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Scott's Reference Library
December 21, 2003 | December 24, 2006 | December 20, 2009
Micah 5:2 through Micah 5:5a (NIV)
2 “But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me
one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old,
from ancient times.”
3 Therefore Israel will be abandoned
until the time when she who is in labor gives birth
and the rest of his brothers return
to join the Israelites.
4 He will stand and shepherd his flock
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God.
And they will live securely, for then his greatness
will reach to the ends of the earth.
5 And he will be their peace.
Matthew Henry’s Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
VERSES 1-6
Having showed how low the house of David would be brought, a prediction of the
Messiah and his kingdom is added to encourage the faith of God’s people. His
existence from eternity as God, and his office as Mediator, are noticed. Here is
foretold that Bethlehem should be his birthplace. Hence it was universally known
among the Jews, Matthew 2:5. Christ’s government shall be very happy for his
subjects; they shall be safe and easy. Under the shadow of protection from the
Assyrians, is a promise of protection to the gospel church and all believers,
from the designs and attempts of the powers of darkness. Christ is our Peace as
a Priest, making atonement for sin, and reconciling us to God; and he is our
Peace as a King, conquering our enemies: hence our souls may dwell at ease in
him. Christ will find instruments to protect and deliver. Those that threaten
ruin to the church of God, soon bring ruin on themselves. This may include the
past powerful effects of the preached gospel, its future spread, and the ruin of
all antichristian powers. This is, perhaps, the most important single prophecy
in the Old Testament: it respects the personal character of the Messiah, and the
discoveries of himself to the world. It distinguishes his human birth from his
existing from eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews
for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace to prevail
through the whole earth in the latter days. In the mean time let us trust our
Shepherd’s care and power. If he permits the assault of our enemies, he will
supply helpers and assistance for us.