Commentary on the book of Micah by Yair Davidiy Micah-1 We are moving through the Bible fairly quickly, looking for points that are pertinent to identifying the LTTS. We are throwing out suggestions and learning the passages as we go. This is a valuable study but it should be remembered that whatever is said is given as a suggestion for further examination. [Micah 1:1] THE WORD OF THE LORD THAT CAME TO MICAH THE MORASTHITE IN THE DAYS OF JOTHAM, AHAZ, AND HEZEKIAH, KINGS OF JUDAH, WHICH HE SAW CONCERNING SAMARIA AND JERUSALEM. Micah mentions kings of Judah but prophesies concerning both Samaria (the Ten Tribes) and Jerusalem. Samaria was the capital and chief province of the Northern Kingdom and as such represents all of the northern tribes. Samaria was also in the territory of Menasseh and may have a particular application to that tribe. [Micah 1:2] HEAR, ALL YE PEOPLE; HEARKEN, O EARTH, AND ALL THAT THEREIN IS: AND LET THE LORD GOD BE WITNESS AGAINST YOU, THE LORD FROM HIS HOLY TEMPLE. When Solomon finished building the temple he requested that God hear the prayer of any non-Israelite who would pray to God directing himself towards the Temple. Temple Sacrifices were also accepted from non-Israelites. The entire world benefited from the spiritual and material bounty they received because of the Temple. The Midrash says that if the peoples of the world had only realized how much good the Temple was for them they would have encompassed it with armies to protect it instead of destroying it. A French legend says that when a king of Gaul heard that the Temple had been destroyed he mourned and fasted for a day. As a reward for his sympathy France (says the legend) has been blessed with agricultural prosperity ever since. [Micah 1:3] FOR, BEHOLD, THE LORD COMETH FORTH OUT OF HIS PLACE, AND WILL COME DOWN, AND TREAD UPON THE HIGH PLACES OF THE EARTH. [Micah 1:4] AND THE MOUNTAINS SHALL BE MOLTEN UNDER HIM, AND THE VALLEYS SHALL BE CLEFT, AS WAX BEFORE THE FIRE, AND AS THE WATERS THAT ARE POURED DOWN A STEEP PLACE. [Micah 1:5] FOR THE TRANSGRESSION OF JACOB IS ALL THIS, AND FOR THE SINS OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL. WHAT IS THE TRANSGRESSION OF JACOB? IS IT NOT SAMARIA? AND WHAT ARE THE HIGH PLACES OF JUDAH? ARE THEY NOT JERUSALEM? Both Judah and Samaria are being warned here. [Micah 1:6] THEREFORE I WILL MAKE SAMARIA AS AN HEAP OF THE FIELD, AND AS PLANTINGS OF A VINEYARD: AND I WILL POUR DOWN THE STONES THEREOF INTO THE VALLEY, AND I WILL DISCOVER THE FOUNDATIONS THEREOF. [Micah 1:7] AND ALL THE GRAVEN IMAGES THEREOF SHALL BE BEATEN TO PIECES, AND ALL THE HIRES THEREOF SHALL BE BURNED WITH THE FIRE, AND ALL THE IDOLS THEREOF WILL I LAY DESOLATE: FOR SHE GATHERED IT OF THE HIRE OF AN HARLOT, AND THEY SHALL RETURN TO THE HIRE OF AN HARLOT. [Micah 1:8] THEREFORE I WILL WAIL AND HOWL, I WILL GO STRIPPED AND NAKED: I WILL MAKE A WAILING LIKE THE DRAGONS, AND MOURNING AS THE OWLS. [Micah 1:9] FOR HER WOUND IS INCURABLE; FOR IT IS COME UNTO JUDAH; HE IS COME UNTO THE GATE OF MY PEOPLE, EVEN TO JERUSALEM. Judah and Jerusalem are also condemned. It is implied that they were influenced badly by Samaria. [Micah 1:10] DECLARE YE IT NOT AT GATH, WEEP YE NOT AT ALL: IN THE HOUSE OF APHRAH ROLL THYSELF IN THE DUST. These are all word-plays in Hebrew: Ophrah connotes dust. [Micah 1:11] PASS YE AWAY, THOU INHABITANT OF SAPHIR, HAVING THY SHAME NAKED: THE INHABITANT OF ZAANAN CAME NOT FORTH IN THE MOURNING OF BETHEZEL; HE SHALL RECEIVE OF YOU HIS STANDING. Zaanan connotes go out. [Micah 1:12] FOR THE INHABITANT OF MAROTH WAITED CAREFULLY FOR GOOD: BUT EVIL CAME DOWN FROM THE LORD UNTO THE GATE OF JERUSALEM. Moroth connotes bitter. [Micah 1:13] O THOU INHABITANT OF LACHISH, BIND THE CHARIOT TO THE SWIFT BEAST: SHE IS THE BEGINNING OF THE SIN TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION: FOR THE TRANSGRESSIONS OF ISRAEL WERE FOUND IN THEE. Inn Hebrew Lachish rhymes with “rachish” (=chariot), [Micah 1:14] THEREFORE SHALT THOU GIVE PRESENTS TO MORESHETH-GATH: THE HOUSES OF ACHZIB SHALL BE A LIE TO THE KINGS OF ISRAEL. Moresheth connotes receiving, cf. Give presents. Achzib = disappoint. cf. Lie. [Micah 1:15] YET WILL I BRING AN HEIR UNTO THEE, O INHABITANT OF MARESHAH: HE SHALL COME UNTO ADULLAM THE GLORY OF ISRAEL. Bring an heir (“yoresh”) rhymes with Mareshah and is cognate to it. [Micah 1:16] MAKE THEE BALD, AND POLL THEE FOR THY DELICATE CHILDREN; ENLARGE THY BALDNESS AS THE EAGLE; FOR THEY ARE GONE INTO CAPTIVITY FROM THEE. All of the above places appear to have belonged to either Benjamin or Judah. These all appear to be places whose inhabitants were exiled by the Assyrians and who joined the Ten Tribes in exile. The LTTS also include many from the southern tribes of Judah and Benjamin just as Judah eventually included many from the LTTS. Even so, they still remained separate entities and in one the characteristics of Judah prevailed and in the other the characteristics of Joseph, i.e. Ephraim and Menasseh. ENLARGE THY BALDNESS AS THE EAGLE: Is not the bald-headed eagle a symbol of the USA? [Micah 2:1] WOE TO THEM THAT DEVISE INIQUITY, AND WORK EVIL UPON THEIR BEDS! WHEN THE MORNING IS LIGHT, THEY PRACTISE IT, BECAUSE IT IS IN THE POWER OF THEIR HAND. [Micah 2:2] AND THEY COVET FIELDS, AND TAKE THEM BY VIOLENCE; AND HOUSES, AND TAKE THEM AWAY: SO THEY OPPRESS A MAN AND HIS HOUSE, EVEN A MAN AND HIS HERITAGE. This happened in the Enclosure period and later in Britain when many households were forced to migrate to America and elsewhere or converge on the cities. [Micah 2:3] THEREFORE THUS SAITH THE LORD; BEHOLD, AGAINST THIS FAMILY DO I DEVISE AN EVIL, FROM WHICH YE SHALL NOT REMOVE YOUR NECKS; NEITHER SHALL YE GO HAUGHTILY: FOR THIS TIME IS EVIL. [Micah 2:4] IN THAT DAY SHALL ONE TAKE UP A PARABLE AGAINST YOU, AND LAMENT WITH A DOLEFUL LAMENTATION, AND SAY, WE BE UTTERLY SPOILED: HE HATH CHANGED THE PORTION OF MY PEOPLE: HOW HATH HE REMOVED IT FROM ME! TURNING AWAY HE HATH DIVIDED OUR FIELDS. [Micah 2:5] THEREFORE THOU SHALT HAVE NONE THAT SHALL CAST A CORD BY LOT IN THE CONGREGATION OF THE LORD. [Micah 2:6] PROPHESY YE NOT, SAY THEY TO THEM THAT PROPHESY: THEY SHALL NOT PROPHESY TO THEM, THAT THEY SHALL NOT TAKE SHAME. [Micah 2:7] O THOU THAT ART NAMED THE HOUSE OF JACOB, IS THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD STRAITENED? ARE THESE HIS DOINGS? DO NOT MY WORDS DO GOOD TO HIM THAT WALKETH UPRIGHTLY? [Micah 2:8] EVEN OF LATE MY PEOPLE IS RISEN UP AS AN ENEMY: YE PULL OFF THE ROBE WITH THE GARMENT FROM THEM THAT PASS BY SECURELY AS MEN AVERSE FROM WAR. [Micah 2:9] THE WOMEN OF MY PEOPLE HAVE YE CAST OUT FROM THEIR PLEASANT HOUSES; FROM THEIR CHILDREN HAVE YE TAKEN AWAY MY GLORY FOREVER. It is speaking of women being taken away from husband and family. Spiritually and psychologically when a man seduces a married woman, this is what happens. This is referring to the offences of Israel. Even so, when the Assyrians exiled people there were cases when they re-settled the men in one area and the women in another. There are Assyrian inscriptions and Rabbinical commentaries implying that this may have happened to a portion of the exiled LTTS. The status of the descendants of these people is uncertain but apparently they will all return or those who will return will be considered as the whole (?). One source says that they who return will be “racially” pure, another says that they will return with their non-Israelite spouses and children and also the non-Israelite sojourner amongst them will be accepted with them. Amongst some primitive peoples women characteristically have their own physical peculiarities (size, coloring, etc) entirely different from those of the male. This used to be attributed to different ethnic origins of the original male and female stocks. Today I doubt if researchers would readily agree to this viewpoint. The Etruscans were NOT Israelites. But they came to the west (to northern Italy) in the 700s and their migrations was linked with the Assyrian displacement of peoples. The Etruscans spoke a tongue related to that of the Assyrians. Etruscan illustrations usually depict a fair-skinned, often red-haired people with brown or blue eyes. A recurring theme from time to time however shows darker skinned, light brown “Mediterranean” colored, men of apparent importance reclining alongside much lighter –colored women. This may reflect an historical reality but it could also be just an artistic convention. [Micah 2:10] ARISE YE, AND DEPART; FOR THIS IS NOT YOUR REST: BECAUSE IT IS POLLUTED, IT SHALL DESTROY YOU, EVEN WITH A SORE DESTRUCTION. Here exile is prophesied. The people are urged to flee. Some sources claim that in addition to enforced exile there were also waves of emigration, also to the west. [Micah 2:11] IF A MAN WALKING IN THE SPIRIT AND FALSEHOOD DO LIE, SAYING, I WILL PROPHESY UNTO THEE OF WINE AND OF STRONG DRINK; HE SHALL EVEN BE THE PROPHET OF THIS PEOPLE. There is always a danger for somebody seeking spiritual insights to look for quick answers. This is why some people take drugs. Spiritual leaders who lie should be avoided. Beware of the “Messiah Complex”, beware of thinking yourself to be more than what you are yet do not be so humble in religious matters as not to act. We are all expected to do as well as we can but things usually should be done as peacefully as possible and in a sober frame of mind. [Micah 2:12] I WILL SURELY ASSEMBLE, O JACOB, ALL OF THEE; I WILL SURELY GATHER THE REMNANT OF ISRAEL; I WILL PUT THEM TOGETHER AS THE SHEEP OF BOZRAH, AS THE FLOCK IN THE MIDST OF THEIR FOLD: THEY SHALL MAKE GREAT NOISE BY REASON OF THE MULTITUDE OF MEN. [Micah 2:13] THE BREAKER IS COME UP BEFORE THEM: THEY HAVE BROKEN UP, AND HAVE PASSED THROUGH THE GATE, AND ARE GONE OUT BY IT: AND THEIR KING SHALL PASS BEFORE THEM AND THE LORD ON THE HEAD OF THEM. This is referring to the return of all of Israel including the LTTS. A future king is mentioned. the source will lead the LTTS. His function will emphasize material aspects and military victories and re-union with Judah. There will also be a Messiah descendant of David who will lead Judah back to the Torah, establish a Torah State, re-unite with the LTTS and eventually bring the whole world to obey God. At some state the Temple will be re-built. Micah-2 Micah-1 dealt with Micah chapters 1 & 2. A few more words are in order about these chapters before continuing to Micah chapter 3. More words on Micah chapters 1 &2: [Micah 1:13] O THOU INHABITANT OF LACHISH, BIND THE CHARIOT TO THE SWIFT BEAST: SHE IS THE BEGINNING OF THE SIN TO THE DAUGHTER OF ZION: FOR THE TRANSGRESSIONS OF ISRAEL WERE FOUND IN THEE. In Hebrew Lachish rhymes with “rachish” (=chariot). Lachish was in the southwest of Judah near the coast. King Amaziah of Judah (2-Kings 14) was originally a righteous man. He fought against Edom and killed many Edomites but later (according to a tradition) he worshipped the god of Seir (Edom). He was deposed and replaced by his 16 year old son Azariah. Amaziah fled to Lachish where he continued to reign for 14v years. . When he died it says they brought him on horses to Jerusalem. The Malbim explains “horses” to mean the sun chariot which was connected to the worship of the sun hinted at in the above words “THOU INHABITANT OF LACHISH, BIND THE CHARIOT TO THE SWIFT BEAST”. The Malbim reports: “THE TRANSGRESSIONS OF ISRAEL WERE FOUND IN THEE” - <The worship of the sun which was part of the transgressions of the 10 Tribes were found in you>. IN Scandinavia a very impressive sun chariot dating from the Bronze Age has been found and is depicted in most works on Scandinavian archaeology. [Micah 1:14] THEREFORE SHALT THOU GIVE PRESENTS TO MORESHETH-GATH: THE HOUSES OF ACHZIB SHALL BE A LIE TO THE KINGS OF ISRAEL. Moresheth connotes receiving, cf. Give presents. Achzib = disappoint. cf. Lie. The Commentary “Metzudat David” says Achzib (in the south of Judah) had belonged to Judah but had rebelled against the King of Judah and had attached itself to the northern Kingdom of Israel. [Micah 1:16] MAKE THEE BALD, AND POLL THEE FOR THY DELICATE CHILDREN; ENLARGE THY BALDNESS AS THE EAGLE; FOR THEY ARE GONE INTO CAPTIVITY FROM THEE. Here the main theme is Samaria meaning Menasseh and a bald-headed eage is mentioned. In Micah chapter 5 Ephraim is spoken of and is likened to a lion! Compart the bald-headed eagle symbol of the USA. Though the symbol of Britain is a lion and a unicorn people usually refer to the glory of Britain as, “The British lion.” [Micah 2:13] THE BREAKER IS COME UP BEFORE THEM: THEY