When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads upon our soil and in our palaces, then will we raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes...
Micah 5:1-15
“Now gather yourselves in troops, O daughter of troops; a state of siege has been placed against us. They shall smite the ruler of Israel with a rod (a scepter) on the cheek.
But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; [yet] out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity).
Therefore shall He give them up until the time that she who travails has brought forth; then what is left of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; and they shall dwell [secure], for then shall He be great [even] to the ends of the earth.
And this [One] shall be our peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads upon our soil and in our palaces, then will we raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes among men. And they shall rule and waste the land of Assyria with the sword and the land of Nimrod within her [Assyria's own] gates. Thus shall He [the Messiah] deliver us from the Assyrian [representing the opposing powers] when he comes into our land and when he treads on our borders.
Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from teh Lord, like showers upon the grass which [come suddenly and] tarry not for man nor wait for the sons of men.
Then the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations in the midst of many peoples like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion [suddenly appearing] among the flocks of sheep which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is no deliverer. Your hand will be lifted up above your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off.
And in that day, says the Lord, I will cut off your horses [on which you depend] from among you and will destroy your chariots. And I will cut off the cities of your land and throw down all your strongholds. And I will cut off witchcrafts and sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more soothsayers.
Your carved images also I will cut off and your statutes or pillars out of your midst, and you shall no more worship the work of your hands. And I will root out your Asherim [symbols of the goddess Asherah] and I will destroy your cities [the seats of false worship].
And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance upon the nations which would not obey [vengeance such as they have not heard of before].”
The first call in this chapter is to gather into troops. Troops is the Hebrew word gudud, Strongs #1416, and it means a band of an army.[1] God is calling forth His people to gather into bands of an army and prepare for war.
Commentary notes, "The reference here seems to be to the assaults of the enemies of Judah on the people of God before their final defeat. strike . . . on the cheek: One day the enemies of the Savior would strike Him (see Mark 15:19); but on a still-future day, He will strike all of His enemies (see Rev. 19)." [2]
The verses seem to be speaking of both the Lord's first and second coming. Commentary goes on to note, “The two advents of the Savior are seen as one event by Micah. Whereas v. 2 speaks of the birth of the Savior in His First Coming, vv. 3–5 speak of the time of the rule of Jesus in the Second Coming. She who is in labor probably refers to Zion (4:10). The metaphor refers to the deliverance in the end time of those who will be able to delight in the coming of God’s kingdom (4:9–5:1). the remnant: This minority will never be forgotten by the Lord.” [3]
This commentary goes on to note that Assyrians represent all Israel's enemies and final victory over all of them. The shepherds and princely men were a stark contrast to the leaders of the day in Israel that Micah prophesied judgment over. [4]
Many of the leaders of Israel in that day did not have heart's of justice. Micah 1:1-3 proclaims, “And I [Micah] said, Hear, I pray you, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to know justice? - You who hate the good and love the evil, who pluck and steal the skin from off [My people] and their flesh from off their bones; Yes, you who eat the flesh of my people and strip their skin from off them, who break their bones and chop them in pieces as for the pot, like meat in a big kettle.”
Throughout the Bible, God's judgment and the leaders wickedness were closely associated. When God sent the prophets to warn the people, it was usually the leadership they addressed and it was most typically the leaders where the corruption started.
Ezekiel 22:27-28 says, “Her princes in the midst of her are like wolves rending and devouring the prey, shedding blood and destroying lives to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them over with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies to them, saying, Thus says the Lord God -when the Lord has not spoken.”
And Amos 6:1,3-5 says, “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those on the mountain of Samaria who are careless and feel secure, the notable men of the chief [because chosen by God] of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes!...O you who put far away the evil day [of punishment], yet cause the sitting of violence [upon you] to come near?
Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock and the calves out of the midst of the stall, Who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and invent for themselves instruments of music like David's.”
Jesus gives three woes of impending judgment that are similar in Luke 6:24-26:
“But woe to (alas for) you who are rich (abounding in material resources), for you already are receiving your consolation (the solace and sense of strengthening and cheer that come from prosperity) and have taken and enjoyed your comfort in full [having nothing left to be awarded to you].
