Micah 5:14

KJV

And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee: so will I destroy thy cities.

KJV (with Strong's)

And I will pluck up {H5428} thy groves {H842} out of the midst {H7130} of thee: so will I destroy {H8045} thy cities {H6145}{H5892}.

Complete Jewish Bible

I will pull up your sacred poles from among you and destroy your enemies.

Berean Standard Bible

I will root out the Asherah poles from your midst and demolish your cities.

American Standard Version

and I will pluck up thine Asherim out of the midst of thee; and I will destroy thy cities.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:14 is a forceful prophetic declaration of God's decisive action to purify His people, Judah, by eradicating the twin evils of idolatry and reliance on human strength. Following the promise of the Messiah's coming, this verse underscores God's commitment to dismantle all forms of false worship, symbolized by "groves" (Asherah poles), and to destroy the "cities" that represent human security and self-sufficiency, thereby preparing a people whose trust and allegiance are solely in Him.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:14 is situated within a broader prophetic oracle (Micah 5:10-15) that describes God's comprehensive purification of His people, following the glorious prophecy of the Messiah's birth in [Bethlehem Ephrathah](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Messiah's Birthplace"). This section outlines a series of divine judgments aimed at removing all sources of false security and idolatrous practices from Judah. The preceding verses (Micah 5:10-13) speak of the removal of military might (horses, chariots, strongholds) and the eradication of divination and soothsaying. Micah 5:14 specifically targets the religious and physical strongholds of idolatry and human reliance, forming a crucial part of this divine cleansing process. The entire passage culminates in God's judgment upon nations that do not obey Him (Micah 5:15), emphasizing the absolute nature of His sovereignty and the necessity of His people's exclusive devotion.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Micah ministered to the southern kingdom of Judah during the reigns of Jotham, Ahaz, and Hezekiah (circa 735-700 BC), a period marked by significant political instability and spiritual decline. Judah faced the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire, which often led to a desperate reliance on military alliances and fortified cities rather than on God. Culturally, syncretism was rampant, with the worship of Yahweh often blended with pagan practices, particularly the veneration of Canaanite deities like Baal and Asherah. "Groves" (Asherah poles) were ubiquitous symbols of this idolatrous worship, often erected on "high places" or within the city limits, even in the Jerusalem temple itself during certain reigns (e.g., [2 Kings 21:7](/2_kings/21-7 "2 Kings 21:7 - Manasseh's Idolatry")). God's promise to "pluck up" these groves and "destroy" the cities speaks directly to the pervasive idolatry and the misplaced trust in human fortifications that characterized Judah's society during this era.
* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several overarching themes in Micah and the broader prophetic literature. Firstly, it highlights the theme of **Divine Judgment and Purification**, demonstrating God's active role in judging sin, particularly idolatry, and His commitment to purifying His covenant people. This judgment is not merely punitive but redemptive, designed to restore a right relationship. Secondly, it emphasizes the **Condemnation of Idolatry**, revealing God's absolute intolerance for any rival worship. The "groves" represent a direct affront to His exclusive claims, and their eradication is essential for true worship to flourish. Thirdly, Micah 5:14 powerfully asserts **God's Absolute Sovereignty**. By declaring His intention to "pluck up" and "destroy" both religious symbols and physical strongholds, God demonstrates His supreme power over all human constructs and false gods. This reinforces the call for His people to place their trust solely in Him, as articulated throughout the book (e.g., [Micah 7:7](/micah/7-7 "Micah 7:7 - Trusting in the Lord")).

