Micah 5:4

And he shall stand and feed in the strength of the LORD, in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God; and they shall abide: for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

And he shall stand {H5975} and feed {H7462} in the strength {H5797} of the LORD {H3068}, in the majesty {H1347} of the name {H8034} of the LORD {H3068} his God {H430}; and they shall abide {H3427}: for now shall he be great {H1431} unto the ends {H657} of the earth {H776}.

He will stand and feed his flock in the strength of ADONAI, in the majesty of the name of ADONAI his God; and they will stay put, as he grows great to the very ends of the earth;

He will stand and shepherd His flock in the strength of the LORD, in the majestic name of the LORD His God. And they will dwell securely, for then His greatness will extend to the ends of the earth.

And he shall stand, and shall feed his flock in the strength of Jehovah, in the majesty of the name of Jehovah his God: and they shall abide; for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth.

Micah 5:4 paints a powerful prophetic portrait of the Messiah, the promised ruler, and His glorious reign. Following the prophecy of His humble birth in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), this verse describes the nature and extent of His future leadership over God's people.

Context

This verse flows directly from the prophecy in Micah 5:2 concerning the birth of a ruler from Bethlehem who would "be ruler in Israel." While Micah 5:3 describes a period of temporary abandonment before this ruler's full emergence, Micah 5:4 immediately shifts to the glorious, stable, and universal reign of this Messianic figure. It offers a vision of hope and restoration for a people facing exile and hardship, assuring them of a future under a divinely empowered leader.

Key Themes

  • The Messiah as Shepherd King: The imagery of "stand and feed" portrays the Messiah as a true shepherd. To "stand" implies authority, stability, and vigilance, while to "feed" signifies providing sustenance, protection, and wise guidance for His flock. This highlights His active, caring, and authoritative role over His people, reminiscent of the Good Shepherd described by Jesus Himself.
  • Divine Authority and Power: The phrases "in the strength of the LORD" and "in the majesty of the name of the LORD his God" are crucial. They emphasize that the Messiah's power, authority, and effectiveness are not inherent in Himself alone, but are derived directly from God. His rule is backed by the omnipotence and glorious character (the "name") of the Almighty, ensuring its invincibility and righteousness.
  • Security and Abiding: "And they shall abide" promises security, peace, and permanence for God's people under this ruler. They will dwell safely and securely, no longer scattered or oppressed, because of the unwavering strength and majesty of their Shepherd-King. This speaks to a future of lasting peace and stability for those who trust in Him.
  • Universal Dominion: The declaration "for now shall he be great unto the ends of the earth" foretells the universal recognition and boundless extent of the Messiah's reign. His kingdom will not be confined to a specific geographical region or people but will extend globally, acknowledged by all nations. This aligns with other Old Testament prophecies of a king whose dominion reaches from sea to sea.

Linguistic Insights

The Hebrew word for "stand" (amad) often implies standing firm, enduring, or taking one's place of authority. "Feed" (ra'ah) is the common word for a shepherd pasturing his flock, but it also carries the broader sense of ruling or governing. The "strength" ('oz) speaks of inherent might and power, while "majesty" (ga'on) conveys splendor, excellence, and pride, often used in connection with God's glory. The "name" (shem) in Hebrew culture encapsulates the essence, character, and authority of the person.

Practical Application

Micah 5:4 offers profound comfort and hope for believers today. It reminds us that Jesus Christ, the promised Messiah, is our sovereign Shepherd. We can find peace and security under His leadership, knowing that His authority is derived from the infinite "strength of the LORD" and exercised with divine "majesty." His reign is not limited by earthly powers or human weakness; it is universal and eternal. This prophecy encourages us to trust in His guidance, abide in His presence, and anticipate the day when His greatness is fully acknowledged "unto the ends of the earth," bringing lasting peace and righteousness.

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.

  • Isaiah 40:10

    Behold, the Lord GOD will come with strong [hand], and his arm shall rule for him: behold, his reward [is] with him, and his work before him.

  • Isaiah 40:11

    He shall feed his flock like a shepherd: he shall gather the lambs with his arm, and carry [them] in his bosom, [and] shall gently lead those that are with young.

  • Micah 7:14

    ¶ Feed thy people with thy rod, the flock of thine heritage, which dwell solitarily [in] the wood, in the midst of Carmel: let them feed [in] Bashan and Gilead, as in the days of old.

  • Luke 1:32

    He shall be great, and shall be called the Son of the Highest: and the Lord God shall give unto him the throne of his father David:

  • Psalms 23:1

    ¶ A Psalm of David. The LORD [is] my shepherd; I shall not want.

  • Psalms 23:2

    He maketh me to lie down in green pastures: he leadeth me beside the still waters.

  • Revelation 11:15

    And the seventh angel sounded; and there were great voices in heaven, saying, The kingdoms of this world are become [the kingdoms] of our Lord, and of his Christ; and he shall reign for ever and ever.

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