Woe to (alas for) you who are full now (completely filled, luxuriously gorged and satiated), for you shall hunger and suffer want!
Woe to (alas for) you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep and wail! Woe to (alas for) you when everyone speaks fairly and handsomely of you and praises you, for even so their forefathers did to the false prophets.”
Micah 6:12-15 says, “For [the city's] rich men are full of violence; her inhabitants have spoken lies and their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. Therefore I have also smitten you with a deadly wound and made you sick, laying you desolate, waste, and deserted because of your sins.
You shall eat but not be satisfied, and your emptiness and hunger shall remain in you; you shall carry away [goods and those you love] but fail to save them, and those you do deliver I will give to the sword. You shall sow but not reap; you shall tread olives but not anoint yourselves with oil, and [you shall extract juice from] the grapes but not drink the wine.”
In the midst of religious leaders and rulers who are self-serving, full of greed and oppressing the poor, in Micah 5:5, God speaks of raising up “seven shepherds and eight princely men” who would rule over the land and defeat the enemy with a sword – thus bringing forth the reign of the kingdom of God in the land.
Commentary notes, “When the future Assyrian army strikes Jerusalem, the Messiah will raise up enough capable leaders to drive them back. The expression 'seven shepherds and eight princely men' should not be taken to mean there would literally be only fifteen leaders raised up to withstand 'the Assyrian.' When one number is followed by the next highest number in a poetic framework, the meaning is that there is an adequate or complete number of whatever occurs in the context. [5]
The result of these leaders ruling and wasting the land with a sword, is that the Lord delivers the people (a remnant) from their enemies (Micah 5:6b). The remnant, (the army of God), that is delivered from it's opposition, is like dew in the midst of the nations and like showers upon the grass.
This remnant brings refreshing to those in the world around them. Psalm 133:3 says, “It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing-- life forever.” As commentary notes, showers and dew represent God's blessing on their neighbors. [6]
Psalm 72:6 proclaims about the king, “May he [Solomon as a type of King David's greater Son] be like rain that comes down upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.” Commentary notes about this, “The great King is pictured as the gentle rains of God’s blessing on the earth. His reign will lead to true peace, the state of things as they really ought to be.” [7]
David proclaims in Psalm 110:2-3, “The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly in the day of Your power, in the beauty of holiness and in holy array out of the womb of the morning; to You [will spring forth] Your young men, who are as the dew.”
Commentary notes about this, “The Father commands the Son to take His kingdom back from His enemies. The outcome of this final battle was determined long ago (47:3). your people: The description in vv. 2, 3 of the people who join the coming King in His great battle accords well with that in Rev. 19:14. From the womb of the morning describes the volunteer army in their robust and fresh vigor; they are ready for a holy battle.” [8]
The remnant will not only be like dew bringing blessing to the nations but they are also like a young lion who appears suddenly and tears its prey into pieces (Micah 5:8) As they step forward in battle, their adversaries and enemies will be cut off by the Lord with none to deliver (Micah 5:9).
Commentary notes, “Israel’s twofold function during the Millennium period is set forth: to believing Gentiles she will be a source of refreshment (vs. 7), but to unbelieving Gentiles she will be a source of judgment enforcing the rule of Messiah.” [9] The result is that they enjoy ultimate victory against their enemy. As another commentary notes, they are a “powerful force that eventually would triumph.” [10]
David proclaims in Psalm 18:34-42, “He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up; Your gentleness and condescension have made me great.
You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would not slip. I pursued my enemies and overtook them; neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I smote them so that they were not able to rise; they fell wounded under my feet.
For you have girded me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me and caused to bow down those who rose up against me.
You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me. They cried [for help], but there was none to deliver -even unto the Lord, but He answered them not. Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind; I emptied them out as the dirt and mire of the streets.”
God proclaims in Micah 4:13, “Arise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion! For I will make your horn iron and I will make your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples, and I will devote their gain to the Lord and their treasure to the Lord of all the earth.”
