Open English Translation MIC Chapter 5

2 But you, Beyt-Lekem (Bethlehem) Efratah,

even though you’re insignificant among Yehudah’s (Judah’s) clans,

out of you, one will come to me to rule in Yisrael,

whose beginning is from ancient times—

≈from everlasting.[ref]

3 Therefore God will hand them over to their enemies,

until the time when the woman in labour gives birth,

and the rest of his brothers return to the people of Israel.

4 He’ll stand and shepherd his flock with Yahweh’s strength,

in the majesty of the name of his God Yahweh.

They’ll remain, because then he will be famous to the ends of the earth.

5 That one will be our peace.

When the Assyrians come into our land

≈and when they march against our fortresses,

then we’ll raise seven shepherds against them

≈and eight leaders of men.

6 They’ll shepherd the land of Assyria with the sword—

≈that country founded by Nimrod in its entrances.

He’ll rescue us from the Assyrians,

when they come into our land,

≈when they march inside our borders.[ref]

7 The remnant of Yakob will end up among many peoples,

like dew from Yahweh,

≈like showers on the grass,

that don’t need help from any person,

≈and they don’t rely on human intervention.

8 The remnant of Yakob will be among the nations,

≈among many peoples,

like a lion among the animals of the forest,

≈like a young lion among the flocks of sheep.

As he passes through them,

he’ll trample over them and tear them to pieces,

and there’ll be no one to save them.

9 You’ll use your power against your enemies,

and they’ll be destroyed.

10 Yahweh declares: “At that time,

I’ll wipe out your horses

≈and demolish your chariots.

11 I’ll destroy the cities in your country

≈and tear down all your fortresses.

12 I’ll destroy the witchcraft that you practise,

≈and you’ll no longer have any diviners.

13 I’ll destroy your carved statues,

≈and the engraved stone pillars from among you.

You’ll no longer worship the workmanship of your hands.

14 I’ll topple your Asherah poles where you worship,

≈and I’ll destroy your cities.

15 In my anger, I’ll execute vengeance

on the nations that haven’t obeyed.