Micah 1:6

KJV

Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, [and] as plantings of a vineyard: and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will discover the foundations thereof.

KJV (with Strong's)

Therefore I will make {H7760} Samaria {H8111} as an heap {H5856} of the field {H7704}, and as plantings {H4302} of a vineyard {H3754}: and I will pour down {H5064} the stones {H68} thereof into the valley {H1516}, and I will discover {H1540} the foundations {H3247} thereof.

Complete Jewish Bible

"So I will make Shomron a heap in the countryside, a place for planting vineyards; I will pour her stones down into the valley, laying bare her foundations.

Berean Standard Bible

Therefore I will make Samaria a heap of rubble in the open field, a planting area for a vineyard. I will pour her stones into the valley and expose her foundations.

American Standard Version

Therefore I will make Samaria as a heap of the field, and as places for planting vineyards; and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley, and I will uncover the foundations thereof.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 1:6 presents a stark prophecy of divine judgment against Samaria, the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel. The Lord declares His intent to utterly dismantle the city, reducing it to a heap of rubble in a field, suitable only for agricultural planting. This pronouncement signifies a complete and irreversible desolation, where the very stones of the city will be cast into the valley, and its hidden foundations exposed, illustrating the thoroughness of God's righteous wrath against its deep-seated sin and idolatry.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** This verse immediately follows the declaration of Samaria's transgression and Israel's sin in [Micah 1:5](/micah/1-5 "Micah 1:5 - Samaria's Transgression"). Micah 1 opens with a dramatic scene of God descending from His holy temple to execute judgment upon the earth, specifically targeting the sins of Jacob and the house of Israel. Verses 2-4 describe the cosmic shaking and melting mountains as God approaches. Verse 5 identifies Samaria as the "transgression of Jacob" and Jerusalem as the "sins of the house of Judah," setting the stage for the specific judgments to follow. [Micah 1:6](/micah/1-6 "Micah 1:6 - Judgment on Samaria") is the direct, concrete articulation of this impending judgment on Samaria, detailing the extent of its destruction before the prophecy turns to Judah and Jerusalem in subsequent verses. The imagery here is one of complete eradication, preparing the reader for the lament that follows in [Micah 1:8-16](/micah/1-8-16 "Micah 1:8-16 - Micah's Lament").
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied during the late 8th century BC, a tumultuous period for both Israel and Judah. The Northern Kingdom of Israel, with Samaria as its capital, had a long history of idolatry, beginning with Jeroboam I's establishment of golden calves at Dan and Bethel ([1_kings/12-28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")). By Micah's time, this idolatry was deeply entrenched, often mingled with Baal worship introduced by figures like Ahab and Jezebel. Samaria itself was a strategically important city, built on a prominent hill, signifying its strength and prominence. Its wealth, derived from trade and fertile lands, often led to social injustice and oppression of the poor, which Micah frequently condemns. The looming threat was the Assyrian Empire, a brutal and efficient military power that had already begun to exert its dominance over the region. The prophecy in [Micah 1:6](/micah/1-6 "Micah 1:6 - Judgment on Samaria") foreshadows the Assyrian conquest and destruction of Samaria in 722 BC, as recorded in [2_kings/17-5-6](/2_kings/17-5-6 "2 Kings 17:5-6 - Fall of Samaria").
* **Key Themes:** [Micah 1](/micah/1 "Micah 1 - Judgment on Samaria and Judah") introduces several pervasive themes found throughout the book. The most prominent is **Divine Judgment and Justice**, where God, as the righteous judge, actively intervenes in history to punish the unfaithfulness and injustice of His people. This judgment is a direct consequence of **Covenant Violation**, as both Israel and Judah had repeatedly broken their covenant with Yahweh through idolatry, social oppression, and moral corruption. The theme of **Desolation and Ruin** is vividly portrayed in [Micah 1:6](/micah/1-6 "Micah 1:6 - Judgment on Samaria"), emphasizing the complete dismantling of human institutions and strongholds that stand in defiance of God. Conversely, this judgment highlights God's **Sovereignty and Prophetic Fulfillment**, demonstrating that His word is certain and His plans will be accomplished, as seen in the historical fulfillment of Samaria's fall.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **heap (Hebrew, _ʻîy'_):** This word, derived from a root meaning "to overturn," signifies a ruin or a pile of rubble. In the context of the field, it evokes the image of stones cleared from cultivated land, suggesting that Samaria will be reduced to mere debris, indistinguishable from natural mounds or piles of waste in an agricultural setting. It implies a complete loss of its urban identity and structural integrity.
* **pour down (Hebrew, _nâgar'_):** A primitive root meaning "to flow" or "to pour out or down." Here, it is used causatively, indicating God's active role in dislodging and casting the stones of Samaria from its elevated position into the valley below. This is not a passive collapse but a forceful, deliberate act of demolition, emphasizing the divine agency behind the city's destruction.
* **foundations (Hebrew, _yᵉçôwd'_):** From a root meaning "to lay a foundation," this term refers to the lowest, most fundamental part of a structure. To "discover" or "uncover" the foundations implies an absolute and total destruction, where even the hidden, underlying elements of the city are exposed and dismantled. It signifies a complete stripping away, leaving nothing intact or concealed, a profound symbol of utter desolation and the deep exposure of sin.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Therefore I will make Samaria as an heap of the field, and as plantings of a vineyard:"** This opening clause declares God's direct intention to transform Samaria. The city, once a proud capital on a hill, will be reduced to a pile of rubble, like stones cleared from a field. The second simile, "as plantings of a vineyard," further emphasizes the complete desolation and repurposing of the land; the site of the city will be leveled and prepared for agricultural use, specifically for grapevines. This imagery underscores the complete loss of its urban identity and its reduction to basic, cultivated farmland.
* **"and I will pour down the stones thereof into the valley,"** This phrase elaborates on the method and extent of destruction. Samaria, built on a hill, will have its very building materials—its stones—dislodged and cast forcefully into the surrounding valleys. This signifies a thorough and destructive demolition, where nothing of the city's structure will remain in place. It paints a picture of violent upheaval and complete dismantling.
* **"and I will discover the foundations thereof."** This final clause represents the ultimate act of destruction and exposure. Not only will the city be leveled and its stones scattered, but its very foundations, normally hidden beneath the surface, will be laid bare. This implies a complete stripping away of every layer, leaving nothing hidden or intact. It is a powerful symbol of God's thorough judgment, exposing the root and depth of Samaria's sin, leaving no part of its rebellious structure untouched.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 1:6 is rich in **Imagery**, painting vivid pictures of destruction. The primary devices employed are **Simile** and **Metaphor**. The city of Samaria is explicitly compared "as an heap of the field" and "as plantings of a vineyard," using the comparative "as" to draw direct parallels between the once-grand city and a desolate, cleared agricultural plot. This transformation is also a powerful **Metaphor** for the complete loss of its identity and purpose. The act of "pouring down the stones thereof into the valley" employs strong **Kinetic Imagery**, conveying violent motion and thorough demolition. Finally, "discovering the foundations thereof" uses **Symbolism** to represent the total exposure and eradication of the city, implying that even its deepest, hidden structures and the underlying sins they represent will be brought to light and destroyed. The entire verse is an example of **Prophetic Hyperbole**, where the language emphasizes the absolute and devastating nature of the coming judgment, though historically, the destruction was indeed severe.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 1:6 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding justice and His commitment to covenant faithfulness. The utter destruction of Samaria serves as a stark reminder that persistent rebellion, particularly through idolatry and social injustice, will inevitably incur divine wrath. This judgment is not arbitrary but a righteous response to a people who had repeatedly turned away from the Lord, defiling the land and their covenant obligations. It underscores the severity of sin and the certainty of God's word, demonstrating that His warnings are not empty threats but sure declarations of what will come to pass for those who refuse to repent. The exposure of Samaria's foundations signifies that God sees beyond superficial appearances, reaching into the very core of human and societal structures to expose and judge their deepest corruptions.