Revelation 19:14-21 paints a picture of God's end time army. “And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron.
He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath and indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent). And on His garment (robe) and on His thigh He has the name (title) inscribed, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Then I saw a single angel stationed in the sun's light, and with a mighty voice he shouted to all the birds that fly across the sky, Come, gather yourselves together for the great supper of God, that you may feast on the flesh of rulers, the flesh of generals and captains, the flesh of powerful and mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all humanity, both free and slave, both small and great!
Then I saw the beast and the rulers and leaders of the earth with their troops mustered to go into battle and make war against Him Who is mounted on the horse and against His troops. And the beast was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who is in his presence had worked wonders and performed miracles by which he led astray those who had accepted or permitted to be placed upon them the stamp (mark) of the beast and those who paid homage and gave divine honors to his statue. Both of them were hurled alive into the fiery lake that burns and blazes with brimstone.
And the rest were killed with the sword that issues from the mouth of Him Who is mounted on the horse, and all the birds fed ravenously and glutted themselves with their flesh.” [a]
Micah goes on to note that as He raises up His army, joining Him in cutting off the enemy, that He will set free the captives. Micah prophesies that the Lord will cut off their horses the people depend and destroy their chariots (5:10). Commentary notes, “Horses and chariots represent the pride of Israel’s military power. Israel’s tendency was to rely on its own military power rather than on the Lord.” [11]
David proclaims in Psalm 20:7-9, “Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord of our God. They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright, O Lord, give victory, let the King answer us when we call.”
Micah 5:11-14 goes on to note that the Lord will cut off all the idols, sorceries, and places of false worship. Commentary notes, “In that day, Israel will have been purified. It will no longer trust in horses and chariots or fortified cities. Sorcerers and soothsayers will be abolished. Carved images and sacred pillars—pagan shrines—will be destroyed.” [12]
The Lord is purifying His beloved bride for His return. Revelation 19:7-8 says, “Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. She has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white- for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and godly living, deeds, and conduct, and right living, deeds, and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints (God's holy people).
This prophesy in Micah 5 ends with the Lord proclaiming, “And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance upon the nations which would not obey [vengeance such as they have not heard of before]” (vs. 15).
It is easy to look at these verse and think of God as an angry and frustrated God who will take out all His anger on those who are rebellious and would not obey -taking some sort of revenge to spite them. However, this is not the character or nature of God. He is “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).
His anger and wrath are towards His enemy and not towards His people. As I noted in a previous blog, both the verses in Isaiah 34:6-10 and Isaiah 63:1-7 speak of the day of the Lord's vengeance and year of His recompense against His enemies (year of redemption in Is. 63:1-7).
Commentary notes about the day of the Lord's vengeance: “The word ‘vengeance’ is of crucial importance. It does not mean getting even with someone, as we use it. It refers to God’s action in carrying out the sentence which He as Judge.” [13]
The day of the Lord's vengeance is a day of reckoning and justice coming forth. Isaiah 59:14-20 also speaks of a time of a day of vengeance and recompense where God's own arm brought Him the victory.
“Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) stands far off; for truth has fallen in the street (the city's forum), and uprightness cannot enter [the courts of justice]. Yes, truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.
And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor [no one to intervene on behalf of truth and right]; therefore His own arm brought Him victory, and His own rightousness [having the Spirit without measure] sustained Him.
For [the Lord] put on righteousness as a breastplate or coat of mail, and salvation as a helmet upon His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal [and furious divine jealously] as a cloak. According as their deeds deserve, so will He repay wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; on the foreign islands and coastlands He will make compensation.
So [as the result of the Messiah's intervention] they shall [reverently] fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives].
He shall come as a Redeemer to Zion and to those in Jacob (Israel) who turn from transgression, says the Lord.”
The day of the Lord's vengeance and year of recompense is not something to be afraid of. God's wrath and judgment are not directed toward His children but towards the enemy of His people. It is to be welcomed with great joy as He is mighty to save and deliver His people.
