Matthew Henry Commentary Micah 5:1-6

"Now shalt thou gather thyself in troops, O daughter of troops: he hath laid siege against us; they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek. But thou, Beth-lehem Ephrathah, which art little to be among the thousands of Judah, out of thee shall one come forth unto me that is to be ruler in Israel; whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travaileth hath brought forth: then the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel. And he shall stand, and shall feed [his flock] in the strength of Jehovah, in the majesty of the name of Jehovah his God: and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth. And this [man] shall be [our] peace. When the Assyrian shall come into our land, and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men. And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: and he shall deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our border." — Micah 5:1-6 (ASV)

Having shown 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 mentioned. Here it is foretold that Bethlehem would be His birthplace. Therefore, it was universally known among the Jews (Matthew 2:5). Christ's government will be very happy for His subjects; they will be safe and at ease.

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, both as a Priest who makes atonement for sin and reconciles us to God, and as a King who conquers our enemies; therefore, our souls may dwell at ease in Him. Christ will find instruments to protect and deliver.

Those who 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 prophecy is, perhaps, the most important single prophecy in the Old Testament: it concerns the personal character of the Messiah and the revelations 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 that will prevail throughout the whole earth in the latter days.

Meanwhile, 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.