* [Deuteronomy 28:15-68](/deuteronomy/28-15-68 "Deuteronomy 28:15-68 - Curses for Disobedience")
* [Jeremiah 19:10-11](/jeremiah/19-10-11 "Jeremiah 19:10-11 - Jeremiah's Prophecy of Desolation")
* [Hosea 13:16](/hosea/13-16 "Hosea 13:16 - Samaria's Punishment")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 1:6 stands as a powerful testament to the consequences of spiritual apostasy and moral decay, serving as a timeless warning for individuals and nations alike. It challenges us to examine our own lives and societies, asking whether our foundations are built on the shifting sands of worldly values and self-interest, or on the unshakeable rock of God's truth and righteousness. The complete desolation of Samaria reminds us that God is not mocked; His justice, though sometimes delayed, is always certain and thorough. This should instill a healthy fear of the Lord, prompting genuine repentance and a commitment to living in accordance with His will. Furthermore, the fulfillment of this prophecy reinforces the absolute reliability of God's Word, encouraging us to trust His promises and warnings implicitly. It calls us to live with an awareness that our choices have eternal consequences and that true security is found only in obedience to the One who judges both the visible and the hidden aspects of our lives.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "foundations" in my own life or in my community might be exposed by God's righteous judgment, and how can I proactively align them with His will?**
* **How does the certainty of God's judgment on sin, as seen in Samaria, motivate me to pursue holiness and justice in my daily life?**
* **In what ways might I be tempted to build my life on "heaps of the field" or temporary structures, rather than on the enduring truth of God's Word?**

