Exegetical and Hermeneutical Commentary of Micah 5:8
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
And the remnant of Jacob shall be as a young lion – o: What more unlike than the sweetness of the dew and the fierceness of the lion? What so different as the gentle shower distilling on the herb, and the savageness or vehemence of a lion roaring among the flocks of sheeps? Yet both are ascribed to the remnant of Jacob. Why? Because the Apostles of Christ are both tender and severe, tender in teaching and exhorting, severe in rebuking and avenging. How does Paul teach, God was in Christ reconciling the world unto Himself, and hath committed unto us the word of reconciliation; now then we are ambassadors for Christ, as though God did beseech you by us: we pray you in Christs stead, be ye reconciled to God! 2 Cor. 5:196:11. What sweeter than the dew of love, the shower of true affection? And so, on to that, our heart is enlarged. They are such drops of dew as no one could doubt came from the Lord, the Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of mercies and the God of all comfort 2Co 1:3.
Yet the same Apostle after a little writes, This is the third time I am coming to you. I told you before and foretell you, and being absent now I write to them which heretofore have sinned and to all others, that if I come again, I will not spare, since ye seek a proof of Christ speaking in me 2Co 13:1-3. See the severity of a master, like the roaring of a lion among the beasts of the forest. For such surely are they whom he rebukes for the 2Co 12:21 uncleanness and fornication and lasciviousness which they had committed. Was he not to such as a lion? 1Co 5:2-5? Was not Peter such, when he rebuked Ananias first and then Sapphira his wife, and they fell down and gave up the ghost? They tread down or cast down imaginations and every high thing that exalteth itself against the knowledge of God 2Co 10:5; as Christ Himself, who spake in them, is both a lamb and the Lion of the tribe of Judah Rev 5:5, and nothing is so terrible as the wrath of the Lamb Rev 6:16.
And none can deliver – Dionysius: For as the Apostles past from nation to nation, and trod down paganism, subduing it to Christ, and taking within their net the many converted nations, none could withdraw from the Apostles doctrine those whom they had converted. The pagan world cried out that the state is beset, that the Christians are in their fields, their forts, their islands. : We are a people of yesterday, and yet we have filled every place belonging to you, cities, islands, castles, towns, assemblies, your very camp, your tribes, companies, palace, senate, forum! We leave you your temples only. We can count your armies, our numbers in a single province will be greater.
Fuente: Albert Barnes’ Notes on the Bible
Verse 8. As a lion] In this and the following verse the victories of the Maccabees are supposed to be foretold.
Fuente: Adam Clarke’s Commentary and Critical Notes on the Bible
In the midst of many people; see Mic 5:7; who are enemies, that do injure them.
As a lion for strength and courage, which the beasts of the forest dare not oppose: and cannot resist, so Should this remnant; much like that Lev 26:8.
As a young lion among the flocks of sheep; a second allusion of the same import, but yet with some greater emphasis; in the former comparison, the greater cattle, called behemoth, in this sheep, much lesser and weaker cattle, are compared with the lion and young lion.
Treadeth down; overbeareth, and throws down by his strength, and treads under foot with as much ease as a man would tread on worms, or tread down straw for the dunghill.
Teareth in pieces; to devour, satisfy his hunger, and repair his strength for a new assault on his prey.
None can deliver; that dares attempt a rescue; but the prey is left under the lions paw, to satisfy the hungry beast: so shall Israel be after their return out of captivity, and while they keep the ways of the Lord; so they were in Esthers time, against such as would have destroyed them; so in the Maccabees time, when they subdued the nations about them. But the conquering power of the word, the rod of Christs strength, doth greater wonders than the sword of the Maccabees ever did. It is the mighty conquering power of the gospel that is here shadowed forth to us.
Fuente: English Annotations on the Holy Bible by Matthew Poole
8. as a lionIn Mic5:7 Israel’s benignant influence on the nations is described; buthere her vengeance on the godless hosts who assail her (Isa 66:15;Isa 66:16; Isa 66:19;Isa 66:24; Zec 12:3;Zec 12:6; Zec 12:8;Zec 12:9; Zec 14:17;Zec 14:18). Judah will be “asas lion,” not in respect to its cruelty, but in its power ofstriking terror into all opponents. Under the Maccabees, the Jewsacquired Idumea, Samaria, and parts of the territory of Ammon andMoab [GROTIUS]. But thiswas only the earnest of their future glory on their comingrestoration.
