Micah 2:13

KJV

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.

KJV (with Strong's)

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.

Complete Jewish Bible

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.

Berean Standard Bible

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.

American Standard Version

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.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 2:13 powerfully depicts a divine breakthrough and triumphant exodus for God's people. Following promises of judgment against the wicked and the gathering of a remnant, this verse portrays the "Breaker" – God Himself, or His appointed leader – forcefully clearing a path through obstacles. The people, led by their king and with the LORD at their head, pass through a gate and go out, signifying liberation from captivity and a victorious procession under supreme divine guidance.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 2:13 stands as a climactic declaration of hope and deliverance, sharply contrasting with the preceding verses (Micah 2:1-11) which detail severe judgments against the oppressive elite of Israel and Judah. The chapter opens with woes pronounced against those who devise evil, covet fields and houses, and exploit the vulnerable, leading to a pronouncement of inescapable judgment and exile. However, a pivotal shift occurs in [Micah 2:12](/micah/2-12 "Micah 2:12 - The Gathering of the Remnant"), where the LORD suddenly declares His intention to "surely assemble, O Jacob, all of thee; I will surely gather the remnant of Israel." This promise of gathering the scattered remnant sets the immediate stage for the triumphant imagery of breakthrough and leadership in verse 13, offering a powerful counterpoint of restoration after a period of divine discipline and dispersion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Micah ministered in Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (late 8th century BC), a period marked by significant social decay, political instability, and the looming threat of Assyrian expansion. The injustices condemned in Micah 2:1-11 – particularly the wealthy dispossessing the poor and the corruption of leadership – were rampant. Culturally, "gates" (H8179, _shaʻar_) were not merely entrances but focal points of city life, commerce, justice, and defense. To "pass through the gate" after being confined implied a dramatic shift from imprisonment or siege to freedom and open movement. The concept of a "king" leading his people was familiar, but the addition of "the LORD on the head of them" elevates this leadership to a divine, irresistible force, echoing the Exodus narrative where God led His people out of bondage.
* **Key Themes:** Micah 2:13 encapsulates several profound themes central to prophetic literature. It highlights **Divine Breakthrough and Deliverance**, presenting God as the ultimate force who shatters barriers and leads His people to freedom, often from a state of captivity or oppression. This act of "breaking out" signifies an irresistible and divinely orchestrated liberation. Closely intertwined is the theme of **Messianic Leadership**, as "the breaker" and "their king" are often understood as a prophetic anticipation of the Messiah, who would lead His people out of spiritual and physical bondage, much like the Good Shepherd leads His sheep, as seen in [John 10:3-4](/john/10-3-4 "John 10:3-4 - The Good Shepherd Leads"). Furthermore, the verse strongly emphasizes **God's Personal Presence and Guidance**, with "the LORD on the head of them," assuring His supreme authority and direct involvement in the triumphant procession, mirroring the pillar of cloud and fire that guided Israel in [Exodus 13:21](/exodus/13-21 "Exodus 13:21 - God's Guidance in the Wilderness"). Finally, it underscores the **Restoration of the Remnant**, a consistent theme in the prophets, promising that despite judgment and dispersion, God would gather His faithful few and lead them into a renewed future, as also promised in [Jeremiah 23:3](/jeremiah/23-3 "Jeremiah 23:3 - Gathering the Scattered Remnant").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **Breaker (Hebrew, _pârats'_):** From H6555, this primitive root means "to break out," "to burst out," or "to make a breach." It conveys a sense of forceful, decisive action that overcomes barriers, often implying a sudden and overwhelming surge. In Micah 2:13, it describes a powerful, irresistible force that shatters confinement, allowing for swift and unhindered passage. The repetition of this root ("broken up") emphasizes the unstoppable nature of this movement.
