Micah 5
BSB1 Now, O daughter of troops, 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 of Judah, out of you will come forth for Me One to be ruler over Israel — 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. 5 And He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land and tramples our citadels. We will raise against it seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men. 6 And they will rule the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod with the blade drawn. So He will deliver us when Assyria invades our land and marches into our borders. 7 Then the remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind. 8 Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them. 9 Your hand will be lifted over your foes, and all your enemies will be cut off. 10 “In that day,” declares the LORD, “I will remove your horses from among you and wreck your chariots. 11 I will remove the cities of your land and tear down all your strongholds. 12 I will cut the sorceries from your hand, and you will have no fortune-tellers. 13 I will also cut off the carved images and sacred pillars from among you, so that you will no longer bow down to the work of your own hands. 14 I will root out the Asherah poles from your midst and demolish your cities. 15 I will take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that have not obeyed Me."
Study Notes — Micah 5
- Chapter Summary
- Context for the Chapter
- Heart Application
- What Does This Chapter Mean?
- Voices from the Church
- Outline for Preaching
- Core Doctrines
- Lessons from Micah 5
- Themes from Micah 5
- Questions for Meditation
- Detailed Chapter Outline
- Frequently Asked Questions
- Top Cross References
- Sermons on Micah 5
- Matthew Henry Commentary
- What Do You Notice?
Chapter Summary
Micah chapter 5 begins with a prophecy against the rulers of Israel, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance. The chapter then shifts to a message of hope, announcing the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem, who will be a ruler over Israel and bring peace to the world. The chapter concludes with a description of the Messiah's reign and the redemption of God's people. Key verses include Micah 5:2, which prophesies the birth of the Messiah, and Micah 5:15, which describes God's vengeance on the nations that do not obey Him.
Context for the Chapter
Micah chapter 5 is part of a larger prophecy against Israel and the surrounding nations, calling them to repentance and warning them of impending judgment. The chapter is situated in the context of the Assyrian invasion of Israel and the subsequent Babylonian exile, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His people despite their sin and rebellion. As described in Micah 5:10-15, God's judgment on the nations is a reminder of His sovereignty and control over the world.
Heart Application
This chapter reminds us of God's sovereignty and love for His people, emphasizing the importance of trusting in His plan of redemption. As we reflect on the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem, we are reminded of God's faithfulness to His promises and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. We should trust in God's plan and seek to live in obedience to His will, as described in Micah 5:15, where God's vengeance on the nations is a reminder of His judgment on sin.
What Does This Chapter Mean?
Micah chapter 5 is a message of hope and redemption for God's people, focusing on the coming Messiah and the restoration of Israel. The chapter emphasizes God's faithfulness to His promises and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. As described in Micah 5:2, the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem and bring salvation to God's people. We should trust in God's plan and seek to live in obedience to His will, as described in Micah 5:15.
Voices from the Church
“The birth of our Lord Jesus Christ is the greatest event in all history, and it is a marvelous thing that it should have been prophesied so long before it happened.”
— Charles Spurgeon
“The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people.”
— John Calvin
Outline for Preaching
- Introduction to the Chapter (Micah 5:1-5) — The chapter begins with a prophecy against the rulers of Israel, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance. The importance of Bethlehem is highlighted as the birthplace of the Messiah.
- The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth (Micah 5:2-4) — The Messiah is prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, emphasizing God's plan to bring salvation to His people through a humble and unexpected source. The Messiah's role as a ruler over Israel is described, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption.
- The Messiah's Reign (Micah 5:5-9) — The Messiah's reign is described as a time of peace and redemption for God's people, highlighting His role as a bringer of peace to the world. The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the nations.
- God's Judgment on the Nations (Micah 5:10-15) — The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world. The Messiah's role in bringing judgment on the nations is highlighted, as described in Micah 5:15.
- Conclusion (Micah 5:15) — The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. The importance of trusting in God's plan is emphasized, as described in Micah 5:15.
Core Doctrines
- Sovereignty of God
- The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the nations, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people. As described in Micah 5:10-15, God's judgment on the nations is a reminder of His sovereignty and control over the world.
- Redemption
- The chapter highlights God's plan of redemption for His people, which is fulfilled through the life and death of Jesus Christ. The Messiah's role in bringing salvation to God's people is emphasized, as described in Micah 5:2-4.
- Messiah
- The Messiah is described as a ruler over Israel and a bringer of peace to the world, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption. The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.
- Judgment
- The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world. The Messiah's role in bringing judgment on the nations is highlighted, as described in Micah 5:15.
