Now gather thyself in troops, O daughter {a} of troops: he hath laid siege against us: they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek.

(a) He forewarns them of the dangers that will come before they enjoy these comforts, showing that inasmuch as Jerusalem was accustomed with her garrisons to trouble others, the Lord would now cause other garrisons to vex her, and that her rulers would be hit on the face most contemptuously.

Wesley's Notes

5:1 Now gather thyself - Since this must be done, do it quickly. O daughter of troops - Nineveh or Babylon. He - Sennacherib, or Nebuchadnezzar. They - The proud, oppressive enemy. The judge - The king. Of Israel - Not the ten tribes, though they are actually called by this name, but the two tribes that adhered to David's family. A rod - This is a proverbial speech, expressing the most contemptuous usage.

Scofield Reference Notes

[2] Now

The "word of the Lord that came to Micah" Mic 4:1 having described the future kingdom Mic 4:1-8 and glanced at the Babylonian captivities Mic 4:9-10 goes forward into the last days to refer to the great battle (see "Armageddon,") Rev 16:14, See Scofield Note: "Rev 19:17" which immediately precedes the setting up of the Messianic kingdom (see "Kingdom (O.T.)," Gen 1:26 See Scofield Note: "Zech 12:8" also, "Kingdom (N.T.), Lk 1:31-33 1Cor 15:28.

Mic 5:1,2 forms a parenthesis in which the "word of the Lord" goes back from the time of the great battle (yet future) to the birth and rejection of the King, Messiah-Christ Mt 27:24,25,37. This is followed by the statement that He will "give them up until the time that she which travaileth hath brought forth" (Mic 5:3). There is a twofold "travail" of Israel:

(1) that which brings forth the "man child" (Christ) Rev 12:1,2 and

(2) that which, in the last days, brings forth a believing "remnant" out of the still dispersed and unbelieving nation Mic 5:3 Jer 30:6-14 Mic 4:10. Both aspects are combined in Isa. 66. In Mic 5:7 we have the "man-child" (Christ) of Rev 12:1,2 in Mic 5:8-24 the remnant, established in kingdom blessing. The meaning of Mic 5.3 is that, from the rejection of Christ at His first coming Jehovah will give Israel up till the believing remnant appears; then He stands and feeds in His proper strength as Jehovah (Mic 5:4); He is the defence of His people as in Mic 4:3,11-13 and afterward the remnant go as missionaries to Israel and to all the world. Mic 5:7,8 Zech 8:23.

Jamieson-Fausset-Brown Bible Commentary

CHAPTER 5

Mic 5:1-15. The Calamities Which Precede Messiah's Advent. His Kingdom, Conquest of Jacob's Foes, and Blessing upon His People.

1. gather thyself in troops-that is, thou shalt do so, to resist the enemy. Lest the faithful should fall into carnal security because of the previous promises, he reminds them of the calamities which are to precede the prosperity.

daughter of troops-Jerusalem is so called on account of her numerous troops.

he hath laid siege-the enemy hath.

they shall smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek-the greatest of insults to an Oriental. Zedekiah, the judge (or king, Am 2:3) of Israel, was loaded with insults by the Chaldeans; so also the other princes and judges (La 3:30). Hengstenberg thinks the expression, "the judge," marks a time when no king of the house of David reigned. The smiting on the cheek of other judges of Israel was a type of the same indignity offered to Him who nevertheless is the Judge, not only of Israel, but also of the world, and who is "from everlasting" (Mic 5:2; Isa 50:6; Mt 26:67; 27:30).

Matthew Henry's Concise Commentary

5:1-6 Having showed how low the house of David would be brought, a prediction of the Messiah and his kingdom is added to encourage the faith of God's people. His existence from eternity as God, and his office as Mediator, are noticed. Here is foretold that Bethlehem should be his birthplace. Hence it was universally known among the Jews, Mt 2:5. Christ's government shall be very happy for his subjects; they shall be safe and easy. Under the shadow of protection from the Assyrians, is a promise of protection to the gospel church and all believers, from the designs and attempts of the powers of darkness. Christ is our Peace as a Priest, making atonement for sin, and reconciling us to God; and he is our Peace as a King, conquering our enemies: hence our souls may dwell at ease in him. Christ will find instruments to protect and deliver. Those that threaten ruin to the church of God, soon bring ruin on themselves. This may include the past powerful effects of the preached gospel, its future spread, and the ruin of all antichristian powers. This is, perhaps, the most important single prophecy in the Old Testament: it respects the personal character of the Messiah, and the discoveries of himself to the world. It distinguishes his human birth from his existing from eternity; it foretells the rejection of the Israelites and Jews for a season, their final restoration, and the universal peace to prevail through the whole earth in the latter days. In the mean time let us trust our Shepherd's care and power. If he permits the assault of our enemies, he will supply helpers and assistance for us.