HAVE BROKEN UP, AND HAVE PASSED THROUGH THE GATE, AND ARE GONE OUT BY IT: AND THEIR KING SHALL PASS BEFORE THEM AND THE LORD ON THE HEAD OF THEM. This is connected to the promise of re-union and restoration in the Latter Times. [Micah 3:1] AND I SAID, HEAR, I PRAY YOU, O HEADS OF JACOB, AND YE PRINCES OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL; IS IT NOT FOR YOU TO KNOW JUDGMENT? Here, Jacob and House of Israel are juxtaposed and the Commentators (such as the Malbim) seem to identify Jacob with the Ten Tribes and House of Israel with Judah even though when Judah is juxtaposed with Israel then Israel is the LTTs. There is a certain logical consistency to this system and rules can probably be worked out that will be found to be applicable throughout the Bible. [Micah 3:2] WHO HATE THE GOOD, AND LOVE THE EVIL; WHO PLUCK OFF THEIR SKIN FROM OFF THEM, AND THEIR FLESH FROM OFF THEIR BONES; [Micah 3:3] WHO ALSO EAT THE FLESH OF MY PEOPLE, AND FLAY THEIR SKIN FROM OFF THEM; AND THEY BREAK THEIR BONES, AND CHOP THEM IN PIECES, AS FOR THE POT, AND AS FLESH WITHIN THE CALDRON. [Micah 3:4] THEN SHALL THEY CRY UNTO THE LORD, BUT HE WILL NOT HEAR THEM: HE WILL EVEN HIDE HIS FACE FROM THEM AT THAT TIME, AS THEY HAVE BEHAVED THEMSELVES ILL IN THEIR DOINGS. [Micah 3:5] THUS SAITH THE LORD CONCERNING THE PROPHETS THAT MAKE MY PEOPLE ERR, THAT BITE WITH THEIR TEETH, AND CRY, PEACE; AND HE THAT PUTTETH NOT INTO THEIR MOUTHS, THEY EVEN PREPARE WAR AGAINST HIM. [Micah 3:6] THEREFORE NIGHT SHALL BE UNTO YOU, THAT YE SHALL NOT HAVE A VISION; AND IT SHALL BE DARK UNTO YOU, THAT YE SHALL NOT DIVINE; AND THE SUN SHALL GO DOWN OVER THE PROPHETS, AND THE DAY SHALL BE DARK OVER THEM. [Micah 3:7] THEN SHALL THE SEERS BE ASHAMED, AND THE DIVINERS CONFOUNDED: YEA, THEY SHALL ALL COVER THEIR LIPS; FOR THERE IS NO ANSWER OF GOD. [Micah 3:8] BUT TRULY I AM FULL OF POWER BY THE SPIRIT OF THE LORD, AND OF JUDGMENT, AND OF MIGHT, TO DECLARE UNTO JACOB HIS TRANSGRESSION, AND TO ISRAEL HIS SIN. Malbim: Jacob who are the Ten Tribes rebelled by committing idolatry, Israel who is the Tribe of Judah sinned due to lust. The Hebrew word for whoredom is “zoneh” which literally means to stray wickedly or to sin. At one stage the early Anglo-Saxons lost the use of “z” and substituted “s”. The word “sin” is probably derived from the Hebrew “zon” or “zoneh” which in one construct could be rendered “zin” and when “s” is substituted for “z” we have “sin”. The etymological dictionary gives the origin of “sin” as Old English “syn”, Old Saxon “sundea”, Old High German “sunta”, Old Norse “synth”, cf. Latin “sons” meaning “guilty”. [Micah 3:9] HEAR THIS, I PRAY YOU, YE HEADS OF THE HOUSE OF JACOB, AND PRINCES OF THE HOUSE OF ISRAEL, THAT ABHOR JUDGMENT, AND PERVERT ALL EQUITY. [Micah 3:10] THEY BUILD UP ZION WITH BLOOD, AND JERUSALEM WITH INIQUITY. [Micah 3:11] THE HEADS THEREOF JUDGE FOR REWARD, AND THE PRIESTS THEREOF TEACH FOR HIRE, AND THE PROPHETS THEREOF DIVINE FOR MONEY: YET WILL THEY LEAN UPON THE LORD, AND SAY, IS NOT THE LORD AMONG US? NONE EVIL CAN COME UPON US. [Micah 3:12] THEREFORE SHALL ZION FOR YOUR SAKE BE PLOWED AS A FIELD, AND JERUSALEM SHALL BECOME HEAPS, AND THE MOUNTAIN OF THE HOUSE AS THE HIGH PLACES OF THE FOREST. Micah Four appears to be wholly concerned with Judah. It speaks of Zion and though there is a Midrash that compares Zion to Joseph though the plain meaning (which is what we concentrate upon) is that Zion is synonymous with Judah and the Jews. [Micah 4:1] BUT IN THE LAST DAYS IT SHALL COME TO PASS, THAT THE MOUNTAIN OF THE HOUSE OF THE LORD SHALL BE ESTABLISHED IN THE TOP OF THE MOUNTAINS, AND IT SHALL BE EXALTED ABOVE THE HILLS; AND PEOPLE SHALL FLOW UNTO IT. [Micah 4:2] AND MANY NATIONS SHALL COME, AND SAY, COME, AND LET US GO UP TO THE MOUNTAIN OF THE LORD, AND TO THE HOUSE OF THE GOD OF JACOB; AND HE WILL TEACH US OF HIS WAYS, AND WE WILL WALK IN HIS PATHS: FOR THE LAW SHALL GO FORTH OF ZION, AND THE WORD OF THE LORD FROM JERUSALEM. [Micah 4:3] AND HE SHALL JUDGE AMONG MANY PEOPLE, AND REBUKE STRONG NATIONS AFAR OFF; AND THEY SHALL BEAT THEIR SWORDS INTO PLOWSHARES, AND THEIR SPEARS INTO PRUNINGHOOKS: NATION SHALL NOT LIFT UP A SWORD AGAINST NATION, NEITHER SHALL THEY LEARN WAR ANY MORE. [Micah 4:4] BUT THEY SHALL SIT EVERY MAN UNDER HIS VINE AND UNDER HIS FIG TREE; AND NONE SHALL MAKE THEM AFRAID: FOR THE MOUTH OF THE LORD OF HOSTS HATH SPOKEN IT. [Micah 4:5] FOR ALL PEOPLE WILL WALK EVERY ONE IN THE NAME OF HIS GOD, AND WE WILL WALK IN THE NAME OF THE LORD OUR GOD FOR EVER AND EVER. [Micah 4:6] IN THAT DAY, SAITH THE LORD, WILL I ASSEMBLE HER THAT HALTETH, AND I WILL GATHER HER THAT IS DRIVEN OUT, AND HER THAT I HAVE AFFLICTED; [Micah 4:7] AND I WILL MAKE HER THAT HALTED A REMNANT, AND HER THAT WAS CAST FAR OFF A STRONG NATION: AND THE LORD SHALL REIGN OVER THEM IN MOUNT ZION FROM HENCEFORTH, EVEN FOR EVER. [Micah 4:8] AND THOU, O TOWER OF THE FLOCK, THE STRONG HOLD OF THE DAUGHTER OF ZION, UNTO THEE SHALL IT COME, EVEN THE FIRST DOMINION; THE KINGDOM SHALL COME TO THE DAUGHTER OF JERUSALEM. [Micah 4:9] NOW WHY DOST THOU CRY OUT ALOUD? IS THERE NO KING IN THEE? IS THY COUNSELLOR PERISHED? FOR PANGS HAVE TAKEN THEE AS A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL MIC 4:10] BE IN PAIN, AND LABOUR TO BRING FORTH, O DAUGHTER OF ZION, LIKE A WOMAN IN TRAVAIL: FOR NOW SHALT THOU GO FORTH OUT OF THE CITY, AND THOU SHALT DWELL IN THE FIELD, AND THOU SHALT GO EVEN TO BABYLON; THERE SHALT THOU BE DELIVERED; THERE THE LORD SHALL REDEEM THEE FROM THE HAND OF THINE ENEMIES. [Micah 4:11] NOW ALSO MANY NATIONS ARE GATHERED AGAINST THEE, THAT SAY, LET HER BE DEFILED, AND LET OUR EYE LOOK UPON ZION. [Micah 4:12] BUT THEY KNOW NOT THE THOUGHTS OF THE LORD, NEITHER UNDERSTAND THEY HIS COUNSEL: FOR HE SHALL GATHER THEM AS THE SHEAVES INTO THE FLOOR. [Micah 4:13] ARISE AND THRESH, O DAUGHTER OF ZION: FOR I WILL MAKE THINE HORN IRON, AND I WILL MAKE THY HOOFS BRASS: AND THOU SHALT BEAT IN PIECES MANY PEOPLE: AND I WILL CONSECRATE THEIR GAIN UNTO THE LORD, AND THEIR SUBSTANCE UNTO THE LORD OF THE WHOLE EARTH. Below is Micah chapter five followed by an extract from "The Tribes" explaining one application of the chapter. Veterans to this list have probably seen this extract a few times already but it is still pertinent