Micah 5

Ver. 1, 2. Notwithstanding the Chaldeans, or others, who assemble themselves to destroy the cities and afflict the rulers of Judah, the Messiah, who was from eternity begotten by the Father, and constituted the covenanthead of an elect world, shall in due time be born in the small city of Bethlehem-Judah, to be the great Ruler and Governor of the church. 3, 4. Nevertheless, the calamities of the Jewish nation shall be often repeated, till he be born of the Virgin, and multitudes of Gentile converts flow together unto him. Then, to his own and his Father’s honour, he shall, in the most powerful man- 2 ner, gather and govern, establish and perfect his gospel church. His kingdom shall be extended, and his honour advanced over the world. And not only shall he protect Jerusalem from the Assyrian invaders, but, in every age, shall defend his church from Heathen, Antichristian, or Mahometan enemies; and, by proper instruments in church or state, shall punish them with a fearful destruction

Micah 5:7-9

And as, at the return from Babylon, and their present dispersion, the Jews shall be exceedingly blessed, and emboldened by God, and made a blessing to multitudes around them, and a terror to their opposers, so shall their preachers, in the apostolic and millennial periods, be remarkably useful in converting the Gentiles to Christ, but a terrible curse, and mean of destruction, to their opposers. 10, 11. I will purge them from all their former corruptions; particularly their trusting in carnal confidences, horses, chariots, and fortifications, and from all divinations and idolatries: and terrible shall be the vengeance which I will execute upon the Assyrians, Chaldeans, Syro-grecians, Romans, Antichristians, and Mahometans, who shall have persecuted and murdered them

REFLECTIONS UPON CHAP. V.—Behold the miseries of Israel and the disgrace of the family of David gloriously counterbalanced in the person, incarnation, mediation, and glory, of Christ! And grievous distresses and troubles making way for the most glorious benefits of redemption! Behold how extensive, glorious, peaceful, safe, and lasting, is his spiritual kingdom! They who attempt to ruin it but hasten their own destruction. Greatly useful were the Jews, and still shall be, in converting others to Christ, whom they have long so heartily hated. And with great readiness and boldness men act for God when animated by his Spirit. Yes, thrice happy are the churches when their enemies are destroyed and their internal corruptions removed!