Prophesies of Christ’s Coming

Micah 5:1–6
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Jerusalem’s leaders were obsessed with wealth and position but Micah prophesied that this mighty city with all its wealth and power would be besieged and destroyed (v. 1). You might assume from this devastating prediction that the Davidic line would come to an end and the promise God made to David, concerning the one who was to come to his line who would reign forever, could never be fulfilled. However the very next verse brings us to a remarkable contrast as Micah accurately predicts Christ’s birthplace hundreds of years before Jesus was born (v. 2). In contrast Bethlehem, a tiny town, would be the birthplace of the only king who could save his people. This ruler in Israel, the Messiah, would be born as a baby in Bethlehem (Luke 2:4-7) and eventually would reign as King of kings eternally (Rev. 19-22).

The LORD will abandon Israel only until this ruler is born, and the rest of his family returns to Israel (v. 3). Like a shepherd taking care of his sheep, this ruler will lead and care for his people by the power and glorious name of the LORD his God (v. 4). His people will live securely, and the whole earth will know his true greatness, because he will bring peace.

Micah named the place where Christ was to be born seven hundred years before He was born. After all that had been happening there was little likelihood that one in the line of David could be born in Bethlehem (v. 5). In fact no members of David’s family were living in Bethlehem at this time; yet this was the place where the Son of God was to be born according to Micah. Let Assyria attack our country and our palaces (v. 6). We will counterattack, led by a number of rulers whose strong army will defeat the nation of Assyria. Israel’s deliverance stems from devine intervention in the person of Messiah.

Application

Instead of being overwhelmed by fear of invasion or nuclear attack I should have my confidence in God and the fact that He is in control of all things at all times. To live is Christ and to die is gain.