Lessons from Micah 5
- God's Sovereignty — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the nations, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people. As described in Micah 5:10-15, God's judgment on the nations is a reminder of His sovereignty and control over the world.
- The Importance of Trusting in God's Plan — The chapter reminds us of the importance of trusting in God's plan and seeking to live in obedience to His will. As described in Micah 5:15, God's vengeance on the nations is a reminder of His judgment on sin.
- The Role of the Messiah — The Messiah is described as a ruler over Israel and a bringer of peace to the world, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption. The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.
- God's Judgment on Sin — The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world. The Messiah's role in bringing judgment on the nations is highlighted, as described in Micah 5:15.
- The Ultimate Triumph of Good over Evil — The chapter reminds us of the ultimate triumph of good over evil, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His people and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. As described in Micah 5:15, God's vengeance on the nations is a reminder of His judgment on sin.
Themes from Micah 5
- Redemption — The chapter highlights God's plan of redemption for His people, which is fulfilled through the life and death of Jesus Christ. The Messiah's role in bringing salvation to God's people is emphasized, as described in Micah 5:2-4.
- Sovereignty of God — The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the nations, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people. As described in Micah 5:10-15, God's judgment on the nations is a reminder of His sovereignty and control over the world.
- Messiah — The Messiah is described as a ruler over Israel and a bringer of peace to the world, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption. The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.
- Judgment — The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world. The Messiah's role in bringing judgment on the nations is highlighted, as described in Micah 5:15.
- Faithfulness of God — The chapter reminds us of God's faithfulness to His people, emphasizing His plan of redemption and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. As described in Micah 5:15, God's vengeance on the nations is a reminder of His judgment on sin.
Questions for Meditation
- What does the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem reveal about God's plan of redemption for His people?
- How does the chapter emphasize God's sovereignty and control over the nations?
- What role does the Messiah play in bringing peace and redemption to God's people?
- How does the chapter conclude, and what is the significance of God's judgment on the nations?
- What is the significance of the Messiah's reign, as described in Micah 5:5-9?
Detailed Chapter Outline
1. Introduction to the Chapter (Micah 5:1-5)
| 5:1 | The chapter begins with a prophecy against the rulers of Israel, warning them of impending judgment and calling them to repentance. |
| 5:2 | The Messiah is prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, emphasizing God's plan to bring salvation to His people through a humble and unexpected source. |
| 5:3 | The Messiah's role as a ruler over Israel is described, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption. |
2. The Prophecy of the Messiah's Birth (Micah 5:2-4)
| 5:2 | The Messiah is prophesied to be born in Bethlehem, emphasizing God's plan to bring salvation to His people through a humble and unexpected source. |
| 5:3 | The Messiah's role as a ruler over Israel is described, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption. |
3. The Messiah's Reign (Micah 5:5-9)
| 5:5 | The Messiah's reign is described as a time of peace and redemption for God's people, highlighting His role as a bringer of peace to the world. |
| 5:6 | The Messiah's role in bringing judgment on the nations is highlighted, as described in Micah 5:15. |
4. God's Judgment on the Nations (Micah 5:10-15)
| 5:10 | The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world. |
| 5:11 | The Messiah's role in bringing judgment on the nations is highlighted, as described in Micah 5:15. |
| 5:12 | The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the nations, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people. |
| 5:13 | The Messiah's reign is described as a time of peace and redemption for God's people, highlighting His role as a bringer of peace to the world. |
| 5:14 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. |
| 5:15 | The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world. |
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the significance of the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem?
The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people. As described in Micah 5:2, the Messiah will be born in Bethlehem and bring salvation to God's people.
How does the chapter emphasize God's sovereignty and control over the nations?
The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the nations, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people. As described in Micah 5:10-15, God's judgment on the nations is a reminder of His sovereignty and control over the world.
What role does the Messiah play in bringing peace and redemption to God's people?
The Messiah is described as a ruler over Israel and a bringer of peace to the world, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption. The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge.
