Micah 5:1-5a; 7:18-20: December 6—Come, thou long-expected Jesus

Nov 18, 2009
By WILEY RICHARDS

Wiley Richards is a retired professor of theology and philosophy at The Baptist College of Florida in Graceville.

In this series of studies anticipating the birth of Jesus, we will introduce each session by citing the title of four beloved Christmas carols. Appropriately, our first topic came to be portrayed in a classic written by Charles Wesley titled, “Come, Thou Long-Expected Jesus.” The song was inspired by Haggai 2:7, a verse closely resembling the contexts of the passage in Micah. Its message captures the anticipation of believers about the coming of the Messiah. Wesley’s hymn balances the Christian commitment to Jesus with the strong Messianic hope of Israel as well as the hope of all the earth.

Micah’s prophecy begins with a description of Israel in a time of national crisis (5:1). Micah’s ministry was about 30 years, from Jotham to Hezekiah. He witnessed the fall of the northern kingdom of Israel when Samaria fell to the Assyrians in 722 B.C. He was involved in the siege of Jerusalem as indicated by “us” in 5:1. He challenged the inhabitants to prepare for battle in the reference to “daughter of troops.”

Yet, Micah saw more than the fall of Jerusalem under Nebuchadnezzar. The peculiar prophecy of striking “the judge of Israel with a rod on the cheek” was fulfilled in Jesus as He was struck by the soldiers on the way to the crucifixion (Mk. 15:19).

He then addressed Jerusalem as Ephrathah, an insignificant village (vv. 2-3). Bethlehem, meaning “House of Bread,” was located on land belonging to the tribe of Judah (Judg. 17:7), but was omitted when the Bible lists major towns located in Judah (see Josh. 15:1-32; Jer. 11:25-30). Truly the town was “little among the thousands of Judah.” Note carefully the change in language in the words, “Yet out of you shall come forth to Me.” God Himself becomes the Speaker, thus bestowing divine approval on an otherwise insignificant village. From it would issue forth the “Ruler of Israel,” who would nevertheless have His reign “from everlasting.” This aspect of the Person of Jesus stands out in such passages as Jn. 1:1, 10, 15.

Micah also prophesied about the Messiah’s remarkable reign (v. 4). At this point, a word about the nature of prophesy may be helpful, especially in regard to the Messiah’s reign. The principle could be characterized as “mountain peaks of prophecy.” The prophets foretold events fulfilled, apparently in rapid succession, but which can be separated by centuries in fulfillment. The the mountain peaks, were separated by unmentioned valleys between the peaks, representing the passing of time.

The reference to the One who shall stand and feed His flock applies admirably to the ministry of Jesus. To “feed His flock” is the role of the shepherd, descriptions applied to Jesus. He is our Shepherd (Psa. 23:1). He is the “Good Shepherd” who cares for His sheep, Who knows His sheep by name (Jn. 10:11, 14), as well as the “Great Shepherd” who lays down His life for the sheep (Heb. 12:20).

To cite Micah again, the sheep shall abide in Him (v. 4). Jesus used the same truth to encourage His disciples as He faced the cross (Jn. 15:4-10). Israel has not yet gathered under the banner of the Messiah.

The One who “shall be peace” was born (v, 5a) in Bethlehem (v. 2). The Bible says He is peace, not just one who gives peace. Similarly, Jesus called Himself the “resurrection and the life” (Jn. 11:25), affirming His sovereignty over both. In a similar fashion, He is our Wisdom, Righteousness, Sanctification, and Redemption,” because all of these are embodied in Him.

Micah climaxes his vision with a magnificent description of God’s holy nature (7:18-20). After preaching to Israel about its coming destruction because of unfaithfulness to God, he softens the harsh tome by pointing to God’s compassionate nature. He pardons iniquity, even passing over its transgressions as He did when the death angel spared those whose houses exhibited the blood on the lintel and door posts (Exod. 12:21-28). We, as did Micah, look forward to the time when Israel embraces the Messiah (v. 20).

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