Micah 4:10

KJV

Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail: for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon; there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.

KJV (with Strong's)

Be in pain {H2342}, and labour to bring forth {H1518}, O daughter {H1323} of Zion {H6726}, like a woman in travail {H3205}: for now shalt thou go forth {H3318} out of the city {H7151}, and thou shalt dwell {H7931} in the field {H7704}, and thou shalt go {H935} even to Babylon {H894}; there shalt thou be delivered {H5337}; there the LORD {H3068} shall redeem {H1350} thee from the hand {H3709} of thine enemies {H341}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Be in pain! Work to give birth like a woman in labor, daughter of Tziyon! For now you will go out of the city and live in the wilds till you reach Bavel. There you will be rescued; there ADONAI will redeem you from the power of your enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

Writhe in agony, O Daughter of Zion, like a woman in labor. For now you will leave the city and camp in the open fields. You will go to Babylon; there you will be rescued; there the LORD will redeem you from the hand of your enemies!

American Standard Version

Be in pain, and labor to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail; for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and shalt dwell in the field, and shalt come even unto Babylon: there shalt thou be rescued; there will Jehovah redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 4:10 is a poignant prophetic declaration to the "daughter of Zion," foretelling a period of intense national suffering and forced displacement, vividly likened to the anguish of childbirth. Despite the impending exile to Babylon, the verse culminates in a powerful promise of divine deliverance and redemption, underscoring God's unwavering faithfulness to His covenant people even amidst the consequences of their unfaithfulness.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 4 opens with a glorious, eschatological vision of future restoration, portraying Mount Zion as the spiritual center to which all nations will flow, seeking the Lord's instruction and experiencing universal peace and disarmament ([Micah 4:1-3](/micah/4-1-3 "Micah 4:1-3 - The Future Glory of Zion")). This idyllic picture is abruptly interrupted by the stark reality of verse 10, which details the painful journey through which this future glory must be achieved. The preceding verses in chapter 3 describe the severe judgment awaiting the corrupt leaders and false prophets of Israel and Judah, setting the stage for the necessity of such a purifying exile. Thus, Micah 4:10 acts as a crucial bridge, acknowledging the immediate judgment while holding fast to the ultimate promise of restoration, demonstrating that God's redemptive plan often involves a period of intense suffering.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** Micah prophesied in the late 8th century BC, a tumultuous era marked by the Assyrian Empire's dominance. While the Northern Kingdom of Israel fell to Assyria in 722 BC, Judah, though threatened, survived. Micah's prophecies, however, looked beyond the immediate Assyrian threat to the rise of Babylon, which would eventually conquer Judah and destroy Jerusalem in 586 BC, leading to the Babylonian Captivity. This forced relocation, where the people would "go forth out of the city" and "dwell in the field" of a foreign land, was the most devastating event in Israelite history since the Exodus. The imagery of a "woman in travail" was a powerful and universally understood metaphor for extreme, unavoidable pain, often used in prophetic literature to describe national distress or the birth pangs of a new era. The concept of a "kinsman-redeemer" (Hebrew: *go'el*) was deeply embedded in Israelite law and culture, signifying one who had the right and obligation to restore a family member's freedom, land, or honor.
* **Key Themes:** This verse encapsulates several major themes prevalent in Micah and the broader prophetic tradition. The theme of **Judgment and Exile** is prominent, as the explicit mention of Babylon signifies God's disciplinary action against His people's idolatry and injustice, a theme echoed in [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years in Babylon"). Simultaneously, the verse powerfully conveys the theme of **Divine Deliverance and Redemption**, asserting that even in the depths of their suffering, God would act as their Redeemer, fulfilling His covenant promises. This highlights God's **Faithfulness Amidst Unfaithfulness**, demonstrating that His ultimate plan for His people's restoration would prevail despite their sin. The imagery of **Suffering as a Prerequisite for New Life** is also central, portraying the exile not merely as punishment but as a painful, transformative process leading to a renewed relationship with God and a future of glory, a concept found in passages like [Hosea 2:14-15](/hosea/2-14-15 "Hosea 2:14-15 - God's Promise to Allure and Restore Israel").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS
#### Key Word Analysis
* **daughter (Hebrew, _bath'_):** From the root meaning "to build," this term refers to a female offspring but is used here in a broad, figurative sense. "Daughter of Zion" personifies the inhabitants of Jerusalem and Judah, emphasizing a tender, intimate, yet often chastised relationship with God. It speaks to the collective identity and vulnerability of God's chosen people.
* **Be in pain (Hebrew, _chûwl'_):** This primitive root signifies twisting or whirling, specifically to writhe in pain, especially that of childbirth. It conveys intense, unavoidable agony, trembling, and anguish. In this context, it vividly portrays the profound national distress and the inescapable nature of the impending suffering for Judah.
* **redeem (Hebrew, _gâʼal'_):** A primitive root meaning "to redeem according to the Oriental law of kinship." It describes the act of a kinsman-redeemer (go'el) who buys back a relative's property, marries his widow, or delivers them from bondage. This term highlights God's active, covenantal intervention on behalf of His people, not merely a passive rescue but a powerful act of restoration based on His relationship with them.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"Be in pain, and labour to bring forth, O daughter of Zion, like a woman in travail:"** This opening clause uses a powerful simile to describe the intense, agonizing, and unavoidable suffering that awaits Jerusalem and its people. The "daughter of Zion" is personified as a woman enduring the throes of childbirth, emphasizing the severity and the transformative, if painful, nature of the experience. It signifies a period of profound national distress and helplessness.
* **"for now shalt thou go forth out of the city, and thou shalt dwell in the field, and thou shalt go [even] to Babylon;"** This clause provides the specific cause and destination of the suffering. "Going forth out of the city" and "dwelling in the field" depict forced displacement, loss of home, and a nomadic, vulnerable existence. The explicit mention of "Babylon" is a precise prophetic declaration, identifying the future oppressor and the place of exile, confirming the historical event that would define the post-monarchic period for Judah.
* **"there shalt thou be delivered; there the LORD shall redeem thee from the hand of thine enemies."** This concluding clause offers a profound reversal and a powerful promise of hope. Crucially, deliverance and redemption are promised *in* Babylon, the very place of their deepest humiliation and suffering. This emphasizes God's sovereign presence and power to act even in the darkest circumstances. The "LORD" (Yahweh) is identified as the active agent, the divine Kinsman-Redeemer, who will powerfully intervene to rescue His people from the grip of their adversaries, ensuring their restoration.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 4:10 is rich in literary devices that amplify its prophetic message. The most prominent is the **Simile**, comparing the suffering of the "daughter of Zion" to "a woman in travail." This vivid imagery immediately evokes a sense of intense, unavoidable, and productive pain—pain that precedes new life. This is further enhanced by **Personification**, as "Zion" is addressed directly as a "daughter," creating an intimate yet stern tone, allowing the audience to empathize with the nation's impending agony. The verse also employs **Prophecy**, specifically the explicit mention of "Babylon," which serves as a concrete, verifiable prediction of a future historical event, lending authority and credibility to Micah's message. Finally, there is a powerful **Juxtaposition** or **Contrast** between the initial state of agonizing suffering and the ultimate promise of divine deliverance and redemption. This dramatic shift highlights God's sovereign power to transform even the direst circumstances into opportunities for His redemptive work.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 4:10 stands as a powerful testament to God's complex relationship with His covenant people, intertwining themes of judgment, suffering, and ultimate redemption. It reveals that God's disciplinary actions are not an abandonment but a painful purification, designed to lead His people back to Him. The promise of deliverance "there" (in Babylon) underscores God's immanence and faithfulness, demonstrating that His redemptive work is not limited by human circumstances or geographical location. This passage highlights the truth that suffering, while grievous, can be a divinely ordained pathway to spiritual renewal and the fulfillment of God's long-term purposes for His people. It reassures believers that even in the midst of profound trials, God remains their active Redeemer, committed to His covenant promises.

