Micah speaks of a time of siege (v1). This could be from the Assyrians or Babylonians. The striking of ruler speaks of defeat and subjection. But then there comes hope from Bethlehem (v2-5a). This was from an unexpected source as Bethlehem was an insignificant place (v2). Also, unexpected source as this future ruler is from ancient days which means He is eternal. In backwater place Bethlehem was, something amazing would happen with the eternal God humbly taking on human nature with all its limitations.

Micah speaks of God’s people in Exile (v7-9) and the phrase ‘like dew from the Lord’ (v7) speaks of the exiles being a blessing to the nations. The phrase ‘like a lion among the beasts’ (v8) speaks of the fight still remaining in God’s people. They are not destroyed but still by God’s grace a mighty force for whom one day victory will come (v9)

Due to God’s faithfulness, exile will just be for a while and God’s purposes in exile will be fulfilled which include destruction of the defences they rely on (v10-11), the destruction of witchcraft (v12) and idolatry (v13-14) and finally the destruction of their enemies (v15). The great purpose of the exile is to purify God’s people. We will never understand trials, we will never understand Christmas, unless we come to understand God’s great passion to make us a holy and pure people.