* **Pass (Hebrew, _ʻâbar'_):** From H5674, a primitive root meaning "to cross over." This verb is used widely for any transition, literal or figurative. Here, it signifies the act of moving from one state or place to another, specifically from confinement to freedom. The people are not merely escaping; they are actively "passing through" the newly created breach, indicating a directed and purposeful movement under divine leadership.
* **LORD (Hebrew, _Yᵉhôvâh'_):** From H3068, this is the self-Existent or Eternal God, Jehovah, the Jewish national name of God. The presence of YHWH (the LORD) at the "head of them" signifies His supreme authority, personal involvement, and ultimate sovereignty over the entire process of deliverance. It underscores that this breakthrough is not merely human-orchestrated but divinely initiated and sustained.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"The breaker is come up before them:"** This opening clause introduces the central figure of divine intervention. The "breaker" (H6555, _pârats_) signifies an agent of forceful breakthrough, one who shatters obstacles and clears a path. The verb "is come up" (H5927, _ʻâlâh_) indicates an ascent or emergence, suggesting a powerful, leading presence that rises to confront and overcome the barriers facing the people. This figure goes "before them" (H6440, _pânîym_), taking the lead in their liberation.
* **"they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, and are gone out by it:"** This clause describes the people's response and the result of the "breaker's" action. The repetition of "broken up" (H6555, _pârats_) from the same root as "breaker" emphasizes that the people participate in the breakthrough initiated by their leader, or that the leader's action enables their own "breaking out." They then "pass through" (H5674, _ʻâbar_) the "gate" (H8179, _shaʻar_), a symbol of confinement, defense, or boundary, and are "gone out" (H3318, _yâtsâʼ_) by it. This sequence vividly portrays a complete and successful liberation from a state of being shut in.
* **"and their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them."** This final clause clarifies the leadership of this triumphant procession. "Their king" (H4428, _melek_) will also "pass before them" (H5674, _ʻâbar_ and H6440, _pânîym_), indicating a human or messianic leader. Crucially, this human leadership is not independent but subordinate to and empowered by the ultimate divine authority: "and the LORD" (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) is "on the head of them" (H7218, _rôʼsh_). This phrase signifies God's supreme position, His direct and overarching guidance, and His ultimate sovereignty over the entire deliverance, ensuring its success and finality.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 2:13 is rich in literary devices that enhance its powerful message. **Metaphor** is central, particularly in the figure of "the breaker," which personifies a force (either God or a divinely appointed leader) that violently shatters obstacles. This creates a vivid image of irresistible power. The phrase "passed through the gate" employs **Symbolism**, where the "gate" represents not just a physical barrier but also the constraints of captivity, oppression, or even spiritual bondage. Its breach signifies complete liberation. The verse also utilizes **Parallelism**, specifically synonymous parallelism, in the latter part: "their king shall pass before them, and the LORD on the head of them." Both phrases convey leadership and guidance, with the second intensifying the first by revealing the ultimate divine authority behind the king. This structure emphasizes the dual, yet ultimately unified, leadership of the human king and the sovereign LORD. Finally, the verse functions as a powerful **Antithesis** to the preceding verses of judgment, offering a dramatic shift from condemnation and confinement to hope and triumphant freedom.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 2:13 resonates deeply with the biblical narrative of divine deliverance and the unwavering faithfulness of God to His covenant people. It echoes the foundational Exodus event, where God, as the ultimate "Breaker," led Israel out of Egyptian bondage, parting the Red Sea and guiding them through the wilderness. This verse reaffirms God's active involvement in the history of His people, not merely as a distant observer but as a powerful, intervening force who clears paths where none seem to exist. It speaks to God's sovereignty over all circumstances, His ability to turn captivity into freedom, and His commitment to restoring His remnant, even after periods of judgment. The presence of "their king" alongside "the LORD on the head of them" foreshadows the divine-human leadership that would characterize God's ultimate plan for salvation, culminating in the Messiah.

