The enemies of Zion, who longed to have victory over Israel and Judah, are called by a divine allowance to lay siege against all their cities to chasten His people.
The prophet Micah turns to what would dwell on Israel that would be captivated by Assyria, whereas Judah, after holding fast against the repetitive sieges of Assyria, would be captivated in stages culminated by Babylon in the days of king Zedekieh, then it would be utterly devastated on the hands of the Roman Titus in the year 70 AD.
The king, the nobles and the religious leaders were preoccupied with riches and authority assuming that they are secure within the strong walls of Jerusalem, not aware that it would be put under siege, destroyed, and its judge or king Zedekieh would be incapable of protecting it. Zedekieh was the last king of the seed of David to sit on the throne of Jerusalem when Nebuchadnezar took it over [2Kgs 25:1].
• He says that Samariah will be put under siege by the enemy, who will not only strike her cheek by their heads, which would be bearable, but they will crush it with rods, which is especially cruel. This refers here to the miserable and insulting calamity of captivation. There is no doubt that striking on the cheeks is especially humiliating, but note here that they will also crush it with rods, causing severe troubles besides humiliation. Samariah was humiliated and disgraced when ruled by the tribe of Ephraim. Anyways, the striking hands would stop and our misery would come to an end, if we do our best to have God’s wrath lifted; the wrath that dwelt on us because of our rebellion and our eagerness to commit sins, which is hated by God. If we honor Him by leading a good life, we would enjoy prosperity and a commendable joyful life (1).
St. Cyril, the Great
Some believe that the prophet Micah addresses here the army of Titus, the Roman Leader, who put Jerusalem under siege and struck its Judge Jesus, the Lord of Glory, on His cheek and insulted Him, saying: ‘Prophesy, who struck You!’
The prophet Micah turns to what would dwell on Israel that would be captivated by Assyria, whereas Judah, after holding fast against the repetitive sieges of Assyria, would be captivated in stages culminated by Babylon in the days of king Zedekieh, then it would be utterly devastated on the hands of the Roman Titus in the year 70 AD.
The king, the nobles and the religious leaders were preoccupied with riches and authority assuming that they are secure within the strong walls of Jerusalem, not aware that it would be put under siege, destroyed, and its judge or king Zedekieh would be incapable of protecting it. Zedekieh was the last king of the seed of David to sit on the throne of Jerusalem when Nebuchadnezar took it over [2Kgs 25:1].
• He says that Samariah will be put under siege by the enemy, who will not only strike her cheek by their heads, which would be bearable, but they will crush it with rods, which is especially cruel. This refers here to the miserable and insulting calamity of captivation. There is no doubt that striking on the cheeks is especially humiliating, but note here that they will also crush it with rods, causing severe troubles besides humiliation. Samariah was humiliated and disgraced when ruled by the tribe of Ephraim. Anyways, the striking hands would stop and our misery would come to an end, if we do our best to have God’s wrath lifted; the wrath that dwelt on us because of our rebellion and our eagerness to commit sins, which is hated by God. If we honor Him by leading a good life, we would enjoy prosperity and a commendable joyful life (1).
St. Cyril, the Great
Some believe that the prophet Micah addresses here the army of Titus, the Roman Leader, who put Jerusalem under siege and struck its Judge Jesus, the Lord of Glory, on His cheek and insulted Him, saying: ‘Prophesy, who struck You!’
Footnote
(1) Commentary on [Mic 5:1] PG 71:709-712.
 | Author: Tadros Yacoub Malaty Rank: Monk Posted on: 2023-02-21 Source: Title: The book of Micah Year (original): 2005 Author: Fr. Tadros Yacoub Malaty Translation: DR. GEORGE BOTROS |
So he says that Samaria will be surrounded and encompassed by the hostile peoples. Not only will they strike her cheek with their hand, which is more bearable, but they will crush her with rods, which is especially cruel. This signifies the shameful and miserable distress of captivity, for it is unquestionable that to strike the cheek is a special dishonor. Considering that they also struck her with rods, they have caused extreme hardship and debasement. Governed by the tribe of Ephrem, Samaria is dishonored. She is in shame and suffering. However, the striking hand will stop, and we will not taste misery if only we do our best to refrain from provoking the wrath of the Lord of all by trespassing or eagerly committing sins, which are hateful to him. If we honor him with virtuousness instead, then we will enjoy prosperity and will live a joyous and commendable life.
 | Author: Cyril of Alexandria Rank: Pope AD: 444 |
The listed verse explanations of the individual persons have nothing to do with the explanations of the other persons. This also applies to the Bible translations.
