JESUS, OUR SHEPHERD KING
Micah 5:1–15
Key Verse 5:2
“But you, Bethlehem Ephrathah, though you are small among the clans of Judah,
out of you will come for me one who will be ruler over Israel,
whose origins are from of old, from ancient times.”
Read verse 1. What was the historical situation of Judah and Israel in Micah’s time (1, 5; 2Ki 18:9–14)? What might the people have thought was their most pressing need from God? What threatening or humiliating situations have you faced or are you facing?
Read verses 2–6. What kind of new ruler would God raise up to save his people? What are the surprising origins of this ruler? How does he compare with the existing rulers of Israel (3:11)? What would the new ruler do (4–6)? Why do we need a shepherd King?
Read verses 7–9. What would be the characteristics of the remnant of God’s people among the nations? How can we be a blessing to the nations like dew from heaven? How can we have lion-like victory in our Christian lives?
Read verses 10–15. What would God do to rescue his people, and why? In what ways do we seek strength, security, and future knowledge apart from God? What “idols” are you seeking that God wants to cut off?