Micah 5:1-4

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.

Micah 5:1-4 Meaning and Commentary

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.

Cross References

• 1. (Matthew 2:1–12)

Footnotes

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