to post it here. The chapters in "Lost Israelite identity" concerning the Israelite penetratrion of the Assyran military and administration set-up are also relevant to here. Micah-5 [Micah 5:1] NOW GATHER THYSELF IN TROOPS, O DAUGHTER OF TROOPS: HE HATH LAID SIEGE AGAINST US: THEY SHALL SMITE THE JUDGE OF ISRAEL WITH A ROD UPON THE CHEEK. [Micah 5:2] BUT THOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH, THOUGH THOU BE LITTLE AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, YET OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME FORTH UNTO ME THAT IS TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL; WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING. [Micah 5:3] THEREFORE WILL HE GIVE THEM UP, UNTIL THE TIME THAT SHE WHICH TRAVAILETH HATH BROUGHT FORTH: THEN THE REMNANT OF HIS BRETHREN SHALL RETURN UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. [Micah 5:4] AND HE SHALL STAND AND FEED IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD, IN THE MAJESTY OF THE NAME OF THE LORD HIS GOD; AND THEY SHALL ABIDE: FOR NOW SHALL HE BE GREAT UNTO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. [Micah 5:5] AND THIS MAN SHALL BE THE PEACE, WHEN THE ASSYRIAN SHALL COME INTO OUR LAND: AND WHEN HE SHALL TREAD IN OUR PALACES, THEN SHALL WE RAISE AGAINST HIM SEVEN SHEPHERDS, AND EIGHT PRINCIPAL MEN. [Micah 5:6] AND THEY SHALL WASTE THE LAND OF ASSYRIA WITH THE SWORD, AND THE LAND OF NIMROD IN THE ENTRANCES THEREOF: THUS SHALL HE DELIVER US FROM THE ASSYRIAN, WHEN HE COMETH INTO OUR LAND, AND WHEN HE TREADETH WITHIN OUR BORDERS. [Micah 5:7] AND THE REMNANT OF JACOB SHALL BE IN THE MIDST OF MANY PEOPLE AS A DEW FROM THE LORD, AS THE SHOWERS UPON THE GRASS, THAT TARRIETH NOT FOR MAN, NOR WAITETH FOR THE SONS OF MEN. [Micah 5:8] AND THE REMNANT OF JACOB SHALL BE AMONG THE GENTILES IN THE MIDST OF MANY PEOPLE AS A LION AMONG THE BEASTS OF THE FOREST, AS A YOUNG LION AMONG THE FLOCKS OF SHEEP: WHO, IF HE GO THROUGH, BOTH TREADETH DOWN, AND TEARETH IN PIECES, AND NONE CAN DELIVER. [Micah 5:9] THINE HAND SHALL BE LIFTED UP UPON THINE ADVERSARIES, AND ALL THINE ENEMIES SHALL BE CUT OFF. [Micah 5:10] AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THAT DAY, SAITH THE LORD, THAT I WILL CUT OFF THY HORSES OUT OF THE MIDST OF THEE, AND I WILL DESTROY THY CHARIOTS: [Micah 5:11] AND I WILL CUT OFF THE CITIES OF THY LAND, AND THROW DOWN ALL THY STRONG HOLDS: [Micah 5:12] AND I WILL CUT OFF WITCHCRAFTS OUT OF THINE HAND; AND THOU SHALT HAVE NO MORE SOOTHSAYERS: [Micah 5:13] THY GRAVEN IMAGES ALSO WILL I CUT OFF, AND THY STANDING IMAGES OUT OF THE MIDST OF THEE; AND THOU SHALT NO MORE WORSHIP THE WORK OF THINE HANDS. [Micah 5:14] AND I WILL PLUCK UP THY GROVES OUT OF THE MIDST OF THEE: SO WILL I DESTROY THY CITIES. [Micah 5:15] AND I WILL EXECUTE VENGEANCE IN ANGER AND FURY UPON THE HEATHEN, SUCH AS THEY HAVE NOT HEARD. Micah-5 [Micah 5:1] NOW GATHER THYSELF IN TROOPS, O DAUGHTER OF TROOPS: HE HATH LAID SIEGE AGAINST US: THEY SHALL SMITE THE JUDGE OF ISRAEL WITH A ROD UPON THE CHEEK. [Micah 5:2] BUT THOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH, THOUGH THOU BE LITTLE AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, YET OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME FORTH UNTO ME THAT IS TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL; WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING. [Micah 5:3] THEREFORE WILL HE GIVE THEM UP, UNTIL THE TIME THAT SHE WHICH TRAVAILETH HATH BROUGHT FORTH: THEN THE REMNANT OF HIS BRETHREN SHALL RETURN UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. [Micah 5:4] AND HE SHALL STAND AND FEED IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD, IN THE MAJESTY OF THE NAME OF THE LORD HIS GOD; AND THEY SHALL ABIDE: FOR NOW SHALL HE BE GREAT UNTO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. [Micah 5:5] AND THIS MAN SHALL BE THE PEACE, WHEN THE ASSYRIAN SHALL COME INTO OUR LAND: AND WHEN HE SHALL TREAD IN OUR PALACES, THEN SHALL WE RAISE AGAINST HIM SEVEN SHEPHERDS, AND EIGHT PRINCIPAL MEN. [Micah 5:6] AND THEY SHALL WASTE THE LAND OF ASSYRIA WITH THE SWORD, AND THE LAND OF NIMROD IN THE ENTRANCES THEREOF: THUS SHALL HE DELIVER US FROM THE ASSYRIAN, WHEN HE COMETH INTO OUR LAND, AND WHEN HE TREADETH WITHIN OUR BORDERS. [Micah 5:7] AND THE REMNANT OF JACOB SHALL BE IN THE MIDST OF MANY PEOPLE AS A DEW FROM THE LORD, AS THE SHOWERS UPON THE GRASS, THAT TARRIETH NOT FOR MAN, NOR WAITETH FOR THE SONS OF MEN. [Micah 5:8] AND THE REMNANT OF JACOB SHALL BE AMONG THE GENTILES IN THE MIDST OF MANY PEOPLE AS A LION AMONG THE BEASTS OF THE FOREST, AS A YOUNG LION AMONG THE FLOCKS OF SHEEP: WHO, IF HE GO THROUGH, BOTH TREADETH DOWN, AND TEARETH IN PIECES, AND NONE CAN DELIVER. [Micah 5:9] THINE HAND SHALL BE LIFTED UP UPON THINE ADVERSARIES, AND ALL THINE ENEMIES SHALL BE CUT OFF. [Micah 5:10] AND IT SHALL COME TO PASS IN THAT DAY, SAITH THE LORD, THAT I WILL CUT OFF THY HORSES OUT OF THE MIDST OF THEE, AND I WILL DESTROY THY CHARIOTS: [Micah 5:11] AND I WILL CUT OFF THE CITIES OF THY LAND, AND THROW DOWN ALL THY STRONG HOLDS: [Micah 5:12] AND I WILL CUT OFF WITCHCRAFTS OUT OF THINE HAND; AND THOU SHALT HAVE NO MORE SOOTHSAYERS: [Micah 5:13] THY GRAVEN IMAGES ALSO WILL I CUT OFF, AND THY STANDING IMAGES OUT OF THE MIDST OF THEE; AND THOU SHALT NO MORE WORSHIP THE WORK OF THINE HANDS. [Micah 5:14] AND I WILL PLUCK UP THY GROVES OUT OF THE MIDST OF THEE: SO WILL I DESTROY THY CITIES. [Micah 5:15] AND I WILL EXECUTE VENGEANCE IN ANGER AND FURY UPON THE HEATHEN, SUCH AS THEY HAVE NOT HEARD. THE EXILE The original Twelve Tribes of Israel had split into two kingdoms. Two tribes comprising "Judah" were in the south, and the ten tribes of "Israel" were in the north. The Ten Northern Tribes were entirely taken away by the Assyrians to places in northern Mesopotamia, to the Caucasus area and to eastern Iran× . The Bible says that, "The King of Assyria took Samaria, and carried Israel away into Assyria, and placed them in Hala, and in Habor, and in the cities of the Medes" (2-Kings 17;6). The Bible also mentions "Hara" (1-Chronicles 5; 26) in eastern Iran as a place of exile. The Talmud and archaeological findings enable the identification of these places of re-settlement. Shortly after the exile and re-settlement