Micah 5:1-15
Q.1. How long will Israel be without direction? Where will the Ruler come from and where will He be born? What will happen to Israel’s Judge? – (Mic.5:1-6 c.f. Mt.2:4-6; Eph.2:14)
Micah found it difficult to gain perspective in the mountain tops of prophecy he was unfolding. Therefore, he jumped from one era to another. However, the Jewish leaders and all Bible scholars agree that his revelations are amazing. The Ruler of Israel would be born in insignificant Bethlehem, but His origin would be divine – “But as for you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, too little to be among the clans of Judah. From you One will go forth for Me to be ruler in Israel. His goings forth are from long ago, from the days of eternity.” (Mic.5:2 c.f. Is.11:1; Mt.2:4-6). However, God would – … give them up until the time when she who is in labour has borne a child. Then the remainder of His brethren will return to the sons of Israel (Mic.5:3). This One would suffer and be crucified and – … With a rod they will smite the judge of Israel on the cheek (Mic.5:1 c.f. Jn.18:22; 19:3). Even though – 13 … in Christ Jesus you who formerly were far off have been brought near by the blood of Christ. 14 For He Himself is our peace, who made both groups into one and broke down the barrier of the dividing wall (Eph.2:14 c.f. Mic.5:5a).
Q.2. Has God finished with Israel? What will happen to Israel’s enemies? How will God prepare for this reversal of fortunes for His people? – (Mic.5:4, 7-15)
Most of the rest of the chapter relates to a future time – the Time of Jacob’s Trouble, and the Millennial Reign of Christ when – 10 “It will be in that day,” declares the Lord, “that I will cut off … 12 “I will cut off sorceries from your hand, and you will have fortune-tellers no more. 13 “I will cut off your carved images and your sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your hands. 14 “I will root out your Asherim from among you and destroy your cities. 15 “And I will execute vengeance in anger and wrath on the nations which have not obeyed.” (Mic.5:10, 12-15 c.f. Jer.30:7; Dan.12:1). However, God will again shower His blessing on a remnant of Jacob (Mic.5:7-8). When? This will happen when Christ has established His kingdom over all the earth – And He will arise and shepherd His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God. And they will remain, because at that time He will be great to the ends of the earth (Mic.5:4 c.f. Mic.4:1-5; Is.2:1-4). Micah captured many of the great themes of the prophetic future relating to Christ, Israel, and the nations.