Fuente: Jamieson, Fausset and Brown’s Commentary Critical and Explanatory on the Whole Bible
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people,…. The same persons are meant here as before; who are compared to dew and showers of rain, because numerous; and full of blessings in themselves, and useful and beneficial to others: and here are said to be
as a lion among the beasts of the forest; strong, mighty, powerful, and courageous, and superior to their enemies, as the lion is strongest among beasts, and keeps all others in awe of him. Some refer this to the times of the Maccabees; when Judas and his brethren behaved with great fortitude and courage, and were victorious, and prevailed over the armies of Antiochus, and others; but it seems rather to belong to the latter day, when the Jews shall be superior to their enemies the Turks, who would disturb them in the possession of their land: and shall be a terror to them,
as a young lion among the flocks of sheep; signifying that their enemies shall be no more to them, and no more able to oppose them, than a flock of sheep are to a young lion, or they to resist him The design of the metaphor is; not to signify the harmlessness and innocence of their enemies, but their weakness, and the strength and courage of them;
who, if he go through; the flock: on whatsoever he seizes,
both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver; brings it to the ground at once, tramples upon it, and tears it in pieces as its prey; and none in the flock, or to whom it belongs, can deliver out of his hand. This will be the case when the Jews shall turn to the Lord, and the Lion of the tribe of Judah shall be at the head of them; though some interpret this of the first times of the Gospel, and take it to be fulfilled in the apostles and first ministers of the word, who were Jews; and who were valiant defenders of truth, and conquerors over the devil and the world, and were the instruments of bringing many into subjection to Christ; but it seems best to apply it to the last times, and not to the converted Jews only, though in the first place; but to all the, spiritual Israel of God, the whole Christian church, which will then be in such happy circumstances.
Fuente: John Gill’s Exposition of the Entire Bible
Then follows this promise, — that God will arm his people with invincible and irresistible power, that they may be superior to all their enemies. Hence he says, that the residue of Israel shall be like a lion among the beasts of the forests and like a young lion among a flock of sheep As a strong lion then is superior to other beasts, and as a young lion dares ferociously to attack a flock of sheep; so he says, the people of Israel shall be; they shall be like lions, filling their enemies with terror, yea, and plundering and scattering them, so that no one will dare to resist them. The Prophet, by speaking thus, does not mean, that the people of God would be cruel and sanguinary: for we know that when the Prophets use similes of this kind, they express something not strictly suitable; for who would be so foolish as to select every thing that belongs to a lion, and apply it to the Church of God. Then the reason for this similitude must be observed; it was to show, that the faithful shall be endued with a power so superior to that of their enemies, that they shall be a terror to them. It does not hence follow that they shall be cruel.
But we must, at the same time, see what the Lord promises to his Church. Though God then recommends to his children the spirit of meekness, yet the faithful may still be a thread to their enemies; they ought, however, to observe what is just towards them, and to keep themselves within proper bounds. And yet Micah says, that they shall be endued with such power that they shall drive their enemies afar off; yea, that they shall plunder and tear them in pieces, while no one will be able to resist them. (153) But these two things are necessary as to the preservation of the Church, that God may make it grow; for except it be miraculously increased, it can never grow; and then it has need of a strong and powerful defense against her enemies; for we know that there are always wicked men who oppose the Church, yea, who apply all their powers to destroy it: it is therefore necessary that it should be supplied by the Lord with invincible strength, as our Prophet declares here. Let us proceed —
(153) “They shall be bold as a lion in witnessing against the corruptions of the times and places they live in, and strong as a lion in the strength of the Lord, to resist and overcome their spiritual enemies. The weapons of their warfare are mighty through God, to the pulling down of strongholds, 2Co 10:4. They shall have courage which all their adversaries shall not be able to resist, Luk 21:15.” — Henry.
