Micah 5:10

KJV

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and I will destroy thy chariots:

KJV (with Strong's)

And it shall come to pass in that day {H3117}, saith {H5002} the LORD {H3068}, that I will cut off {H3772} thy horses {H5483} out of the midst {H7130} of thee, and I will destroy {H6} thy chariots {H4818}:

Complete Jewish Bible

"When that day comes," says ADONAI, "I will cut off your horses from among you and destroy your chariots.

Berean Standard Bible

“In that day,” declares the LORD, “I will remove your horses from among you and wreck your chariots.

American Standard Version

And it shall come to pass in that day, saith Jehovah, that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee, and will destroy thy chariots:

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:10, delivered as a divine oracle, declares the Lord's decisive intention to remove Israel's military strength—specifically horses and chariots—in a future "that day." This pronouncement is part of a broader prophetic message concerning the purification and restoration of God's people, signaling a shift from reliance on human might and worldly security to absolute dependence on the Lord alone, preparing them for a new era under the promised Messianic King.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:10 is situated within a significant prophetic section (Micah 4-5) that outlines both the future glory of Zion and the purification of God's people in the Messianic age. Chapter 5 begins with the pivotal prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Bethlehem ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Messiah's Birth")) and His subsequent rule. Verses 7-9 describe a powerful and blessed remnant of Jacob, acting as both a refreshing dew and a destructive lion among the nations. Immediately following verse 10, the prophecy continues to list other elements God will remove from His people: fortified cities, strongholds, witchcraft, soothsayers, graven images, and idolatrous groves ([Micah 5:11-15](/micah/5-11-15 "Micah 5:11-15 - God's Further Purging of Israel")). This sequence underscores a comprehensive divine cleansing, stripping away all sources of human pride, false security, and idolatry to foster complete reliance on God.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** In the ancient Near East, horses and chariots represented the pinnacle of military technology and power. Nations like Egypt and Assyria were renowned for their formidable chariot forces, and possessing them was a mark of national strength and security. For Israel, reliance on military might, particularly foreign alliances and their associated weaponry, often indicated a lack of trust in Yahweh, who had historically delivered them without such means. Kings like Solomon had amassed chariots and horses, often in direct contravention of Mosaic law which warned against excessive accumulation of such military assets ([Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Many Horses")). This verse, therefore, speaks to a deeply ingrained cultural tendency to seek security in visible, tangible power rather than in the invisible, sovereign God, a temptation that plagued Israel throughout its history.
* **Key Themes:** This verse contributes significantly to several overarching themes in Micah and the broader prophetic tradition. Firstly, it highlights **Divine Sovereignty and Judgment**, emphasizing God's absolute authority to dismantle human sources of strength and security, as declared by the phrase "saith the LORD." Secondly, it underscores the theme of **Reliance on God Alone**. By stripping away military might, God forces His people to place their trust solely in Him, echoing the sentiment found in [Psalm 20:7](/psalm/20-7 "Psalm 20:7 - Trust in the Name of the Lord"). This act of demilitarization is not merely punitive but redemptive, serving as a crucial step in the **Purification and Restoration** of Israel. It removes obstacles to their complete devotion, preparing them for a genuine, unadulterated relationship with their God and a future state of true peace and security under His divine protection, as envisioned in prophecies of universal peace under the Messiah ([Isaiah 2:4](/isaiah/2-4 "Isaiah 2:4 - Swords into Plowshares")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **kârath (Hebrew, _kârath'_):** From H3772, meaning "to cut (off, down or asunder); by implication, to destroy or consume; specifically, to covenant." In Micah 5:10, the primary sense is "to cut off" or "destroy," indicating a decisive and complete severance. This verb is often used in contexts of total destruction or the breaking of a covenant, underscoring the finality and thoroughness of God's action in removing these instruments of war.
* **ʼâbad (Hebrew, _ʼâbad'_):** From H6, meaning "to wander away, i.e. lose oneself; by implication to perish (causative, destroy)." This word signifies utter ruin, annihilation, or causing something to be lost or undone. Its use alongside "cut off" intensifies the declaration, emphasizing that the destruction of chariots will be absolute and leave no trace of their former power.
* **merkâbâh (Hebrew, _merkâbâh'_):** From H4818, meaning "a chariot." This term, along with "horses" (çûwç, H5483), represents the military might and strategic advantage of ancient nations. By targeting chariots, God directly addresses Israel's propensity to rely on conventional military power, which was often acquired through alliances with foreign, idolatrous nations, rather than on His divine protection.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And it shall come to pass in that day, saith the LORD,"**: This opening phrase sets the eschatological and authoritative tone. "In that day" (yôwm, H3117) is a common prophetic idiom referring to a future, divinely appointed time, often associated with the "Day of the Lord"—a period of God's decisive intervention in history, bringing judgment and salvation. The declaration "saith the LORD" (nᵉʼum Yᵉhôvâh, H5002, H3068) emphasizes that this is an unalterable divine decree, a direct oracle from the sovereign God, Yahweh.
* **"that I will cut off thy horses out of the midst of thee,"**: The Lord explicitly states His intention to dismantle Israel's military infrastructure. "Horses" (çûwç, H5483) were essential for cavalry and pulling chariots, symbolizing speed, strength, and military dominance. To "cut off" (kârath, H3772) them "out of the midst of thee" signifies a complete removal from within the nation, eliminating a primary source of human confidence and a potential temptation to rely on earthly power rather than divine provision.
* **"and I will destroy thy chariots:"**: This clause reinforces the previous one, reiterating the comprehensive nature of God's action. "Chariots" (merkâbâh, H4818) were the most advanced and formidable weapon of ancient warfare, representing the pinnacle of military might. By promising to "destroy" (ʼâbad, H6) them, God underscores His commitment to stripping His people of all conventional means of defense, compelling them to place their trust entirely in Him. This act serves as a profound lesson in divine dependence and spiritual purification.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:10 employs several potent literary devices to convey its message. **Divine Oracle** is evident in the phrase "saith the LORD," which immediately establishes the absolute authority and certainty of the pronouncement, framing the verse as a direct word from God. **Parallelism** is powerfully used in the two main clauses: "I will cut off thy horses" and "I will destroy thy chariots." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the message of demilitarization, emphasizing the comprehensive nature of God's action. The objects, "horses" and "chariots," function as **Symbolism**, representing not just military hardware but the broader concept of human strength, self-reliance, and worldly security. By targeting these specific symbols, the prophecy communicates God's intent to remove anything that competes with His rightful place as the sole source of Israel's protection and hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:10 is a profound theological statement on divine sovereignty and the nature of true security. God's promise to dismantle Israel's military strength—horses and chariots—is not merely an act of judgment but a redemptive purification. It reveals His desire for His people to place their absolute trust in Him alone, rather than in human ingenuity, military prowess, or political alliances. This stripping away of external securities is a necessary step for Israel to recognize that their ultimate defense and prosperity come from the Lord, fostering a deeper, more authentic relationship rooted in faith. This theme resonates throughout the Old Testament, where God frequently demonstrates His power through weakness and His provision through radical dependence, preparing His people for a kingdom not built on earthly might but on divine authority and spiritual purity.