Revelation 19:1-2 says, “After this I heard what sounded like a mighty shout of a great crowd in heaven, exclaiming, Hallelujah (praise the Lord)! Salvation and glory (splendor and majesty) and power (dominion and authority) [belong] to our God!
Because His judgments (his condemnation and punishment, His sentences of doom) are true and sound and just and upright. He has judged (convicted, pronounced sentence, and doomed) the great and notorious harlot (idolatress) who corrupted and demoralized and poisoned the earth with her lewdness and adultery (idolatry). And He has avenged (visited on her the penalty for) the blood of His servants at her hand.”
And Isaiah 35:3-7,10 says, “Say to those who are of a fearful and hasty heart, Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance; with recompense of God He will come and save you.
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
And the burning sand and the mirage shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lay resting, shall be grass with reeds and rushes... And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Lord, let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We long to see the full reign of Your Kingdom come. We long to see the day and time that you reverse the captivity and restore the fortunes of all your people (Joel 3:1).
"There will be a day that many souls will come to praise the risen one. We pray that now would be that day, turn our hearts to give You praise. We give You praise!" sings.
a. Zechariah also speaks of the end time army who follow the Lord. Zechariah 10:5-7 says, "And they shall be like mighty men treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle, and they shall fight because the Lord is with them, and the [oppressor[s] riders on horses shall be confounded and put to shame.
And I will strenghten the house of Judah and I will save the house of Joseph [Ephraim]. I will bring them back and cause them to dwell securely, for I have mercy, lving-kindness, and compassion for them. They shall be as though I had not cast them off, for I am the Lord their God, and I will hear them.
Then Ephraim [the ten tribes] shall become like a mighty warrior, and their hearts shall rejoice as through wine; yes, their children shall se it and rejoice; their hearts shall feel great delight and glory triumphantly in the Lord."
1. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 1:12
2. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:1
3. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:3
4. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:5
5. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mic 5:4
6. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:7
7. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Ps 72:5
8. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Ps 110:2
9. KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1994, S. 1746
10. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:7
11. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:10
12. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mic 5:10
13. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Is 34:5
“Now gather yourselves in troops, O daughter of troops; a state of siege has been placed against us. They shall smite the ruler of Israel with a rod (a scepter) on the cheek.
But you, Bethlehem Ephratah, you are little to be among the clans of Judah; [yet] out of you shall One come forth for Me Who is to be Ruler in Israel, Whose goings forth have been from of old, from ancient days (eternity).
Therefore shall He give them up until the time that she who travails has brought forth; then what is left of His brethren shall return to the children of Israel. And He shall stand and feed His flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord His God; and they shall dwell [secure], for then shall He be great [even] to the ends of the earth.
And this [One] shall be our peace. When the Assyrian comes into our land and treads upon our soil and in our palaces, then will we raise against him seven shepherds and eight princes among men. And they shall rule and waste the land of Assyria with the sword and the land of Nimrod within her [Assyria's own] gates. Thus shall He [the Messiah] deliver us from the Assyrian [representing the opposing powers] when he comes into our land and when he treads on our borders.
Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples like dew from teh Lord, like showers upon the grass which [come suddenly and] tarry not for man nor wait for the sons of men.
Then the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations in the midst of many peoples like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion [suddenly appearing] among the flocks of sheep which, when it goes through, treads down and tears in pieces, and there is no deliverer. Your hand will be lifted up above your adversaries, and all your enemies shall be cut off.
And in that day, says the Lord, I will cut off your horses [on which you depend] from among you and will destroy your chariots. And I will cut off the cities of your land and throw down all your strongholds. And I will cut off witchcrafts and sorceries from your hand, and you shall have no more soothsayers.
Your carved images also I will cut off and your statutes or pillars out of your midst, and you shall no more worship the work of your hands. And I will root out your Asherim [symbols of the goddess Asherah] and I will destroy your cities [the seats of false worship].
And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance upon the nations which would not obey [vengeance such as they have not heard of before].”
The first call in this chapter is to gather into troops. Troops is the Hebrew word gudud, Strongs #1416, and it means a band of an army.[1] God is calling forth His people to gather into bands of an army and prepare for war.
