[:en]SCRIPTURE: MICAH 5
“Therefore Israel will be abandoned until the time when she who is in labor bears a son and the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites. He will stand and shepherd his flock in the strength of the Lord, in the majesty of the name of the Lord his God. And they will live securely, for then his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth. And he will be our peace. When the Assyrian invades our land and marches through our fortresses, we will raise against him seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.” (Micah 5:3-5)
“Your hand will be lifted up in triumph over your enemies, and all your foes will be destroyed.” (Micah 5:9)
“I will uproot from among you your Asherah poles when I demolish your cities. I will take vengeance in anger and wrath on the nations that have not obeyed me.” (Micah 5:14-15)
A PROMISED RULER FOR BETHLEHEM (vs. 1-4)
The great Jerusalem will experience the Babylon siege but a promise ruler, the Eternal One will be born in Bethlehem to save His people. The Israelites did not receive the Messiah so God gave them up until the day He returns to restore them and give peace to the ends of the earth.
DELIVERANCE AND DESTRUCTION (vs. 5-15)
God will purge the sins of His people and make His people victorious like the lion among the the beasts of the forest and flocks of sheep. He will destroy all their witchcrafts and carved images and take vengeance in anger and wrath upon the nations that disobey Him.
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