Top Cross References
| Reference | Connection | |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Micah 5:2 → Matthew 2:6 | The prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem is fulfilled in the life of Jesus Christ, as described in Matthew 2:6. |
| 2 | Micah 5:3 → Luke 2:4-7 | The Messiah's role as a ruler over Israel is described, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption, as described in Luke 2:4-7. |
| 3 | Micah 5:5 → Isaiah 9:6-7 | The Messiah's reign is described as a time of peace and redemption for God's people, highlighting His role as a bringer of peace to the world, as described in Isaiah 9:6-7. |
| 4 | Micah 5:10 → Revelation 19:11-16 | The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world, as described in Revelation 19:11-16. |
| 5 | Micah 5:11 → Psalm 2:7-9 | The Messiah's role in bringing judgment on the nations is highlighted, as described in Psalm 2:7-9. |
| 6 | Micah 5:12 → Jeremiah 23:5-6 | The chapter emphasizes God's sovereignty and control over the nations, highlighting His plan of redemption for His people, as described in Jeremiah 23:5-6. |
| 7 | Micah 5:13 → Isaiah 11:1-5 | The Messiah's reign is described as a time of peace and redemption for God's people, highlighting His role as a bringer of peace to the world, as described in Isaiah 11:1-5. |
| 8 | Micah 5:14 → Haggai 2:6-7 | The chapter concludes with a reminder of God's faithfulness to His people and the ultimate triumph of good over evil, as described in Haggai 2:6-7. |
| 9 | Micah 5:15 → Romans 11:25-27 | The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world, as described in Romans 11:25-27. |
| 10 | Micah 5:15 → Revelation 20:7-10 | The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world, as described in Revelation 20:7-10. |
Sermons on Micah 5
| Sermon | Description | |
|---|---|---|
|
Attributes of God (Series 2): The Eternity of God by A.W. Tozer | In this sermon, the preacher emphasizes the importance of God in our lives. He mentions that God has been present since before the existence of communism, fascism, and modern inven |
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Country Preacher Who Came to Town by J. Vernon McGee | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the days of Jeroboam and the prosperity that came to the land. The people were living in luxury, lying on beds of ivory and eating the finest |
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Baptism and the Gospel by Paul Washer | In this sermon, the speaker begins by emphasizing the importance of remembering what God has done for us. He then introduces the topic of the gospel and its significance. The speak |
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Midrash - Rabbi Jesus of Nazareth by Jacob Prasch | In this sermon, the speaker discusses the belief that God has a son. While acknowledging that God does not have a son in the sense of human procreation, the speaker argues that it |
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Life & Times of Jesus #01 by Jack Hibbs | In this sermon, the preacher discusses the different aspects of Christ and His role in eternity. The first week focuses on the wonderful news about Christ and eternity. The second |
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(Matthew) ch.1:1-2:22 by Zac Poonen | In this sermon, the speaker emphasizes the importance of not acting impulsively but instead taking time to consider and pray before making important decisions. He uses the example |
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Span-01 the Three Wise Men by Art Katz | In this video, the preacher emphasizes the importance of worship as giving our treasure, which includes our life and substance, to God alone. He explains that worship is not just e |
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A Promise Kept by Ralph Sexton | In this sermon, the speaker discusses how our society has cheapened our promises and the value of life. He highlights the violence portrayed in television shows and movies, as well |
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The Vanguard and Rereward of the Church by C.H. Spurgeon | In this sermon, the preacher begins by describing the victory of Zion over its oppressors, emphasizing the power of God in saving and freeing the people. The sermon then shifts to |
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Gods Perfect Planning - Part 1 by Erlo Stegen | In this sermon, the speaker addresses the issue of hypocrisy in religious leaders. He emphasizes that while there are strict laws for others, these leaders often have a double stan |
Summary of Matthew Henry Commentary on Micah 5
In Micah chapter 5, we see the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem, which is a remarkable example of God's sovereignty and foreknowledge. The chapter emphasizes God's plan of redemption for His people, which is fulfilled through the life and death of Jesus Christ. As Matthew Henry notes, the Messiah's reign is described as a time of peace and redemption for God's people, highlighting His role as a bringer of peace to the world. The chapter concludes with a description of God's judgment on the nations that do not obey Him, emphasizing His sovereignty and control over the world. As Henry writes, 'The Lord will be a refuge for the oppressed, a refuge in times of trouble' (Micah 5:15), highlighting God's faithfulness to His people and the ultimate triumph of good over evil. Read the full unabridged Matthew Henry Commentary →
What Do You Notice?
God's Sovereignty
Throughout the chapter, God's sovereignty is emphasized, highlighting His control over the nations and His plan of redemption for His people. This is evident in verses Micah 5:10-15, where God's judgment on the nations is described.
The Importance of Bethlehem
The city of Bethlehem is highlighted as the birthplace of the Messiah, emphasizing God's plan to bring salvation to His people through a humble and unexpected source. As described in Micah 5:2, Bethlehem is the city where the Messiah will be born.
The Role of the Messiah
The Messiah is described as a ruler over Israel and a bringer of peace to the world, highlighting His central role in God's plan of redemption. This is evident in verses Micah 5:3-4, where the Messiah's role as a shepherd and a ruler is described.










