Please forgive this rough draft format, as these are my raw study notes on the book of Micah, although they are a bit better formatted than former efforts. I felt a great sense of urgency to publish them rather than waiting until I had the time to pretty them up. Thank you and I pray that God blesses and encourages you through this material. I’m not sure of the condition of the world at the time of this publication. But at the time of its writing, spring 2009, things are looking pretty bleak with the economy and unemployment, natural disasters, and godly principles of living being disregarded. Are these the first stages of birth pains? The last? God only knows. And He is very busy these days. Stay strong. Encourage each other. Pray. Jesus is coming to deliver His people and judge the wicked…
Stacey
Take a few minutes to pray and savor chapter 5 of the Old Testament book of Micah. Then return here and ponder the thoughts, answer the questions, and be sure to leave comments about your own revelations…
5:1 – city of troops?
Strike Israel’s ruler on the cheek with a rod?
probably spoken during an Assyrian siege of Jerusalem.
Fulfilled in Matthew 2:1.
5:2 – Who is the ruler of Israel from Bethlehem, from Judah, whose origins are from ancient times? Jesus!
Ephrathah – Ruth 1:2 mentions this area.
5:3 – Israel abandoned until the “birth” and all Israel comes together. This is also a distinct picture of Jesus’ birth.
Rest of his brothers – gentile believers of the end times? Or just all of Israel coming together?
The Lord calls the painful circumstances leading to the second coming of Christ “birth pains” in Matthew 24:8. Think a bit about this process – not too graphically, though. I believe that we will feel like we are being squeezed almost constantly from various sources at this time. Believers will know that they are being expelled from this earth. Do you feel this?
5:4-5 – Christ will shepherd His flock and be our peace.
5:5 – seven shepherds raised against Assyria?
Eight leaders of men?
5:6 – these leaders will rule over Assyria.
5:7 – remnant of Jacob – Christ’s people – they will refresh the earth like dew.
Israel will be dispersed among many peoples. Can’t you see this, now?
5:8 – like a lion – ferocious, stands out among other animals, more powerful, predator.
5:10-15 – God is exacting vengeance.
5:10 – destroy horses? Why? Does this refer to Solomon’s sin of getting horses from Egypt?
• The book of Micah teaches us that there is forgiveness and deliverance for those who belong to the Lord. What have you learned and applied to your life from today’s reading that will help you persevere in your relationship with Christ?
• What attributes of God do you see in this book?
• What verse of scripture seemed to be God speaking directly to you? What is He teaching you in these verses? How does He want you to respond?
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