Hovering over Micah 5:2 this morning, a word of hope. A promise meant to provide some encouragement.

But before the good news, the table is set with the reality of the bad news of Israel’s desperate times.

Now, daughter who is under attack,
you slash yourself in grief;
a siege is set against us!
They are striking the judge of Israel
on the cheek with a rod.

(Micah 5:1 CSB)

The “daughter” under attack? Jerusalem. The siege is in progress. The oppression and humiliation of Babylon is present — even as Israel’s king is subject to the humiliation of the enemies rod to his face.

But, when it comes to the posture to be taken, the CSB departs significantly from other translations. Slash yourself in grief. Lament! Inflict pain upon pain. Acknowledge fully the hopelessness of your situation. Other translations, however, indicate a different posture: “Muster your troops” (ESV); “Marshal your troops” (NIV); “Gather yourself in troops” (NKJV). Prepare to defend yourself against the enemy’s incursion (even though you will not prevail).

Which is it when it comes to the reality of being under attack from a power beyond your own power? Lament or defend? Accept and mourn the worst or assemble and fight until the end? Hmm . . . Maybe it’s not an either/or. Could be a both/and.

Whichever it is, both carry the sense of being in what seems by all accounts to be a losing battle. Of facing the reality of a fight without any apparent way to win. And it’s under the dark cloud of that depressing reality that the prophet provides this ray of light.

Bethlehem Ephrathah,
you are small among the clans of Judah;
One will come from you
to be Ruler over Israel for Me.
His origin is from antiquity,
from ancient times.

(Micah 5:2 CSB)

Babylon is at the door. She is breathing down their necks. Situation hopeless. But, says the prophet, turn your eyes away from Babylon and behold Bethlehem.

Bethlehem, there hope is birthed. Small among the clans, but ready to present a King above all kings. A city of little renown yet ready to produce a Ruler unlike any other who has ever reigned over Israel. One whose origin is from old, from times before time, from “everlasting” (NKJV) — from before the foundation of the world.

He will stand and shepherd them
in the strength of the LORD,
in the majestic name of the LORD His God.
They will live securely,
for then His greatness will extend
to the ends of the earth.
He will be their peace.

(Micah 5:4-5 CSB)

He will stand. He will shepherd. His greatness will be greatly known. There will be peace. And we will live securely. Amen, to that!

But for now, it can feel like we’re under siege — and we are! And it can look like the world is winning even as the enemy can be plainly seen mocking.

And yet, right now, during this advent season, we too can look afresh to Bethlehem. Though she is small among the clans, she has sent us a Great Ruler. Producing long ago “just” a babe in a manger, yet one day providing us a King in His majesty who will reign in glory.

One who has already defeated death. One who has already redeemed and rescued us from the flesh. One who already reigns in our hearts, shepherds by His Spirit, and stands ready to return when the last soul written in His book of life is secured.

That’s what can make Christmas a season of fresh hope. The light of Bethlehem shining amidst the sense of siege.

By His grace. For His glory.