Commentary notes, "The reference here seems to be to the assaults of the enemies of Judah on the people of God before their final defeat. strike . . . on the cheek: One day the enemies of the Savior would strike Him (see Mark 15:19); but on a still-future day, He will strike all of His enemies (see Rev. 19)." [2]
The verses seem to be speaking of both the Lord's first and second coming. Commentary goes on to note, “The two advents of the Savior are seen as one event by Micah. Whereas v. 2 speaks of the birth of the Savior in His First Coming, vv. 3–5 speak of the time of the rule of Jesus in the Second Coming. She who is in labor probably refers to Zion (4:10). The metaphor refers to the deliverance in the end time of those who will be able to delight in the coming of God’s kingdom (4:9–5:1). the remnant: This minority will never be forgotten by the Lord.” [3]
This commentary goes on to note that Assyrians represent all Israel's enemies and final victory over all of them. The shepherds and princely men were a stark contrast to the leaders of the day in Israel that Micah prophesied judgment over. [4]
Many of the leaders of Israel in that day did not have heart's of justice. Micah 1:1-3 proclaims, “And I [Micah] said, Hear, I pray you, you heads of Jacob and rulers of the house of Israel! Is it not for you to know justice? - You who hate the good and love the evil, who pluck and steal the skin from off [My people] and their flesh from off their bones; Yes, you who eat the flesh of my people and strip their skin from off them, who break their bones and chop them in pieces as for the pot, like meat in a big kettle.”
Throughout the Bible, God's judgment and the leaders wickedness were closely associated. When God sent the prophets to warn the people, it was usually the leadership they addressed and it was most typically the leaders where the corruption started.
Ezekiel 22:27-28 says, “Her princes in the midst of her are like wolves rending and devouring the prey, shedding blood and destroying lives to get dishonest gain. And her prophets have daubed them over with whitewash, seeing false visions and divining lies to them, saying, Thus says the Lord God -when the Lord has not spoken.”
And Amos 6:1,3-5 says, “Woe to those who are at ease in Zion and to those on the mountain of Samaria who are careless and feel secure, the notable men of the chief [because chosen by God] of the nations, to whom the house of Israel comes!...O you who put far away the evil day [of punishment], yet cause the sitting of violence [upon you] to come near?
Woe to those who lie on beds of ivory and stretch themselves upon their couches, and eat the lambs out of the flock and the calves out of the midst of the stall, Who sing idle songs to the sound of the harp and invent for themselves instruments of music like David's.”
Jesus gives three woes of impending judgment that are similar in Luke 6:24-26:
“But woe to (alas for) you who are rich (abounding in material resources), for you already are receiving your consolation (the solace and sense of strengthening and cheer that come from prosperity) and have taken and enjoyed your comfort in full [having nothing left to be awarded to you].
Woe to (alas for) you who are full now (completely filled, luxuriously gorged and satiated), for you shall hunger and suffer want!
Woe to (alas for) you who laugh now, for you shall mourn and weep and wail! Woe to (alas for) you when everyone speaks fairly and handsomely of you and praises you, for even so their forefathers did to the false prophets.”
Micah 6:12-15 says, “For [the city's] rich men are full of violence; her inhabitants have spoken lies and their tongues are deceitful in their mouths. Therefore I have also smitten you with a deadly wound and made you sick, laying you desolate, waste, and deserted because of your sins.
You shall eat but not be satisfied, and your emptiness and hunger shall remain in you; you shall carry away [goods and those you love] but fail to save them, and those you do deliver I will give to the sword. You shall sow but not reap; you shall tread olives but not anoint yourselves with oil, and [you shall extract juice from] the grapes but not drink the wine.”
In the midst of religious leaders and rulers who are self-serving, full of greed and oppressing the poor, in Micah 5:5, God speaks of raising up “seven shepherds and eight princely men” who would rule over the land and defeat the enemy with a sword – thus bringing forth the reign of the kingdom of God in the land.