* [Psalm 33:17](/psalm/33-17 "Psalm 33:17 - A horse is a vain thing for safety")
* [Hosea 1:7](/hosea/1-7 "Hosea 1:7 - God's Salvation Without Military Means")
* [Zechariah 9:10](/zechariah/9-10 "Zechariah 9:10 - Messiah's Reign of Peace, Removing Chariots")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:10 challenges us to critically examine the sources of our own security and confidence. While ancient Israel relied on horses and chariots, modern individuals and nations often place their trust in wealth, technology, political power, personal achievements, or even intellectual prowess. This verse serves as a powerful reminder that anything we rely on more than God can become an idol, a false source of security that ultimately hinders our dependence on Him. God, in His sovereign wisdom and love, may allow or even orchestrate the removal of these perceived strengths in our lives to draw us closer, revealing that true peace, protection, and provision come only from His hand. This process, though potentially uncomfortable or even painful, is ultimately transformative, leading to a deeper, more resilient faith and a clearer understanding of where our true help comes from. It prompts us to surrender our self-sufficiency and embrace radical dependence on the Lord, knowing that He is our ultimate refuge and strength.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "horses and chariots" do I tend to rely on in my own life for security and significance, rather than placing my full trust in God?**
* **How might God be working to "cut off" or "destroy" these false securities in my life, and how am I responding to that process?**
* **What would it look like to live a life of complete dependence on God, even when it means surrendering my perceived strengths or comforts?**