every one of the said places became a centre for a group of peoples who then appeared for the first time. They are known to history as the Cimmerians, Scythians, and Guti or Goths. It will be shown that these entities were (at least in part) the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel! The bulk of the Israelites had been exiled in the period 730-710, or earlier. In about 707 b.c.e., a people named "Gimirae" were reported from the region of Mannae10. These are the Cimmerians. They were referred to as "Outcasts" by the Assyrians11. The Prophet Amos had said that the northern tribes would be "cast-out" to the Mountains of Mannae*« 12 Apart from their being in Mannae, the Cimmerians were also reported as at first centered in the region of Iberia13. The Cimmerians killed the king of neighbouring Urartu (Ararat) and overran his land. They also defeated and killed Sargon, king of Assyria, in 705. Sargon was replaced by Sennacherib (705-681) who beat off the Cimmerians after which a portion of them invaded the Land of Phrygia in Anatolia. The Cimmerian king was called by the Assyrians "King of the Umman Manda [i.e. Cimmerians], king of the Sakae [Scyths] and Guti [Goths]"14. Umman Manda means "People [Umman] of Menasseh"© These were soon driven out of Anatolia and crossed the Bosporus into Europe. Jerome (on Zecharia 10; 11), the translator of the Bible into Latin, had heard from Jewish sages the tradition that Israelites, exiled by the Assyrians, had reached the Bosporus and from there headed north, i.e. into Europe. These Cimmerians, via the Balkans and Danube valley, eventually reached Gaul, the British Isles, and Scandinavia They became the major factor in "Celtic" civilization. Meanwhile, those other of the Cimmerians who had not been driven into Phrygia but had remained on the fringes of the Assyrian Empire managed to recuperate. By the end of Sennacherib's reign they had gained control of Mannae. They posed a serious challenge to Sennacherib's successor, Essarhaddon (681-669 b.c.e.). Essarhaddon at first beat the Cimmerians, some of whom joined his forces15. In about 676 a new element, known as " Ishkuza"16 emerged from the Cimmerian ranks. These are identified with the Scythians whom the Persians and Babylonians referred to as the "Saka": The terms "Ishkuza" and "Saka" are both forms for the name "Isaac". Abraham the patriarch had been promised: "In Isaac will your seed be called" (Genesis 21;12). After their first appearance, the Scythians and Cimmerians are recognizable as distinct entities though, in effect, both bodies were combinations of Scythians proper, of Goths, and of Cimmerians in varying proportions. In 673 Esarhaddon slew the Scythian king who was replaced by Bartatua. Bartatua became the Scythian ruler and entered into alliance with the Assyrians, which entailed marrying Esarhaddon's daughter. The Assyrian Empire at that stage was troubled by rebellious Medes, Mannaens, Cimmerians, and others. The Scythians from allies of the Assyrians progressed to hold the Assyrians in some type of subservience for 28 years17. For a period they took control over much of the Assyrian Empire. According to Herodotos they ruled it. They established a center at Beth Shean18 in the former land of northern "Israel". Archaeological finds testify to their presence throughout the Israelite region19. They attacked Egypt and raided the Phillistine city of Ashkelon. At this stage the Jews of Judah in the south who had not been exiled but had remained on part of their own land centered around Jerusalem were ruled by king Josiah ben Amon (628-609 b.c.e.). Whilst the Scythians were taking over control from the Assyrians and setting themselves up in Beth-Shean and over portions of the former land of Israel, King Josiah of Judah was also extending his influence into that very same area! King Josiah had made himself independent of Assyria, smashed idols which represented Assyria's authority20, and established colonies in northern Israel, at Megiddo, in the north near Beth-Shean, and in Philistia on the coast21. He also had a presence in Beth-Shean (which was considered the Scythian headquarters) itself! The Scythians, as well as king Josiah, attacked Phillistia and later also maintained a presence there22 in addition to the Judaean colonies in that place. In other words, the Scythians and Judeans of King Josiah were in the same areas, undertaking the same activities, and must have been working hand in hand23. Also at this time, in eastern Iran (in the region of Hara and Bactria), there arose a religious reformer named Zarathustra (ZOROASTER) whose original doctrine was monotheistic and even Biblical in character24. After Zoroaster's death, his religion was paganised by the Median tribe of Magi, even though the original message had been Hebraic. Zoroaster, according to Iranian tradition had been taught by the prophet Jeremiah or by one of Jeremiah's pupils25. Zoroaster himself had Scythian familial connections26 yet some reports identify him as an Israelite27. Zoroaster is an additional indication that the historical Scythians were to a significant degree of Israelite origin. Eventually, after enduring Scythian subjection and witnessing the partial disintegration of their Empire, the Assyrians attempted to re-assert themselves. At this stage, ca. 616 b.c.e., the Medes and Babylonians were in open revolt. About two years later, in 614 the Medes began to besiege Nineveh, the Assyrian capital. The Assyrians were supported by part of the Mannaeans and by Egypt. At first, the Scythians seemed more inclined to support Assyria versus her besiegers than to be against her. The Medes, Babylonians, Guti, Gimiri (Cimmerians), and others were combined against Assyria. Scythians from Bactria-Hara and from the city of were called to Assyria's help. Ecbatana in Media was THEN a Scythian center but later became the capital of Media. When the Scythians arrived at NINEVEH they were somehow persuaded to change sides and to join the besiegers28. According to a Babylonian inscription, Nineveh was taken and sacked by the allies with the Umman-Manda (meaning in this case, the Scythians) taking the leading role. Shortly afterwards all of the other Assyrian cities received similar treatment. The Assyrian Empire was