Micah 2:13

The breaker is come up before them: they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it: and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them.

The breaker {H6555} is come up {H5927} before {H6440} them: they have broken up {H6555}, and have passed through {H5674} the gate {H8179}, and are gone out {H3318} by it: and their king {H4428} shall pass {H5674} before {H6440} them, and the LORD {H3068} on the head {H7218} of them.

The one breaking through went up before them; they broke through, passed the gate and went out. Their king passed on before them; ADONAI was leading them.

One who breaks open the way will go up before them; they will break through the gate, and go out by it. Their King will pass through before them, the LORD as their leader.

The breaker is gone up before them: they have broken forth and passed on to the gate, and are gone out thereat; and their king is passed on before them, and Jehovah at the head of them.

Micah 2:13 presents a powerful and hopeful image of divine deliverance and restoration, contrasting sharply with the preceding verses of judgment against the oppressors in Israel. This verse paints a picture of a breakthrough led by God Himself.

Context

The book of Micah, a prophet to Judah and Israel in the 8th century BC, primarily delivers messages of judgment against social injustice, idolatry, and false prophets, alongside promises of future restoration. Chapter 2 specifically condemns those who exploit the weak and covet others' possessions (Micah 2:1-2). However, just before verse 13, there's a sudden shift in tone in Micah 2:12, which speaks of God gathering the remnant of Israel "as the sheep of Bozrah," setting the stage for this triumphant declaration of breakthrough.

Key Themes

  • Divine Breakthrough and Deliverance: The central image is of a "breaker" (Hebrew: parats) who leads the way, smashing through obstacles. This signifies God's irresistible power to deliver His people from captivity, oppression, or spiritual bondage. It's a promise of freedom from confinement and a triumphant exodus.
  • Messianic Leadership: Many commentators interpret "the breaker" and "their king" as a prophetic reference to the Messiah, who would lead His people out of spiritual and physical captivity. This foreshadows Christ's role as the ultimate leader and deliverer, providing a way where there was none (John 14:6).
  • God's Presence and Guidance: The phrase "and the LORD on the head of them" emphasizes God's supreme leadership and presence among His people. He is not just sending a leader; He is personally guiding and protecting them, ensuring their safe passage and ultimate triumph. This echoes God's direct leadership during the Exodus from Egypt.
  • Restoration of the Remnant: Following the judgment, this verse offers hope for the scattered remnant of Israel. They will not remain in bondage but will be led forth by their divine King to a place of freedom and flourishing. This theme of restoration is vital throughout prophetic literature (Jeremiah 23:3).

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "breaker" is parats (פָּרַץ), which literally means "to break forth," "to burst out," or "to make a breach." It conveys a sense of forceful, decisive action that overcomes barriers. This is not a gentle opening but a powerful shattering of confinement, allowing for a swift and unhindered passage. The repetition of "broken up" (from the same root) further emphasizes this unstoppable movement.

Practical Application

Micah 2:13 offers profound encouragement for believers facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles today. It reminds us that:

  • God Makes a Way: Even when circumstances seem impossible, God is the "breaker" who can create a path to freedom and breakthrough.
  • Divine Leadership is Sure: We are called to trust in God's leadership, knowing that He goes before us and is "on the head of" those He leads.
  • Hope in Restoration: This verse underscores God's faithfulness to His promises of restoration, whether personal, communal, or ultimately eschatological. Even after periods of discipline or difficulty, God's ultimate plan is for His people's flourishing and freedom.
This verse serves as a powerful reminder of God's sovereign power to deliver His people from any form of captivity or oppression, leading them victoriously.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Isaiah 52:12

    For ye shall not go out with haste, nor go by flight: for the LORD will go before you; and the God of Israel [will be] your rereward.

  • Isaiah 45:1

    ¶ Thus saith the LORD to his anointed, to Cyrus, whose right hand I have holden, to subdue nations before him; and I will loose the loins of kings, to open before him the two leaved gates; and the gates shall not be shut;

  • Isaiah 45:2

    I will go before thee, and make the crooked places straight: I will break in pieces the gates of brass, and cut in sunder the bars of iron:

  • Zechariah 9:14

    And the LORD shall be seen over them, and his arrow shall go forth as the lightning: and the Lord GOD shall blow the trumpet, and shall go with whirlwinds of the south.

  • Zechariah 9:15

    The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar.

  • Hebrews 2:14

    ¶ Forasmuch then as the children are partakers of flesh and blood, he also himself likewise took part of the same; that through death he might destroy him that had the power of death, that is, the devil;

  • Hebrews 2:15

    And deliver them who through fear of death were all their lifetime subject to bondage.

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