### FAQ

**What does "in that day" refer to in Micah 5:10?**

Answer: "In that day" is a common prophetic idiom (yôwm, H3117) used throughout the Old Testament. It refers to a future, divinely appointed time when God will decisively intervene in human history. While it can sometimes denote a day of judgment, in the context of Micah 5, especially following the prophecy of the Messiah's birth ([Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - Prophecy of Messiah's Birth")), it points to the Messianic era or the "Day of the Lord." This is a period of both purification for God's people and the establishment of His righteous kingdom, where all earthly sources of pride and false security will be removed, and true peace and dependence on God will prevail.

**Why are horses and chariots specifically mentioned for removal?**

Answer: Horses (çûwç, H5483) and chariots (merkâbâh, H4818) were the ultimate symbols of military power and national security in the ancient world. For Israel, relying on these often meant forming alliances with foreign nations (like Egypt or Assyria), which frequently led to idolatry and a lack of trust in Yahweh. God had explicitly warned against accumulating many horses ([Deuteronomy 17:16](/deuteronomy/17-16 "Deuteronomy 17:16 - Warning Against Many Horses")) because it fostered self-reliance instead of reliance on Him. By promising to "cut off" (kârath, H3772) and "destroy" (ʼâbad, H6) these instruments of war, God signifies His intent to strip His people of all human means of defense and pride, compelling them to place their trust solely in Him. This act ensures that their future security and prosperity are seen as entirely dependent on His divine power and faithfulness, not on their own military might.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:10, with its prophecy of demilitarization, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ and the nature of His kingdom. The removal of horses and chariots symbolizes the dismantling of all earthly powers and human reliance that stand in opposition to God's reign. When Christ came, He did not arrive on a warhorse or in a chariot, but humbly on a donkey ([Zechariah 9:9](/zechariah/9-9 "Zechariah 9:9 - Messiah Comes Humbly")), signifying a kingdom not of this world, established not by military might but by divine love, sacrifice, and spiritual power. His victory on the cross disarmed the spiritual powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Powers")), demonstrating that true conquest is achieved through self-giving love, not earthly warfare. The purification described in Micah anticipates the spiritual cleansing offered through Christ's atoning blood, which removes the "idols" of self-reliance and worldly security from the hearts of believers. In the new covenant, believers are called to trust in Christ alone for their salvation and security, understanding that their true strength is found not in human power but in the indwelling Holy Spirit ([Ephesians 6:10-17](/ephesians/6-10-17 "Ephesians 6:10-17 - The Armor of God")). Ultimately, Christ's reign ushers in an era where the instruments of war are no longer needed, as He Himself is the Prince of Peace, establishing a kingdom characterized by righteousness, peace, and joy in the Holy Spirit ([Romans 14:17](/romans/14-17 "Romans 14:17 - The Kingdom of God is Righteousness, Peace, and Joy")).

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

Zechariah 9:10

And I will cut off the chariot from Ephraim, and the horse from Jerusalem, and the battle bow shall be cut off: and he shall speak peace unto the heathen: and his dominion [shall be] from sea [even] to sea, and from the river [even] to the ends of the earth.

Hosea 14:3

Asshur shall not save us; we will not ride upon horses: neither will we say any more to the work of our hands, [Ye are] our gods: for in thee the fatherless findeth mercy.

Psalms 20:7

Some [trust] in chariots, and some in horses: but we will remember the name of the LORD our God.

Psalms 20:8

They are brought down and fallen: but we are risen, and stand upright.

Psalms 33:16

There is no king saved by the multitude of an host: a mighty man is not delivered by much strength.

Psalms 33:17

An horse [is] a vain thing for safety: neither shall he deliver [any] by his great strength.

Hosea 1:7

But I will have mercy upon the house of Judah, and will save them by the LORD their God, and will not save them by bow, nor by sword, nor by battle, by horses, nor by horsemen.