our peace ^[c] when Assyria invades our land and tramples our citadels. We will raise against it seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.

6 And they will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod with the blade drawn. So He will deliver us when Assyria invades our land and marches into our borders.

The Remnant of Jacob

7 Then the remnant of Jacob will be ² in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind.

8 Then 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 tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them.

9 Your hand will be lifted over your foes, and all your enemies will be cut off.

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

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

12 I will cut the sorceries from your hand, and you will have no fortune-tellers.

13 I will also cut off the carved images and sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your own hands.

14 I will root out the Asherah poles from your midst and demolish your cities.

15 I will take vengeance in anger and wrath upon 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. (Matthew 2:1–12)
• 2. (Micah 2:12–13)

Footnotes

• [a]. Or thousands
• [b]. Cited in Matthew 2:6
• [c]. Or their peace

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.