Micah 5:6

Authorized King James Version

And they shall waste the land of Assyria with the sword, and the land of Nimrod in the entrances thereof: thus shall he deliver us from the Assyrian, when he cometh into our land, and when he treadeth within our borders.

Word-by-Word Analysis

וְרָע֞וּ

H7489

properly, to spoil (literally, by breaking to pieces); figuratively, to make (or be) good for nothing, i.e., bad (physically, socially or morally)

אֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְאַרְצֵ֔נוּ

H776

and the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

מֵֽאַשּׁ֔וּר

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

בַּחֶ֔רֶב

H2719

with the sword

drought; also a cutting instrument (from its destructive effect), as a knife, sword, or other sharp implement

וְאֶת

H853

properly, self (but generally used to point out more definitely the object of a verb or preposition, even or namely)

בְאַרְצֵ֔נוּ

H776

and the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

נִמְרֹ֖ד

H5248

of Nimrod

nimrod, a son of cush

בִּפְתָחֶ֑יהָ

H6607

in the entrances

an opening (literally), i.e., door (gate) or entrance way

#10

וְהִצִּיל֙

H5337

thereof thus shall he deliver

to snatch away, whether in a good or a bad sense

#11

מֵֽאַשּׁ֔וּר

H804

of Assyria

ashshur, the second son of shem; also his descendants and the country occupied by them (i.e., assyria), its region and its empire

#12

כִּֽי

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#13

יָב֣וֹא

H935

when he cometh

to go or come (in a wide variety of applications)

#14

בְאַרְצֵ֔נוּ

H776

and the land

the earth (at large, or partitively a land)

#15

וְכִ֥י

H3588

(by implication) very widely used as a relative conjunction or adverb (as below); often largely modified by other particles annexed

#16

יִדְרֹ֖ךְ

H1869

and when he treadeth

to tread; by implication, to walk; also to string a bow (by treading on it in bending)

#17

בִּגְבוּלֵֽנוּ׃

H1366

within our borders

properly, a cord (as twisted), i.e., (by implication) a boundary; by extension the territory inclosed

Analysis

The salvation theme here intersects with the metanarrative of redemption running from Genesis to Revelation. Biblical theology recognizes this as part of a unified storyline from the promise in Genesis 3:15 to its fulfillment in Christ. The phrase emphasizing divine revelation contributes to our systematic understanding of Christian doctrine and connects to the broader scriptural witness about God's saving work from the Exodus to the cross.

Historical Context

The literary and historical milieu of the literary conventions and historical circumstances of biblical literature shapes this text's meaning. The historical development of salvation within the theological tradition of Micah Understanding the ancient worldview that shaped the author's theological expression helps modern readers appreciate why the author emphasizes divine revelation in this particular way.

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?
What practical applications emerge from understanding salvation as presented in this verse, particularly in light of addressing questions of religious pluralism and the exclusivity of Christ?
In what ways does understanding divine revelation in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?