destroyed. Meanwhile, an Egyptian army under Pharoah Neco had been marching to the aid of Assyria. King Josiah of Judah attempted to stop the Egyptian progress but was killed fighting Pharoah Neco at Megiddo. The Egyptians continued northward, only to be defeated at Carcamish29. King Josiah of Judah had died fighting on the Scythian behalf. After having defeated the Assyrians and the Egyptians, the Scythian leaders were invited by the Medes to a feast. The Medes got the Scythians drunk and then massacred them30. After this the Medes and Babylonians divided the former Assyrian Empire between each other. The Babylonians conquered Judah and exiled its inhabitants to Babylon. Later, the Medes lost paramountcy to their allies, the Persians. Cyrus the Persian king conquered Babylon and allowed the Judeans to return to their land. Medes, Babylonians and Persians were to progressively drive the Scythians out of the Middle East area and into the north. From the north the Scythians were eventually to continue westward into Europe. PARALLELS BETWEEN SCYTHIANS AND ISRAELITES. Were The Israelites Scythians?? Talmudic sources and connected Commentaries state that King Josiah ben Amon of Judah sent Jeremiah the prophet to bring back the Lost Ten Tribes. They say that SOME FEW OF THEM DID IN FACT RETURN TEMPORARILY31! They later left according to the report and returned to their places of exile31. A religious reformer known as Zoroaster had appeared in Scythian areas in the time of Jeremiah. The message of Zoroaster was originally Hebraic but after his death the Iranian Magi paganised it. Tradition held that Jeremiah had taught Zoroaster. During the reign of King Josiah of Judah and in the time of Jeremiah the Scythians had settled for a time in the Land of Israel and had made it a center of theirs. King Josiah of Judah died fighting on the side of the Scythians. After Josiah's death the Scythians departed from the Land of Israel. The Scythians bore Tribal names similar to Israelite ones, they identified their ancestor with JOSEPH of Israelc, and their artwork was of Israelite-Phoenician origin. The events of the Scythian-Assyrian epoch were also echoed in Biblical Prophecy. The prophets largely predicted events that in their fullness will occur in the Messianic era. Nevertheless, they often presented their account of the future in the description of events happening in their own time or not so long afterwards and thus history may be considered to repeat itself32. There are a few Biblical passages concerning the fall of Nineveh, the Assyrian capital, which are also apposite to the Scythian-Judean symbiosis in the reign of King Josiah. The fifth chapter of Micah, for instance, speaks of a ruler coming out of Beth Lehem and King Josiah was a descendant of David, who came from Beth Lehem. "The remnant of his brethren" returning unto the Children of Israelis is spoken of (v 5; 3) and refers to the partial (and temporary -then) re-settlement of Israelite Scythians in the former Land of northern Israel. The important verses, for our consideration, are verses 5; 5-8: "And this man shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and he [i.e. Assyria] shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him [i.e. against Assyria] seven shepherds, and eight principal men." "And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrud in the entrances thereof ".... "And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD..." "And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the GENTILES in the midst of many people as a lion among the flocks of sheep..." Again, the main point of these passages may be applicable only to the Messianic era yet it is also descriptive of our explanation of the Israelite-Scythian equation. The Assyrians, at first, came into the land of Israel and trod it down, including the Royal palaces, as archaeological excavations of Samaria have proven. They then exiled all of the surviving inhabitants. From their places of exile, the Israelite-Scythians made peace with Assyria, then became "Shepherds" i.e. allies and protectors of Assyria, and after that graduated to be the effective rulers of the Assyrian Empire, i.e. "eight principal men". Finally the Israelite-Scythians destroyed the Assyrian cities and wasted "the land of Assyria with the sword", just as Micah describes. Similarly, the Talmud says (Shabbat 147) that the Lost Ten Tribes came to a calamity because of the "Wine of Phrygia33" and perhaps the reference is to the same drunken feast that caused the Scythian leaders to be killed and to lose control of the Assyrian empire. Other parallels can be drawn between descriptions of the exiled Israelites and the Scythians but for the moment the point has been made. The account of Scythian history given so far has been only a general one, giving some important facts and the references confirming them. A more detailed explanation is to be found in another work prepared parallel to this one by the present author. The object, at this stage, is to impress the reader with the possibility that the Scythians contained important components from the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. After the equation of the Scythians in general with the Lost Israelites is made then (in the following pages) specific Scythian groups will be identified with Israelite clans. These will be shown to have settled in northwest Europe where many of their descendants are still to be found today. Micah 5 no.3 Micah and the Lost Ten Tribes in the End Times We have explained Micah chapter 5 as describing King Josiah and the Scythians. Additional evidence as well as traditional commentators support our interpretations as will be explained elsewhere. There is a principle that all Prophecy speaks about the latter times. Even when contemporary or historical or soon-to-occur-in-their-own-time events are described by the Prophets an additional application for the Latter days is also intended. It follows that chapter five as well as describing the Israelite Scythians etc also has pertinence for the Last Days. This may be seen from the Commentary of the Malbim to Micah chapter five: He has explained the passage in light of the tradition that in the Last days there will be two messiahs: 1. Messiah son of Joseph considered head of the Lost Tribes by the Malbim and others and associated more with the material ansd power-politics aspects of Redemption. 