Micah 6:9

Authorized King James Version

The LORD'S voice crieth unto the city, and the man of wisdom shall see thy name: hear ye the rod, and who hath appointed it.

Word-by-Word Analysis

ק֤וֹל

H6963

voice

a voice or sound

יְהוָה֙

H3068

The LORD'S

(the) self-existent or eternal; jeho-vah, jewish national name of god

לָעִ֣יר

H5892

unto the city

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

יִקְרָ֔א

H7121

crieth

to call out to (i.e., properly, address by name, but used in a wide variety of applications)

וְתוּשִׁיָּ֖ה

H8454

and the man of wisdom

support or (by implication) ability, i.e., (direct) help, (in purpose) an undertaking, (intellectual) understanding

יִרְאֶ֣ה

H7200

shall see

to see, literally or figuratively (in numerous applications, direct and implied, transitive, intransitive and causative)

שְׁמֶ֑ךָ

H8034

thy name

an appellation, as a mark or memorial of individuality; by implication honor, authority, character

שִׁמְע֥וּ

H8085

hear

to hear intelligently (often with implication of attention, obedience, etc.; causatively, to tell, etc.)

מַטֶּ֖ה

H4294

ye the rod

a branch (as extending); figuratively, a tribe; also a rod, whether for chastising (figuratively, correction), ruling (a sceptre), throwing (a lance),

#10

וּמִ֥י

H4310

who? (occasionally, by a peculiar idiom, of things); also (indefinitely) whoever; often used in oblique construction with prefix or suffix

#11

יְעָדָֽהּ׃

H3259

and who hath appointed

to fix upon (by agreement or appointment); by implication, to meet (at a stated time), to summon (to trial), to direct (in a certain quarter or positi

Analysis

This verse develops the salvation theme central to Micah. The concept of wisdom reflects the development of salvation within biblical theology. The divine name or title here functions within biblical literature contributing to the canon's theological witness to establish theological authority and covenantal relationship. The original language emphasizes the covenant name Yahweh, emphasizing God's faithfulness to His promises, providing deeper understanding of the author's theological intention.

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 wisdom 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?
In what ways does this verse's emphasis on wisdom address religious pluralism and questions about the necessity of Christ, and how should the church respond?
In what ways does understanding wisdom in its original context challenge or deepen contemporary Christian thinking about salvation?