Micah 5:5b-15 Judgment On The Remnant’s Enemies.
When the remnant is restored they will rise up against Assyria and Nimrod of Babylon (v. 6 Cf. Gen. 10:8-11; Is. 14:25), with “seven shepherds and eight princely men” (v. 5). Seven refers to perfection and eight indicates that “there will be a more than sufficient supply of leaders to expand Christ’s kingdom” (NGSB. p.1429). “Then the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples” (v. 7 Cf. 5:3), and they will be strong and victorious (v. 8 Cf. Gen. 27:28; 49:9; Nu. 24:9; Ps. 72:6), and their enemies will be “cut off” (v. 9 Cf. 10-11; Is. 22:18; Zech. 9:10; Lk. 1:71). The key source and foundation for this victory is the removal of sorcery and soothsayers, being replaced by this word from the prophet, and idols replaced by the worship of the LORD (vv. 12-14 Cf. Dt. 18:10-12; Is. 2:6-8). Vengeance will fall on all who have not “heard” or obeyed this word (v. 15). As Paul wrote, “in flaming fire taking vengeance on those who do not know God, and on those who do not obey the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ” (II Th. 1:8).