2. Messiah son of David linked with Judah (i.e. the Jews) and connected more to the spiritual side though eventually uniting the material and spiritual aspects into one: The Malbim says (Please excuse the hurried translation, only some of the points points expressly and directly concerning the Lost Ten Tribes are the ones that have been translated since this is our theme. Other matters though doubtless of general interest have been left alone): [Micah 5:1] NOW GATHER THYSELF IN TROOPS, O DAUGHTER OF TROOPS: HE HATH LAID SIEGE AGAINST US: THEY SHALL SMITE THE JUDGE OF ISRAEL WITH A ROD UPON THE CHEEK. [Micah 5:2] BUT THOU, BETHLEHEM EPHRATAH, THOUGH THOU BE LITTLE AMONG THE THOUSANDS OF JUDAH, YET OUT OF THEE SHALL HE COME FORTH UNTO ME THAT IS TO BE RULER IN ISRAEL; WHOSE GOINGS FORTH HAVE BEEN FROM OF OLD, FROM EVERLASTING. <<This has already been explained in Ezekiel chapter 37 [about the sticks of Judah and Israel being joined]: At the time of the end the Ten Tribes will first be aroused. .Over them will be the Messiah son of Joseph. They shall work mightily. The Tribe of Judah will be scattered amongst the nations, weak and a minority. They will be attached to the Ten Tribes and subservient to them under the rule of the Messiah son of Joseph. After that however the Messiah son of David will arise with the strength of the Almighty. Then they will all receive upon themselves the yoke of the Kingdom of the House of David…. [Micah 5:3] THEREFORE WILL HE GIVE THEM UP, UNTIL THE TIME THAT SHE WHICH TRAVAILETH HATH BROUGHT FORTH: THEN THE REMNANT OF HIS BRETHREN SHALL RETURN UNTO THE CHILDREN OF ISRAEL. <<All the time up until the end of gathering in the exiles is considered as travailing in child-birth. Until the end of that time the House of Judah will be subservient to the House of Israel. After that, [Micah 5:4] AND HE SHALL STAND AND FEED IN THE STRENGTH OF THE LORD, IN THE MAJESTY OF THE NAME OF THE LORD HIS GOD; AND THEY SHALL ABIDE: FOR NOW SHALL HE BE GREAT UNTO THE ENDS OF THE EARTH. <<The Messiah from Bethlehem in Ephratha will arise and overcome the nations and be shepherd to Israel…. He goes on to explain it all as describing the union of Judah with the Ten Tribes and the War against Gog and Magog. For more information about the Messiah son of David and the Messiah son of Joseph and the Lost Ten Tribes see coming articles in our new magazine that hopefully will be published soon. The descriptions given concerning the Lost Ten Tribes led by the Messiah son of Joseph fit the “Anglo-Saxon” nations of today –to some degree- and these appear to be the only conceivable possibility that can meet the criteria given. Micah-6 This chapter contains what could be taken as powerful hints concerning our subject but nothing is really said expressly as far as we understand. [Micah 6:1] HEAR YE NOW WHAT THE LORD SAITH; ARISE, CONTEND THOU BEFORE THE MOUNTAINS, AND LET THE HILLS HEAR THY VOICE. [Micah 6:2] HEAR YE, O MOUNTAINS, THE LORD'S CONTROVERSY, AND YE STRONG FOUNDATIONS OF THE EARTH: FOR THE LORD HATH A CONTROVERSY WITH HIS PEOPLE, AND HE WILL PLEAD WITH ISRAEL. [Micah 6:3] O MY PEOPLE, WHAT HAVE I DONE UNTO THEE? AND WHEREIN HAVE I WEARIED THEE? TESTIFY AGAINST ME. [Micah 6:4] FOR I BROUGHT THEE UP OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT, AND REDEEMED THEE OUT OF THE HOUSE OF SERVANTS; AND I SENT BEFORE THEE MOSES, AARON, AND MIRIAM. [Micah 6:5] O MY PEOPLE, REMEMBER NOW WHAT BALAK KING OF MOAB CONSULTED, AND WHAT BALAAM THE SON OF BEOR ANSWERED HIM FROM SHITTIM UNTO GILGAL; THAT YE MAY KNOW THE RIGHTEOUSNESS OF THE LORD. Balak hired Balaam to curse Israel (Numbers chapters 22,23,24) but Balaam was able to only pronounce blessings. Balaam was a kind of chief pagan priest. From the blessings he was forced by God to utter we learn what curses he had intended to make. Numbers 23;7 according to Rabbi S.R. Hirsch in the Hebrew can imply that he intended to make a permanent division between “Jacob” and “Israel”. This can mean between the Ten Tribes and Judah. Such a division did occur but instead of a curse it was a partial blessing even though for the sake of our future WE ARE FORBIDDEN TO LEAVE IT IN A PERMANENT STATE! [Micah 6:6] WHEREWITH SHALL I COME BEFORE THE LORD, AND BOW MYSELF BEFORE THE HIGH GOD? SHALL I COME BEFORE HIM WITH BURNT OFFERINGS, WITH CALVES OF A YEAR OLD? [Micah 6:7] WILL THE LORD BE PLEASED WITH THOUSANDS OF RAMS, OR WITH TEN THOUSANDS OF RIVERS OF OIL? SHALL I GIVE MY FIRSTBORN FOR MY TRANSGRESSION, THE FRUIT OF MY BODY FOR THE SIN OF MY SOUL? [Micah 6:8] HE HATH SHEWED THEE, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD; AND WHAT DOTH THE LORD REQUIRE OF THEE, BUT TO DO JUSTLY, AND TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD? [Micah 6:9] THE LORD'S VOICE CRIETH UNTO THE CITY, AND THE MAN OF WISDOM SHALL SEE THY NAME: HEAR YE THE ROD, AND WHO HATH APPOINTED IT. [Micah 6:10] ARE THERE YET THE TREASURES OF WICKEDNESS IN THE HOUSE OF THE WICKED, AND THE SCANT MEASURE THAT IS ABOMINABLE? [Micah 6:11] SHALL I COUNT THEM PURE WITH THE WICKED BALANCES, AND WITH THE BAG OF DECEITFUL WEIGHTS? [Micah 6:12] FOR THE RICH MEN THEREOF ARE FULL OF VIOLENCE, AND THE INHABITANTS THEREOF HAVE SPOKEN LIES, AND THEIR TONGUE IS DECEITFUL IN THEIR MOUTH. [Micah 6:13] THEREFORE ALSO WILL I MAKE THEE SICK IN SMITING THEE, IN MAKING THEE DESOLATE BECAUSE OF THY SINS. [Micah 6:14] THOU SHALT EAT, BUT NOT BE SATISFIED; AND THY CASTING DOWN SHALL BE IN THE MIDST OF THEE; AND THOU SHALT TAKE HOLD, BUT SHALT NOT DELIVER; AND THAT WHICH THOU DELIVEREST WILL I GIVE TO THE SWORD. [Micah 6:15] THOU SHALT SOW, BUT THOU SHALT NOT REAP; THOU SHALT TREAD THE OLIVES, BUT THOU SHALT NOT ANOINT THEE WITH OIL; AND SWEET WINE, BUT SHALT NOT DRINK WINE. [Micah 6:16] FOR THE STATUTES OF OMRI ARE KEPT, AND ALL THE WORKS OF THE HOUSE OF AHAB, AND YE WALK IN THEIR COUNSELS; THAT I SHOULD MAKE THEE A DESOLATION, AND THE INHABITANTS THEREOF AN HISSING: THEREFORE YE SHALL BEAR THE REPROACH OF MY PEOPLE. “STATUTES OF OMRI” refers to customs and behavior of the northern ten tribes who had once been ruled over by King Omri. The Assyrians also continued to refer to the