Micah 5:7

KJV

¶ And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass, that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men.

KJV (with Strong's)

And the remnant {H7611} of Jacob {H3290} shall be in the midst {H7130} of many {H7227} people {H5971} as a dew {H2919} from the LORD {H3068}, as the showers {H7241} upon the grass {H6212}, that tarrieth {H6960} not for man {H376}, nor waiteth {H3176} for the sons {H1121} of men {H120}.

Complete Jewish Bible

Then the remnant of Ya'akov, surrounded by many peoples, will be like dew from ADONAI, like showers on the grass, which doesn't wait for a man or expect anything from mortals.

Berean Standard Bible

Then the remnant of Jacob will be in the midst of many peoples like dew from the LORD, like showers on the grass, which do not wait for man or linger for mankind.

American Standard Version

And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many peoples as dew from Jehovah, as showers upon the grass, that tarry not for man, nor wait for the sons of men.

Commentary

### SUMMARY
Micah 5:7 portrays the future role of the faithful "remnant of Jacob" as a life-giving, divinely empowered presence among the nations. Likened to dew and showers that refresh the earth, this remnant's beneficial influence is entirely sourced from the LORD, operating independently of human permission or intervention, highlighting God's sovereign plan for His people to be a source of blessing and renewal in the world.

### CONTEXT
* **Literary Context:** Micah 5:7 is situated within a pivotal section of Micah's prophecy, immediately following the profound Messianic prophecy of a ruler emerging from [Bethlehem Ephrathah](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Messiah's Birthplace") who will shepherd Israel. The preceding verses (Micah 5:1-6) detail the coming of this deliverer and the subsequent gathering and strength of Israel. Following verse 7, Micah 5:8-9 presents a contrasting image of the remnant as a powerful, destructive force against their enemies, like a lion among the flocks. Thus, Micah 5:7 serves as a crucial bridge, illustrating the dual nature of the restored remnant: both a source of divine blessing and a formidable instrument of God's judgment, demonstrating their comprehensive role in God's eschatological plan.

* **Historical & Cultural Context:** The prophet Micah ministered during a tumultuous period for Judah and Israel, facing the looming threat of the Assyrian Empire. His prophecies address the moral decay and idolatry of his time, predicting judgment and exile. However, interwoven with these warnings are promises of future restoration and the establishment of God's kingdom. In the arid climate of the ancient Near East, dew and rain were indispensable for agricultural sustenance and life itself. The imagery of "dew" and "showers" would have immediately conveyed concepts of vital refreshment, growth, and prosperity, directly linked to divine favor. The phrase "tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men" would resonate deeply in a culture where human efforts and political alliances often seemed paramount, underscoring God's absolute sovereignty over natural phenomena and human affairs.

* **Key Themes:** This verse powerfully contributes to several key themes in Micah and broader prophetic literature. The concept of the **remnant** is central, referring to the faithful portion of Israel preserved through divine judgment, a theme echoed in [Isaiah 10:21](/isaiah/10-21 "Isaiah 10:21 - The Remnant of Jacob Returns") and later expounded by Paul in [Romans 9:27](/romans/9-27 "Romans 9:27 - Paul's Use of the Remnant Concept"). The verse also highlights **divine blessing and refreshment**, portraying the remnant as a conduit of life-giving provision, much like the [dew God promises in Hosea 14:5](/hosea/14-5 "Hosea 14:5 - God as Dew to Israel"). Most profoundly, it emphasizes **God's sovereignty and independence**, asserting that the remnant's efficacy and the blessings they bring are not contingent upon human will, approval, or effort. This divine independence is a recurring motif, affirming that God's purposes are unstoppable, as seen in [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - God's Sovereign Will").