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **pluck up (Hebrew, _nâthash'_):** This verb (H5428) is a primitive root meaning "to tear away," "uproot," or "pull up by the roots." It conveys a forceful, complete, and irreversible removal. In this context, it signifies God's thorough and absolute eradication of the Asherah poles, leaving no trace of the idolatrous practice behind. The imagery suggests a deep-seated problem that requires a radical solution, not merely superficial pruning but a complete uprooting.
* **groves (Hebrew, _ʼăshêrâh'_):** This noun (H842) refers specifically to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess, and by extension, to the wooden cultic poles or sacred trees dedicated to her worship. These were common features of pagan worship sites throughout ancient Israel and Judah, often associated with immoral practices and syncretistic religion. God's promise to "pluck up" these `ʼăshêrâh` underscores His zealous demand for exclusive worship and His abhorrence of idolatry, which was a direct violation of the first two commandments ([Exodus 20:3-5](/exodus/20-3-5 "Exodus 20:3-5 - The First Two Commandments")).
* **destroy (Hebrew, _shâmad'_):** This verb (H8045) is a primitive root meaning "to desolate," "bring to nought," "overthrow," or "utterly perish." It implies complete devastation and annihilation. When applied to "cities," it indicates God's intention to dismantle human strongholds and places of false security, signifying a comprehensive judgment that removes any object of trust that competes with Him. This destruction is not arbitrary but purposeful, aimed at purifying the land and restoring proper allegiance to Yahweh.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And I will pluck up thy groves out of the midst of thee:"** This clause declares God's direct, personal, and decisive action against the idolatrous practices prevalent among His people. The "groves," representing the Asherah poles and the pagan worship they facilitated, are to be forcefully and completely uprooted ("pluck up") from "the midst" of Judah. This phrase "out of the midst of thee" emphasizes that the idolatry was deeply embedded within the nation's life and society, not merely on its periphery, requiring a thorough internal cleansing by divine intervention.
* **"so will I destroy thy cities."** This second clause reveals a parallel divine action, targeting the physical and strategic strongholds of the nation. "Cities" here symbolize human reliance on military might, fortifications, and self-sufficiency, often built up as alternatives to trusting in God's protection. The verb "destroy" signifies a complete dismantling or desolation of these urban centers, indicating that God intends to remove any source of human confidence that supplants faith in Him. This act serves to humble His people and redirect their trust away from earthly security towards divine provision and sovereignty.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:14 effectively employs several literary devices to convey its powerful message. The most prominent is **Parallelism**, specifically **synonymous parallelism**, where the two clauses express similar ideas using different but related imagery: "pluck up thy groves" and "destroy thy cities." Both actions denote God's comprehensive removal of obstacles to His exclusive worship and the complete dismantling of false securities. **Symbolism** is also central, with "groves" symbolizing idolatry and pagan worship, and "cities" representing human strength, self-reliance, and fortified security that often competed with trust in God. The verse also contains an element of **Anthropomorphism**, as God is depicted performing human-like actions of "plucking up" and "destroying," emphasizing His direct and active involvement in the purification process of His people. The forceful verbs chosen contribute to the **emphatic** tone, underscoring the certainty and totality of God's judgment and cleansing.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:14 profoundly illustrates God's unyielding holiness and His absolute demand for exclusive worship from His covenant people. The eradication of "groves" and the destruction of "cities" are not arbitrary acts of vengeance, but rather a necessary, purifying judgment designed to restore Judah to a right relationship with Yahweh. This passage underscores the biblical truth that idolatry, in any form, is an affront to God's glory and a betrayal of the covenant. God's judgment, though severe, is ultimately redemptive, aiming to remove all rivals for His people's affection and trust, thereby preparing them to live in true devotion and reliance upon Him alone. It reveals a God who is zealous for His name and determined to cleanse His people for His glory.

