Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary on the Whole Bible
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Micah
Book: Micah
Chapter: 5
Overview:
The
Birth of
Christ and
Conversion of the
Gentiles.
(1-6) The
triumphs of
Israel.
(7-15)
1-6 Having showed how low the
House of
David would be brought,
a prediction of the
Messiah and his kingdom is added to
encourage the
Faith of
God's people. His existence from eternity
as
God, and his office as
Mediator, are noticed. Here is
foretold that
Bethlehem should be his birthplace. Hence it was
universally known among the Jews, Mt 2:5.
Christ's government
shall be very happy for his subjects; they shall be safe and
easy. Under the
Shadow of protection from the Assyrians, is a
promise of protection to the
Gospel Church and all believers,
from the designs and attempts of the powers of
Darkness.
Christ
is our Peace as a
Priest, making
Atonement for
Sin, and
reconciling us to
God; and he is our Peace as a
King, conquering
our enemies: hence our souls may
Dwell at ease in him.
Christ
will find instruments to protect and deliver. Those that
threaten ruin to the
Church of
God, soon bring ruin
On
themselves. This may include the past powerful effects of the
preached
Gospel, its future spread, and the ruin of all
antichristian powers. This is, perhaps, the most important
single
Prophecy in the Old
Testament: it respects the personal
character of the
Messiah, and the discoveries of himself to the
world. It distinguishes his human
Birth from his existing from
eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews
for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace
to prevail through the whole
Earth in the latter days. In the
mean time let us trust our
Shepherd's care and power. If he
permits the assault of our enemies, he will supply helpers and
assistance for us.
7-15 The remnant of
Israel, converted to
Christ in the
primitive times, were among many nations as the drops of
Dew,
and were made instruments in
Calling a large increase of
spiritual worshippers. But to those who neglected or opposed
this
Salvation, they would, as
Lions, cause terror, their
doctrine condemning them. The
Lord also declares that he would
cause not only the reformation of the Jews, but the
Purification
of the
Christian Church. In like manner shall we be assured of
victory in our personal conflicts, as we simply depend upon the
Lord our
Salvation,
Worship him, and serve him with diligence.