Fuente: Calvin’s Complete Commentary
Mic. 5:8. Lion] To take vengeance on her enemies (Isa. 66:15-16; Zec. 12:3-6; Zec. 14:17-18); and strike terror into all opponents. A prediction of victory under the Maccabees and after-times.
Mic. 5:9.] Exultant feeling; High be thy hand (Isa. 26:11) to destroy the foe (Exo. 13:9).
ISRAEL AS A LION.Mic. 5:8-9
God and his people have not only a benignant but a terrible aspect towards men,as dew to the well-disposed, and as a lion to the assailants. In many respects the Church may be like the lion.
I. In that religious awe which they exercise over the minds of ungodly men. The lion among beasts of the forest and the young lion among flocks of sheep are feared beyond description. The good examples and consistent lives of pious men often strike terror into the conscience, and check the evil practices of the wicked. They are awed by them and dare not harm them. Herod feared John because he was a holy man (Mar. 6:20).
II. In the courage with which they attack antagonists. If he go through, both treadeth down and teareth in pieces. It boldly faces and braves the force of arms. Wounds rather provoke than repress its fierceness. It is not daunted by numbers; will often attack an entire caravan, and if overpowered in the combat, instead of flying, will gradually retreat with its face to the enemy until it dies. Luther and Latimer were the lions of the Church. Christians now through God are Cur-de-lions, and endued with invincible power. Terrible as an army with banners.
III. In the victory which they gain over the enemy. Lifted up upon thine adversaries.
1. The victory is resistless. None can deliver, however strong and determined.
2. The victory is complete. All thine enemies shall be cut off. Ceasing to be enemies or destroyed in their opposition. The victories of the Maccabees were earnests of future glories. The hand of the Church shall be strengthened by the might of Jehovah. All adversaries will shortly be bruised under her feet. And he went forth conquering and to conquer.
ILLUSTRATIONS TO CHAPTER 5
Mic. 5:8-9. The lion was the emblem of strength and sovereignty (The Lion of England). Illustrative of Israel (Num. 24:9), and Judah (Gen. 49:9); the courage of brave men (2Sa. 1:23; 2Sa. 23:20), and the boldness of saints (Pro. 28:1). The lion is fearless of men (Isa. 31:4.; Nah. 2:11). What can a javelin do against his strength! But even the king of the forest can read the eye and the language of man. Moral force is greater than physical force. What then must be the strength of the Christian Church under the leadership of The Lion of the tribe of Judah!
Fuente: The Preacher’s Complete Homiletical Commentary Edited by Joseph S. Exell
(8) As a lion among the beasts of the forest.There is righteous wrath as well as all-embracing mercy with God. Christ, whose graciousness is likened to the dew, and His gentleness to the lamb, is at the same time the Lion of the tribe of Judah. At the opening of the sixth seal the kings of the earth and great men are represented as in extreme terror at the wrath of the Lamb (Rev. 6:16).
Fuente: Ellicott’s Commentary for English Readers (Old and New Testaments)
The same distinguishing blessings on Jacob’s remnant, only adopting another figure, are here promised, to show the freedom of God’s grace and love to his people. In the former Jacob’s remnant is made passive in receiving blessings from the Lord, to denote the Lord’s chosen. In this they are shown to be active, in going forth in the Lord’s strength, to the Lord’s cause. Acting under the name and authority of the lion of the tribe of Judah; the worm Jacob is enabled to thresh the mountains. Isa 41:14 .
