Micah 5:5

KJV

And this [man] shall be the peace, when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And this man shall be the peace {H7965}, when the Assyrian {H804} shall come {H935} into our land {H776}: and when he shall tread {H1869} in our palaces {H759}, then shall we raise {H6965} against him seven {H7651} shepherds {H7462}, and eight {H8083} principal {H5257} men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

and this will be peace. If Ashur invades our land, if he overruns our fortresses, we will raise seven shepherds against him, eight leaders of men.

Berean Standard Bible

And He will be our peace when Assyria invades our land and tramples our citadels. We will raise against it seven shepherds, even eight leaders of men.

American Standard Version

And this man shall be our peace. When the Assyrian shall come into our land, and when he shall tread in our palaces, then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:5 is a profound prophetic declaration that foretells the coming of a unique ruler who will embody and establish true peace for God's people in the face of overwhelming opposition. Set against the backdrop of the formidable Assyrian threat, the verse promises divine intervention through a divinely appointed leader who will not only repel the enemy's invasion but also raise up an abundant and sufficient number of capable leaders to secure the nation's well-being and prosperity. This prophecy points ultimately to the Messiah as the ultimate source of spiritual and physical security.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:5 stands as a pivotal point within the book of Micah, immediately following the celebrated prophecy of the Messiah's humble origins in Bethlehem in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Birthplace of the Ruler"). The preceding verses (Micah 5:1-4) describe the humiliation of Israel ("smite the judge of Israel with a rod upon the cheek" in [Micah 5:1](/micah/5-1 "Micah 5:1 - Humiliation of Israel")) and then pivot to the promise of a glorious, eternal ruler. Verse 5 continues this theme of divine deliverance and restoration, providing a concrete vision of how this promised ruler will bring security and stability. It transitions from the Messiah's origin and universal dominion to His practical role in defending His people against specific, tangible threats, reinforcing the idea that His reign brings tangible benefits and protection.
* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The historical backdrop for Micah's prophecy is the late 8th century BCE, a period dominated by the aggressive expansion of the Neo-Assyrian Empire. Assyria was the preeminent military power of the ancient Near East, known for its brutal siege tactics, mass deportations, and ruthless suppression of rebellions. The northern kingdom of Israel had already fallen to Assyria in 722 BCE, and the southern kingdom of Judah lived under constant threat of invasion and subjugation. King Hezekiah's Judah faced the very real prospect of Assyrian conquest, as vividly recounted in [2 Kings 18-19](/2_kings/18 "2 Kings 18-19 - Sennacherib's Invasion of Judah"). The mention of the "Assyrian" coming "into our land" and treading "in our palaces" would have evoked immediate and profound fear, representing the ultimate violation of national sovereignty and security. The prophecy, therefore, offered a desperately needed message of hope and divine assurance amidst existential dread.
* **Key Themes:** The verse powerfully articulates several core themes. Foremost is the theme of **Messianic Peace (Shalom)**. The declaration that "this [man] shall be the peace" elevates the promised ruler beyond a mere military leader to the very embodiment of comprehensive well-being and wholeness, a concept far richer than simply the absence of conflict. This peace is not merely a political truce but a state of spiritual and societal flourishing. Another critical theme is **Divine Deliverance and Sovereignty**, showcasing God's unwavering commitment to protect His covenant people from their oppressors. Even when human efforts fail, God raises up a deliverer. Finally, the theme of **Providential Leadership** is evident in the "seven shepherds, and eight principal men." These numbers, often symbolic of completeness and superabundance respectively, underscore God's promise to provide ample, divinely-empowered leadership to guide and defend His flock, ensuring a comprehensive and overwhelming response to any threat, as seen in God's provision for His people throughout history, such as the judges and kings He raised up.

