micah-5:1-5,-luke-2:1-5-niv

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

Bethlehem Ephratah. I. THE NAME OF THE PLACE IS VERY SUGGESTIVE . Bethlehem; i.e. "House of bread." Ephratah; i.e. " Fruitfulness. " Both thus signified plenty, abundance, fertility. They were most appropriate as designating the spot, for fertility has been and is still characteristic of that locality. "It is now a large village, beautifully situated on the brow of a high hill, which commands an extensive view of the surrounding mountainous country, and rises in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

The nature of the Messiah's rule. That is to be Ruler in Israel. In the first verse Micah had spoken of the failure of earthly rulers. "The judge of Israel should be smitten with a rod upon the cheek." The rulers who had so lamentably failed in their administration should come to nought, but there should rise up in the time appointed "a King to reign in righteousness," and who should establish a kingdom which should never be moved. Unfortunately, however, in the Jewish mind, the nature of... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

A new David: the lowliness and majesty of the Messiah. Thoughts respecting the lowliness of the Messiah cluster around the reference to his birthplace. Bethlehem was so small and unimportant that it was "little to be among the thousands of Israel." It was like one of our hamlets, not even attaining to the dignity of a parish. From this village there went forth a youth unknown to fame, and almost unnoticed among his own kindred ( 1 Samuel 16:11 ; Psalms 78:70 , Psalms 78:71 ).... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

The promise of Messiah. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." This is one of the most definite of the Messianic prophecies. In the previous verse Micah foretells a period of deep degradation. The people of God would troop together before the invader, as sheep huddle together before a snowstorm. All resistance... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

Christ. "But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, though thou be little among the thousands of Judah, yet out of thee shall he come forth unto me that is to be Ruler in Israel; whose goings forth have been from of old, from everlasting." For the sake of continuity we here transfer thoughts on this passage which have appeared before. Our subject is Christ, and the text leads us to consider— I. HIS BIRTH AS THE SON OF MAN . Two remarks are suggested here. 1 . He was born in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:3

Therefore ; i.e. because God hath designed to punish before delivering, and this deliverance is to arise from the little Bethlehem, not from Jerusalem. This presupposes that the house of David will have lost the throne and have been reduced to a low condition. Will he give them up. Jehovah will give up the people to its enemies; this is the way in which the house of David shall come to low estate. She which travaileth hath brought forth. Many commentators have taken the travailing... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:3

Success; but in God's own time. There is a certain degree of ambiguity about these words, yet amidst this we find certain practical teachings very clearly enunciated. I. WE ARE REMINDED OF DELAYS IN THE DIVINE WORKING . Seven hundred years must elapse ere the predictions respecting the advent of the Redeemer should be fulfilled and "the time" come. God's purposes in grace, as well as in nature and providence, are developed gradually. He makes demands upon human... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:3-4

Christ as the great Shepherd of mankind. "Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the Name of the Lord his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth." "Therefore will he give them up, until the time when a travailing woman hath brought forth: and the... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:4

He shall stand. The Ruler, Messiah, shall stand as a good shepherd, guiding and ordering his flock, watchful and ready to aid and defend (comp. Ezekiel 34:23 ; John 10:11 ). Septuagint, στήσεται καὶ ὄψεται , "shall stand and see." Feed ; i.e. his flock. Septuagint, ποιμανεῖ τὸ ποίμνιον αὐτοῦ . In the strength of the Lord, with which he is invested and which he displays in the care of his people. In the majesty of the Name of the Lord his God. Messiah shall rule in... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:4

The ministering Christ. The whole of this chapter is more or less occupied with graphic descriptions of the Christ of God drawn ages before he appeared, and setting forth his nature, his work, and his influence upon the world and the race. A little child has been called "an unsolved problem," We dare not be so bold as to attempt to forecast the future of any child. This, however, is done here respecting the "Babe of Bethlehem." Distinct Divine pre-intimations were given concerning the... read more

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:3

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:3-4

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:4

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:4

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