Fuente: Hawker’s Poor Man’s Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
Mic 5:8 And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
Ver. 8. And the remnant of Jacob as a lion among the beasts of the forest] The saints shall prosper and do great exploits, as being endued with an invincible force of the spirit, making them as so many Coeur-de-lions; or as Chrysostom saith of Peter, that he was like a man made all of fire walking among stubble. What lion-like men were all the apostles, those white horses upon which the Lord Christ rode about the world, “conquering and to conquer?” Rev 6:2 . That Lion of the tribe of Juda, Rev 5:5 , had put upon them of his own spirit; and of his fulness bestowed upon them grace for grace, Joh 1:16 ; hence their transcendent zeal and courage for the truth. Stephen was among his countrymen, the Jews, as a lion among the beasts of the forest. So were in their several generations Athanasius, Basil, Ambrose, Luther, Latimer, Farel, &c., that noble army of martyrs. One of them told the persecutors that they might pluck the heart out of his body, but never pluck the truth out of his heart. Another, that the heavens should sooner fall than he would turn. A third, that if every hair of his head were a man he would suffer death in the opinion and faith that he was now in. A fourth said, Can I die but once for Christ? And generally, the valour of the patient and the savageness of the persecutors strove together; till both exceeding nature and belief bred wonder and astonishment in beholders and readers, and in some effectual conversion, as in Justin Martyr, in Calberius, in those four hundred said to be converted at the martyrdom of Cecilia; and lastly, in Silvester, the executioner at the martyrdom of Simon Laloe, at Dijon, in France; where seeing the great faith and constance of that heavenly martyr, he was so compuncted with repentance, and fell into such despair of himself, that after much ado, being comforted and converted, he moved with all his family to the Church of Geneva. But what a silly conceit is that of the Jews at this day, that when Messiah comes they shall be these lions among the Gentiles in the midst of all other people to tread them down, and to tear in pieces without rescue; and what a true character hath a late writer (Sir H. Blount) given of them, that they are a light, aerial, and fanatical brained people; and easily apt to work themselves into the fool’s paradise of a sublime dotage!
Fuente: John Trapp’s Complete Commentary (Old and New Testaments)
shall be, &c. This refers to restored Israel “in that day”; not to any other people now.
people. Hebrew = peoples.
as a lion, &c. Reference to Pentateuch (Num 23:24; Num 24:9). App-92.
Fuente: Companion Bible Notes, Appendices and Graphics
as a lion: Mic 4:13, Psa 2:8-12, Psa 110:5, Psa 110:6, Isa 41:15, Isa 41:16, Oba 1:18, Oba 1:19, Zec 9:15, Zec 10:5, Zec 12:3, Mat 10:14, Act 18:6, 2Co 2:15-17
sheep: or, goats
and none: Psa 50:22, Heb 2:3, Heb 12:25
Reciprocal: Exo 22:13 – torn in pieces Num 23:24 – he shall Deu 32:39 – neither Deu 33:20 – teareth Psa 58:6 – young Isa 5:29 – lay hold Isa 62:2 – the Gentiles Lam 3:11 – pulled Eze 39:10 – shall spoil Dan 8:4 – neither Hos 2:10 – and none shall Hos 5:14 – will tear Joe 2:32 – and in Amo 5:15 – the remnant Mic 4:7 – I will Mic 5:7 – the remnant Mic 5:15 – General Mic 7:16 – nations Mic 7:18 – the remnant Hab 3:6 – his Zep 2:9 – the residue Hag 2:22 – overthrow Zec 1:20 – four Zec 10:6 – I will strengthen Zec 11:6 – and out Zec 12:8 – he Zec 14:12 – the plague wherewith Mal 4:3 – tread down
Fuente: The Treasury of Scripture Knowledge
Mic 5:8. This verse continues the thought of the preceding one but with a different figure. Now the remnant is likened to a Hon among other beasts, with the added specific thought that Israel was to be like a lion in a flock of sheep. Not that the people of Israel were actually to exercise any violence against, the surroundings, but the illustration is to show the power of God’s nation.
Fuente: Combined Bible Commentary
Mic 5:8. And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles as a lion For strength and courage, which the beasts of the forest dare not oppose, and cannot resist. This seems to be a prediction of what was to be effected in the times of the Maccabees, and those following them, when the Jewish people gained great advantages over the Idumeans, Moabites, Ammonites, Samaritans, &c. Or, as the former verse describes the benefits which the converted Jews should bring to those Gentiles that were disposed to embrace the gospel; this shows us what the enemies and opposers of the truth had to expect: see notes on Psa 2:5; Psa 2:9; Isa 60:12.
Fuente: Joseph Bensons Commentary on the Old and New Testaments
The Israelites will be dominant and powerful over the other people of the world then but in an irresistible rather than a ferocious sense (Mic 5:7; cf. Deu 28:13). They will have the upper hand, and their enemies will not be able to rise up against them. What a change this will be compared to the downtrodden and abused condition that the Jews have known since Nebuchadnezzar!