Micah Chapter 5
A Promised Ruler from Bethlehem
1 “Muster your troops, Jerusalem;
your enemies are laying siege against you;
they’ll hit Israel’s leader in the face with a rod.
2 But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah,
though you’re small among Judah’s clans,
you’ll have a ruler come out of you on my behalf in Israel.
His origins are from long ago, from ancient times.”
3 Israel will be abandoned
till the one that’s in labor has the child;
then the rest of his relatives
will come back from exile.
4 He’ll stand up and shepherd his flock
with the power and majesty of the LORD his God;
they’ll be able to remain secure
because at that time he’ll be great everywhere.
5 He’ll give us peace.
Mic 5:1-5a
When the Assyrians invade our land
and overrun fortresses,
we’ll fight back
with seven shepherds, eight princes leading us.
6 They’ll shepherd Assyria with the sword,
the land of Nimrod with swords drawn.
The LORD will deliver us from them
when they attack our land
and try to tramp all over our territory.
A Remnant to Be Delivered
7 Then the remnant of Jacob left in the land
will live among many nations
like dew from the LORD,
like showers on grass
that mortals can’t restrain,
that no one can delay.
Mic 5:5b-7
8 The remnant left in Jacob
will live among many nations
like a young lion in a flock of sheep.
He mauls and mangles as he goes;
no one can stop him.
9 He’ll raise his hand against his enemies
and wipe them out.
10“At that time,” the LORD says,
“I’ll get rid of your horses
and destroy your chariots.
11I’ll demolish your towns
and tear down your defenses.
12I’ll abolish sorcery;
you won’t have fortunetellers anymore.
13I’ll get rid of your carved images and sacred pillars
so you won’t worship what you’ve made.
14I’ll pull up your Asherah poles
and destroy your pagan cities.
15I’ll carry out angry revenge
on nations that refuse to obey.”
Mic 5:8-15