Now = Meanwhile; as in Mic_4:10, Mic_4:11. Showing that Mic_5:1 relates to the interval between the then present time and "that day" of Mic_4:1, Mic_4:6.
gather thyself, &c.: or, thou shalt have sore tribulation [for thy sins], thou daughter of affliction.
he: i.e. the enemy. The Assyrian.
us. The prophet includes himself.
the judge. Or, the then ruler (compare 1Ki_22:24. Lam_3:30; Lam_4:20; Lam_5:8, Lam_5:12), who would thus be the type of the Messiah (Mat_27:30).
rod = sceptre. Hebrew shebet = the club (of defence), as in Mic_7:14; hence, of office; not matteh, the rod or staff (of support), as in Mic_6:9. See note on Psa_23:4.