Micah 5:2

Matthew Henry's Complete Commentary - Micah 5:1-6

Here, as before, we have, I. The abasement and distress of Zion, Mic. 5:1. The Jewish nation, for many years before the captivity, dwindled, and fell into disgrace: Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops! It is either a summons to Zion's enemies, that had troops at their service, to come and do their worst against her (God will suffer them to do it), or a challenge to Zion's friends, that had troops too at command, to come and do their best for her; Let them gather in troops, yet... read more

John Gill

John Gills Exposition of the Bible Commentary - Micah 5:2

But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah ,.... But though Jerusalem should be besieged and taken, and the land of Judea laid waste, yet, before all this should be, the Messiah should be born in Bethlehem, of which this is a prophecy, as is evident from Matthew 2:4 ; the place is called by both the names it went by, to point it out the more distinctly, and with the greater certainty, Genesis 35:19 ; the former signifies "the house of bread", and a proper place for Christ to be born in, who is the... read more

Adam Clarke

Adam Clarke's Commentary on the Bible - Micah 5:2

But thou, Beth-lehem Ephratah - I have considered this subject in great detail in the 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 distinguish it from another Beth-lehem, which was in the tribe of Zebulun, Joshua 19:15 . Thousands of Judah - The tribes were divided into small portions called thousands; as in our country certain divisions of counties... read more

John Calvin

John Calvin's Commentary on the Bible - Micah 5:2

Verse 2 Thou Bethlehem Ephratah, art small, that thou shouldest be among the thousands of Judah As Matthew quotes this passage differently, some think that it ought to be read as a question, And thou, Bethlehem Ephratah, art thou the least among the provinces of Judah? Matthew says “Thou art by no means the least, thou excellest. (142) ” But what need there is of distorting the words of the Prophet, as it was not the design of the Evangelist to relate the expressions of the Prophet, but only to... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:1-4

§ 8 . After Zion ' s degradation Messiah shall be born, and shall bring the world into subjection. read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

The Pulpit Commentary - Micah 5:2

At the time of Zion's deepest distress, and when her earthly king is suffering the grossest degradation, reduced as it were to the shepherd house at Bethlehem, a Deliverer shall arise thence who shall do wonderful things. This passage was quoted by the Sanhedrin to answer Herod's question where the Christ was to be born ( Matthew 2:5 , Matthew 2:6 ; comp. John 7:42 ). But thou, Bethlehem Ephratah. Ephratah (Ephrathah, or Ephrath), "fruitfulness," is another name for Bethlehem, "House... read more

Spence, H. D. M., etc.

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

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