Micah 5:2-5
5:2 a Ephrathah was the ancient name of Bethlehem (Gen 35:16 b; Ruth 4:11 c), David’s birthplace. In the future, an even more significant ruler than David would arise from there (Matt 2:5-6 d; John 7:42 e). The future king’s activities would stretch from the distant past (Hebrew qedem; cp. Deut 33:27 f; Prov 8:22-23 g; Isa 37:26 h) into a still future time, suggesting a divine-human being.Summary for Mic 5:4-5: 5:4-5 i Following the Exile, Prince Zerubbabel, a descendant of David, was among the returned exiles and became the focus of Israel’s hopes (see Hag 2:20-23 j). But a greater ruler than Zerubbabel was needed. The leader from Bethlehem would be a source of peace; Isaiah called him the Prince of Peace (Isa 9:6 k). Only Jesus fits this description.
5:5 l The Assyrians destroyed northern Israel in 722 BC. Sennacherib shut up King Hezekiah of Jerusalem “like a bird in a cage” (Sennacherib’s own words) in 701 BC and devastated over forty-six cities in Judah. The hoped-for deliverer-king did not appear in those days. The Assyrians represent all of Israel’s enemies.
• seven rulers ... eight princes: This literary expression indicates that an abundance of leaders will be supplied as needed to lead Israel.
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