Commentary notes, “When the future Assyrian army strikes Jerusalem, the Messiah will raise up enough capable leaders to drive them back. The expression 'seven shepherds and eight princely men' should not be taken to mean there would literally be only fifteen leaders raised up to withstand 'the Assyrian.' When one number is followed by the next highest number in a poetic framework, the meaning is that there is an adequate or complete number of whatever occurs in the context. [5]
The result of these leaders ruling and wasting the land with a sword, is that the Lord delivers the people (a remnant) from their enemies (Micah 5:6b). The remnant, (the army of God), that is delivered from it's opposition, is like dew in the midst of the nations and like showers upon the grass.
This remnant brings refreshing to those in the world around them. Psalm 133:3 says, “It is like the dew of Hermon Coming down upon the mountains of Zion; For there the LORD commanded the blessing-- life forever.” As commentary notes, showers and dew represent God's blessing on their neighbors. [6]
Psalm 72:6 proclaims about the king, “May he [Solomon as a type of King David's greater Son] be like rain that comes down upon the mown grass, like showers that water the earth.” Commentary notes about this, “The great King is pictured as the gentle rains of God’s blessing on the earth. His reign will lead to true peace, the state of things as they really ought to be.” [7]
David proclaims in Psalm 110:2-3, “The Lord will send forth from Zion the scepter of Your strength; rule, then, in the midst of your foes. Your people will offer themselves willingly in the day of Your power, in the beauty of holiness and in holy array out of the womb of the morning; to You [will spring forth] Your young men, who are as the dew.”
Commentary notes about this, “The Father commands the Son to take His kingdom back from His enemies. The outcome of this final battle was determined long ago (47:3). your people: The description in vv. 2, 3 of the people who join the coming King in His great battle accords well with that in Rev. 19:14. From the womb of the morning describes the volunteer army in their robust and fresh vigor; they are ready for a holy battle.” [8]
The remnant will not only be like dew bringing blessing to the nations but they are also like a young lion who appears suddenly and tears its prey into pieces (Micah 5:8) As they step forward in battle, their adversaries and enemies will be cut off by the Lord with none to deliver (Micah 5:9).
Commentary notes, “Israel’s twofold function during the Millennium period is set forth: to believing Gentiles she will be a source of refreshment (vs. 7), but to unbelieving Gentiles she will be a source of judgment enforcing the rule of Messiah.” [9] The result is that they enjoy ultimate victory against their enemy. As another commentary notes, they are a “powerful force that eventually would triumph.” [10]
David proclaims in Psalm 18:34-42, “He teaches my hands to war, so that my arms can bend a bow of bronze. You have also given me the shield of Your salvation, and Your right hand has held me up; Your gentleness and condescension have made me great.
You have given plenty of room for my steps under me, that my feet would not slip. I pursued my enemies and overtook them; neither did I turn again till they were consumed. I smote them so that they were not able to rise; they fell wounded under my feet.
For you have girded me with strength for the battle; You have subdued under me and caused to bow down those who rose up against me.
You have also made my enemies turn their backs to me, that I might cut off those who hate me. They cried [for help], but there was none to deliver -even unto the Lord, but He answered them not. Then I beat them small as the dust before the wind; I emptied them out as the dirt and mire of the streets.”
God proclaims in Micah 4:13, “Arise and thresh, O Daughter of Zion! For I will make your horn iron and I will make your hoofs bronze; you shall beat in pieces many peoples, and I will devote their gain to the Lord and their treasure to the Lord of all the earth.”
Revelation 19:14-21 paints a picture of God's end time army. “And the troops of heaven, clothed in fine linen, dazzling and clean, followed Him on white horses. From His mouth goes forth a sharp sword with which He can smite (afflict, strike) the nations; and He will shepherd and control them with a staff (scepter, rod) of iron.
He will tread the winepress of the fierceness of the wrath and indignation of God the All-Ruler (the Almighty, the Omnipotent). And on His garment (robe) and on His thigh He has the name (title) inscribed, King of Kings and Lord of Lords.
