Micah 5 – “Israel will Survive Exile”

I. Summary

Yahweh will raise up a leader from Bethlehem to bring in the exiles. Assyria will be conquered, the exiles will be strong and powerful, and Yahweh will punish the disobedient nations.

II. Photo

Israel will survive exile: “The remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of the many peoples, like a lion among beasts of the wild, like a fierce lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples wherever it goes and rends, with none to deliver.” (v. 7)

III. Select Verses

1-3: And you, O Bethlehem of Ephrath, Least among the clans of Judah, From you one shall come forth To rule Israel for Me — One whose origin is from of old, From ancient times. Truly, He will leave them [helpless] Until she who is to bear has borne; Then the rest of his countrymen Shall return to the children of Israel. He shall stand and shepherd By the might of the LORD, By the power of the name Of the LORD his God, And they shall dwell [secure]. For lo, he shall wax great To the ends of the earth!

4-5: And that shall afford safety. Should Assyria invade our land And tread upon our fortresses, We will set up over it seven shepherds, Eight princes of men, Who will shepherd Assyria’s land with swords, The land of Nimrod in its gates. Thus he will deliver [us] From Assyria, should it invade our land, And should it trample our country.

7-8: The remnant of Jacob Shall be among the nations, In the midst of the many peoples, Like a lion among beasts of the wild, Like a fierce lion among flocks of sheep, Which tramples wherever it goes And rends, with none to deliver. Your hand shall prevail over your foes, And all your enemies shall be cut down!

14: In anger and wrath Will I wreak retribution On the nations that have not obeyed.

IV. Outline

1-3. A new ruler

    1. A future ruler from Bethlehem

    2. The Israelites will return

    3. The great ruler will bring security

4-5. Eight rulers will conquer Assyria

6-14. Rebuke for the nations

    6. The exiles will not wait

    7-8. The exiles will be strong as lions

    9-14. Oracle: Yahweh will destroy disobedient nations and their idolatry