Monday 9 September 2024

Psalm 45

Background
The basic pattern of these four verses is an echo of Micah 4:9-10 in which the prophet speaks of a threat building against the city of Jerusalem, and verses 11-13 where there is a sense of the imminent gathering of many nations against Jerusalem. In today’s passage (Micah 5:1-4) the description is of an approaching siege.

It almost passes unnoticed, but striking the Hebrew ruler on the cheek would be understood as a significant humiliation (1 Kings 22:24). Whether the prophecy of Micah refers to the humiliation of King Hezekiah at the hands of the Assyrians isn’t my focus today. This is because I don’t want to risk losing the positive message of hope that verses 2-4 hold. What’s being described here seems to focus on looking forward to a day a strong ruler rises from the small city of Bethlehem Ephratath. The first book of Samuel, chapters 16 and 17, helps us to see the names of Boaz, Jesse and David as coming from this same small city.

So what or who is being pointed to here? The 8th century BC Jewish mind would have likely been drawn to the prophesied birth of a new king from the line of David, a prophecy that mentions the eternal reign of a son of David. Verse 3 tells us that we will have to wait for this ruler to be born, that although the nation is to be overcome soon, they will eventually be led home by a descendant of David. Verse 4 points us to what we should look for in this leader – this new messianic ruler. He is to be like David, a shepherd of God’s people, leading, protecting and providing for their needs; not just in the here and now, but also in the eternal. The message of hope is at least partially about bringing security not just to the present but also helping the people to see the pain of the moment in the context of the bigger picture.

To Ponder:

• Micah’s audience are encouraged to look beyond their present trials and distress to something more; something bigger; something other. What thoughts or emotions does this idea bring to you?
• Who do you look to for wisdom, guidance, and help in interpreting things past for the sake of making the best choices for the next season of your life?

Prayer
Almighty God, I particularly pray today for my sisters and brothers who significantly struggle, and who cry out for the hope of a new day. In this moment Lord I pray for the movement of Spirit in such a way as to bring this message close to those in greatest need. Amen.

Bible notes author: The Revd Dr Mark Cheetham
Mark is Superintendent Minister of the Salisbury Circuit and Minister at Salisbury Methodist Church.