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **peace (Hebrew, _shâlôwm'_):** From H7965 (shâlôm), meaning safe, well, happy, friendly; abstractly, welfare, health, prosperity, peace. In Micah 5:5, this word signifies far more than the absence of war; it encapsulates a holistic state of well-being, wholeness, security, and harmony. When the text says "this [man] shall be the peace," it means the promised ruler embodies and brings about this comprehensive flourishing for His people, making Him the source and substance of true security.
* **shepherds (Hebrew, _râʻâh'_):** From H7462 (râʻâh), a primitive root meaning to tend a flock, pasture it; intransitively, to graze; generally to rule; by extension, to associate with (as a friend). In this context, "shepherds" refers to leaders who are responsible for guiding, protecting, and nourishing God's people, much like a shepherd cares for his flock. It implies a role of compassionate governance and vigilant defense.
* **principal men (Hebrew, _nᵉçîyk'_):** From H5257 (nᵉçîyk), meaning something poured out, a libation; also a molten image; by implication, a prince (as anointed). Here, "principal men" denotes leaders of high rank, princes, or those anointed for leadership. This term emphasizes their authority, dignity, and strategic importance in the defense and governance of the nation, complementing the pastoral role of the "shepherds."

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And this [man] shall be the peace":** This clause introduces the central figure of the prophecy, the "man" (referring to the ruler from Bethlehem mentioned in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Ruler from Bethlehem")) as the very embodiment of "peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_). He is not merely a bringer of peace, but peace itself, signifying that through His person and reign, wholeness, security, and well-being will be fully realized for God's people. This highlights His unique and essential role in establishing a state of comprehensive flourishing.
* **"when the Assyrian shall come into our land: and when he shall tread in our palaces":** This part sets the urgent and dire context for the prophecy. The "Assyrian" represents the formidable and brutal enemy threatening Judah's existence. Their coming "into our land" and treading "in our palaces" signifies a complete invasion, desecration, and subjugation of the nation, threatening its very sovereignty, security, and sacred spaces. This vividly portrays the depth of the crisis from which the "man" of peace will deliver them.
* **"then shall we raise against him seven shepherds, and eight principal men":** This clause describes the divine response to the Assyrian threat, orchestrated through the "man" who is peace. The numbers "seven" (symbolizing completeness or perfection) and "eight" (symbolizing new beginnings or superabundance) are not meant to be taken literally as a precise count of individuals, but rather signify a full, comprehensive, and more than adequate number of divinely-appointed leaders. These "shepherds" (caring guides) and "principal men" (authoritative rulers) will be raised up to effectively counter and defeat the enemy, ensuring the complete deliverance and restoration of God's people.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:5 employs several potent **Literary Devices** to convey its message of hope and deliverance. **Symbolism** is prominent, with "the Assyrian" representing any formidable enemy or oppressive force threatening God's people, while "peace" (**shalom**) symbolizes the comprehensive well-being and security that the promised ruler embodies and brings. The numbers "seven" and "eight" are also highly symbolic, forming a **Merism** (a figure of speech in which two contrasting parts of a whole are mentioned to represent the whole) or a numerical progression that signifies not just completeness but also superabundance and an overwhelming sufficiency of leadership. This numerical symbolism underscores the thoroughness of God's provision. The entire verse functions as a **Prophecy**, a forward-looking declaration of future events and divine intervention, offering assurance of God's ultimate victory over His people's adversaries. Furthermore, there is a clear **Contrast** established between the destructive power of the Assyrian invasion and the restorative, protective power of the promised "man" and the leaders he raises, highlighting the dramatic shift from despair to hope.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:5 is deeply theological, affirming God's unwavering sovereignty and His commitment to His covenant people. It underscores the biblical truth that true peace (shalom) is not merely the absence of conflict but a holistic state of well-being, intimately tied to the presence and reign of God's chosen deliverer. This verse beautifully illustrates God's method of providing deliverance: through a divinely appointed leader who embodies peace, supported by a multitude of capable, Spirit-empowered leaders. It foreshadows the ultimate spiritual battle and victory that God orchestrates, assuring believers that no enemy, no matter how formidable, can ultimately thwart His redemptive purposes. The prophecy reinforces the theme of God raising up leaders for His people, whether judges, kings, or spiritual shepherds, to guide, protect, and ensure their flourishing.