northern kingdom of Israel as “House of Omri” long after Omri had passed away. “Omri” in Assyrian was probably pronounced something like “Gomri” which is similar or even identical to the name given to the Cimmerians. This is one of several proofs identifying at least part of the Cimmerians with the Lost Ten Tribes of Israel. Micah-7 [Micah 7:1] WOE IS ME! FOR I AM AS WHEN THEY HAVE GATHERED THE SUMMER FRUITS, AS THE GRAPEGLEANINGS OF THE VINTAGE: THERE IS NO CLUSTER TO EAT: MY SOUL DESIRED THE FIRSTRIPE FRUIT. [Micah 7:2] THE GOOD MAN IS PERISHED OUT OF THE EARTH: AND THERE IS NONE UPRIGHT AMONG MEN: THEY ALL LIE IN WAIT FOR BLOOD; THEY HUNT EVERY MAN HIS BROTHER WITH A NET. MIC 7:3] THAT THEY MAY DO EVIL WITH BOTH HANDS EARNESTLY, THE PRINCE ASKETH, AND THE JUDGE ASKETH FOR A REWARD; AND THE GREAT MAN, HE UTTERETH HIS MISCHIEVOUS DESIRE: SO THEY WRAP IT UP. [Micah 7:4] THE BEST OF THEM IS AS A BRIER: THE MOST UPRIGHT IS SHARPER THAN A THORN HEDGE: THE DAY OF THY WATCHMEN AND THY VISITATION COMETH; NOW SHALL BE THEIR PERPLEXITY. [Micah 7:5] TRUST YE NOT IN A FRIEND, PUT YE NOT CONFIDENCE IN A GUIDE: KEEP THE DOORS OF THY MOUTH FROM HER THAT LIETH IN THY BOSOM. [Micah 7:6] FOR THE SON DISHONOURETH THE FATHER, THE DAUGHTER RISETH UP AGAINST HER MOTHER, THE DAUGHTER IN LAW AGAINST HER MOTHER IN LAW; A MAN'S ENEMIES ARE THE MEN OF HIS OWN HOUSE. [Micah 7:7] THEREFORE I WILL LOOK UNTO THE LORD; I WILL WAIT FOR THE GOD OF MY SALVATION: MY GOD WILL HEAR ME. [Micah 7:8] REJOICE NOT AGAINST ME, O MINE ENEMY: WHEN I FALL, I SHALL ARISE; WHEN I SIT IN DARKNESS, THE LORD SHALL BE A LIGHT UNTO ME. [Micah 7:9] I WILL BEAR THE INDIGNATION OF THE LORD, BECAUSE I HAVE SINNED AGAINST HIM, UNTIL HE PLEAD MY CAUSE, AND EXECUTE JUDGMENT FOR ME: HE WILL BRING ME FORTH TO THE LIGHT, AND I SHALL BEHOLD HIS RIGHTEOUSNESS. [Micah 7:10] THEN SHE THAT IS MINE ENEMY SHALL SEE IT, AND SHAME SHALL COVER HER WHICH SAID UNTO ME, WHERE IS THE LORD THY GOD? MINE EYES SHALL BEHOLD HER: NOW SHALL SHE BE TRODDEN DOWN AS THE MIRE OF THE STREETS. [Micah 7:11] IN THE DAY THAT THY WALLS ARE TO BE BUILT, IN THAT DAY SHALL THE DECREE BE FAR REMOVED. [Micah 7:12] IN THAT DAY ALSO HE SHALL COME EVEN TO THEE FROM ASSYRIA, AND FROM THE FORTIFIED CITIES, AND FROM THE FORTRESS EVEN TO THE RIVER, AND FROM SEA TO SEA, AND FROM MOUNTAIN TO MOUNTAIN. <<AND FROM THE FORTIFIED CITIES, AND FROM THE FORTRESS>>: The Hebrew translated as "THE FORTIFIED CITIES" is "ari Matzor" and the word translated as FORTRESS is "Matzor". This word "Matzor" can indeed mean fortress or when used as an adjective "fortifed" but it can also refer to an area in the northwest of present-day Iraq, i.e. Eastern Azerbaijan and Kurdistan. <<EVEN TO THEE FROM ASSYRIA>>: The Commentaries seem divided on this. ALL AGREE however that FROM ASSYRIA means the return of those exiled to Assyria, i.e. the Lost Ten Tribes. [Micah 7:13] NOTWITHSTANDING THE LAND SHALL BE DESOLATE BECAUSE OF THEM THAT DWELL THEREIN, FOR THE FRUIT OF THEIR DOINGS. The non-Israelite peoples who they will dispossess will have made was once a fertile land into a desert by cutting down trees and overgrazing with goats and general self-destructive behavior. The Israelites will have to rehabilitate the land at first (as the Jews in Israel have begun to do in part) and after that God will help them supernaturally. [Micah 7:14] FEED THY PEOPLE WITH THY ROD, THE FLOCK OF THINE HERITAGE, WHICH DWELL SOLITARILY IN THE WOOD, IN THE MIDST OF CARMEL: LET THEM FEED IN BASHAN AND GILEAD, AS IN THE DAYS OF OLD. <<BASHAN AND GILEAD>>: Mean the present-day regions of Syria and Jordan. Zechariah 10;10 says that Ephraim will possess Lebanon and Gilead meaning Lebanon and Syria! These areas actually also include parts of Turkey and Iraq. MIC 7:15] ACCORDING TO THE DAYS OF THY COMING OUT OF THE LAND OF EGYPT WILL I SHEW UNTO HIM MARVELLOUS THINGS. [Micah 7:16] THE NATIONS SHALL SEE AND BE CONFOUNDED AT ALL THEIR MIGHT: THEY SHALL LAY THEIR HAND UPON THEIR MOUTH, THEIR EARS SHALL BE DEAF. [Micah 7:17] THEY SHALL LICK THE DUST LIKE A SERPENT, THEY SHALL MOVE OUT OF THEIR HOLES LIKE WORMS OF THE EARTH: THEY SHALL BE AFRAID OF THE LORD OUR GOD, AND SHALL FEAR BECAUSE OF THEE. [Micah 7:18] WHO IS A GOD LIKE UNTO THEE, THAT PARDONETH INIQUITY, AND PASSETH BY THE TRANSGRESSION OF THE REMNANT OF HIS HERITAGE? HE RETAINETH NOT HIS ANGER FOR EVER, BECAUSE HE DELIGHTETH IN MERCY. [Micah 7:19] HE WILL TURN AGAIN, HE WILL HAVE COMPASSION UPON US; HE WILL SUBDUE OUR INIQUITIES; AND THOU WILT CAST ALL THEIR SINS INTO THE DEPTHS OF THE SEA. [Micah 7:20] THOU WILT PERFORM THE TRUTH TO JACOB, AND THE MERCY TO ABRAHAM, WHICH THOU HAST SWORN UNTO OUR FATHERS FROM THE DAYS OF OLD. Micah and the Lost Ten Tribes: A Brief Summary. The Northern Ten Tribes had a bad influence on Judah. The inhabitants of several cities in Judah went into Assyrian exile together with the LTTs. Samaria representing Menasseh and in one respect the LTTs in general is represented by a bald-headed eagle in chapter 1; in chapter 5 the LTTs represented by Ephraim especially are likened to a lion: cf. The USA and Britain? The LTTS were exiled, so was Judah later. All will return. Sun chariots are mentioned which is a phenomenon also known from Scandinavian archaeology. Judah will return. There will be a spiritual renewal and the Temple will be rebuilt. Micah 5 describes both the Scythian-Israelite experience with Assyria and the future reunion of Judah with the LTTS with the LTTs initally being the most important party. Re-union is a goal that should be worked for. IN the last days people will be morally corrupt. The LTTS will return and take over Jordan and Syria. God will forgive our sins but we must repent as indeed we will. [Micah 6:8] HE HATH SHEWED THEE, O MAN, WHAT IS GOOD; AND WHAT DOTH THE LORD REQUIRE OF THEE, BUT TO DO JUSTLY, AND TO LOVE MERCY, AND TO WALK HUMBLY WITH THY GOD? [Micah 7:20] THOU WILT PERFORM THE TRUTH TO JACOB, AND THE MERCY TO ABRAHAM, WHICH THOU HAST SWORN UNTO OUR FATHERS FROM THE DAYS OF OLD. Highlights (1:13) sun-chariots (1:16) Israel in captivity, bald-headed eagle? Chapter Five: vrs Assyria, Scythians. (5:8) a lion (6:16) statutes of Omri. (7:14) Bashan and Gilead cf. Zechariah 10:10. (7:20) Promises to Jacob and Abraham to be fulfilled. Brit-Am Home