### FAQ
**What was the primary sin of Samaria that led to this severe judgment?**

Answer: The primary sin of Samaria, as the capital of the Northern Kingdom of Israel, was widespread and persistent idolatry, particularly the worship of golden calves established by Jeroboam I ([1_kings/12-28-30](/1_kings/12-28-30 "1 Kings 12:28-30 - Jeroboam's Idolatry")), and later the adoption of Baal worship. This spiritual apostasy was often accompanied by severe social injustices, oppression of the poor, and moral corruption, all of which constituted a direct violation of their covenant with Yahweh ([micah/1-5](/micah/1-5 "Micah 1:5 - Samaria's Transgression")).

**How was this prophecy fulfilled historically?**

Answer: This prophecy was fulfilled by the Assyrian conquest of Samaria. In 722 BC, the Assyrian king Shalmaneser V, and later Sargon II, besieged and captured Samaria, leading to the deportation of the Israelite population and the complete destruction and desolation of the city, as recorded in [2_kings/17-5-6](/2_kings/17-5-6 "2 Kings 17:5-6 - Fall of Samaria"). The city was indeed reduced to rubble, its inhabitants exiled, and its prominence utterly erased, confirming Micah's prophetic word.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 1:6, with its vivid depiction of divine judgment and the utter desolation of a rebellious city, ultimately points to the profound reality of sin's consequence and, more significantly, to Christ as the one who fully bears that judgment and establishes an unshakeable kingdom. The exposure of Samaria's foundations symbolizes the divine scrutiny of all human structures and systems built apart from God. In Christ, we see the ultimate fulfillment of God's judgment against sin, not in the destruction of a city, but in the voluntary sacrifice of the [Lamb of God on the cross](/john/19-30 "John 19:30 - It is Finished"). He became the "heap of the field," bearing the full weight of God's wrath, so that those who believe in Him might be spared from eternal desolation. Furthermore, while Samaria's foundations were discovered and destroyed, Christ himself is the [cornerstone and foundation](/ephesians/2-20 "Ephesians 2:20 - Christ as the Cornerstone") of a new, spiritual temple—the Church—whose foundations can never be shaken ([1_corinthians/3-11](/1_corinthians/3-11 "1 Corinthians 3:11 - Christ the Only Foundation")). The temporary, earthly judgment on Samaria foreshadows the final, perfect judgment executed by Christ, and simultaneously highlights His redemptive work in building a new, eternal city, the New Jerusalem, whose foundations are secure in Him ([revelation/21-14](/revelation/21-14 "Revelation 21:14 - Foundations of New Jerusalem")).

Note: Commentary is generated by AI with a directive for Biblical fidelity. Always rely on the Holy Spirit for discernment. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

Cross-References

Ezekiel 13:14

So will I break down the wall that ye have daubed with untempered [morter], and bring it down to the ground, so that the foundation thereof shall be discovered, and it shall fall, and ye shall be consumed in the midst thereof: and ye shall know that I [am] the LORD.

Micah 3:12

Therefore shall Zion for your sake be plowed [as] a field, and Jerusalem shall become heaps, and the mountain of the house as the high places of the forest.

Lamentations 4:1

¶ How is the gold become dim! [how] is the most fine gold changed! the stones of the sanctuary are poured out in the top of every street.

2 Kings 19:25

Hast thou not heard long ago [how] I have done it, [and] of ancient times that I have formed it? now have I brought it to pass, that thou shouldest be to lay waste fenced cities [into] ruinous heaps.

Hosea 13:16

Samaria shall become desolate; for she hath rebelled against her God: they shall fall by the sword: their infants shall be dashed in pieces, and their women with child shall be ripped up.

Jeremiah 9:11

And I will make Jerusalem heaps, [and] a den of dragons; and I will make the cities of Judah desolate, without an inhabitant.

Isaiah 25:12

And the fortress of the high fort of thy walls shall he bring down, lay low, [and] bring to the ground, [even] to the dust.