Micah 5:3

Therefore will he give them up, until the time [that] she which travaileth hath brought forth: then the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

Therefore will he give them up {H5414}, until the time {H6256} that she which travaileth {H3205} hath brought forth {H3205}: then the remnant {H3499} of his brethren {H251} shall return {H7725} unto the children {H1121} of Israel {H3478}.

Therefore he will give up [Isra'el] only until she who is in labor gives birth. Then the rest of his kinsmen will return to the people of Isra'el.

Therefore Israel will be abandoned until she who is in labor has given birth; then the rest of His brothers will return to the children of Israel.

Therefore will he give them up, until the time that she who travaileth hath brought forth: then the residue of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel.

Micah 5:3 is a profound prophetic verse that continues the theme of Israel's future, immediately following the prophecy of the Messiah's birth in Micah 5:2. It speaks to a period of divine allowance and discipline for Israel, culminating in a significant restoration tied to the Messianic age.

Context

This verse is part of a larger prophecy in Micah chapters 4 and 5 that oscillates between warnings of judgment and glorious promises of future restoration. Micah 5 specifically details the coming of a great ruler from Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), who will be the true shepherd of Israel. Verse 3 then describes a period of abandonment or "giving up" by God, indicating a time when Israel would be without their ideal shepherd, facing distress and dispersion. This period is understood to extend until a pivotal event: the bringing forth of "she which travaileth."

Key Themes

  • Divine Sovereignty and Timing: God's plan for Israel unfolds according to His perfect timing. The period of "giving them up" is not eternal but has a divinely appointed end, marked by the birth of the Messiah.
  • Messianic Expectation: The phrase "she which travaileth hath brought forth" is widely interpreted as referring to the birth of the Messiah. This event serves as the turning point for Israel's fortunes, leading to a future restoration. This connects to the promise of a virgin giving birth to Immanuel in Isaiah.
  • Temporary Discipline and Restoration: The "giving them up" signifies a period of divine discipline or allowing Israel to suffer the consequences of their actions, leading to their dispersion among the nations. However, this is not a permanent abandonment, but a prelude to a significant gathering of the "remnant."
  • The Remnant of Israel: The concept of a "remnant" is crucial in prophetic literature. It refers to a faithful core of God's people who are preserved through judgment and will ultimately experience God's promised blessings. Here, "the remnant of his brethren shall return unto the children of Israel," signifying a spiritual and physical reunification and revival for the Jewish people. This theme of a remnant is also seen in Romans 9:27.

Linguistic Insights

  • The phrase "she which travaileth" is from the Hebrew yoladah (ילדה), meaning "she who gives birth" or "she who is pregnant." This directly points to the act of childbirth and is a strong indicator of the Messianic birth, particularly given the preceding verse. It can also evoke the idea of "birth pangs" or a period of intense suffering preceding a new era.
  • The term "remnant" (Hebrew: she'ar - שאר) is a recurring prophetic motif, emphasizing that while many may fall away or be scattered, God preserves a faithful portion of His people for His ultimate purposes.

Practical Application

Micah 5:3 offers profound hope and insight for believers today. It underscores God's unwavering faithfulness to His promises, even through periods of apparent abandonment or discipline. For Israel, it speaks to their ultimate restoration and the pivotal role of the Messiah's first coming as the turning point. For all believers, it reinforces the truth that God's plans are sovereign and will be fulfilled in His perfect timing. We can trust that even in times of difficulty or waiting, God is working towards a glorious culmination, ultimately leading to the full establishment of His kingdom and the gathering of His people, as depicted in the new heaven and new earth.

Note: Commentary was generated by an advanced AI, utilizing a prompt that emphasized Biblical fidelity over bias. We've found these insights to be consistently reliable, yet we always encourage prayerful discernment through the Holy Spirit. The Scripture text and cross-references are from verified, non-AI sources.

  • Revelation 12:1

    ¶ And there appeared a great wonder in heaven; a woman clothed with the sun, and the moon under her feet, and upon her head a crown of twelve stars:

  • Revelation 12:2

    And she being with child cried, travailing in birth, and pained to be delivered.

  • Matthew 1:21

    And she shall bring forth a son, and thou shalt call his name JESUS: for he shall save his people from their sins.

  • Micah 4:7

    And I will make her that halted a remnant, and her that was cast far off a strong nation: and the LORD shall reign over them in mount Zion from henceforth, even for ever.

  • Romans 9:27

    Esaias also crieth concerning Israel, Though the number of the children of Israel be as the sand of the sea, a remnant shall be saved:

  • Romans 9:28

    For he will finish the work, and cut [it] short in righteousness: because a short work will the Lord make upon the earth.

  • Hosea 11:8

    ¶ How shall I give thee up, Ephraim? [how] shall I deliver thee, Israel? how shall I make thee as Admah? [how] shall I set thee as Zeboim? mine heart is turned within me, my repentings are kindled together.

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