Michea 5

1 (H4-14) Ora, o figliuola di schiere, raduna le tue schiere! Ci cingono d’assedio: colpiscon con la verga la guancia del giudice d’Israele!

2 (H5-1) Ma da te, o Bethlehem Efrata, piccola per essere tra i migliaia di Giuda, da te mi uscirà colui che sarà dominatore in Israele, le cui origini risalgono ai tempi antichi, ai giorni eterni.

3 (H5-2) Perciò egli li darà in man dei loro nemici, fino al tempo in cui colei che deve partorire, partorirà; e il resto de’ suoi fratelli tornerà a raggiungere i figliuoli d’Israele.

4 (H5-3) Egli starà là e pascerà il suo gregge colla forza dell’Eterno, colla maestà del nome dell’Eterno, del suo Dio. E quelli dimoreranno in pace, perché allora ei sarà grande fino all’estremità della terra.

5 (H5-4) E sarà lui che recherà la pace. Quando l’Assiro verrà nel nostro paese, e metterà il piede nei nostri palazzi, noi faremo sorgere contro di lui sette pastori e otto principi di fra il popolo.

6 (H5-5) Essi pasceranno il paese dell’Assiro con la spada, e la terra di Nimrod nelle sue proprie città; ed egli ci libererà dall’Assiro, quando questi verrà nel nostro paese, e metterà il piede nei nostri confini.

7 (H5-6) Il resto di Giacobbe sarà, in mezzo a molti popoli, come una rugiada che vien dall’Eterno, come una fitta pioggia sull’erba, le quali non aspettano ordine d’uomo, e non dipendono dai figliuoli degli uomini.

8 (H5-7) Il resto di Giacobbe sarà fra le nazioni, in mezzo a molti popoli, come un leone tra le bestie della foresta, come un leoncello fra i greggi di pecore, il quale, quando passa, calpesta e sbrana, senza che alcuno possa liberare.

9 (H5-8) Si levi la tua mano sopra i tuoi avversari, e tutti i tuoi nemici siano sterminati!

10 (H5-9) E in quel giorno avverrà, dice l’Eterno, che io sterminerò i tuoi cavalli in mezzo a te, e distruggerò i tuoi carri;

11 (H5-10) sterminerò le città del tuo paese, e atterrerò tutte le tue fortezze;

12 (H5-11) sterminerò dalla tua mano i sortilegi, e tu non avrai più pronosticatori;

13 (H5-12) sterminerò in mezzo a te le tue immagini scolpite e le tue statue, e tu non ti prostrerai più davanti all’opera delle tue mani.

14 (H5-13) Io estirperò di mezzo a te i tuoi idoli d’Astarte, e distruggerò le tue città.

15 (H5-14) E farò vendetta nella mia ira e nel mio furore delle nazioni che non avran dato ascolto.

Michea 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.