* [Jeremiah 29:10](/jeremiah/29-10 "Jeremiah 29:10 - Prophecy of Seventy Years in Babylon")
* [Isaiah 43:1-2](/isaiah/43-1-2 "Isaiah 43:1-2 - God's Promise of Presence and Redemption")
* [Deuteronomy 30:1-3](/deuteronomy/30-1-3 "Deuteronomy 30:1-3 - Return from Exile and Restoration")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 4:10 offers profound insights for believers navigating the complexities of life, reminding us that God's purposes often unfold through seasons of difficulty. The imagery of "travail" teaches us that just as birth pangs are necessary for new life, periods of intense spiritual or personal struggle can be God's chosen means to bring about profound growth, purification, or a new season of blessing. This verse challenges us to embrace a theology of suffering, recognizing that adversity is not necessarily a sign of God's absence or displeasure, but can be an integral part of His redemptive plan for us. Furthermore, the promise that deliverance comes "there," in the very place of suffering, is a powerful reminder that God does not abandon His people in their trials. He is present even in the darkest valleys, working from within our circumstances to bring about rescue and restoration. This should instill in us a deep trust in God's unfailing commitment to His covenant and His long-term redemptive purposes, providing hope even when immediate circumstances appear grim.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the imagery of "travail" help you understand periods of intense difficulty in your own life or in the life of your community?**
* **In what ways have you experienced God's presence and deliverance "there" – in the midst of a challenging or painful situation?**
* **How does the promise of God's redemption in Micah 4:10 strengthen your faith when facing seemingly insurmountable obstacles?**

### FAQ
**Why is the "daughter of Zion" commanded to be in pain, and what does it signify?**

Answer: The command for the "daughter of Zion" (representing Jerusalem and Judah) to "be in pain, and labour to bring forth" is a prophetic imperative, not a literal command for self-inflicted suffering. It signifies the unavoidable and intense national anguish that Judah would experience due to their sins and the impending judgment. The imagery of a "woman in travail" is a powerful **simile** for extreme, unavoidable distress, often used in prophetic literature to describe the birth pangs of a new era or a period of purification. This pain is not arbitrary but a necessary part of God's disciplinary process, leading to a spiritual rebirth and eventual restoration for His people. It highlights that profound transformation often comes through profound struggle.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 4:10, with its depiction of suffering leading to deliverance, finds profound Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. The "travail" of the "daughter of Zion" foreshadows the ultimate suffering of Christ, who, as the true Israel, endured the agony of the cross to bring forth new life. Just as Judah was exiled to Babylon, Jesus was "cut off from the land of the living" ([Isaiah 53:8](/isaiah/53-8 "Isaiah 53:8 - Suffering Servant Prophecy")) and bore the full weight of humanity's sin, experiencing a profound separation from the Father. Yet, it was "there"—on the cross, in the depths of His humiliation and death—that the Lord truly "delivered" and "redeemed" His people. Through His suffering, Jesus became the ultimate Kinsman-Redeemer, paying the price for sin and setting humanity free from the hand of their spiritual enemies, death and sin ([Hebrews 2:14-15](/hebrews/2-14-15 "Hebrews 2:14-15 - Jesus Frees from Fear of Death")). His resurrection is the glorious "delivery" that follows the "travail," ushering in the New Covenant and a spiritual Zion, the Church, where all nations are gathered to learn God's ways ([Hebrews 12:22-24](/hebrews/12-22-24 "Hebrews 12:22-24 - Mount Zion, the Heavenly Jerusalem")). Thus, Micah's prophecy points beyond the historical exile to the greater redemption accomplished by Christ, where through His pain, we find eternal deliverance and the birth of a new spiritual reality.

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 48:20

Go ye forth of Babylon, flee ye from the Chaldeans, with a voice of singing declare ye, tell this, utter it [even] to the end of the earth; say ye, The LORD hath redeemed his servant Jacob.

2 Kings 20:18

And of thy sons that shall issue from thee, which thou shalt beget, shall they take away; and they shall be eunuchs in the palace of the king of Babylon.

Isaiah 45:13

I have raised him up in righteousness, and I will direct all his ways: he shall build my city, and he shall let go my captives, not for price nor reward, saith the LORD of hosts.

Hosea 2:14

¶ Therefore, behold, I will allure her, and bring her into the wilderness, and speak comfortably unto her.

Isaiah 43:14

¶ Thus saith the LORD, your redeemer, the Holy One of Israel; For your sake I have sent to Babylon, and have brought down all their nobles, and the Chaldeans, whose cry [is] in the ships.

Hosea 13:13

The sorrows of a travailing woman shall come upon him: he [is] an unwise son; for he should not stay long in [the place of] the breaking forth of children.

Isaiah 52:9

Break forth into joy, sing together, ye waste places of Jerusalem: for the LORD hath comforted his people, he hath redeemed Jerusalem.