And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.
And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD. The phrase "remnant of Jacob" (שְׁאֵרִית יַעֲקֹב, she'erit Ya'akov) refers to the faithful surviving community—those who trust Messiah. In judgment, God preserves a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 9:27; 11:5). This remnant becomes a blessing "in the midst of many people"—among Gentile nations. The simile "as a dew from the LORD" (כְּטַל מֵאֵת יְהוָה, ke-tal me'et Yahweh) pictures gentle, life-giving moisture descending from heaven. Dew in Israel's dry climate meant survival for crops during rainless summers.
"As the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." This intensifies the imagery: like rain showers reviving vegetation, the remnant brings blessing. The phrase "tarrieth not for man" (לֹא יְקַוֶּה לְאִישׁ, lo yekavveh le-ish) emphasizes divine sovereignty—blessing doesn't depend on human initiation or merit but on God's gracious design. Rain falls at God's command, not man's manipulation. Similarly, the gospel spreads by divine power, not human scheming.
This describes the Church's mission: scattered among nations, believers bring spiritual refreshment. Jesus declared, "Ye are the light of the world...the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13-14). Paul wrote that God "always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place" (2 Corinthians 2:14). The remnant's presence brings blessing—evangelism, compassion, justice, truth. Where Christ's people dwell, nations are refreshed.
Historical Context
Micah prophesied during a period when Israel faced extinction. The Northern Kingdom fell to Assyria in 722 BC; Judah teetered on collapse. Yet Micah promises a surviving remnant that would bless nations. This echoes God's promise to Abraham: "In thee shall all families of the earth be blessed" (Genesis 12:3). Israel was chosen not for exclusive privilege but to mediate blessing to all nations. The New Testament reveals the Church as this remnant—Jewish and Gentile believers united in Christ (Romans 11:17-24; Ephesians 2:11-22). Acts chronicles the gospel spreading from Jerusalem to Rome, fulfilling Micah's vision of the remnant blessing "many people." Wherever missionaries plant churches, communities are transformed—hospitals built, orphanages founded, literacy promoted, justice advanced. The remnant's influence exceeds its numbers.
Questions for Reflection
How does the image of "dew from the LORD" shape your understanding of the Church's role among the nations?
In what ways can you serve as spiritual refreshment to those around you, bringing the life-giving gospel to spiritually dry places?
How does recognizing that blessing "tarrieth not for man" guard against both pride (when ministry thrives) and despair (when ministry struggles)?
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Analysis & Commentary
And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD. The phrase "remnant of Jacob" (שְׁאֵרִית יַעֲקֹב, she'erit Ya'akov) refers to the faithful surviving community—those who trust Messiah. In judgment, God preserves a remnant (Isaiah 10:20-22; Romans 9:27; 11:5). This remnant becomes a blessing "in the midst of many people"—among Gentile nations. The simile "as a dew from the LORD" (כְּטַל מֵאֵת יְהוָה, ke-tal me'et Yahweh) pictures gentle, life-giving moisture descending from heaven. Dew in Israel's dry climate meant survival for crops during rainless summers.
"As the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." This intensifies the imagery: like rain showers reviving vegetation, the remnant brings blessing. The phrase "tarrieth not for man" (לֹא יְקַוֶּה לְאִישׁ, lo yekavveh le-ish) emphasizes divine sovereignty—blessing doesn't depend on human initiation or merit but on God's gracious design. Rain falls at God's command, not man's manipulation. Similarly, the gospel spreads by divine power, not human scheming.
This describes the Church's mission: scattered among nations, believers bring spiritual refreshment. Jesus declared, "Ye are the light of the world...the salt of the earth" (Matthew 5:13-14). Paul wrote that God "always causeth us to triumph in Christ, and maketh manifest the savour of his knowledge by us in every place" (2 Corinthians 2:14). The remnant's presence brings blessing—evangelism, compassion, justice, truth. Where Christ's people dwell, nations are refreshed.