Micah 5:14

Authorized King James Version

And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְנָתַשְׁתִּ֥י

H5428

And I will pluck up

to tear away

אֲשֵׁירֶ֖יךָ

H842

thy groves

asherah (or astarte) a phoenician goddess; also an image of the same

מִקִּרְבֶּ֑ךָ

H7130

out of the midst

properly, the nearest part, i.e., the center, whether literal, figurative or adverbial (especially with preposition)

וְהִשְׁמַדְתִּ֖י

H8045

of thee so will I destroy

to desolate

עָרֶֽיךָ׃

H5892

a city (a place guarded by waking or a watch) in the widest sense (even of a mere encampment or post)

Analysis

Within the broader context of Micah, this passage highlights salvation through declarative statements that establish theological truth. The theological weight of divine revelation connects to fundamental Christian doctrine about divine revelation, contributing to our understanding of God's nature and relationship with humanity. This verse contributes to the book's overall argument by building upon previous themes while advancing the overall message of Micah.

Historical Context

This passage must be understood within the political and social structures of the biblical period. The author writes to address believers seeking to understand God's will and purposes, making the emphasis on salvation particularly relevant. Historical documents from this period show cultural practices and social structures that would have been familiar to the original readers, illuminating the verse's original impact.

Questions for Reflection

What systematic theological implications arise from this verse's treatment of salvation, and how does it contribute to a biblical theology of soteriology and the doctrine of salvation?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?
How does this passage contribute to our understanding of from physical deliverance in the Old Testament to spiritual redemption in the New, and what implications does this have for Christian discipleship?