Justin Houtz

Micah 5

DateVersionReading Plan
@November 28, 2023ESV (2016)ESV Prophets Plan 2023

Pericopes

  • The Ruler to Be Born in Bethlehem
  • A Remnant Shall Be Delivered

Notes/Application

Micah calls for Israel to muster her troops as a siege was laid against them but also that Bethlehem Ephrathah will be the birthplace of a coming Ruler in Israel. God will abandon the Israelites until after a time of suffering, however, this Ruler will come and “shepherd his flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God” (Micah 5:4). At a point following the exile, this Ruler/Shepherd will bring Assyria under Israelite control. The remnant of Israel will be spread out among the nations like dew and rain showers but be in a position of incredible strength, like a lion that dominates the beasts of the forest. When the Messiah comes, He will bring peace and remove the horses and chariots since instruments of war will no longer be necessary. In that day, God will manifest His anger by executing vengeance “on the nations that did not obey.” (Micah 5:15)

A couple significant themes of “ruler” and “shepherd” emerge in this chapter. The coming Messiah was to rule not in a manner of oppression or iniquity but benevolence. With strength and majesty, He would be a Shepherd for His people to “dwell secure” (Micah 5:4). He would not only bring peace to the people but “shall be their peace” (Micah 5:5). Christ is peace embodied. The Hebrew word used here for “peace”, šālôm, is the same used elsewhere in the Bible and also means completeness, soundness and welfare. What a joy it is to know that our Lord is the peace of our hearts’ desire. The closer we move with Him and abide in Him, the more He shares with us the peace of His presence. However treacherous the terrain may be, we have the peace of our faithful Shepherd to lead us through to the heavenly places.

Scripture Journal Notes

Commentaries & Resources Used