Messianic Anticipations. This paragraph, like the last, seems to consist of several separate prophecies, viz. Micah 5:2-4, describing the emergence of a triumphant Davidic ruler; Micah 5:5 f., deliverance from the Assyrian through leaders raised by the people; Micah 5:7-9, the multitude and irresistible might of the remnant of Israel. All these seem to be post-exilic, though some, taking Assyrian literally, refer the second to Micah. The clan of Ephrathah (to whose district Bethlehem belongs; cf. Ruth 4:11; 1 Samuel 17:12; Joshua 15:59, LXX), though insignificant in numbers and standing, yet (because Bethlehem was the home of David 1 Samuel 20:6) is to be the source of the future ruler of Davidic ancestry (Amos 9:11; Ezekiel 34:23 f., Isaiah 9:6 f; Isaiah 11:1 ff.), which goes back to ancient days (Micah 5:2, both mgg.; goings forth means origin). He shall stand firm (Micah 5:4; cf. Isaiah 61:5), pasturing his flock in peace, strong by Yahweh's aid. Micah 5:3 is a later insertion in this prophecy, interrupting Micah 5:2 and Micah 5:4, and intended to connect it with the Messianic (not the true) interpretation of Isaiah 7:14 *; Yahweh, it is said, will give up His people to their foes until the birth of the Messiah (here identified with the Davidic king), and until the return of the residue or remnant (probably, as Wellhausen says, a reference to the Shear Yashub of Isaiah 7:3). The second passage, Micah 5:5 f., is artificially linked to the first in the RV by the insertion of man, to which nothing in the Heb. corresponds; this should refer to what follows, i.e. the way in which peace shall be secured from the Assyrian. Against the invasion of this (not identified) oppressor, the people will raise up plenty of princely (Micah 5:5 mg.) leaders, who shall shepherd the enemy's land, and bring deliverance.
Micah 5:5. Assyrian is a term applied to many later oppressors of Israel, e.g. Lamentations 5:6; Ezra 6:22; Zechariah 10:11; cf. Herod, vii. 63. palaces should be land, with LXX. The Heb. idiom, seven. and eight means a (full) seven, yes, eight if needed, i.e. an ample, though indefinite, number; cf. Ecclesiastes 11:2.
Micah 5:6. the land of Nimrod: a name for Assyria (see Genesis 10:8-12). The first he in Micah 5:6 should probably be they. The third passage, Micah 5:7-9, which is similar to Micah 2:12; Micah 4:7, presupposes the wide dispersion of the Jews, and perhaps belongs to the Persian period. Israel shall be as numerous as the drops of dew and rain, which fall on the grass in an abundance independent of man (so Marti cf. Hosea 1:10; or may the comparison be between the swift passing away of the dew and rain, as in Hosea 6:4, and the rapid gathering of the scattered Jews from all the nations?). Israel shall be as irresistible as a lion among the flocks. May she utterly destroy her foes! (but probably this should read thine hand is lifted up, etc., a conviction, rather than a wish).