CHAPTER V _This chapter begins, according to the opinion of some_ _commentators, with a prophecy concerning the siege of_ _Jerusalem by Nebuchadnezzar, and the great indignities which_ _Zedekiah should suffer from the Babylonians_, 1. _We have next a most famous prediction concerning the birthp... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:2. _BUT THOU, BETH-LEHEM EPHRATAH_] I have considered this subject in great detail in _Clarke's notes on "_Matthew 2:6_"_, to which the reader will be pleased to refer. This verse should begin this chapter; the _first_ verse belongs to the preceding chapter. _Bethlehem Ephratah_, to d... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:3. _THEREFORE WILL HE GIVE THEM UP_] Jesus Christ shall give up the disobedient and rebellious Jews into the hands of all the nations of the earth, till _she who travaileth hath brought forth_; that is, till the Christian Church, represented Revelation 12:1, under the notion of a _woma... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:4. _HE SHALL STAND AND FEED_] The _Messiah_ shall _remain_ with his followers, supporting and _governing them in the strength_ _and majesty of the Lord_, with all the miraculous interferences of his power, and all the glories of his grace. _AND THEY SHALL ABIDE_] After this the Jews s... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:5. _AND THIS_ MAN _SHALL BE THE PEACE_] This clause should be joined to the preceding verse, as it finishes the prophecy concerning our blessed Lord, who is the _Author_ and _Prince of_ _Israel_; and shall finally give _peace_ to all nations, by bringing them under his yoke. _WHEN THE... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:6. _THE LAND OF NIMROD_] Assyria, and Nineveh its capital; and Babylon, which was also built by Nimrod, who was its _first_ king, Genesis 10:11-1, in the _margin_. _IN THE ENTRANCES THEREOF_] At its _posts_ or _watergates_; for it was by rendering themselves masters of the Euphrates t... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:7. _THE REMNANT OF JACOB_] From the reign of _Darius_ _Hystaspes_ (_Ahasuerus_, husband of _Esther_) the Jews were greatly favoured. Those who continued in Persia and Chaldea were greatly honoured under the protection of _Mordecai_ and _Esther_.-_Calmet_. But others consider this as ap... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 8. _AS A LION_] In this and the following verse the victories of the Maccabees are supposed to be foretold.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse 9. _ALL THINE ENEMIES SHALL BE CUT OFF._] The _Assyrians_, who had destroyed _Israel_; and the _Babylonians_, who had ruined _Judah_.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:10. _I WILL CUT OFF THY HORSES_] Thou shalt have no need of _cavalry_ in thine armies; God will fight for you.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:11. _I WILL - THROW DOWN ALL THY STRONGHOLDS_] Thou shalt have no need of _fortified cities_; I will be thy defense.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:12. _I WILL CUT OFF WITCHCRAFTS_] Thou shalt seek help only in Jehovah thy God. They have had neither soothsayers, images, groves, nor high places, from the captivity to the present day.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:13. _THY GRAVEN IMAGES ALSO WILL I CUT OFF_] Thou shalt be no more an idolatrous people.... [ Continue Reading ]
Verse Micah 5:15. _I WILL EXECUTE VENGEANCE - UPON THE HEATHEN_] And he did so; for the empires of the _Assyrians, Chaldeans_, and others, the sworn enemies of the Jews, have long since been utterly destroyed.... [ Continue Reading ]