### EXPOSITION AND ANALYSIS

#### Key Word Analysis
* **remnant (Hebrew, _shᵉʼêrîyth'_):** (H7611) This term signifies a surviving, residual, or final portion. In prophetic contexts, it often refers to the faithful few who endure divine judgment and are preserved by God for the fulfillment of His covenant promises. Here, it is the "remnant of Jacob" (Israel), indicating a preserved and purified people who will play a significant role in God's future plans.
* **dew (Hebrew, _ṭal'_):** (H2919) This word denotes dew, a vital source of moisture in arid regions, especially during dry seasons when rain is scarce. As a covering for vegetation, dew symbolizes quiet, pervasive, and essential nourishment. In this context, it represents a gentle, life-giving, and widespread blessing that comes directly from God, independent of human effort.
* **tarrieth (Hebrew, _qâvâh'_):** (H6960) and **waiteth (Hebrew, _yâchal'_):** (H3176) These two verbs, used in parallel, both convey the idea of waiting, expecting, or hoping for something. "Qâvâh" can also mean to bind together or collect, implying a patient expectation. "Yâchal" specifically means to wait or be patient, by implication, to hope or trust. Their combined use here emphatically states that the dew and showers (and by extension, the remnant's blessing) do not depend on human anticipation, permission, or cultivation. They are sovereignly given by God.

#### Verse Breakdown
* **"And the remnant of Jacob shall be in the midst of many people":** This clause establishes the setting and the agent of blessing. The "remnant of Jacob," the faithful few preserved from Israel, will not be isolated but strategically placed "in the midst of many people," implying their presence and influence among the Gentile nations. This suggests a role of interaction and impact, not withdrawal.
* **"as a dew from the LORD, as the showers upon the grass":** Here, the nature of the remnant's influence is described through powerful agricultural similes. Just as "dew" (a gentle, pervasive moisture) and "showers" (more abundant, life-sustaining rain) are essential for the "grass" (vegetation) to flourish, so too will the remnant be a source of refreshment, vitality, and growth to the surrounding peoples. The phrase "from the LORD" explicitly attributes the origin and power of this blessing to God alone.
* **"that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men":** This concluding phrase underscores the divine independence and sovereignty of this blessing. The life-giving dew and showers, and by extension the remnant's beneficial influence, are not dependent on human permission, effort, or intervention. They are not subject to human timetables, cultivation, or approval. This emphasizes that God's plan and the blessings He bestows through His people are sovereign, unhindered, and ultimately accomplished by His own power, irrespective of human will or opposition.

#### Literary Devices
Micah 5:7 is rich in **Simile** and **Parallelism**. The primary literary device is **Simile**, comparing "the remnant of Jacob" to "a dew from the LORD" and "the showers upon the grass." These comparisons vividly convey the life-giving, refreshing, and pervasive nature of the remnant's influence. Just as dew and rain are essential for growth and vitality in an arid land, the remnant is depicted as a source of spiritual and perhaps physical blessing to the surrounding nations. The verse also employs **Parallelism** in the latter half: "that tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men." This synonymous parallelism reinforces the idea of divine independence and sovereignty, emphatically stating that the blessing is not contingent on human effort or permission. The repetition strengthens the message, making it clear that God's work through His remnant is self-sufficient and unstoppable.

### THEOLOGICAL AND THEMATIC CONNECTIONS
Micah 5:7 profoundly articulates God's enduring faithfulness to His covenant people, even through judgment, and His ultimate purpose for them to be a blessing to the nations. The remnant, preserved and purified, is not merely to survive but to thrive as a conduit of divine life and refreshment. This highlights a foundational biblical truth: God's blessings are sovereignly bestowed and are not contingent on human merit or permission. The imagery of dew and showers underscores the quiet yet pervasive nature of God's work, often unseen but utterly essential for spiritual growth and flourishing. This divine independence ensures that God's redemptive plan will be accomplished, regardless of human resistance or perceived limitations.

* [Deuteronomy 32:2](/deuteronomy/32-2 "Deuteronomy 32:2 - Moses' Song of Doctrine") - "My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass."
* [Hosea 14:5](/hosea/14-5 "Hosea 14:5 - God as Dew to Israel") - "I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon."
* [Psalm 115:3](/psalm/115-3 "Psalm 115:3 - God's Sovereignty") - "But our God is in the heavens: he hath done whatsoever he hath pleased."