Then I saw a single angel stationed in the sun's light, and with a mighty voice he shouted to all the birds that fly across the sky, Come, gather yourselves together for the great supper of God, that you may feast on the flesh of rulers, the flesh of generals and captains, the flesh of powerful and mighty men, the flesh of horses and their riders, and the flesh of all humanity, both free and slave, both small and great!
Then I saw the beast and the rulers and leaders of the earth with their troops mustered to go into battle and make war against Him Who is mounted on the horse and against His troops. And the beast was seized and overpowered, and with him the false prophet who is in his presence had worked wonders and performed miracles by which he led astray those who had accepted or permitted to be placed upon them the stamp (mark) of the beast and those who paid homage and gave divine honors to his statue. Both of them were hurled alive into the fiery lake that burns and blazes with brimstone.
And the rest were killed with the sword that issues from the mouth of Him Who is mounted on the horse, and all the birds fed ravenously and glutted themselves with their flesh.” [a]
Micah goes on to note that as He raises up His army, joining Him in cutting off the enemy, that He will set free the captives. Micah prophesies that the Lord will cut off their horses the people depend and destroy their chariots (5:10). Commentary notes, “Horses and chariots represent the pride of Israel’s military power. Israel’s tendency was to rely on its own military power rather than on the Lord.” [11]
David proclaims in Psalm 20:7-9, “Some trust in and boast of chariots and some of horses, but we will trust in and boast of the name of the Lord of our God. They are bowed down and fallen, but we are risen and stand upright, O Lord, give victory, let the King answer us when we call.”
Micah 5:11-14 goes on to note that the Lord will cut off all the idols, sorceries, and places of false worship. Commentary notes, “In that day, Israel will have been purified. It will no longer trust in horses and chariots or fortified cities. Sorcerers and soothsayers will be abolished. Carved images and sacred pillars—pagan shrines—will be destroyed.” [12]
The Lord is purifying His beloved bride for His return. Revelation 19:7-8 says, “Let us rejoice and shout for joy [exulting and triumphant]! Let us celebrate and ascribe to Him glory and honor, for the marriage of the Lamb [at last] has come, and His bride has prepared herself. She has been permitted to dress in fine (radiant) linen, dazzling and white- for the fine linen is (signifies, represents) the righteousness (the upright, just, and godly living, deeds, and conduct, and right living, deeds, and conduct, and right standing with God) of the saints (God's holy people).
This prophesy in Micah 5 ends with the Lord proclaiming, “And in anger and wrath I will execute vengeance upon the nations which would not obey [vengeance such as they have not heard of before]” (vs. 15).
It is easy to look at these verse and think of God as an angry and frustrated God who will take out all His anger on those who are rebellious and would not obey -taking some sort of revenge to spite them. However, this is not the character or nature of God. He is “compassionate and gracious God, slow to anger, abounding in love and faithfulness” (Exodus 34:6).
His anger and wrath are towards His enemy and not towards His people. As I noted in a previous blog, both the verses in Isaiah 34:6-10 and Isaiah 63:1-7 speak of the day of the Lord's vengeance and year of His recompense against His enemies (year of redemption in Is. 63:1-7).
Commentary notes about the day of the Lord's vengeance: “The word ‘vengeance’ is of crucial importance. It does not mean getting even with someone, as we use it. It refers to God’s action in carrying out the sentence which He as Judge.” [13]
The day of the Lord's vengeance is a day of reckoning and justice coming forth. Isaiah 59:14-20 also speaks of a time of a day of vengeance and recompense where God's own arm brought Him the victory.
“Justice is turned away backward, and righteousness (uprightness and right standing with God) stands far off; for truth has fallen in the street (the city's forum), and uprightness cannot enter [the courts of justice]. Yes, truth is lacking, and he who departs from evil makes himself a prey. And the Lord saw it, and it displeased Him that there was no justice.
And He saw that there was no man and wondered that there was no intercessor [no one to intervene on behalf of truth and right]; therefore His own arm brought Him victory, and His own rightousness [having the Spirit without measure] sustained Him.
For [the Lord] put on righteousness as a breastplate or coat of mail, and salvation as a helmet upon His head; He put on garments of vengeance for clothing and was clad with zeal [and furious divine jealously] as a cloak. According as their deeds deserve, so will He repay wrath to His adversaries, recompense to His enemies; on the foreign islands and coastlands He will make compensation.
So [as the result of the Messiah's intervention] they shall [reverently] fear the name of the Lord from the west, and His glory from the rising of the sun. When the enemy shall come in like a flood, the Spirit of the Lord will lift up a standard against him and put him to flight [for He will come like a rushing stream which the breath of the Lord drives].
He shall come as a Redeemer to Zion and to those in Jacob (Israel) who turn from transgression, says the Lord.”
The day of the Lord's vengeance and year of recompense is not something to be afraid of. God's wrath and judgment are not directed toward His children but towards the enemy of His people. It is to be welcomed with great joy as He is mighty to save and deliver His people.
Revelation 19:1-2 says, “After this I heard what sounded like a mighty shout of a great crowd in heaven, exclaiming, Hallelujah (praise the Lord)! Salvation and glory (splendor and majesty) and power (dominion and authority) [belong] to our God!
Because His judgments (his condemnation and punishment, His sentences of doom) are true and sound and just and upright. He has judged (convicted, pronounced sentence, and doomed) the great and notorious harlot (idolatress) who corrupted and demoralized and poisoned the earth with her lewdness and adultery (idolatry). And He has avenged (visited on her the penalty for) the blood of His servants at her hand.”
And Isaiah 35:3-7,10 says, “Say to those who are of a fearful and hasty heart, Be strong, fear not! Behold, your God will come with vengeance; with recompense of God He will come and save you.
Then the eyes of the blind shall be opened, and the ears of the deaf shall be unstopped. Then shall the lame man leap like a hart, and the tongue of the dumb shall sing for joy. For waters shall break forth in the wilderness and streams in the desert.
And the burning sand and the mirage shall become a pool, and the thirsty ground springs of water; in the haunt of jackals, where they lay resting, shall be grass with reeds and rushes... And the ransomed of the Lord shall return and come to Zion with singing, and everlasting joy shall be upon their heads; they shall obtain joy and gladness, and sorrow and sighing shall flee away.”
Lord, let your kingdom come and your will be done on earth as it is in heaven. We long to see the full reign of Your Kingdom come. We long to see the day and time that you reverse the captivity and restore the fortunes of all your people (Joel 3:1).
"There will be a day that many souls will come to praise the risen one. We pray that now would be that day, turn our hearts to give You praise. We give You praise!" sings.
a. Zechariah also speaks of the end time army who follow the Lord. Zechariah 10:5-7 says, "And they shall be like mighty men treading down their enemies in the mire of the streets in the battle, and they shall fight because the Lord is with them, and the [oppressor[s] riders on horses shall be confounded and put to shame.
And I will strenghten the house of Judah and I will save the house of Joseph [Ephraim]. I will bring them back and cause them to dwell securely, for I have mercy, lving-kindness, and compassion for them. They shall be as though I had not cast them off, for I am the Lord their God, and I will hear them.
Then Ephraim [the ten tribes] shall become like a mighty warrior, and their hearts shall rejoice as through wine; yes, their children shall se it and rejoice; their hearts shall feel great delight and glory triumphantly in the Lord."
1. Vine, W. E. ; Unger, Merrill F. ; White, William: Vine's Complete Expository Dictionary of Old and New Testament Words. Nashville : T. Nelson, 1996, S. 1:12
2. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:1
3. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:3
4. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:5
5. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mic 5:4
6. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:7
7. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Ps 72:5
8. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Ps 110:2
9. KJV Bible Commentary. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1994, S. 1746
10. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:7
11. Radmacher, Earl D. ; Allen, Ronald Barclay ; House, H. Wayne: The Nelson Study Bible : New King James Version. Nashville : T. Nelson Publishers, 1997, S. Mic 5:10
12. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Mic 5:10
13. MacDonald, William ; Farstad, Arthur: Believer's Bible Commentary : Old and New Testaments. Nashville : Thomas Nelson, 1997, c1995, S. Is 34:5
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