Miqueas 5

1 ¡Formen las tropas!
El enemigo pone sitio a Jerusalén.
Con una vara golpeará al líder de Israel en la cara.

2 Un gobernante saldrá de Belén
Pero tú, oh Belén Efrata,
eres solo una pequeña aldea entre todo el pueblo de Judá.
No obstante, de ti saldrá un gobernante para Israel,
cuyos orígenes vienen desde la eternidad.

3 El pueblo de Israel será entregado a sus enemigos
hasta que dé a luz la mujer que está de parto.
Entonces, por fin, sus compatriotas
volverán del destierro a su propia tierra.

4 Y él se levantará para dirigir a su rebaño con la fuerza del Señor
y con la majestad del nombre del Señor
su Dios.
Entonces su pueblo vivirá allí tranquilo,
porque él es exaltado con honores en todas partes.

5 Y él será la fuente de paz.
Cuando los asirios invadan nuestra tierra
y penetren en nuestras defensas,
nombraremos a siete gobernantes para que nos vigilen,
a ocho príncipes para que nos dirijan.

6 Ellos gobernarán a Asiria con la espada desenvainada
y entrarán por las puertas de la tierra de Nimrod.
Él nos rescatará de los asirios
cuando desborden las fronteras para invadir nuestra tierra.

7 Purificación del remanente
Entonces el remanente que quedó en Israel
ocupará su lugar entre las naciones.
Será como rocío enviado por el Señor
o como lluvia que cae sobre la hierba,
la cual nadie puede controlar
ni hacer que se detenga.

8 El remanente que quedó en Israel
ocupará su lugar entre las naciones.
Será como un león entre los animales del bosque,
como un fuerte león joven entre los rebaños de ovejas y cabras
que se abalanza sobre ellas y las desgarra
sin nadie que las rescate.

9 La gente de Israel enfrentará a sus adversarios
y todos sus enemigos serán aniquilados.

10 «En aquel día —dice el Señor
—
mataré a tus caballos
y destruiré tus carros de guerra.

11 Derribaré tus muros
y demoleré tus defensas.

12 Pondré fin a toda la brujería
y no habrá más adivinos.

13 Destruiré todos tus ídolos y columnas sagradas,
para que nunca más adores la obra de tus propias manos.

14 Quitaré tus altares idólatras con las imágenes de Asera
y destruiré tus ciudades paganas.

15 Derramaré mi venganza
sobre las naciones que se niegan a obedecerme».

Miqueas 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.