* [Isaiah 9:6](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace")
* [Ephesians 2:14](/ephesians/2-14 "Ephesians 2:14 - Christ Our Peace")
* [John 10:11](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd Lays Down His Life")

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:5 offers profound comfort and enduring hope for believers navigating a world often characterized by conflict, anxiety, and spiritual opposition. It reminds us that our ultimate peace is not found in political stability, economic prosperity, or military might, but in the person of Jesus Christ, who is our _shalom_. When we face our own "Assyrians"—whether they are personal struggles, societal injustices, spiritual attacks, or global uncertainties—this verse assures us that God has provided the ultimate Deliverer. We are called to trust in His sovereign provision and to find our refuge in Him, knowing that His victory is assured. Furthermore, the raising of "seven shepherds and eight principal men" encourages us to recognize and support the spiritual leaders God raises up in our midst—pastors, teachers, and mentors—who are called to guide, protect, and equip the church for its mission. We are also challenged to embody and extend this comprehensive peace in our own lives and communities, becoming agents of God's shalom in a broken world.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **How does the comprehensive meaning of "peace" (shalom) in Micah 5:5 challenge your understanding of true peace, beyond merely the absence of conflict?**
* **In what ways do you experience "Assyrians" (threats, anxieties, spiritual attacks) in your life today, and how does Christ's role as "our peace" offer comfort and strength?**
* **How can you contribute to bringing God's shalom—wholeness and well-being—into your sphere of influence, reflecting the character of the "man" who is peace?**

### FAQ
**Who is "this [man]" in Micah 5:5?**

Answer: "This [man]" refers to the unique ruler whose origin is described in the immediately preceding verse, [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Ruler from Bethlehem"), as one who will come forth from Bethlehem and whose goings forth are from of old, from everlasting. While the immediate context might have hinted at a contemporary leader, the profound nature of the peace he embodies and his eternal origins clearly point to the Messiah. Christian theology universally identifies this "man" as Jesus Christ, who perfectly fulfills this prophecy as the ultimate source of peace and the divine Shepherd-King.

**What is the significance of "seven shepherds, and eight principal men"?**

Answer: The numbers "seven" and "eight" in this context are symbolic, not literal. "Seven" often represents completeness, perfection, or divine fullness in biblical numerology, while "eight" can signify new beginnings, superabundance, or a number beyond completion. Together, "seven shepherds, and eight principal men" symbolize a sufficient, comprehensive, and even superabundant number of divinely appointed leaders. These are not specific individuals but represent the ample and capable leadership God will raise up through the Messiah to defend and guide His people, ensuring complete victory and security against all adversaries.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:5 finds its ultimate and most profound fulfillment in Jesus Christ. He is the preeminent "man" who is truly "the peace" (Hebrew: _shalom_), not just for Israel in a geopolitical sense, but for all humanity, reconciling us to God and to one another through His atoning sacrifice on the cross ([Ephesians 2:14-16](/ephesians/2-14-16 "Ephesians 2:14-16 - Christ Our Peace and Reconciler")). Jesus, the [Prince of Peace](/isaiah/9-6 "Isaiah 9:6 - The Prince of Peace"), perfectly embodies the comprehensive well-being and wholeness that Micah envisioned. While the Assyrian represented a physical threat to Judah, Christ defeats the ultimate "Assyrian"—Satan, sin, and death—through His resurrection, disarming the powers and authorities ([Colossians 2:15](/colossians/2-15 "Colossians 2:15 - Christ's Triumph Over Principalities")). As the [Good Shepherd](/john/10-11 "John 10:11 - The Good Shepherd"), Jesus not only lays down His life for His sheep but also continually raises up spiritual "shepherds" and "principal men" (apostles, prophets, evangelists, pastors, and teachers) within His church ([Ephesians 4:11-12](/ephesians/4-11-12 "Ephesians 4:11-12 - Gifts for the Church")) to guide, protect, and equip His people against spiritual adversaries and to administer His peace throughout the world. Thus, Micah's prophecy is not merely a historical promise of deliverance but a vibrant testament to Christ's ongoing reign and His perfect provision for His people.

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

Luke 2:14

Glory to God in the highest, and on earth peace, good will toward men.

Zechariah 10:3

Mine anger was kindled against the shepherds, and I punished the goats: for the LORD of hosts hath visited his flock the house of Judah, and hath made them as his goodly horse in the battle.

Job 5:19

He shall deliver thee in six troubles: yea, in seven there shall no evil touch thee.

Colossians 1:20

And, having made peace through the blood of his cross, by him to reconcile all things unto himself; by him, [I say], whether [they be] things in earth, or things in heaven.

Colossians 1:21

And you, that were sometime alienated and enemies in [your] mind by wicked works, yet now hath he reconciled

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.

John 14:27

Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.