Micah 5:1

CHAPTER V

This chapter begins, according to the opinion of some

commentators, with a prophecy concerning the siege of

Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and the great indignities which

Zedekiah should suffer from the Babylonians, 1.

We have next a most famous prediction concerning the birthplace

of the Messiah, "whose goings forth have been from of old, from

EVERLASTING," 2.

See Matthew 2:6.

The Jews obstinately persisting in their opposition to the

Messiah, God will therefore give them up into the hands of

their enemies till the times of the Gentiles be fulfilled: and

then all the posterity of Jacob, both Israel and Judah, shall

be converted to the faith of our Lord Jesus Christ, and, along

with the Gentiles, be brought into the large and peaceful

pastures of this Great Shepherd of the sheep, 3, 4.

After this illustrious prophecy, the prophet goes on to

foretell the downfall of the Assyrians, by whom are meant the

enemies of the Church in general, the type being probably put

for the antitype; the miraculous discomfiture of the great

Assyrian army in the reign of Sennacherib strongly shadowing

forth the glorious and no less miraculous triumphs of

Christianity in the latter times, 5, 6.

See Isaiah 11:16.

Some understand this prophecy of Antiochus and the seven famous

Maccabees, with their eight royal successors, from Aristobulus

to Antigonus; and it is not impossible that these people may

be also intended, for we have often had occasion to remark that

a prophecy of the Old Testament Scriptures has frequently more

than one aspect. The seventh verse was fulfilled by the Jews

spreading the knowledge of the true God during their captivity,

and so paving the way for the gospel; but will be more signally

fulfilled after their conversion and restoration.

See Romans 11:12.

The remaining verses contain a prophecy of the final overthrow

of all the enemies of pure and undefiled religion, and of the

thorough purification of the Church of God from the corruptions

of Antichrist, 9-15.

NOTES ON CHAP. V

Verse Micah 5:1. O daughter of troops] The Chaldeans, whose armies were composed of troops from various nations.

He (Nebuchadnezzar) hath laid siege against us; (Jerusalem;) they shall smite the judge of Israel (Zedekiah) with a rod upon the cheek.] They shall offer him the greatest indignity. They slew his sons before his face; and then put out his eyes, loaded him with chains, and carried him captive to Babylon.