TRV
- English
- King James KJV
- Complete Jewish CJB
- World English WEBM
- Berean Standard BSB
- American Standard ASV
- Geneva GNV
- Young's Literal YLT
- Douay-Rheims DRC
- International
- Shqip ALB
- العربية SVD
- বাংলা BN-IRV
- မြန်မာ Judson
- 简体文 CUV-S
- 繁體中文 CUV-T
- Čeština BKR
- Nederlands STVE
- Français LSG
- Deutsch SCH
- Ελληνικά Vamvas
- ગુજરાતી GU-IRV
- Hausa HCB
- עברית Hebrew
- हिन्दी HCV
- Magyar KAROLI
- Bahasa Indonesia INDO-TB
- Italiano Diodati
- 日本語 Kougo
- 한국어 Korean
- മലയാളം MAL
- मराठी MRCV
- Norsk DNB
- فارسی OPV
- Polski BG
- Português Almeida
- Română Cornilescu
- Русский Synodal
- Español RVG
- Kiswahili Neno
- Svenska SV1917
- Tagalog TAG-ADB
- தமிழ் TCV
- తెలుగు TSA
- ภาษาไทย THAI-KJV
- Українська Ohienko
- Tiếng Việt CADMAN
- Yorùbá YCB
Study This Verse
Public-domain commentary
Matthew Henry
From his Commentary on the Whole Bible. Henry comments on passages, not single verses — this entry covers Micah 2:12–13.
After threatenings of wrath, the chapter here concludes, as is usual in the prophets, with promises of mercy, which were in part fulfilled when the Jews returned out of Babylon, and had their full accomplishment in the kingdom of the Messiah. Their grievances shall be all redressed. 1. Whereas they were dispersed, they shall be brought together again, and shall jointly receive the tokens of God's favour to them, and shall have communion with each other and comfort in each other (Mic 2:12): "I will surely assemble, O Jacob! all of thee, all that belong to thee, all that are named of the house of Jacob (Mic 2:7) that are now expelled your country, Mic 2:10. I will bring you together again, and not one of you shall be lost, not one of you shall be missing. I will surely gather the remnant of Israel, that remnant that is designed and reserved for salvation; they shall be brought to incorporate in one body. I will put them together as the sheep of Bozrah." Sheep are inoffensive and sociable creatures; they shall be as the flock in the midst of their fold, where they are safe under the shepherd's eye and care; and they shall make great noise (as numerous flocks and herds do, with their bleating and lowing) by reason of the multitude of men (for the sheep are men, as the prophet explains this comparison, Eze 34:31), not by reason of their strifes and contentions, but by reason of their great numbers. This was accomplished when Christ by his gospel gathered together in one all the children of God that were scattered abroad, and united both Jews and Gentiles in one fold, and under one Shepherd, when all the complaint was that the place was too strait for them - that was the noise, by reason of their multitude (Isa 49:19, Isa 49:20), when there were some added to the church from all parts of the world, and all men were drawn to Christ by the attractive power of his cross, which shall be done yet more and more, and perfectly done, when he shall send forth his angels to gather in his elect from the four winds. 2. Whereas God had seemed to desert them, and cast them off, now he will own them, and head them, and help them through all the difficulties that are in the way of their return and deliverance (Mic 2:13): the breaker has come up before them, to break down all opposition, and clear the road for them; and under his guidance they have broken up, and have passed through the gate, the door of escape out of their captivity, and have gone out by it with courage and resolution, having Omnipotence for their vanguard. Their King shall pass before them, to head them in the way, even Jehovah (he was their king) on the head of them, as he was on the head of the armies of Israel when they followed the pillar of cloud and fire through the wilderness and when he appeared to Joshua as captain of the Lord's host. Christ is the church's King; he is Jehovah; he heads them, passes before them, brings them out of the land of their captivity, brings them into the land of their rest. He is the breaker, that broke through them, that rent the veil, and opened the kingdom of heaven to all believers. The learned bishop Pearson applies it to the resurrection of Christ, by which he obtained the power and became the pattern of our resurrection. The breaker has gone up before us out of the grave, and has carried away its gates, as Samson did Gaza's, bar and all, and by that breach we go out. The learned Dr. Pocock mentions, as the sense which some of the ancient Jews give of it, that the breaker is Elias, and their King the Messiah, the Son of David; and he thinks we may apply it to Christ and his forerunner John the Baptist. John was the breaker; he broke the ice, prepared the way of the Lord by the baptism of repentance; in him the gospel began; from his time the kingdom of heaven suffered violence; and so the Christian church is introduced, with Messiah the Prince before it, on the head of it, going forth conquering and to conquer.
Historical interpretation
Historical Reception
One surviving comment on this verse from the historical church.
Whoever has entered in must not remain in the state wherein he entered but must go forth into the pasture so that entering in should be the beginning, “going forth and finding pasture,” the perfecting of graces. The one who enters in is contained within the bounds of the world. The one who goes forth goes, as it were, beyond all created things and, counting as nothing all things seen, shall “find pasture” above the heavens, and shall feed upon the Word of God and say, “The Lord is my shepherd (and feeds me); I can lack nothing.” But this going forth can be only through Christ; as it follows, “and the Lord at the head of them.”
Continue studying Micah 2:13 across the web’s major study libraries — every link below opens this exact verse, chapter, or book on the destination site.
Read & Compare
BibleGatewayThis verse in more than 200 translations and 70 languages.
Bible.comThe YouVersion reader — hundreds of translations, reading plans, and highlights.
ESV.orgCrossway's official English Standard Version reader.
NET BibleThe NET translation with 60,000+ translators' notes on every rendering decision.
STEP BibleTyndale House's free study tool — original text, vocabulary, and scholarly resources.
BibliaLogos Bible Software's free web reader.
USCCBThe New American Bible (Revised Edition) with the U.S. bishops' study notes.
Commentaries
BibleHub CommentariesDozens of classic commentaries on this verse, gathered on one page.
StudyLightMore than 100 commentary sets — the largest collection on the web.
BibleRefPlain-English commentary on what this verse means, verse by verse.
Enduring WordDavid Guzik's free commentary on this chapter, widely used by Bible teachers.
Bible Study ToolsVerse commentary alongside Greek and Hebrew study aids.
Original Language & Research
- BibleHub InterlinearThe verse word by word — original language, transliteration, and English.
- BibleHub LexiconEvery word's original-language definition and Strong's entry.
Blue Letter BibleDeep-study tools — Strong's numbers, concordance, and word studies.
SefariaThe Hebrew text with Rashi and centuries of Jewish commentary.
Sermons, Hymns & Audio
TrulyRandomVerse is not affiliated with these sites and doesn’t control their content. They’re linked because they’re genuinely useful.
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, 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. 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. 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.
Exposition and Analysis
Key Word Analysis
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.
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.
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.
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
FAQ
Who is "the breaker" mentioned in Micah 2:13?
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?
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). 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). As the promised Messiah and the King of kings (Revelation 19:16), 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). 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). 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.