### REFLECTION AND APPLICATION
Micah 5:7 offers profound insights for believers today, inviting us to embrace our calling as agents of divine blessing in a world thirsting for truth and life. Like the remnant, followers of Christ are called to be a source of refreshment and positive influence "in the midst of many people." Our lives, guided by the Holy Spirit and rooted in God's Word, can bring spiritual vitality, hope, and healing to those around us, much like dew and rain nourish the parched earth. This verse powerfully reminds us that our true effectiveness and ability to bless others come not from our own strength, wisdom, or human approval, but directly "from the LORD." This fosters a posture of humble dependence on God's power and provision, recognizing that apart from Him, we can do nothing of lasting spiritual value. Furthermore, the assurance that God's purposes "tarrieth not for man" provides immense encouragement. It means that God's will, whether through His chosen people historically or through the church today, is sovereign and cannot be thwarted by human resistance, apathy, or lack of cooperation. This truth empowers us to press forward in faith, knowing that God will accomplish His redemptive plan through His faithful ones, irrespective of the obstacles we face.

#### Questions for Reflection
* **In what ways can your life, as a follower of Christ, be "as a dew" or "as showers" to those around you, bringing refreshment and spiritual life?**
* **How does the phrase "from the LORD" encourage you to rely more fully on God's power rather than your own efforts in ministry and daily life?**
* **Considering that God's blessing "tarrieth not for man," how does this truth impact your perspective on obstacles or opposition you might face in living out your faith?**

### FAQ
**What is the significance of the "remnant of Jacob" in this verse?**

Answer: The "remnant of Jacob" refers to the faithful and preserved portion of Israel that would survive the judgments and exiles prophesied by Micah. This concept is crucial in Old Testament prophecy, signifying God's faithfulness to His covenant promises despite the widespread apostasy of the nation. In Micah 5:7, this remnant is not merely a group that survives, but one that is divinely empowered to be an active agent of blessing and refreshment among the Gentile nations. They are the purified core through whom God's redemptive purposes will continue to unfold, demonstrating His unwavering commitment to His people and His plan for global salvation.

### CHRIST-CENTERED FULFILLMENT
Micah 5:7 finds its ultimate Christ-centered fulfillment in the person and work of Jesus Christ, and subsequently in His body, the Church. Jesus Himself is the true "remnant" of Israel, the faithful Son who perfectly fulfilled God's will, embodying the divine blessing that was to flow to the nations. He is the living water, the source of eternal life, as He declared in [John 7:38](/john/7-38 "John 7:38 - Rivers of Living Water"), from whom "rivers of living water" flow. His coming, like the dew and showers, was not contingent on human will or effort, but was a sovereign act of God, as foreshadowed in [Micah 5:2](/micah/5-2 "Micah 5:2 - The Bethlehem Ruler") and realized in His miraculous birth. Through His atoning sacrifice and resurrection, Christ established a new covenant, creating a spiritual "remnant" from all nations—the Church. This redeemed community, indwelt by the Holy Spirit, is now called to be "in the midst of many people," acting as God's chosen instrument to bring the life-giving gospel to the world. Just as the dew and showers are independent of human cultivation, the Church's true power and ability to bless come solely "from the LORD," not from human wisdom or strength. As [1 Peter 2:9-10](/1_peter/2-9-10 "1 Peter 2:9-10 - A Chosen Race, A Royal Priesthood") proclaims, we are a "chosen race, a royal priesthood, a holy nation, a people for God's own possession, so that you may proclaim the excellencies of Him who has called you out of darkness into His marvelous light." Thus, the Church, empowered by Christ, continues the mission of being a refreshing, sovereignly-sent blessing to a parched world, "tarrieth not for man, nor waiteth for the sons of men."

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

Isaiah 44:3

For I will pour water upon him that is thirsty, and floods upon the dry ground: I will pour my spirit upon thy seed, and my blessing upon thine offspring:

Deuteronomy 32:2

My doctrine shall drop as the rain, my speech shall distil as the dew, as the small rain upon the tender herb, and as the showers upon the grass:

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.

Psalms 72:6

He shall come down like rain upon the mown grass: as showers [that] water the earth.

Hosea 14:5

I will be as the dew unto Israel: he shall grow as the lily, and cast forth his roots as Lebanon.

Zechariah 14:8

¶ And it shall be in that day, [that] living waters shall go out from Jerusalem; half of them toward the former sea, and half of them toward the hinder sea: in summer and in winter shall it be.

Psalms 110:3

Thy people [shall be] willing in the day of thy power, in the beauties of holiness from the womb of the morning: thou hast the dew of thy youth.