Micah also foretells the coming of an end-time Messiah, and even locates his birthplace:

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          "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" (Mic 5:2).

 

This is the other new element added by both Isaiah and Micah to the tradition of faith.  Not only will Gentiles have a part in God's end-time plan, but God will raise up a king to sit on David's throne.  The connection to David is shown by the phrases "origins are from of old," and "from ancient times."

         

This passage also contains the hope that

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           the rest of his brothers return to join the Israelites (Mic 5:3).

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           This refers to the Northern Kingdom, which was destroyed around the time of this prophecy, and whose people were taken to Assyria.

         

The end-time king will be a shepherd to his people, and he will rule with the power of God.  His authority will not be limited to the land of Israel, for

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          his greatness will reach to the ends of the earth (Mic 5:4).

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          His reign will be accompanied by an exaltation of Israel itself over the nations:

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           "Rise and thresh, Daughter Zion,
                  for I will give you horns of iron;
           I will give you hooves of bronze,
                  and you will break to pieces many nations."
           You will devote their ill-gotten gains to the Lord,
                  their wealth to the Lord of all the earth (Mic 4:13).

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           The remnant of Jacob will be among the nations,
                  in the midst of many peoples,
                  like a lion among the beasts of the forest (Mic 5:8).

           

Yet, lest Israel become boastful and self-glorifying, the same chapter contains God's end-time judgment on His own people, destroying their military power, strongholds, witchcraft, carved images and Asherah poles.  Then He Himself will take vengeance on disobedient nations (Mic 5:10-15).