* [Isaiah 43:19](/isaiah/43-19 "God Makes a New Way")
* [Exodus 14:13-14](/exodus/14-13-14 "The LORD Will Fight for You")
* [Psalm 23:4](/psalms/23-4 "God's Guiding Presence")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 2:13 offers profound encouragement and a powerful lens through which to view God's activity in our lives today. It reminds us that no obstacle, no matter how formidable, is insurmountable for the "Breaker." When we face situations that feel like impenetrable walls, whether they are personal struggles, systemic injustices, or spiritual strongholds, this verse assures us that God is capable of creating a way where there appears to be none. It calls us to trust in His sovereign leadership, knowing that He goes before us, not merely as a distant commander, but as the one who actively clears the path and is "on the head of" those He leads. This truth invites us to surrender our fears and limitations, embracing the hope that God's ultimate plan for His people is one of freedom, triumph, and restoration, both individually and communally. We are called to follow His lead, confident that His breakthrough power will ultimately prevail.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "gates" or seemingly insurmountable obstacles are you facing in your life right now, and how does the image of God as "the Breaker" bring you hope?**
* **How does the assurance that "the LORD is on the head of them" impact your trust in God's leadership, especially when the path ahead seems unclear or dangerous?**
* **In what ways might God be calling you to "pass through the gate" into a new season of freedom or purpose, even if it requires a bold step of faith?**
* **How can the promise of God's restoration of His remnant encourage you in times of personal or communal brokenness?**

### FAQ
**Who is "the breaker" mentioned in Micah 2:13?**

Answer: The identity of "the breaker" (H6555, _pârats_) is multifaceted and has been interpreted in several ways. While it certainly refers to God Himself as the ultimate agent of breakthrough, many scholars also see a strong Messianic implication. This "breaker" is the one who forcefully clears the way, shattering obstacles to lead His people out of captivity. Given the subsequent mention of "their king" and "the LORD," it suggests a divinely appointed leader, ultimately pointing to the Messiah, who would lead His people to true freedom and restoration. This figure embodies God's irresistible power to deliver and His personal involvement in the salvation of His people.

**What does "the LORD on the head of them" signify?**

Answer: The phrase "the LORD (H3068, _Yᵉhôvâh_) on the head (H7218, _rôʼsh_) of them" emphasizes God's supreme authority, direct leadership, and protective presence over His people. It signifies that He is not merely an observer but the ultimate commander and guide of this triumphant procession. Just as a head directs the body, the LORD is the sovereign director of their movement. This imagery assures His people of His intimate involvement, His unwavering commitment to their deliverance, and His absolute control over their destiny, guaranteeing their safe passage and ultimate victory. It reinforces that the breakthrough and exodus are divinely initiated and sustained.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 2:13 finds its profound and ultimate fulfillment in Jesus Christ, the true and eternal "Breaker" and King. Jesus is the one who decisively broke the power of sin, death, and the devil, shattering the spiritual gates that held humanity captive ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Destroys the Power of Death")). His resurrection was the ultimate breakthrough, demonstrating His triumph over the grave and opening the way to eternal life for all who believe ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Triumph Over Principalities and Powers")). As the promised Messiah and the King of kings ([Revelation 19:16](/revelation/19-16 "Revelation 19:16 - King of Kings and Lord of Lords")), Jesus leads His people out of spiritual bondage into the glorious liberty of the children of God. He is the Good Shepherd who goes before His sheep, leading them to green pastures and still waters ([John 10:3-4](/john/10-3-4 "John 10:3-4 - The Good Shepherd Leads His Sheep")). The promise that "the LORD on the head of them" would lead is perfectly realized in Christ, who is God incarnate, personally guiding His church through the Holy Spirit ([John 14:26](/john/14-26 "John 14:26 - The Holy Spirit, the Helper")). Thus, Micah's vision of a triumphant exodus under divine leadership is fully realized in the redemptive work of Jesus, who leads His redeemed people into the new creation.

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

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.