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Micah 5:1-5 can be confusing because three different contexts are covered in such a short span of verses. They have elements of the current context, the future Messiah’s birth, and the Second Coming.
Verse 2 speaks of the coming Messiah Jesus Christ who would come from Bethlehem (the land of bread) and would call Himself “the bread of life.” He would come from ancient days, meaning, God’s incarnation was the execution of a plan established long ago by the Trinity.
“In every age, from the foundation of the world, there has been some manifestation of the Messiah. He was the hope, as he was the salvation, of the world, from the promise to Adam in paradise, to his manifestation in the flesh four thousand years after.”
Adam Clarke
Verses 3 and 4 jump ahead to the Second Coming and the Millenial reign of Christ.
“Whereas v. Mic 5:2 speaks about the birth of the Savior in His First Coming, vv. Mic 5:3-5 speak about the time of the rule of Jesus in the Second Coming. She who is in labor probably refers to Zion (Mic 4:10). The metaphor refers to the deliverance in the end time of those who will be able to delight in the coming of God’s kingdom.”
Nelson’s Commentary
Verses 5 and 6 then move back to the current context to metaphorically illustrate a point, as the Assyrians were the main enemy of Israel during Micah’s time.
“The principal threat against Israel and Judah at the time of Micah was Assyria. Micah used the nation as a symbol of all of Israel’s enemies and of God’s final victory over each of them.”
Nelson’s Commentary
What is the application? It’s the simple fact that God wins. Look for the keywords in these verses. We find peace, protection, deliverance, majesty, security, and promises fulfilled. The future with God is nothing to be afraid of for those who are in Christ. We will stand with Jesus to watch and marvel at God’s final and perfect work.