And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the Gentiles in the midst of many people as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep: who, if he go through, both treadeth down, and teareth in pieces, and none can deliver.
And the remnant {H7611} of Jacob {H3290} shall be among the Gentiles {H1471} in the midst {H7130} of many {H7227} people {H5971} as a lion {H738} among the beasts {H929} of the forest {H3293}, as a young lion {H3715} among the flocks {H5739} of sheep {H6629}: who, if he go through {H5674}, both treadeth down {H7429}, and teareth in pieces {H2963}, and none can deliver {H5337}.
The remnant of Ya'akov among the nations, surrounded by many peoples, will be like a lion among forest animals, like a young lion among flocks of sheep - if it passes through, tramples and tears to pieces, there is no one to rescue them.
Then the remnant of Jacob will be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, like a lion among the beasts of the forest, like a young lion among flocks of sheep, which tramples and tears as it passes through, with no one to rescue them.
And the remnant of Jacob shall be among the nations, in the midst of many peoples, as a lion among the beasts of the forest, as a young lion among the flocks of sheep; who, if he go through, treadeth down and teareth in pieces, and there is none to deliver.
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Zechariah 10:5
¶ And they shall be as mighty [men], which tread down [their enemies] in the mire of the streets in the battle: and they shall fight, because the LORD [is] with them, and the riders on horses shall be confounded. -
Micah 4:13
Arise and thresh, O daughter of Zion: for I will make thine horn iron, and I will make thy hoofs brass: and thou shalt beat in pieces many people: and I will consecrate their gain unto the LORD, and their substance unto the Lord of the whole earth. -
Zechariah 9:15
The LORD of hosts shall defend them; and they shall devour, and subdue with sling stones; and they shall drink, [and] make a noise as through wine; and they shall be filled like bowls, [and] as the corners of the altar. -
Psalms 50:22
Now consider this, ye that forget God, lest I tear [you] in pieces, and [there be] none to deliver. -
Obadiah 1:18
And the house of Jacob shall be a fire, and the house of Joseph a flame, and the house of Esau for stubble, and they shall kindle in them, and devour them; and there shall not be [any] remaining of the house of Esau; for the LORD hath spoken [it]. -
Obadiah 1:19
And [they of] the south shall possess the mount of Esau; and [they of] the plain the Philistines: and they shall possess the fields of Ephraim, and the fields of Samaria: and Benjamin [shall possess] Gilead. -
Zechariah 12:3
And in that day will I make Jerusalem a burdensome stone for all people: all that burden themselves with it shall be cut in pieces, though all the people of the earth be gathered together against it.
Micah 5:8 presents a powerful prophetic image of the future role and impact of God's people, particularly the "remnant of Jacob," among the nations.
Context of Micah 5:8
The book of Micah, a minor prophet, delivers messages of judgment against Judah and Israel for their sin, alongside profound promises of future restoration and the coming of the Messiah. Chapter 5 specifically prophesies the birth of the Messiah in Bethlehem (Micah 5:2), followed by declarations of Israel's future prominence. Verse 8 describes the victorious nature of the restored remnant after a period of scattering and affliction, contrasting sharply with their earlier subjugation.
Key Themes and Messages
Linguistic Insights
The phrase "remnant of Jacob" (Hebrew: she'ar Yaaqov) underscores the idea of a preserved, surviving portion. The repeated use of "lion" (Hebrew: 'ariy) emphasizes untamed strength and ferocity. This powerful imagery is also used elsewhere in Scripture to describe figures of great authority, including the Messiah as the Lion of the tribe of Judah.
Practical Application
Micah 5:8 offers profound encouragement that God always preserves a faithful people and ultimately fulfills His purposes, even when circumstances seem bleak. It reminds believers of God's sovereignty and His ability to turn situations of weakness into strength. While the immediate prophecy pertains to Israel, the underlying principle applies: God's people, empowered by Him, can have a profound and unyielding impact on the world, not through worldly might, but through divine authority and truth. This verse assures us that God's plan for His people will ultimately prevail, with none able to thwart His will.