* [Deuteronomy 7:5](/deuteronomy/7-5 "Command to Destroy Idols")
* [2 Kings 23:4](/2_kings/23-4 "Josiah's Cleansing of Idolatry")
* [Isaiah 2:18](/isaiah/2-18 "Idols Utterly Abolished")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:14 serves as a timeless mirror for believers today, challenging us to examine the "groves" and "cities" in our own lives. While we may not erect physical Asherah poles, modern idolatry manifests in subtle, yet equally destructive, forms: the relentless pursuit of wealth, career success, comfort, relationships, self-image, or even intellectual pride, when these take precedence over our devotion to God. Similarly, our "cities" can be any stronghold of human ingenuity, self-reliance, or perceived security (financial stability, social status, personal abilities) that we trust in more than God. This verse calls us to a radical self-examination, asking what God might need to "pluck up" or "destroy" in our hearts and lives to cultivate a deeper, purer, and more exclusive relationship with Him. It reminds us that God's purifying hand, though it may feel disruptive, is always for our ultimate good and spiritual flourishing, leading us to find our true security and satisfaction in Him alone. Embracing this truth requires humility, repentance, and a willingness to surrender every competing loyalty to the One who deserves all our worship.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **What "groves" or idols, subtle or overt, might be competing for God's rightful place in my heart today?**
* **In what "cities" or strongholds of human reliance do I place my trust, rather than fully depending on God?**
* **How can I actively cooperate with God's purifying work in my life, even when it feels uncomfortable or challenging?**
* **What practical steps can I take to dismantle these idols and strongholds and re-center my life on Christ?**

### FAQ

**What are the "groves" mentioned in Micah 5:14?**

Answer: In this context, "groves" refers to the Hebrew word `ʼăshêrâh` (H842), which denotes the cultic poles or sacred trees dedicated to Asherah, a prominent Canaanite fertility goddess. These were central to pagan worship practices in ancient Israel and Judah, often erected alongside altars to Baal or other deities. God's command to "pluck up" these groves signifies His absolute rejection of idolatry and His determination to purify His people from all forms of false worship, as reiterated throughout the Old Testament (e.g., [Deuteronomy 12:3](/deuteronomy/12-3 "Destroying Pagan Places of Worship")).

**Why would God "destroy" cities in this prophecy?**

Answer: The "cities" in Micah 5:14 symbolize human strongholds, military fortifications, and centers of human reliance that often became alternative sources of security and trust, competing with faith in God. In ancient Israel, cities were not just places of habitation but also strategic points of defense and economic power. By promising to "destroy" them, God indicates His intent to dismantle any human construct or source of confidence that His people might trust in more than Him. This act of judgment serves to humble them and redirect their absolute dependence and allegiance back to Yahweh, who alone is their true refuge and strength ([Psalm 46:1](/psalm/46-1 "God Our Refuge and Strength")). Furthermore, cities were often centers of idolatry and injustice, making their destruction a part of God's broader purification and judgment.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:14, with its stark imagery of divine purification through the removal of idolatry and human strongholds, finds its ultimate fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ. While the Old Testament prophets foretold a physical cleansing of the land and people, Christ inaugurates a deeper, spiritual purification. He is the true King who comes from [Bethlehem](/micah/5-2 "The Messiah from Bethlehem"), not merely to cleanse a nation of its physical idols and fortified cities, but to cleanse the hearts of His people from the root of all idolatry—sin itself. Through His atoning sacrifice, Christ "plucks up" the spiritual "groves" of sin and self-worship from within us, making us new creations ([2 Corinthians 5:17](/2_corinthians/5-17 "New Creation in Christ")). He dismantles the "cities" of our self-reliance and false securities, not through physical destruction, but by inviting us to find our ultimate security and identity in Him alone ([Philippians 3:7-9](/philippians/3-7-9 "Righteousness Through Christ")). Under the New Covenant, believers become the [temple of the Holy Spirit](/1_corinthians/6-19-20 "Our Bodies, Temples of the Holy Spirit"), and Christ's work ensures that no idol or stronghold can ultimately stand in the place of God in the lives of His redeemed people. He empowers us to [take every thought captive](/2_corinthians/10-4-5 "Tearing Down Strongholds") and to live in exclusive devotion to the One who purchased us with His own blood.

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

Exodus 34:13

But ye shall destroy their altars, break their images, and cut down their groves: